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It’s a welcome sight when flowers start to bloom in your garden and the birds chirp in the trees. Spring is simply bursting with bright, lively colors, so 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 bold pops of color are going to reign supreme this season. Whether you’re painting on a cute spring nail design 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.
Not all nail polish is created equal. That’s why our list includes the top brands tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Health & Sustainability Lab, from hot new spring nail colors to tried-and-true classics. 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, check out these new trending nail polish colors for spring 2023.
Our top picks:
- 1
Palest Pink
OPI Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Creamy Peach
OPI Nail Lacquer in Crawfishin’ for a Compliment
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
- 3
True Nude
OPI Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
- 4
Sparkly Pink
Essie Nail Lacquer in Feel the Fizzle
$10 at Ulta Beauty$10 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 5
Sweet Plum
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Mirage
$30 at Nordstrom$30 at NordstromRead more
Show more
For more ways to give yourself the best at-home nail day ever this spring, check out our guides to the best dip powder nail kits and the best at-home gel nail kits.
1Palest Pink
OPI Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor
1Palest Pink
OPI Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor
$12 at Amazon$6 at WalmartCredit: opi
Pretty in pink! Verging on white, this pearly pink is similar to Kate Middleton’s favorite nail polish shade and looks great on pale skin tones.
2Creamy Peach
OPI Nail Lacquer in Crawfishin’ for a Compliment
2Creamy Peach
OPI Nail Lacquer in Crawfishin’ for a Compliment
$12 at Amazon$8 at Walmart$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: OPI
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.
3True Nude
OPI Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand
3True Nude
OPI Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand
$12 at Amazon$6 at Walmart$11 at Macy’sCredit: OPI
There are few things better than a nude nail polish. This balanced blend of light pink, peach and beige shades is a can’t-go-wrong classic for all skin tones.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Sparkly Pink
Essie Nail Lacquer in Feel the Fizzle
4Sparkly Pink
Essie Nail Lacquer in Feel the Fizzle
$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Essie
Like jewelry for your nails, this shimmery Essie polish features a vibrant pop of pink with added glitter. For deeper color, don’t be afraid to layer on a few coats.
5Sweet Plum
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Mirage
5Sweet Plum
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Mirage
$30 at NordstromCredit: Chanel
This playful muted magenta polish is everything you want in a spring nail color. The floral-forward shade looks just as great on fingers as it does on toes.
6Rose Gold
Essie Nail Lacquer in Call Your Bluff
6Rose Gold
Essie Nail Lacquer in Call Your Bluff
$9 at Amazon$9 at WalmartCredit: Essie
A neutral with a fresh twist, this sophisticated metallic rose gold hue is a great transition shade from the fall and winter. Essie’s GH Beauty Lab test-winning formula goes with everything yet has a fun touch of shimmer.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Shimmery Mauve
SpaRitual Nourishing Vegan Nail Color in First Light
7Shimmery Mauve
SpaRitual Nourishing Vegan Nail Color in First Light
$14 at Amazon$16 at WalmartCredit: SpaRitual
Add some springtime drama with SpaRitual’s swirl of silver, mauve and pink tones. The shimmer takes you seamlessly from day to night.
8Soft Pink
essie Nail Lacquer in Fiji
8Soft Pink
essie Nail Lacquer in Fiji
Now 11% Off$9 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Ulta Beauty
A classic baby pink color with a glossy finish is flattering on every skin tone, from fair to dark. The cute shade works especially well for a demure mani.
9Iridescent Violet
Essie Nail Lacquer in You Do Blue
9Iridescent Violet
Essie Nail Lacquer in You Do Blue
Now 39% Off$10 at Walmart$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Essie
Here, Essie’s fun twist on a spring color. Try this lovely violet shade for a pastel with a hint of shimmer and a light-catching pearl finish.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Muted Rose
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Mauve-Olous
10Muted Rose
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Mauve-Olous
Now 41% Off$6 at Amazon$14 at Walmart$11 at JCPenneyCredit: Sally Hansen
Nothing says spring like fresh roses. Bring the rosiness to your nails with this warm pink nail polish shade from Sally Hansen.
11Forest Green
CND Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish in Palm Deco
11Forest Green
CND Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish in Palm Deco
Now 24% Off$9 at WalmartCredit: CND
Headed somewhere tropical? Channel the season’s natural wonders with this bold green shade from CND. It’s great for both a mani and a pedi.
12Soft Coral
Essie Nail Lacquer in Peach Side Babe
12Soft Coral
Essie Nail Lacquer in Peach Side Babe
Now 10% Off$9 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Essie
Make your spring peachy keen (sorry, we had to!) with this light coral tone. It can be worn on its own or looks especially great on shorter nail designs.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13St. Patty’s Day Mint
Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Mint Chocolate Chip
13St. Patty’s Day Mint
Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Mint Chocolate Chip
$9 at Amazon$8 at WalmartCredit: Morgan Taylor
Greenery finally returns in the spring and this polish from Morgan Taylor is just the thing for a warm spring day. It reminds us of a mint chocolate chip cone and is a fun pop of color on toes for a pedicure.
14Bold Blue
OPI Nail Lacquer in Rich Girls & Po-Boys
14Bold Blue
OPI Nail Lacquer in Rich Girls & Po-Boys
$12 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$11 at Ulta BeautyCredit: OPI
Rich and vibrant, this creamy cobalt proves that pastels aren’t the only colors that work for spring. The Easter-forward color gives a bright pop of color all season.
15Rainbow Glitter
Jinsoon Nail Polish in Glee
15Rainbow Glitter
Jinsoon Nail Polish in Glee
$18 at JINsoonCredit: Jin Soon
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.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below16Gray Sage
Zoya Professional Lacquer in Leif
16Gray Sage
Zoya Professional Lacquer in Leif
$12 at zoya.comCredit: Zoya
For a trendy minimalist shade that’s totally unique, swipe on this subdued gray-sage green hybrid from Zoya. With the hints of green, you’re ready to welcome in spring!
17Warm Marigold
Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish in Marigold Maven
17Warm Marigold
Revlon Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish in Marigold Maven
Now 11% Off$7 at Walmart$8 at JCPenneyCredit: Revlon
Nothing says springtime like sunny skies and floral hues. Adventurous types, this happy marigold yellow color from Revlon is calling your name.
18Moody Purple
Jinsoon Nail Polish in Toff
18Moody Purple
Jinsoon Nail Polish in Toff
$18 at JINsoonCredit: Jin Soon
Darker nail polish colors can work in spring, too. Case in point: This standout cocoa-lavender mélange from Jinsoon, which reminds us of a blustery spring night.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Poppy Pink and Purple
Olive & June Nail Polish in Fierce & Loving
19Poppy Pink and Purple
Olive & June Nail Polish in Fierce & Loving
$9 at Olive & JuneCredit: Olive & June
Spring is the time for vibrance. Dress up your nails like an Easter egg with Olive & June’s bright pink shade laced with purple tones.
20Dusty Lilac
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color Polish in O-Zone You Didn’t
20Dusty Lilac
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color Polish in O-Zone You Didn’t
$14 at Walmart$13 at Ulta Beauty$6 at SkinstoreCredit: Sally Hansen
If you love purple but are looking for a more understated shade, try this gray-ish lilac gel nail polish from Sally Hansen. The GH Beauty Award winner is the perfect color to subtly step into spring.
