Spring-tacular nail colour trends for 2012

Spring has well and truly sprung. The daffodils are out in full force and the Easter Bunny has a stash of chocolate eggs ready and waiting to be hidden behind clusters of snowdrops and nestled inside the gaping hollows of the trees in our back gardens. On the high street, lavish window displays are splashed with pretty pastels, flower power florals and bright patterned prints in a range of delicious macaroon inspired shades. But what colours should our fingernails be embracing this season?

Look no further. Here are three of the biggest nail colour trends for 2012. Stock up for spring and burst into colour this summer. We’re pretty positive these fresh, new trends are here to stay. POW! 

Vibrant brights

Bright and beautiful classic summer shades have been given a spring kicking on the catwalk by designers among the likes of Jason Wu and Christian Dior whose models flashed neon nails in hot pink, fierce fuchsia and fiery tangerine this season. The new neon brights on the scene are mixed with pure white pigment working together to create a modern, sophisticated and subtle look that screams class.

We are particularly lusting after luscious coral shades like Essie in Ole Caliente (£8.95), which is colour-popping fabulous and super fun-loving. We also love the brilliant spark of colour embodied by Dior Vernis in Pink Graffiti (£17), but if you really can’t decide on one shade, why not go crazy and paint each nail a different colour? Just saying. 

Left to right: Essie in Ole Caliente (£8.95), Dior Vernis in Pink Graffiti (£17), YSL Manicure Couture Duo no. 8 (£28).

Natural nudes

Having toned down the make-up this season, nail colour trends are closely following suit with back-to-basics, foundation inspired shades. This spring, less is definitely more with minimalistic fingernails taking centre stage. Take the lead from fashion legends Giorgio Armani and Christopher Kane and let your talons go au naturel with nude polishes that channel warm tones of soft beige, milky cappuccino and creamy pink. This gives you the creative license to go crazy with patterned prints and fabulous accessories.

Insider tip: Try to go for a shade that matches your skin tone for a more modern look and remember to keep your nail polish in perfect condition; chipped neutrals are a beauty no-no and spoil the illusion of long, delicate fingers. 

Left to right: Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Toasted Sugar (£25), Essie in A Crewed Interest (£8.95), Revlon Nail Enamel in Classy (£6.49), Mavala in Rose Dust (£5.95), Orly in Prelude To A Kiss (£8.99).

Sherbet pastels

Like our obsession with perfect cupcakes and delicate macaroons, springtime fingernails crave a dose of delicious pastels. The ultimate in femininity and fun, pretty sherbet-hued shades of nail polish were rocked on the runway by designers 3.1 Philip Lim and Marc Jacobs, whose models were sporting nails dressed in cute pinks, mellow yellows and peaches-and-creams. To finish the look at home, use a pop of the same colour on the eyelids or the lips for a fresh and fabulous beauty statement. 

This season is all about pistachio and we are absolutely in love with OPI’s gorgeous new shade in Thanks A Windmillion (£11), which has a lovely creamy undertone and is pigmented to perfection. Thumbs up!

 

Left to right: Essie in To Buy Or Not To Buy (£8.95), OPI in Thanks A Windmillion (£11), Essie in Naviage Her (£8.95), Topshop Nails in Bees Knees (£5).

Marion Katrina Poerio