Of all the things that feel synonymous with spring (hey, fresh garden-inspired perfumes and floaty floral dresses), IMO, nothing beats a bright, fresh manicure. Months of wearing winter-y burgundies and browns has me itching to embrace colour again. Thankfully, inspiration is endless this season, with joyful butter yellows, sophisticated sage greens and now fifty shades of grey pink making a swift comeback.
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated than the hot pinks and overly cutesy designs that once reigned supreme, you’ll be relieved to see that variations of more elegant, minimalistic manicures are taking the spotlight this spring. Channelling pearlescent finishes and sheer, rosy hues, each is as glossy as the last – and perfectly wearable for everyday.
From barely-there ballerina slippers to blushed French tips, ahead, find six of the most polished ways (no pun intended...) to wear the pink trend now. Plus, some of our favourite at-home nail polishes if you're DIY-ing!
Glossy pink nail varnishes
essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers
Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Milky Pink
NAILS.INC 1-Step Gel It's Topless in Sabrina
Ballet slippers
For fans of essie's iconic Ballet Slipper polish, this delicate, pared-back look will need no introduction. Defined by a sheer (ballerina-esque) pale pink topped with a high-shine finish, it's the epitome of 'your nails but better'.
Glossy chrome
Believe us when we say 'simple' doesn't have to mean 'boring'; take this chic reflective set. A soft, rosy base makes natural nails look healthy, while the chrome top coat catches the light wherever you go.
Pearly rose
These intricate, mermaid-style pearl designs are flooding my Instagram feed lately – and I'm all for it. It'll require a skilled hand, so this is one to screenshot for your next nail appointment. But when you opt for this shimmery rose quartz kind of pink? You'll be basking in compliments.
Pastel Frenchies
For something classy but elevated, look no further than this pastel-pink take on traditional French tips. Pair it with a natural, milky base and a rounded almond shape, and the result is as feminine as it is ideal for everyday wear.
Soap nails
When the 'clean girl' aesthetic filtered into the manicure world, soap nails were the result. It's a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin situation; the 'soap' part comes from a squeaky-clean finish and a natural pink-white ombre. If you're opting for a gel polish over bare nails, this one's for you.
Pink polkas
You'd best believe this pink polka dot set – courtesy of celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, whose clientele includes Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and Kylie Jenner) – went straight into my saved folder. Not only because if it's endorsed by the IT girls, I'm following suit, but because this near-transparent bubblegum base strikes the perfect balance between playful and modern. Trés chic!
Beauty Assistant Urmi works across Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Red and Prima.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in maximalist makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
