Color Trends

Which pastel manicures to wear all year round?

6 min read
With pastel nail polishes, dive into a world of softness and daydreams. What if you explored the refreshing, whimsical power of these nail polish shades through the seasons? Which shades should you choose, how can you personalise your manicure with unique nail art, and make it last over time? Your guide to pastel nails in harmony with each of the 4 seasons.

 

Pastel nail polishes through the seasons

In winter, voluptuousness and sophistication

Winter calls for pure, soothing shades that contrast with the harshness of the cold outside. Winter pastel hues add a touch of softness and sophistication right to the tips of your nails, while remaining subtle.

Mint is a “frosted” pastel green polish that gives your nails a subtle freshness. It enhances fair skin tones and adds a touch of radiance to medium-to-dark complexions. Pair it with cozy wool or cashmere outfits for a gorgeous harmony.

Light Blue is a soft, delicate sky blue that brings a touch of light and lightness. Pair it with minimalist looks in cool or neutral tones such as grey, black, white, or nude.

Looking for a timeless off-white polish, a milky, comforting shade reminiscent of pure snow? For a rich and creamy white manicure, Crème is just what you need—a fabulous alternative to nude that looks stunning on all skin tones.

Perfect for the winter season, Shell Beige is an ultra-trendy rosy beige polish that evokes the softness of seashells and gives your nails a naturally sophisticated look. Effortless, it goes with every style and enhances short and long nails alike. Need some inspiration for your short-nail manicures? Check out our selection of must-have colors in our dedicated article.

Shell Beige worn with a cup of hot chocolate and winter pastel nail polishes Mint, Light Blue and Snow
Mint, Light Blue and Shell Beige bring freshness, radiance and softness for an elegant winter manicure.

 

And to discover even more inspiration, dive into our article on nail colors to wear in winter.

 

In spring, a breath of fresh air

With the arrival of warmer days, pastel colours brighten your hands with poetry and sweetness. Inspired by flowers in full bloom, pastel shades are a must-have this season, even appearing in trends spotted on the runways.

Let's start with Pistachio, a soft pastel green with yellow undertones, modern and refreshing, that looks good enough to eat. Just like a creamy sorbet, it suits fair and dark skin tones alike.

Looking for a light, breezy look on your fingertips? Opt for Bubble, a light pastel blue with grey undertones, reminiscent of a cloudless spring sky...

For a touch of poetry and romance on your nails, Lisa Lilas is a retro mauve reminiscent of the '90s. It pairs beautifully with light, floral outfits.

As for Blossom, it is a creamy, powdery pale pink polish, reminiscent of cherry blossom petals. With its rich and glossy texture, this polish color suits all nail lengths and shapes.

Spring softness and radiance come to your nails with Pistachio and Blossom.

 

Answer the call of spring by checking out our article on spring nail color trends.

 

In summer, boldness and cheerfulness

Summer rhymes with sunshine and carefree days. Dare brighter pastel shades to enhance your tan and elevate a summer manicure: pink nails, yellow nails... which of these key colours will win you over most to shine on the sand?

As sunny as can be, Mimosa is an opaque pastel yellow that brings a vibrant, joyful touch to your nails. Perfect for a chic, mood-boosting manicure, it pairs beautifully with neutral pieces like off-white or beige.

A summer breeze with hints of blue that invite you to daydream, meet Wisteria, a mauve as soft as wisteria in bloom. Pair it with beige, peach, or silver tones and you're good to go!

Fabulous for enhancing your vacation tan, Bird of Paradise is a coral orange with rosy shimmers that wakes up your nails with a touch as vibrant as it is bold. It pairs beautifully with your favorite swimsuit!

Looking for a softer, more understated pink? You'll love Pastel Pink, a velvety pastel pink with beige undertones, like an early summer morning mist. Charming and truly eye-catching.

Green Flash™ Wisteria nail polish and Bird of Paradise nail polish worn
Wisteria and Bird of Paradise, a soft mauve or vibrant coral to enhance your tan.

 

Craving more color for the holidays? Get your summer nails ready with our article on nail polish colors for summer.

 

Autumn: warmth and softness

Autumn marks the return of muted colours and nature-inspired shades dressed in soft, warm tones.

Among the standout colors, Pale Rose is a nude pink with subtle beige undertones. Sheer and delicate, it is the ideal base color for elegant nail art designs.

Warm up your hands with Abricot, a luminous orange that pairs wonderfully with your autumn wardrobe.

Go bold with Lemonade, a delicate, zesty yellow flecked with fine glitter for chic nails. It brings to mind golden autumn leaves. A true gem in a bottle, it's the ideal choice for medium to dark skin tones!

Finally, Lilas steals the spotlight: this delicate blue tinged with mauve resembles a calm sea under an autumn sunset. A breath of sweetness right on your fingertips.

Hand with Lilas blue pastel nail polish, Green Flash Pale Rose nail polish
Wrap your nails in softness with Pale Rose and Lilas, perfect for autumn!

 

This fall, fill up on color with our article on the best nail polish colors to wear in autumn.

 

Our pastel nail art ideas

Pastel rainbow French manicure

Revisit the French manicure by tipping your nails with a slim line of color for a mini French look, choosing from a wide palette of pastel shades. Guest stars include: Wisteria, Lilas, Abricot, Pink Paradise, and Mint. A pretty, easy-to-create pastel nail art look that enhances all nail lengths. Fresh, modern vibes guaranteed!

Pastel French manicure and pastel nail polish colour-blocking
A fresh, modern mini French manicure with Wisteria, Pink Paradise, Abricot, Mint and Lilas. (@look8thenails)

 

Minimalist design

Create original, on-trend nail art by playing with pretty colourful patterns: tiny bubbles, fine stripes or confetti… A minimalist, colourful manicure with a touch of whimsy, perfect for brightening up gloomy days.

Confetti and cream puff nail art
Confettis Pop, Bubble and Pistachio—we’re loving minimalist nail art!

 

Flower Power

Say it with flowers… Add little pastel flowers over a nude or white nail polish base. You can also create a lavender floral pattern on one of your nails for summery nail art. A spring manicure inspo that’s so cute!

Floral nail art with Lisa Lilas, Snow and Abricot, and lavender nail art with Lisa Lilas and Iris
Lisa Lilas and Iris bring the perfect pastel touch for a fresh, spring-inspired manicure. (@need_more_fingers & @_ateliermanupedi)

 

Subtle gradients

Among the biggest nail art trends: the Gradient. A little more technical but with a guaranteed “wow!” effect, go for an ombré effect with two or three pastel shades that blend harmoniously, preferably on long nails. The perfect nail art for a summer evening!

Pastel gradient Mimosa, Amande, Lilas, Wisteria and gradient Pétula, Candy, Wisteria, Lilas, Artichaut
Try recreating this delicate pastel gradient with shades of your choice for an irresistible ombré effect. (@m.o.n.a.j & @look8thenails)

 

Tips to make your pastel manicure last

Prep your nails like a pro

Start by filing your nails to achieve the uniform shape you love: square, round, almond... Then take care of your cuticles: apply a drop of Cuticle Softener to soften them before gently pushing them back with a wooden cuticle stick or a cuticle pusher. Next, buff the nail surface with a prep buffer to improve polish adhesion. Wipe away any residual dust and degrease your nails with a gentle nail polish remover or Green™ degreaser. There you go, your nails are all set for their pastel manicure.

Cuticle softener, files, cuticle pushers and Green degreaser kit
Good nail prep for a flawless pastel manicure!

 

Apply a Base Coat and a Top Coat

Before applying your color, be sure to apply a protective base coat (Green™ Base Coat or Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat if you are using Green Flash™️ gel polish) for a flawless, long-lasting manicure. A protective base coat ensures smooth application, strengthens nails, and extends your gel polish wear time for up to 12 days.

Finish off your manicure by applying a layer of Sunshine Top Coat (if you are using Green™️ polish) or Green Flash™ Top Coat if you chose Green Flash™️ LED polish. A top coat seals the color, delivering high shine and long-lasting wear.

Trio vitamin-enriched base coat, colours and Green Flash top coat
Protect with a Base Coat, enhance with a Top Coat for a radiant manicure that lasts.

 

Unlimited pastels with nail polish sets

Calling all pastel lovers: the Trio sets and 5-color Rainbow sets let you create countless combinations from a wide choice of trending colors, available in classic Green™ polish or Green Flash™ gel polish, depending on your preferences and mood. To switch up your pastel shades throughout the seasons, also explore our plant-based nail polish, crafted in the Green™ bio-sourced spirit. You can choose multiple pastel shades for a unique manicure that evolves with the seasons. With them, anything goes… Enjoy!

3-colour kit Mimosa, Lemonade, Pamplemousse
The Trio and Rainbow 5-colour sets offer endless combinations for a trendy pastel manicure all year round.

 

Pastel nail polishes are your beauty allies, whatever the season! Mix things up by adapting your palette as the months go by, and let your creativity run free with original nail art. Our pastel collection was designed to bring a little freshness and cheerfulness to your hands... and your everyday life! Share your pastel manicures on social media and don't forget to tag us. We can't wait to discover your creations 😍