If the mere prospect of pastel nails brings you out in hives, you’re not alone.

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Popular with some, for others pastel nail designs will always be synonymous with Easter, a hated bridesmaid dress, Flumps, Iced Gems and Mini Eggs. Still, it is possible to sport pastel nail colours without feeling like your six-year-old self. Unlike more traditional pastels, modern iterations are non-insipid, and usually paired with square or squoval nails or a sharp almond edge, to offset their softness. And, while they’re not just for spring, there’s something about the warmer air that ignites and urge to replace deep burgundy shades with colours that are lighter and brighter.

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What are pastel nail colours?

Any light colour with a creamy softness to it (think lilac, baby pink and powder blue) is a pastel. Some will be sheer, others more opaque. The linking factor is a light, almost milky quality that sets them apart from vivid neons and vampy dark shades. These soft shades are perfect for occasions like bridal or baby showers.

@jessicadiner

How can you make pastel nail designs modern?

“Pastel nails feel effortlessly modern and luxe when the shape is sleek and the finish is flawless,” celebrity manicurist Michelle Class explains. “A soft almond or a short squoval (square-oval) shape keeps them elegant, while a high-shine finish or pearlised-glazed effect will make them feel fresh.”

How to pick the right pastel for you?

Look at your skin’s undertone, says Class. “Cool tones suit lilacs, baby blues and aquamarines, while warm tones glow with peaches, pinks and buttery yellows. Try not to think of pastels as just a colour choice, it’s a way of elevating the everyday nude nail, and the perfect choice as we head into spring.”

Claire Aggarwal, CEO of Bio Sculpture, says the brand’s expanded collection of pastel colours is a direct response to nail technicians asking for more pastels – especially ones that suit all skin tones. “There’s nothing more frustrating than having a manicure, looking at your hands and thinking, ‘this doesn’t look right’,” she says.

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How to apply pastel nail polish without streaks?

The best advice is to always keep your nail polish coats as thin as possible. Too thick and you run the risk of lumpy, bumpy polish that doesn’t spread the way you want. As for how you hold the brush, a light touch is essential. Paint thin coats and work up to full opacity (if that’s what you’re going for), or one or two sheer coats for a translucent finish.

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Best pastel nail polishes at a glance

Pastel peach: Bio Sculpture Gemini Polish in Peach Pitstop, £15.50

Pastel pale yellow: Essie Jelly Gloss in Buttercup Jelly, £8.99

Pastel blue: Manicurist Natural Nail Polish in Light Blue, £14

Pastel mint: O.P.I Infinite Shine in In Mint Condition, £17.50

Pastel green: Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Pistachi-Oh!, £10

Pastel purple: Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Wisteria, £14

Pastel misty blue: Chanel Le Vernis in 125 Muse, £30

Pastel pink: Manicurist Quick Dry Nail Polish in Hortencia, £14

Pastel duck-egg blue: Essie Nail polish in Salt Water Happy, £8.99

Pastel lilac: Bio Sculpture Gemini Polish in Fluttering Lavender, £15.50

Pastel butter yellow: Chanel Le Vernis in 129 Ovni, £30

Pastel apricot: Manucurist Green Nail polish in Pamplemousse, £14

Pastel white: Bio Sculpture Gemini Polish in French Créme, £15.50

Pastel rose: Manucurist Active Blur, £16

1. Sky blue

@saskiafenwick

2. Classic pastel pink

@klawsbysonia

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3. French butter

@learnahstarbuck_nailartist

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4. Lavender

@paintedbyjools

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5. Pistachio cream

@meraki_nails_cardiff

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6. Ballet pink

@lolo.nailedit

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7. Powder blue

@themaniclub

8. Pastel milk

@raelondonnails

9. Pastel periwinkle

@saskiafenwick

10. Pink haze

@saskiafenwick

11. Candyfloss

@jessmaynard_nails

12. Mint

@meganmargotevans

A soapy blue-green, this mint colour is a fresh take on pastel nails.

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13. Sea breeze

@matejanova

The perfect shade for anyone wanting to experiment with colour, but not push the boat out too far – sea foam is the lightest hint of baby blue and perfect for spring.

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14. Mini egg

@matejanova

It makes sense that the best chocolate in the world would look great on your nails, too. This Easter-perfect colour is full of season-specific personality.

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15. Rose glow

@jessmaynard_nails

16. Baby peach

@paintedbyjools

17. Vanilla blush

@paintedbyjools

18. Milk foam

@harrietwestmoreland

19. Pastel assortment

@sarahbrezel

20. Pastel rainbow

@lolo.nailedit

Can’t decide? Blend a bunch of pastel colours together.

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By Morgan Fargo

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SWOW SWAG