I may have just worn a puffer coat, sweater, and scarf to work today, but you can bet I'm already looking forward to spring. Sure, the temperature is still low most days, but before you know it, warmer weather will be here, and like my dad always says, "Prior planning prevents poor performance." So though it may still feel like we're in the throes of winter, why not get ahead of spring 2024's biggest trends? Looking for an easy way to do so? Give your winter nails a refresh with a popping new spring shade.
The nail trends that are poised to take over in 2024 are all about the big and bold. The natural, naked nails of yesteryear are taking a backseat to the vibrant trends of now: Think 3D embellishments, chrome finishes, and fun art. As for the exact colors to reach for, we tapped two of the pros—VP of Content and Creative at Olive & June Olivia Van Iderstine and Glosslab founder Rachel Apfel Glass—for the scoop on spring 2024's trendiest colors. From candied hues to peach fuzz, these are the spring nail colors to grab for your next manicure.
Pantone Peach
Pantone recently announced Peach Fuzz as the color of the year so Glass says you can expect to see the pretty pale orange shade everywhere come spring. While you can opt for peachy beauty products like blush or eyeshadow, why not make a bigger impact on your nails? For your most flattering peach manicure, go with something paler with a pink tinge if you have fair skin, or opt for a more orange shade if you have a medium to deep skin tone.
We all know and love the long-lasting effects of a gel manicure. Well, this peachy polish delivers the chip-free ultra-shiny finish of gel polish without the need to cure under a lamp. Apply one to two coats for a sheer wash of color, or go opaque with three coats.
Another nail polish that deserves a spot on your vanity is this coral shade. This bottle was practically made to line your bathroom shelf, but it houses a gorgeous, more mature shade of peachy coral.
Candy Shimmer
If the trending winter nail colors were all about dark and moody shades, spring’s will bring the light. At Olive & June, candy-sweet shades in shimmery finishes are poised to take over the season. “These manis are perfect for the new season and the shimmery finish will absolutely dance in the new sunlight, says Van Iderstine. “It's subtle so it makes a fun statement without screaming.” We couldn’t agree more.
A little bit of sparkle goes a long way, and when that glitter is suspended in an icy blue, it's an easy transition color from the deep blues of winter to the melting snow of spring. Oh, and this formula is plant based and 100 percent vegan with all the desired shine without chipping.
This pretty lavender shade is screaming to be your next spring manicure color. The subtle shimmery gold in this polish amps up the pastel purple, making it the ultimate spring mermaid shade. Plus, this polish features 10 active ingredients like biotin and keratin for extra healthy nails.
This frosted pale pink is especially great for sunnier days—anytime the light hits your nails, you get the prettiest flash of sparkle. The shade is on the sheer side, which means you can layer it as a pearlescent top coat or use it as the base of fun nail art.
This milky white polish has subtle holographic glitter for a cool multidimensional finish. Maybe it's just us, but this shade reminds us of the pearly seashells you find washed ashore. Apply two to three coats for an opaque color, or throw it atop a pastel shade for a more vibrant look.
Reigning Red
There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ve noticed how much red has been dominating as of late. The color trend is everywhere in fashion from clothes, bags, and shoes to the 2024 Emmy’s red carpet and now it’s major in the beauty world as well. Don’t expect it to go anywhere for spring either. Glass predicts the red tones “will shift from a dark and vampy shade to a brighter, more vibrant candy-colored red.”
When it comes to red nail polish, it doesn't get much more classic than OPI's Big Apple Red. This shade is a true blue-red that looks good on just about every skin tone and nail shape, not to mention it works for every season.
You won't have to worry about wearing GLOSSLAB's nail polishes. Not only are they formulated with nail-loving ingredients like biotin, rosemary, and vitamin E, but Glass adds, "They dry with a gel-like finish in 7 minutes and are free of parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance, and animal derived ingredients."
If you're looking for a more accessible entry into luxury beauty, nail polish is where it's at. With beautiful packaging, this nail polish is long-lasting, leaves an ultra-shiny finish, and delivers high-impact color. Trust me, this is a polish you'll want to display on your vanity.
Allover Olive
If you’ve never tried olive green on your nails, take a chance and grab the shade at your next manicure. It may sound like an unconventional nail color, but think of it as a universally flattering shade for those tricky transitional months. Glass says as much too, adding, “Olive green is a neutral that looks good on every nail shape and every skin tone, and will be the perfect transition from winter to spring.”
You heard it from Gloss—olive green is the ideal shade to transition from winter to spring. Jump on the trend with Artist's Garden from Orly, a light leafy green that will bring a touch of cool color to all your spring 'fits.
Not every manicure needs to be in a statement shade. When the mood calls for it, I like to go with muted shades like this every once in a while. This green-grey shade is subtle enough to act like a neutral, yet still feels fresh for spring.
Maybe you aren't quite ready to give up the deep, dark shades of winter. If that's the case, I suggest opting for this deep olive shade from Essie. It's dark enough to feel moody, but the olive green tone feel fresh and new for spring.
For spring, jelly nail polish feel especially cool and fresh. These polishes are sheer with a high-shine finish, so after two to three coats, you're left with a fun see-through effect. I'm especially loving this olive jelly polish as its an unique foray into the unconventional shade.
Pretty Pastels
Pastel shades are to spring like dark, moody colors are to winter. So let’s be real, while spring pastels are nothing new, when warmer weather rolls around, they’re a staple. There’s something about pale rainbow shades to cheer us up from the winter blues. You could go for a classic pale pink, which Glass says is “always a go-to,” or switch it up with yellow, green, or blue shades.
Lavender nails are a must come springtime, no ifs ands or buts about it. The color just radiates the cheerful vibe of the season and it doesn't hurt that this polish uses all-natural ingredients either.
If the thought of yellow nails sounds abhorrent to you, you probably haven't tried a pastel yellow. While we love this punchy color, it's the brush that's the real selling point here. It has a slight angle to it, making it easier to tackle your non-dominant hand.
Sure, pastels are a classic go-to every time spring rolls around but they don't have to be boring, argues Van Iderstine. "Our favorite way to wear pastels this spring is an ultra-pastel celery," she says. "It's light and wearable, but so fresh and makes a subtle statement.”
Meet the Nail Pros
Olivia has been with Olive & June for over five years and serves as the VP of Content & Creative.
Rachel Apfel Glass is the Founder of GLOSSLAB, a membership-based nail studio. She lives in NYC with her husband and two daughters.
Stay In The Know
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
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