Shop a Spectrum of This Season's Prettiest Pastel Polishes

Essie Truth or Flare nail polish
Photo: Greg Marino

Pastel nail polish is a given for spring. But this season, the colors are hotter than ever. They aren't just your typical delicate, soft hues—they are ultra-pigmented and make a huge statement. Don't believe us? Take our beauty director Kahlana Barfield's word. Here, she talks about why pastels are so hot for spring and who we can thank for bringing this pretty polish to the table (think: designers like Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa).

Other designers (like Wes Gordon and Katharine Polk of Houghton, too) also complemented their spring collections with pastel-painted finger tips, proving that the delicate colorway is in fact bold.

Take on the trend with our favorite 12 shades. We gathered everything from buttercup yellow and sherbet orange to pale pink and baby blue. (What's more, they have the cutest names! Will you pick I Lilac You or Chillin' Like a Villain?)

If pastels aren’t your thing, shop our other faves here.

Plus, pick up the June issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download, for more features like this!

01 of 12

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

Chanel Sweet Lilac nail polish
Greg Marino

In Sweet Lilac, $27; chanel.com

02 of 12

Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer

Dior Vernis gel shine and long wearing nail lacquer in Milly
Greg Marino

In Milly, $25; dior.com

03 of 12

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish

CND Vinylux weekly polish in Sun Bleached yellow
Greg Marino

In Sun Bleached, $10; cnd.com

04 of 12

Flower Nail'd It Lacquer

Flower Nail'd It Lacquer in Bluebell of the Ball
Greg Marino

In Bluebell of the Ball, $5; walmart.com

05 of 12

Butter London Nail Lacquer

Butter London nail lacquer in Keen
Greg Marino

In Keen, $15; ulta.com

06 of 12

YSL La Laque Couture

YSL La Laque Couture in bleu celadon
Greg Marino

In Bleu Celadon, $27; yslbeautyus.com

07 of 12

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in I lilac you
Greg Marino

In I Lilac You, $8; target.com

08 of 12

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer

Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Sugar Dune
Greg Marino

In Sugar Dune, $32; neimanmarcus.com for stores

09 of 12

Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour

Sonia Kashuk Breakfast at Tiffany's nail polish
Greg Marino

In Breakfast at Tiffany's, $5; target.com

10 of 12

OPI Nail Lacquer

OPI Nail lacquer in Chillin Like a Villain
Greg Marino

In Chillin' Like a Villain, $9; ulta.com

11 of 12

Jin Soon Nail Lacquer

Jin Soon Dolly Pink Nail polish
Greg Marino

In Dolly Pink, $18; spacenk.com

12 of 12

Essie Nail Polish

Essie Truth or Flare nail polish
Greg Marino

In Truth or Flare, $9; essie.com

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