Pastel nail looks might not immediately come to mind when you think of your summer mani/pedi, but hear us out: They’re universally flattering, and their delicate color has a soothing effect. And when pandemic stress is at an all-time high, who doesn’t deserve a moment of calm throughout their day? Plus, if you’re into a little bit of DIY, you can create pastels from any of your existing nail polishes with the help of a bottle of opaque white (Essie Nail Polish in Blanc is perfect for this).
If you’re still wary that pastels are too feminine, too young, or conjure up memories of your mother forcing you into a fluffy, lemon sorbet-inspired Easter dress, these modern and fresh pastel nail looks ahead are a chic way to ease into it.
Patterned Pastels
Mismatched nails are a huge trend for summer, and taking advantage of pastel hues only makes the trend all the more joyful and summery. Here, @lolo.nailedit used Sally Hansen nail polishes (Central Pink, Lavendoor, The One with the Teal, Yellow Taxi, and A Moo Point) to create a unique pastel design on each nail — yellow checkerboard on the pinky, florals on the ring finger, lavender in the middle, pastel swirls on the pointer finger, and a creamy yellow on the thumb.
French Tips
For the manicure minimalist, these French tips are a great way to test out the pastel trend as a first-timer. They’re still subtle enough to work with any outfit, but give you enough pop of color to go with summery cocktails and sunsets.
Delicate Florals
These delicate roses against a nude base are feminine but not overly sweet. The key to the look — created by Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein — is to keep the color palette simple and not overwhelm the nail with too many florals. She used the Doublemoss Arte Primero Brush Set (created by the nail pro herself) to hand-paint the design.
Pastel Negative Space
Negative space nails (where parts of your natural nail are exposed) always manage to give nails a crisp, futuristic vibe. Plus, negative space allows you to get more life out of your mani — as it grows out, it looks intentional. This particular look was created using Le Mini Macaron Gel Polishes, which are long-lasting and cruelty-free. For the design, use the Olive & June Clean Up Brush to create straight lines and edges like a pro.
Abstract Pastels
For a more eye-catching style, @nailsbycaniesha uses a mix of trends — ombré, negative space, and florals — using Bio Seaweed Gel Polishes, a 5-free formula with a wide variety of colors. Keeping the palette to four pastel hues (Milk or Cream, Meet Me by the Garden, Petit Four, and You’re My Cup of Tea) leaves the design sophisticated, not overpowering.
Shimmering Sherbert
Designed by editorial nail artist Alicia Torello for Mani Me, this nail art was inspired by ice cream soft serve (nothing screams “summer” more than that). Sold initially as stick-on gels (no longer available), you can recreate the look by choosing your five favorite pastels and a nail art brush.
Skittles Nails
Why settle for one pastel color when you can have the whole rainbow? This Olive & June manicure was created using their Summer Set, which includes six candy-colored pastel nail polishes plus a rainbow confetti topper to add even more merriment to your look.
Making Waves
For nail art that adds interest to any outfit (yet is still sophisticated enough for even corporate office settings), get inspired by beach waves like in this design. The cornflower blue polish, Waterloo Blue, is found in the new Butter London x A New Era: 6 Piece Downton Abbey Collection.
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