When it comes to my nails, I usually play it safe. Like any pre-teen with a penchant for Nirvana and thick black eyeliner, when I first started wearing nail polish, I only wore black. I rocked the patron manicure of angsty teens for years, baring my chipped and bitten nails with pride. Eventually, I grew out of it, but I had forgotten how fun expressing myself through nails could be. That is, of course, until I took the plunge and switched out my tried-and-true tones to experiment with the best spring nail colors 2023 has to offer.
I’ll admit, for a few years I didn’t paint my nails at all. Instead, I chose to focus on repairing my nail health after years of biting them down (ouch). But recently, nail art has come back into favor. After all, there’s nothing like the power of a good manicure—and this trend is a great reminder of exactly that. Bold nail looks abound and they’re inspiring me to try something new. There’s no time like the present to be adventurous with your nails.
Featured image from our interview with Cyndi Ramirez by Belathée Photography.
An Expert Shares the Biggest Spring Nail Colors for 2023
Truly, what is spring for but reinvention? The turning of the seasons always fills me with inexplicable excitement. Suddenly, anything and everything feels possible. The sun starts shining again, the days get longer, and countless opportunities spread themselves out in front of me. The call to try something new can’t be denied, and I’m diving in deep. A low-stakes way to channel this fervor for change? A DIY mani-pedi, of course. This year, I’m finally trying all the nail inspo I’ve saved on Instagram and committing myself to switching things up.
To get the lowdown on all the best spring nail colors and trends, I consulted celebrity nail stylist Fleury Rose. She gave me the scoop on all the best trends to try for spring, how to choose the right one for you, and some of her favorite shades. Keep reading for major manicure inspiration.
Fleury Rose is a celebrity nail artist. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Paper Magazine (among other publications) as well as on countless nail and beauty blogs. Rose works with a number of model, artist, and stylist clients who love her fresh, bold take on nail art.
What nail trends do you predict being big this spring?
According to Rose, people are itching for any opportunity to express themselves. The season’s bright, bold nail trends reflect that. She notes that, after years staying indoors and without opportunity to put self-expression on display, “people are really wanting to see and be seen after what feels like an eternity of isolation. This makes me think that people will really be serving looks as the weather heats up, nails included! Think fun bright colors like green, long lengths, and lots of expressive nail art. My clients have been loving the tiny 3D gummy bears I make on their nails—totally sweet for spring.”
How to Select the Best Nail Color for You
If you’ve ever experienced that fresh-from-the-salon feeling with a new shade on your nails, then it goes without saying: color can change how you feel. “When choosing a nail color, I generally consider how it makes me feel when I look at it, but also how I’d like to feel,” says Rose.
Pick something aspirational. Whether you need a little confidence or a warm-weather mood booster, a fresh-color mani has you covered. Rose’s take is that in some areas, “it’s still QUITE cold. A lot of clients have been doing bright, neon, and dopamine-inducing colors to boost their moods ’til the weather warms up. It’s a great time to express your individuality through your nail colors if you dare!”
What are your spring nail colors recommendations?
Go big or go home, says Rose. “I love a green nail for spring! There’s a specific neon, pastel green that seems to be turning up all over my Instagram feed. OPI’s ‘The Pass is Always Greener’ is super pretty even as a French nail! I’m also obsessed with Megan Fox and her matching green mani-pedi. So cute! Gucci’s ‘Melinda’ would be so perfect!”
The Best Spring Nail Colors for a Mood-Boosting Mani
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OPI The Pass is Always Greener
u003cpu003eThis Rose-approved hue is the perfect way to dip your toes into a bolder shade. It works both as a full mani or even an accent. Try it on a French mani, per Rose’s suggestion.u003c/pu003e
OPI The Pass is Always Greener, $11.49
Gucci Melinda
u003cpu003eThis Gucci green is a yes across the board. From the bold, statement-making shade to the graceful bottle—it’ll look just as good on your vanity as it does on your nails.u003c/pu003e
Gucci Melinda, $33
ella + mila Earth’s Finest
u003cpu003eDouble up on the green: We love this u003ca href=u0022https://camillestyles.com/beauty/how-to-give-yourself-a-perfect-nontoxic-manicure-at-home/u0022u003enontoxic polishu003c/au003e for its sweet shade and for being an environmentally-friendly pick.u003c/pu003e
ella + mila Earth’s Finest, $10.50
ella + mila Sunset Escape
u003cpu003eOrange is another color that you can expect to see a lot of this spring. As the sun sets later, try this shade for a bright reminder of the warmer, longer days to come.u003c/pu003e
ella + mila Sunset Escape, $10.50
J.Hannah Ghost Ranch
u003cpu003eThis burnt orange is spring’s take on a classic red. Switch things up with this punchy hue, and while you’re at it, throw on a pair of cowboy boots to complete your new look. u003c/pu003e
J.Hannah Ghost Ranch, $22
J.Hannah Eames
u003cpu003eEarthy, muddy tones are cool this season. Step away from traditionally pretty colors and try something rich and interesting, like this Eames shade.u003c/pu003e
J.Hannah Eames, $22
Essie Take Me To Thread
u003cpu003eIf it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber, it’s good enough for all of us, right? This rich mauve is a favorite of the always-on-trend celeb. It’s a more grown-up version of a perfect pink.u003c/pu003e
Essie Take Me To Thread, $13
Lights Lacquer Donna
u003cpu003eMillennial pink has given way to a more unapologetic neon hue and we couldn’t be more excited. This is the kind of hot pink you put on when you’re gearing up to go out. u003c/pu003e
Lights Lacquer, Donna, $11
Olive u0026 June WKF
u003cpu003eThe nail color of my u003ca href=u0022https://camillestyles.com/design/cottagecore-decor/u0022u003ecottagecore dreamsu003c/au003e. This mossy olive is a reminder that green is a neutral. It lets you add some life to your everyday look—and we’re here for it.u003c/pu003e
Olive u0026 June WKF, $9
Olive u0026 June Angelfish
u003cpu003eSky blue is another hit color this season. Manifest clear skies and warm days with this pastel-y shade.u003c/pu003e
Olive u0026 June Angelfish, $9
CND Vinylux Denim Patch #226
u003cpu003eSkinny jeans? Mom jeans? Low-rise jeans? Whatever camp you’re in, this denim shade is versatile, fun, and totally timeless. u003c/pu003e
CND Vinylux Denim Patch #226, $7.75
Smith u0026 Cult, Exit the Void
u003cpu003ePastel purple is a perfect spring choice. This aptly-named shade invites you to exit the void and step into spring as your best self.u003c/pu003e
Smith u0026 Cult, Exit the Void, $18
Static Nails Beach Bum
u003cpu003eSummer is so close, I can almost feel the sand on my skin. (Okay, maybe wishful thinking.) But this shade calls to mind lifeguard suits, summer sunsets, and that sun-kissed glow.u003c/pu003e
Static Nails Beach Bum, $16
CND, Oceanside
u003cpu003eWhy not complement a beachy shade with this aquamarine blue? You could even use this bright, ocean blue for swirly geometric nail accents.u003c/pu003e
CND, Oceanside, $15.30
Gucci Dorothy Turquoise
u003cpu003eThis Wizard of Oz-inspired hue will make every day feel like an adventure. The pearly turquoise shade will inevitably become your go-to.u003c/pu003e
Gucci Dorothy Turquoise, $33
Emilie Heathe Champagne Toast
u003cpu003eOf all the pastel spring colors, baby pink is as classic as they come. Give it a little glitz with this glittery, champagne accent.u003c/pu003e
Emilie Heathe Champagne Toast, $30
Essie All Oar Nothing
u003cpu003eIs anyone else getting creamsicle cravings? Try this polish for a subtler way to indulge in a little bright and sunny orange.u003c/pu003e
Essie All Oar Nothing, $5.81 (reg. $7.75)
UN/DUN LAQR Joyride
u003cpu003eYellow is the happiest color, hence this shade. There’s nothing more bright, bold, and exciting than a full yellow mani.u003c/pu003e
UN/DUN LAQR Joyride, $18
Deborah Lippmann Black Magic Woman
u003cpu003eWhat’s a night out if it doesn’t include a disco ball? Bring the party wherever you go with this daring glittery polish.u003c/pu003e
Deborah Lippmann Black Magic Woman, $20
Sally Hansen Let’s Get Digital
u003cpu003eY2K trends are holding strong. Go full 2000s with this holographic blend of two spring colors: blue and purple.u003c/pu003e
Sally Hansen Let’s Get Digital, $12.99
This post was originally published on March 15, 2022, and has since been updated.
