Like the flowers starting to bloom in your garden and the birds chirping in the trees, spring is simply bursting with bright, lively colors. Why shouldn’t your nails join in on the fun, both fingers and toes? It’s time to shelve the moody blacks and wine-soaked reds of winter — pretty pastels and poppy bold tones are going to reign supreme this season. Whether you’re painting on a shade of mint green for St. Patrick’s Day or sporting pretty pastel nails in honor of Easter, these popular spring nail ideas are perfect for manicures and pedicures on a range of skin tones, from fair to dark.
But not all nail polish is created equal. Nobody wants blotchy coverage or a French manicure that chips by the second day. That’s why our list includes the top brands tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. The GH Beauty Lab’s best nail polishes came out on top in terms of dry time, longevity, shine and coverage. For nails as sunny and sweet as a springtime day, these new trending nail polish colors are in for spring 2022.
1
Rose Gold
Nail Polish in Call Your Bluff
A neutral with a fresh twist, this sophisticated metallic rose gold shade, in Essie’s GH Beauty Lab test-winning formula, goes with everything yet has a fun touch of shimmer.
2
Creamy Peach
Nail Lacquer in Crawfishin’ for a Compliment
This opaque pastel peach shade is a GH beauty editor favorite and the formula is a GH Beauty Lab test winner. Think of it as a springtime neutral that can make your nails pop.
3
Dusty Lilac
Miracle Gel Nail Color Polish in O-Zone You Didn’t
If you love purple but are looking for a more understated shade, try this gray-ish lilac gel nail polish from Sally Hansen, a GH Beauty Award winner.
4
Palest Pink
Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor
5
Soft Pink
Nail Polish in Fiji
This classic baby pink color with a glossy finish is flattering on every skin tone, from fair to dark, and works especially well for a demure mani.
6
Rich Beige
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Frill Seeker
For a modern twist on a classic neutral, look no further than this Sally Hansen hue, with hints of camel and mauve that look especially flattering on darker skin tones.
7
Iridescent Violet
Nail Polish in You Do Blue
Try this lovely violet shade for a pastel with a hint of shimmer and a light-catching pearl finish.
8
Sweet Plum
Nail Polish in Splash of Grenadine
This playful muted magenta polish is everything you want in a spring nail color and looks just as great on fingers and toes.
9
Muted Rose
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Mauve-Olous
Nothing says spring like fresh roses, and this warm pink nail polish shade from Sally Hansen is no exception.
10
Soft Coral
Nail Polish in Peach Side Babe
Make your spring peachy keen (sorry, we had to!) with this light coral tone, which looks especially great on shorter nails.
11
Sparkly Pink
Nail Lacquer in A Little Lovely
Like jewelry for your nails, this sparkly Smith & Cult polish features chunks of platinum glitter.
12
Shimmery Mauve
Nourishing Vegan Nail Color in First Light
Add some springtime drama with SpaRitual’s swirl of silver, mauve and pink tones.
13
Faint Yellow
Nail Lacquer in Like Spring
With a name like “Like Spring,” you know this faint yellow hue is made for the season. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to try yellow but doesn’t want to go too bold.
14
Cloud Blue
Dare to Wear Nail Lacquer in Morning Dew
Thanks to hints of gray and white, this sophisticated blue shade feels subdued but cheery.
15
St. Patty’s Day Mint
Nail Lacquer in First Timer
This creamy bright green polish from Essie reminds us of a mint chocolate chip cone — just the thing for a warm spring day and a perfect pop of fun on toes for a pedicure.
16
Forest Green
Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish in Palm Deco
Channel the season’s natural wonders with this bright green shade from CND.
17
Sheer Pearl
Breathable Lacquer Treatment +Color in Crystal Healing
Think “no-makeup” makeup, but for your nails: This translucent pearly polish gives nails a light sheen that won’t show chips.
18
Bold Blue
Nail Lacquer in Rich Girls & Po-Boys
Rich and vibrant, this creamy cobalt proves that pastels aren’t the only colors that work for spring.
19
Concrete Gray
Nail Polish in Grey Day
Nail artist Deborah Lippmann collaborated with fashion designer Jason Wu to create the perfect true gray that is guaranteed to pair well with spring’s floral fashions.
20
Rainbow Glitter
Nail Polish in Glee
Created by celebrity nail artist Jin Soon, this multi-colored glitter polish is like a party in a bottle: Paint it on your tips (or toes!) to make any spring day feel like a party.
21
True Nude
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Pensée
Chanel’s balanced blend of light pink, peach and beige tones is a can’t-go-wrong classic for spring 2022.
22
Gray Sage
Nail Polish in Leif
For a trendy minimalist shade that’s totally unique, swipe on this subdued gray-sage green hybrid from Zoya.
23
Pure Periwinkle
Plant Based Vegan Nail Polish in Soul Surfing
Like the color of the sky on a beautiful spring day, this creamy periwinkle shade from Nails Inc. is an instant mood-booster.
24
Warm Marigold
Ultra HD Snap Nail Colors in Marigold Maven
Adventurous types, this happy marigold yellow color from Revlon is calling your name.
25
Moody Purple
Nail Polish in Toff
Darker nail polish colors can work in spring, too. Case in point: This standout cocoa-lavender mélange from Jin Soon.
26
Poppy Pink
Nail Polish in Fierce & Loving
Dress up your nails like an Easter egg with Olive & June’s bright pink shade laced with purple tones.
Katie Bourque
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture.
April Franzino
Beauty Director
April Franzino is the Beauty Director at Good Housekeeping, part of the Hearst Women’s Lifestyle Beauty Group.
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