38 Spring Nail Colors That Will Instantly Brighten Your Mood

I’ve been loving all things denim—as in, I have multiple pairs of denim shoes to complete my head-to-toe Canadian tuxedo looks. To extend the blue jean vibe to my nails, Chanel’s Lagune is the perfect shade with metallic shimmer, which adds some edge. —L.D.

I’m a sucker for anything remotely periwinkle (it’s the color of my childhood bedroom walls—a longtime love affair). This shade hits that perfect balance between purple and blue and stands out against my yellow-toned skin just enough that I always garner compliments. —Malia Griggs, commerce editor

Similar but quite different is this pinky purple, which reminds me of my favorite spring flower (the lilac) and feels like an appropriate way to usher in the season. —M.G.

I love orangey-red nails (and plain orange too). Red’s a classic color, sure, but the orange undertone of this shade makes it poppier than your more traditional ruby red—and that freshness is what I need come spring. —M.G.

Pärdē Beauty has the perfect pastels for spring—including The Afters. I love the pastel purple and get so many compliments every time I wear it. The best part? This polish is tough; my regular manicures usually last for more than a week. Added bonus is the fact it’s vegan and cruelty-free. —Chantal Waldholz, senior global director, audience development

Gray isn’t the first color you’d pick for spring, but hear me out: This isn’t your typical gloomy gray. The key is to choose a gray shade with blue or purple undertones and a glossy finish to resemble a polished stone. It’s a great neutral if you’re tired of the usual nudes and pinks. —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor

This season I’m skipping transitional nail polish shades and swapping out my moody, dark winter polishes for brighter and lighter colors. Essie’s new nail polish is an off-white, nearly pink shade with the prettiest pearl finish. My nails look clean and fresh—perfect for the new season. —A.Y.

For someone who’s pretty experimental when it comes to my fashion, my taste in nail polish is quite boring. I alternate between three different colors (white, off-white, and almost-white pink) year-round, but I’ve been loving pale yellow as of late. The hue just screams spring to me, and unlike other overdone pastel colors, it feels just underground enough that I can wear it without losing my indie-girl status. —Ana Escalante, contributor

I packed CV in my carry-on for a recent trip, and it has quickly become the most used shade in my arsenal. It’s bright without being harsh and looks great whether I’m pale or have a touch of a tan. Most of all, I love how insanely shiny and opaque the formula is. It leaves my nails photo-ready (everything’s a nail prop) in five minutes flat. —Bella Cacciatore, contributor

I have been thinking about the green shade of the jumpsuit Lana Del Rey wears in this Gucci ad for years, and the brand finally went ahead and made it in a form I can actually afford. It was worth the wait, as the shade looks so fresh and cool on my nails, and makes me feel a little artsier than my usual red. The polish itself is shiny and smooth—and the longer handle is not only gorgeous, but it makes a DIY mani a breeze. —B.C.

It may not be the most revolutionary, but a reliable sheer pink is a must-have in any polish stash. I particularly like this one, which has a bit of a tint but isn’t chalky, is super shiny, and looks great on all skin tones. It’s perfect as a base for a French mani, or I toss on one coat when I want my nails to look pretty but don't want to wait for layers of polish to dry. —B.C.

Baby blue reminds me of clear skies, and that’s the kind of vibe I want to keep with me at all times. So why not paint it on my nails? Along with Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri topcoat, I know I can paint my nails at any time and they’ll be dry in minutes. —Khaliha Hawkins, contributor

I’ve historically been a “dark nails or bust” kind of girl, but lately I’ve needed a pick-me-up by way of happy nail colors. This spring-y, not quite pink, not quite purple orchid shade does the job—and stays on for at least week, no matter how many times I wash my hands. (A lot.) —Lindsay Schallon, contributor

I’m very into green nail polish these days. This is more a mossy green, which doesn’t sound incredibly appealing until you see it on, and then you’ll never want to take it off. The brush was designed so you can paint your nails faster, in one fell swoop without a mess. Plus the formula dries extremely fast—so much so that it won a Glamour Beauty Award for best new drugstore polish. —L.S.

While super sparkly in the bottle, this iridescent rose-gold glitter actually goes on quite sheer—even after three coats. It’s the perfect shade if you’re going for natural nails but slightly sparklier. What’s better: Sally Hansen upgraded its Miracle Gel Top Coat formula, so the finish is shinier and lasts even longer. Who doesn’t love that? —Macaela Mackenzie, contributor

Mint green is a shade that reminds me of spring. It’s lively without being too “out there” and looks just as great punctuating an all-black outfit as it does against all the tie-dye I’m (still) wearing these days. I’m also a total sucker for anything from Olive & June. This color would look especially cute with the brand’s floral nail stickers. —L.S.

I love blue nail polish, but particularly for early spring. This pretty periwinkle has a subtle pink sheen that makes me feel like I have fairy dust on my fingers. —B.C. 

Is there any shade more apt for spring than a baby blue that veers almost purple? I don’t think so. This color also looks extremely cute with a matte topcoat. —L.S.

Bored with nudes but don’t want something too bold? Go for a neutral with personalty, like this pastel peach. Even if it’s currently snowing, every time I glance at my fingers, I’m reminded of warmer days to come. —B.C.

I can’t be trusted to not chip my own manicures, yet gel manicures at a salon are too rough on my nails, so Gel Envy has been my saving grace. I love how opaque this shade is, and that it’s true nude for me. I find that the more minimal the shade, the less likely I am to pick at my nails, so the fact that this brown effortlessly camouflages against my skin actually makes me want to keep it on for longer. —Brionna Jimerson, contributor

Gucci makeup is hands down some of the most luxurious I’ve ever tried, and its nail polish is no different. This turquoise is absolutely beautiful and glides on to your nail like a dream. Plus, the chic bottle doesn’t hurt. —L.S.

Colorful French tips and pastels always feel right for spring, but I don’t really love the way they look on my light skin. That’s why I’m sticking to burgundy this year, starting with Deborah Lippmann’s Spill the Wine. The vibe: the moodier the better. —Talia Abbas, contributor

Why not paint your nails a funky shade of green? After months of cold weather and staying in, I need a little color in my life. This polish by J.Hannah is a serious ’70s kitchen-decor vibe. —Madeline Hirsch, contributor 

Creamy pastels get me in a springy mood, and this one reminds me of mint ice cream and old movies. I love that it feels fresh and clean but not sterile. —B.C.

This is one of those coral-y pinks that somehow manages to look amazing on every skin tone. The secret lies in the fact that it’s got a hint of brown to it. —L.S.

My favorite nail polish releases are always the new Paintbox Power Couples. They’re so fresh and modern (but simultaneously retro), and truly complementary if you’re thinking about doing any kind of nail art. When this peach and golden green duo came out, it was a no-brainer to add to cart. Paintbox says it’s “inspired by Palm Springs in the ’70s,” which is exactly where I wish I was right now. —S.S.

When I’m not going for soothing blue, I gravitate toward nude colors that look good with any outfit I have on at home. They also make me feel put together when I’m not. This color and some perfume make me feel like I’m ready for anything. —K.H.

Want the look of nail art but can’t even draw a dot? This colorful “confetti in a multifaceted mélange” is essentially nail art in a bottle. Nail artist Jin Soon Choi recommends using it as a topper over shades like Jin Soon Muse or Jin Soon Pinky for a clean look or Jin Soon Love or Jin Soon Aero for a pop of color. But it also looks great on bare nails for a bright but minimalistic look. —L.S.

One of my goals lately has been growing out my stubby, stubby nails, and we are slowly but surely getting somewhere. I’m celebrating by decking them in this sheer white sparkle, which makes them look so delicate and extra ladylike. —B.C.

Metallic silver is my new neutral—I love how it adds an element of playfulness and fun to an outfit and goes with absolutely everything. OPI’s chrome-like shade looks good no matter how much you pile on. One coat will give your nails a subtle and pretty sparkle, but I tend to go full-on Tin Man with multiple coats. —A.Y.

This pastel blue is almost too on-the-nose for spring, but that’s the whole point. It reminds me of Easter eggs, blue skies, and warm weather—something I’m very much looking forward to after a dreary winter. —A.Y.

There is something about this deep rose that feels both moody and fresh. The shade is subtle, but it still adds a pop of color by way of thick and glossy coats that hint the arrival of spring. —T.A.

I always have gel extensions on my nails, and my go-to color is OPI’s Bubble Bath. It’s slightly sheer and looks great with every nail shape, whether I’m in the mood for almond-shaped nails or coffin nails. I’ve never gotten tired of it and have worn it the most for the past three years. —Andrea Navarro, commerce writer

When it comes to nail colors for spring, I tend to be a neutrals girl. I have collected countless bottles of opaque creamy pinks and barely there nudes that go with everything. But this spring I’ve been loving the idea of lavender. Olive & June has the prettiest shade that’s right on trend for easing into the warmer months but doesn’t feel too far outside of my comfort zone. —L.D.

For years I kept my nails the exact same shade of pale pink. I left my comfort zone last spring with a manifestation manicure and painted my nails this playful shade of pastel yellow with smiley face nail art. Since then, a pastel yellow mani has become one of my favorite spring nail polish colors. It’s such an underrated shade and makes every outfit. I’m always shocked at how many compliments I get on my nails when I wear it, and it makes me happy every time I look at my hands. —Danielle Sinay, associate beauty editor

I love the start of spring, because I feel like I’m getting my groove back. This bold shade of fiery red-orange is the exact vibe I want to exude for the new astrological year. It’s vibrant yet classic, looks good year-round, and it makes a chic statement without drawing too much attention to your hands. —D.S.