30 Fun Spring Break Nails 2026 to Try Now — From Pastel Dreams to Bold Floral Vibes

Spring break is calling, and so is your next mani. The sun’s creeping out longer each day, music festivals are teasing us with lineups, and suddenly pastel isn’t just a color — it’s a mood. But here’s the real question: What’s on your nails when the good vibes hit? Should you go soft floral or full-on fruity fantasy? Is it time to ditch neutrals for good, or can they still slay with the right twist?

This year, nail art isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about feeling fun, looking fresh, and expressing every drop of joy you’ve been saving up all winter. Let’s break down five dreamy, scroll-stopping ideas that scream fun spring break nails 2026 — and might just inspire your next salon moment (or DIY adventure).

Modern Garden Party

There’s something impossibly sweet about a mani that whispers spring without screaming it. Here, soft matte pink meets creamy sage and delicate hand-painted tulips, creating a mini floral arrangement at your fingertips. The detail work is gentle but intentional, with flowing stems and watercolor petals that feel like they could’ve bloomed from a cottagecore Pinterest board. It’s a design that breathes — airy, feminine, and just the right amount of playful.

To get that lush matte finish, you’ll want to start with base shades like OPI’s “Lisbon Wants Moor” for the blush tones and Essie’s “Can Dew Attitude” for the sage. Use a matte top coat (I swear by Velvet Matte by Zoya) to get that velvety touch that adds so much modern charm. For the flowers, tiny detail brushes and a gel art palette are key — try Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Set if you’re doing this at home.

I found that mapping out the floral shapes with the thinnest brush you own (even a repurposed eyeliner brush!) makes all the difference. Use dotting tools for petals, and don’t overthink the symmetry — this style thrives on soft imperfections. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, known for his red carpet clients like J.Lo, always says to let the nail “tell its own story.” Let yours tell one of blooming confidence.

What I love most? This set feels like a deep exhale. It’s just romantic enough for a date night but grounded enough for brunch with your girls. It doesn’t scream “look at me,” but people definitely will.

Strawberry Picnic Vibes

Is it even spring break if your nails don’t look like dessert? This look is sugary-sweet perfection — bubblegum pink meets tiny hand-painted strawberries and a gingham accent that practically begs to be worn to an outdoor picnic. The strawberries are playful but detailed, not cartoonish, and the pink plaid makes it all feel grounded in a nostalgic, almost retro charm.

To create this, start with Modelones Gel Polish in “Pink A Boo” as your base. For the gingham design, you’ll want a precision liner brush and a white gel like Madam Glam’s “Perfect White.” For the strawberries, opt for a fire-engine red polish like DND’s “Red Carpet” and a bright green for leaves — Essie’s “Off Tropic” works beautifully. Top it all with a glossy gel finish to give it that candy-like shine.

You can hand-paint the strawberries or use nail stickers if you’re short on time — just seal them in with a builder gel layer for that smooth salon look. When applying the gingham, work in thin horizontal and vertical strokes, curing in between for clean lines.

When I wore this style to a coffee date, a total stranger complimented my nails before even saying hi. That’s the kind of joy this design sparks. It’s youthful, yes, but not immature. Like your favorite pink lipstick — cute, flirty, but totally confident.

Pastel Pop Parade

This is the mani for the ones who can’t pick just one color — and honestly, why should we? Candy stripes, hearts, color-blocked tips, and a pastel palette that feels like a scoop of rainbow sherbet. Each nail has its own personality, yet they all play beautifully together. It’s peak Reels energy and radiates playful chaos in the best way.

This design thrives with a kit like Lights Lacquer’s Sweet As Summer Collection — soft mint, lavender, blush, and butter yellow all in one. You’ll need fine detail brushes, maybe even some dotting tools. A soft, rubbery pastel base coat helps the polish really pop — try Orly’s Bonder if you’re DIYing.

It helps to sketch each nail’s idea before diving in — a stripe here, a heart there, maybe a simple outline. You don’t need symmetry, just harmony. This one is forgiving, especially if you lean into its quirky vibe. Nail artist Julie Kandalec recommends layering sheers with solids for a dimensional effect — a trick that makes even basic pastels look editorial.

Personally, this is my favorite vacation set. It screams joy without needing a single word. I wore a version of this in Miami last year, and I swear it matched every outfit I packed. That’s the thing about maximalism — when it’s this curated, it becomes a neutral.

Greenhouse Energy

This one’s for the plant lovers and neutral queens alike. A soft gradient from natural nude to fresh eucalyptus green is the backdrop, with leafy details and heart accents nestled in — not too bold, not too quiet. The look is calming, almost like skincare in nail form. It’s that kind of pretty.

The green here reminds me of Olive & June’s “WKF”, paired with a base like OPI’s “Bubble Bath”. Use a detail brush to paint your leafy stems with a deeper forest tone — maybe Zoya’s “Wyatt” — and layer tiny white hearts for dimension.

If you’re attempting this at home, blend your nude and green using a makeup sponge for a soft ombré effect, then cure. Freehand the leaves or use a fine decal, then top with a glossy finish. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein swears by creating balance with “one or two statement nails” per hand — and this style nails that idea (pun fully intended).

It’s giving freshly repotted fiddle leaf fig in a minimalist kitchen. I wore a similar set during a rainy April weekend and felt like my entire wardrobe got more polished just by association. These are the subtle kind of fun spring break nails 2026 that still feel editorial.

Berry Bold

This one’s for the days you want to feel unstoppable. Vivid cherry red nails with playful strawberry and daisy accents — a manicure that basically says, “I came for the fun and I’m staying for the drama.” It’s glossy, juicy, and definitely not shy.

To recreate the impact, start with CND’s “Wildfire” or Bio Seaweed Gel in “Cherry Bomb.” Use tiny brushes or stickers for the strawberries, and Daisy Nail Art’s mini decal set if hand-painting feels intimidating. The daisies add a cheerful contrast, keeping it playful and not too polished.

I like applying the red to just a few fingers and saving the art for the others — it balances the intensity. Elle Gerstein, who works with Blake Lively, says bold nail colors “don’t need to be toned down — they need to be balanced.” That stuck with me.

This look brings Main Character Energy. You wear these nails when you’re road-tripping with your besties or sipping margaritas with SPF on your nose. It’s loud, proud, and absolutely on my short list for spring break 2026.

Lemonade Days

You know that feeling when the sun finally sticks around past 6 p.m., and everything just tastes better — even water? That’s exactly what this mani feels like. Pale lemon yellow with oversized daisy appliqués and soft pastels peeking in from the corners — this one’s bright without being loud, floral without being fussy. It’s giving “sunshine in my pocket” but for your hands.

The yellow base could be OPI’s “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet” or Lights Lacquer “Slice of Life”, layered twice for that creamy payoff. The floral decals can be DIY’d using dotting tools and gel colors like Peacci “Lemonade”, White Out, and a soft sky blue like Olive & June’s “Angelfish.” You can even mix matte and glossy finishes for subtle contrast — a trend pro artists like Chaun Legend love for spring detailing.

What I appreciate here is that it’s beginner-friendly — no need for hyper-detailed brushwork. Just layer the petals in a clover shape and drop a bright dot in the center. A tiny detail brush helps with shaping if you’re feeling bold, but imperfections actually make this look cuter.

Every time I wear yellow nails in spring, I catch myself smiling more. There’s something about citrus colors that wakes everything up — your outfit, your coffee run, your whole energy. These nails practically hum with joy.

Mint Mirage

Fresh, serene, and softly hypnotic — this design blends shimmering nude bases with seafoam tips and botanical accents that feel hand-plucked from a dreamy spring garden. There’s a little shimmer in the background that catches the light just right, and those minty swoops feel modern and poetic at once.

To nail this effect, go for a soft champagne shimmer polish like Essie “Gilded Goddess” or DND “Tea Rose Beige” as your base. The mint detailing pairs perfectly with Zoya’s “Elisa” or OPI’s “This Cost Me a Mint.” For the leaf motif, use a fine brush or stencil and outline in sections, keeping the strokes light and fluid. A tip from Brittney Boyce, nail pro to Megan Fox — “Don’t overcrowd your nail canvas. Let the design breathe.”

If you’re trying this at home, work with negative space. Apply the mint diagonals first, cure, then layer shimmer over the nail bed and finish with topcoat. Leave at least one nail free of detail for an elevated minimalist vibe.

Personally, this kind of design makes me feel put-together on even the messiest days. It’s subtle enough for office meetings but playful enough for vacation selfies. Definitely a quiet-luxury moment in the world of fun spring break nails 2026.

Sherbet Sparkle

Some nails are loud. These whisper in technicolor. A soft rainbow of shimmery pastels in almond shapes — from mint to lilac to butter yellow — creates a sweet ombré that’s pure eye candy. The sparkle is barely-there, more of a fairy dust than full-on glitter. Think early morning beach light, filtered through a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses.

You’ll want gel polishes with a translucent shimmer. I’m obsessed with Cirque Colors’ “Kaleidoscope” collection or Beetles Pastel Glitter Set — they have that sheer pastel payoff that layers beautifully without looking chalky. Top with a high-shine topcoat like Seche Vite Gel for maximum glow.

There’s not much technique needed here — just thin, even coats and some patience. Each nail is a different color, but keeping them in the same tonal family helps them look curated, not chaotic. Celebrity artist Sarah Bland often recommends choosing “one shimmer finish across all colors to keep things elegant.”

This mani feels like spring break in a bottle — low-maintenance but full of light. It’s the kind of look I’d wear for a chill beach weekend or a spontaneous road trip to Palm Springs.

Strawberry Shortcake Chic

If spring were a candy shop, this is what your nails would look like after a visit. Vibrant coral red, juicy strawberries, lemon dots, daisies, and striped candy cane accents — this look has everything, yet nothing competes. It’s flirty, nostalgic, and slightly retro in the cutest way.

You’ll need a coral polish like Essie’s “Tart Deco”, and for the accent nails, use striping tape and micro dotting tools. I like the Gellen Nail Art Gel Kit for this kind of detail — it includes every tiny tool you didn’t know you needed. Stickers also work well if you want that look without freehand work.

The key to balance is spacing — let your base color peek through between elements. I start with the striped nail (since that’s the trickiest), then build the fruity accents around it. Pro tip from Olive & June: “Use a liner brush and rotate your finger, not the brush, to get clean curves.”

Honestly, I’d wear this to a rooftop picnic or even a vintage fair. It has a playful energy but still looks polished — like if Betty Draper had an Instagram and wore Glossier.

Petal-Tipped French

This is the cool girl version of spring French tips. Barely-there pink bases, sunshine-yellow tips, and mini daisies that float delicately on each nail — it’s clean, elegant, and effortlessly bright. There’s something timeless about this one, and it wears beautifully with literally any outfit.

Use OPI “Bubble Bath” or DND’s “Pink Dream” as a base, and for the yellow tips, try Essie’s “Sunny Business”. A fine liner brush makes drawing the tips way easier — even better if you use French tip guides. Paint the daisies with a dotting tool and white gel, then finish with a tiny golden center.

It helps to use gel polish here — the clean lines stay sharper and last longer. For a DIY version, you could use press-ons and paint over them with semi-cured gel polish for that professional finish.

This one has that I-just-got-back-from-San-Diego energy. It’s low-key but unforgettable. And honestly? Sometimes the simplest looks are the ones people remember most.

Smiley Daisies & Disco Dots

Okay, how fun is this one? A mix of matte hot pink, bubblegum base, daisy petals, confetti polka dots, and — wait for it — happy face accents. This look is pure serotonin. It’s giving Y2K energy with a modern polish (pun intended). Bright, joyful, and completely unapologetic, this is the kind of mani that shows up to brunch ready.

To recreate this masterpiece, you’ll need OPI “Strawberry Margarita” or Holo Taco’s “Hot-Wire Pink” for that matte neon base. For the daisies and smileys, go with a thin detail brush and use gel polish like Beetles Gel Neon Set, plus a dotting tool to get perfect circles. Seal with a matte topcoat like Zoya MatteVelvet to keep the finish playful.

The layering matters here — first lay your base, cure it, then work smiley by smiley. I usually map out the polka dot placement before diving into color. For the petals, think wide strokes rather than tight ones. According to nail artist Miss Pop, “space between elements is what makes playful art feel chic, not messy.”

I wore something similar on a girls’ trip last year and had three people stop me at the airport. It’s that kind of mani — instant mood booster, and a total icebreaker.

Pink Psychedelic

This design is all curves, waves, and bold pink-on-pink layers. It flirts with the ‘70s, leans into Barbiecore, and somehow still feels like something you’d wear with a crisp white shirt. The flow of the negative space and chunky color blocking makes it feel high-concept but totally wearable.

You’ll want a pink gradient to pull this off — from Essie’s “Mod Square” to OPI “Suzi Nails New Orleans.” Add in a clean white like DND “Alpine Snow” for the contrast curves. A precision liner brush is a must for the swirls, and honestly? Take your time. Each nail here is its own vibe.

Pro tip: Start with your outline and then fill in the shapes. Work with a semi-cured polish so you can fix any wobbly lines before they set. Manicurist Vanessa Sanchez McCullough often says the trick is “treating the brush like a paint roller — let it glide, don’t drag.”

I love this for date night or a poolside rooftop party. It walks the line between bold and artsy and gives total “spring fling, but make it fashion.”

Neon Sorbet French

There’s something refreshing about this remix of a French tip. The pastel neons — icy mint and baby blue — feel effortless and luxe when paired with that soft, glossy nude base. It’s like sorbet at golden hour. Minimal but elevated.

I’d go with OPI’s “Funny Bunny” or DND “Pink Whisper” for the base, then freehand the tips using Madam Glam’s “Blue Slushie” and Modelones “Mint Macaron.” French tip guides help, but a flat detail brush can also smooth the arc if you’ve got a steady hand.

The pastel pop makes this wearable anywhere — I’ve worn this style to the office and then straight to dinner with friends. If you want to dial it up, add a subtle shimmer topcoat over the tips. Nail artist Tom Bachik calls this kind of minimalist color “quiet joy,” and honestly, that’s exactly what it feels like.

It’s the kind of manicure that doesn’t compete with your outfit — it enhances it.

Punchy Petals & Pops of Orange

Vibrant, matte, and totally fearless — this manicure is made for the bold. From coral pinks to creamsicle orange, the alternating florals and rhinestone accents pull everything together with just the right amount of extra. These nails are shouting “I’m here for the sun, the selfies, and the spritz.”

To pull this off, grab a matte topcoat and polishes like Zoya’s “Wendy”, Cirque Colors “Nectarine Dream”, and Essie “Romper Room.” Use a dotting tool to create the floral clusters, and a tiny rhinestone picker tool (or tweezers!) to place crystals near the cuticles. A little glue or gel topcoat locks them in.

I recommend painting your base, placing all rhinestones while the gel is still tacky, then curing in one shot. This helps avoid smudging. Florals come last — they layer over the matte really beautifully.

If you’ve ever wanted nails that start conversations, this is the one. Every time I wear a bright coral or orange in spring, someone asks about it. It’s not just a color — it’s a mood.

Blue Bow Dream

Soft baby pink and sky blue get a ballerina-inspired upgrade with this cute twist — delicate bow outlines hand-painted with a glossy top finish. It’s elegant, a little flirty, and perfect for that dreamy side of spring that’s all about fluttery dresses and warm breezes.

Use OPI “It’s a Girl” and Essie “Saltwater Happy” as your base shades. The bows are best done using a super fine nail art brush and a gel paint like Daily Charme’s Art Gel in White mixed with a drop of blue. Cure the bows separately, then seal everything with a high-gloss topcoat.

I usually do the bows on two fingers max — that way it keeps the whole look balanced. A tip from celeb nail artist Nailz Kat Kat: “Keep a toothpick nearby to sharpen edges before curing — it gives those tiny details that crisp finish.”

This look is one of my personal favorites for early spring weddings or baby showers. Soft, sweet, but still fresh. It’s like your nails are blushing.

Lavender Layered Florals

Bold and soft at once, this mani layers lavender tones — from lilac to deep grape — with clean French tips and floating floral motifs. The contrast is striking without being aggressive, and the almond shape really lets the gradient tips elongate the hand. The design feels a little retro, a little editorial — perfect for making a subtle statement.

To create the effect, I’d suggest Bio Seaweed Gel “Wisteria”, OPI “Do You Lilac It?”, and DND “White Snow” for accents. The base should be neutral and sheer — OPI “Bare My Soul” works well here. The key tools? A fine liner brush for the flower petals and a tapered French brush for those crisp diagonal tips.

When doing this at home, start with the tip shape — lay down each shade on a cured base, then cure again. Add the florals last with dotting tools or a detail brush. Let each element dry in between so the lines stay clean. Nail pro Julie Kandalec recommends layering darker colors over lighter ones to avoid muddiness — this is especially true when using purples.

This mani feels like sipping lavender lemonade on a rooftop. It’s polished but playful, and so flattering on every skin tone. I’d wear it to a spring dinner party in a heartbeat.

Confetti Chic

Who says minimal can’t be fun? This sheer pink-nude base with randomly scattered candy-colored dots is proof that less is sometimes just more fun. It’s light, breathable, and still gives that extra pop when you move your hand. Think sprinkle cupcake — but make it sophisticated.

To get this effect, you’ll want a sheer polish like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or Lights Lacquer “Milky.” The dots can be created with a dotting tool and pastel shades from any gel art palette — try Beetles Pastel Rainbow Gel Set or Madam Glam “Candyland.” Top it off with a glassy gel topcoat for that high-shine bounce.

This is a beginner-friendly look if you’re doing DIY. Start with your base, then dip a toothpick or dotting tool into your chosen colors and randomly dot across the nail. Keep them spaced and varied in size for that organic confetti vibe. Let it dry before top coating to prevent color drag.

I wore a version of this when I didn’t have time for a full design but still wanted something. And surprisingly? I got more compliments than when I spent two hours on florals. It’s effortless joy.

Tutti Frutti Tips

Spring just called — and it’s bringing back the rainbow tips. This French set is bright, clean, and totally addictive. With juicy shades of pink, orange, and yellow tipping each finger, it brings tropical energy without going full fruit salad. It’s that in-between style that works with everything.

Choose colors like Olive & June “Wild & Free”, OPI “Hot & Spicy”, and Essie “Sunshine State of Mind.” The base? Keep it sheer and glossy — DND “Pink Whisper” or OPI “Bubble Bath” does the job. Use tip guides or a curved brush to achieve a clean line.

This one is surprisingly fast to do at home. After curing your base, paint each tip freehand or use nail tape. If you mess up? Clean the curve with a fine brush dipped in polish remover — it gives you that pro-level edge. According to celeb nail artist Betina Goldstein, contrast and precision are everything when doing color-blocked tips.

I wore this look on a weekend getaway last year and it literally matched every outfit I packed. It’s one of those manis that just fits your spring mood — no matter what that looks like.

Petal Pop Art

This look is for the floral maximalists — soft lemon yellow base, bold pink petals, and inky black outlines that add major dimension. It’s giving spring mural, it’s giving cartoon bloom, it’s giving art. The balance of bright and delicate is what makes it feel fresh.

The yellow base can be achieved with Zoya “Bee” or OPI “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet.” For the flowers, you’ll want a creamy pink gel like Gelish “Sugar Fix” and a black nail art pen or brush for the outline. A glossy topcoat locks in the comic-inspired contrast.

Start with two coats of your yellow base, cure fully, and sketch your petal shapes with a dotting tool or brush. Once dry, go back in with black gel to add your outlines and give that pop-art edge. Nail art queen @nailartbyqueenie often recommends flash curing between outline layers to prevent smudging — it really helps.

This set is a conversation starter. I’ve worn similar styles and they always end up on someone’s camera roll. It’s the manicure version of a bold lip — instant energy, no extra effort.

Matcha & Strawberry Swirls

Soft matte finishes meet quirky color blocking in this pink-and-green masterpiece. Alternating nails and melting wave accents make this design feel almost wearable-abstract — think matcha ice cream next to strawberry mochi. It’s offbeat, cheeky, and completely on-trend.

Use matte polishes like Zoya “Eden” (pink) and ILNP “Reminisce” (green), paired with a matte topcoat like OPI Matte Top Coat. For the swirl details, freehand using a fine liner brush — go slow and let the curve build naturally. Use a pastel nude for a clean break if needed between colors.

The key is creating motion without clutter. Place the swirls on just a couple of nails, not all, to avoid chaos. As nail designer @nailsbymel says, “matte textures let loud color stories feel grounded — don’t skip the topcoat.”

This look feels like a moodboard in manicure form. I’d rock it for festival season or a weekend brunch when I want to show I’m having fun, but still mean business.

Pastel Psychedelia

There’s a dreamy, hypnotic quality to this look — smooth waves of lilac, blush, butter yellow, and soft peach flowing across a translucent nude base. It’s abstract, feminine, and airy, like a pastel mural on a warm breeze. These nails say “I’m creative,” but they whisper it softly.

To pull this off, use creamy pastel gels like OPI “Don’t Tell a Sol”, Essie “Lilacism”, Olive & June “CCT”, and Lights Lacquer “My Jam.” You’ll need a thin liner brush to build those curves in layers. Start with a milky base like Beetles “Milkshake” or a semi-sheer pink for a soft base wash.

The trick is spacing and direction — curve each color in opposing waves for that lava lamp effect. Work slow and cure in between each color to prevent blending. Nail artists like Tammy Taylor swear by mapping out designs lightly first — even with a dotting tool — before applying polish.

These nails remind me of vintage spring scarves or the retro prints you’d find on a thrifted sundress. Soft but unforgettable — a total go-to for anyone with an artistic heart.

Glowstick Ribbons

This design feels like a neon rave in a garden — and I mean that in the best way. Soft sheer pink paired with squiggles of lime green and baby pink that dance across the nail like glowsticks mid-sway. It’s playful, modern, and totally wearable with a minimal wardrobe.

You’ll want Bio Seaweed “Baby’s Breath” or Essie “Gossamer Garments” as a sheer base. Then choose pop colors like Cirque Colors “Kushy” (for green) and Modelones “Peach Puff”. Use a fine nail art brush and paint flowing, curved lines — like ribbons caught in motion.

This style is ideal if you’re new to freehand design — the curves don’t have to match or mirror. Imperfection makes it feel organic. I like to vary thickness too — a tiny detail brush helps here. According to pro artist @nailsbymei, “Unexpected asymmetry brings life to soft colors.”

It’s a mani I’d wear with a white oversized shirt, slicked-back bun, and chunky earrings. It turns simple into striking with almost no effort.

Sunset Petals

This manicure is pure golden hour energy — soft apricot to peachy ombré tips paired with minimalistic white botanical silhouettes. The result? Refined warmth. It’s like the nail version of sipping something bubbly as the sun dips below the skyline.

Use a gradient base with Essie “Tangerine Tease” and DND “Peach Glow.” To get the blend right, apply both colors to a sponge and dab lightly until seamless. For the leaf details, use a stark white gel paint — The Gel Bottle “Daisy” is crisp and long-lasting.

This design is best achieved with gel — the colors stay vibrant and don’t muddy during blending. For DIY, use a makeup sponge and light pressure to fade your ombré. Add the florals last with a detail brush or even floral decals if you’re short on time.

This is the kind of mani I’d wear for a low-key rooftop dinner or a golden-hour photo shoot. It’s polished, elegant, but still has that seasonal softness.

Blue Skies & Daisies

This French twist plays with contrast in the cutest way — sky-blue tips paired with transparent pink bases and delicate daisy details. It’s clean, crisp, and feels like a spring morning in nail form. Freshly bloomed, dewy, and undeniably charming.

Use DND “Blue Bliss” for the French tips and OPI “Bubble Bath” for the base. Add in floral details using white gel liner and a dotting tool — finish the centers with Yellow “Honey Bee” by Kiara Sky. A fine nail art brush helps add a little stem or leaf if you want to add motion.

If you’re nervous about French tips, try tip guides — or just flip a dotting tool on its side to guide your curve. Celeb artist Elle Gerstein always reminds us: “French doesn’t mean perfect. It means playful now.”

I’d wear these for a spring brunch or just as a pick-me-up mani to lift your spirits when the clouds roll in. Daisies always feel like a good day waiting to happen.

Tangerine Twist

This mani is zesty, graphic, and impossibly cool. Bold orange and teal squiggles interlace over nude nails like abstract ribbons. It has an artsy vibe with just enough edge — perfect for festival season or spring street style moments.

Grab shades like Zoya “Sawyer” for the orange and Olive & June “KMC” for the teal. Use a liner brush to alternate flowing S-shapes and let some curve off the edge of the nail for movement. Keep the base sheer or matte nude to let the colors pop.

This is a design where less really is more — keep most nails simple and accent just a few for balance. When working with bold color on nude nails, make sure to double topcoat to prevent lifting or staining.

It’s one of those sets that photographs beautifully and makes every outfit look planned — even when it wasn’t. I wore something similar last spring and felt like I had a little art exhibit on each fingertip.

Sunflower French

This mani puts a sweet spring spin on a French classic. Crisp white tips anchor the look, but what makes it pop are those adorable sunflower details peeking from the base and edge. It’s fresh, a little flirty, and grounded in sunshine energy. The placement of the florals adds unexpected charm without disrupting the sleek silhouette.

You’ll want a milky nude base like OPI “Put It In Neutral” or Essie “Bare With Me.” For the French tips, use a white gel polish with a dense pigment — DND “White Snow” works beautifully. As for the sunflower accents, layer yellow petals using Orly “Glowstick” and a dot of OPI “Black Onyx” in the center.

The key here is petal symmetry. Use a dotting tool or tiny brush to “pull” your yellow polish into a daisy-like shape. Flash cure, then finish with a glossy top coat to lock in brightness. Nail artists like Nail Sunny recommend layering colors for a more realistic, sunlit finish — it works.

If you want something cheerful yet polished, this one checks both boxes. I wore something similar for a friend’s outdoor bridal brunch — it made a simple white dress feel ten times more styled.

Pastel Jelly Petals

Is it just me, or do these look like candy flowers you want to eat? Matte pastel nails in butter yellow, sherbet orange, blush pink, and soft lilac — each dotted with a 3D jelly-like flower in a matching tone. It’s playful but not chaotic, soft but full of personality.

Use matte pastel polishes like Lights Lacquer “Sweet Tooth”, Beetles Spring Pastels, or Olive & June “JLR”. For the 3D effect, build the flowers with builder gel or hard gel in coordinating shades, using a dotting tool to layer five petals. You can add a glossy topcoat only on the flower to make it pop against the matte base.

Patience is key here — let each petal cure partially before adding the next so the gel doesn’t collapse. Pro tip from @nailsbytorie: mix a drop of colored polish into clear builder gel to get custom translucent petals that look like candy.

This mani is like mood-boosting vitamins on your fingertips. I’d wear this for a road trip, a picnic, or even just when I need a boost of color to get through a gray spring week.

Blue Bloom Tips

French tips, but make them floral and painterly. Bright cobalt blue blooms explode over a white French background with a few petals dancing into the nude space. It’s vibrant, precise, and brings a bold twist to an otherwise minimal aesthetic. These are nails that know what they’re doing.

You’ll want a sheer base like CND “Clearly Pink” and a creamy white like OPI “Alpine Snow.” For the blue, go bold — DND “Royal Blue” or Essie “Butler Please.” Use a thin detail brush for petal shapes and build them out in little triangles or ovals, layering for depth.

This design is perfect if you want your florals to feel cool rather than cute. And if you mess up a bloom? Just make it smaller or add another — the scattered placement makes it forgiving. According to Betina Goldstein, “Florals feel more elevated when they’re graphic, not overly literal.”

Honestly, I’d wear these on vacation with a breezy white dress and sandals. They’re punchy, photogenic, and just rebellious enough to feel grown-up.

Electric Pink Flame Tips

This look? It’s fire. Literally. Sleek almond nails with a nude base and hot pink flame-like swoops creeping up the sides — it’s minimalist but with a pulse. The sharp curves and neon hues bring movement and energy that you can feel from across the room.

Use OPI “Bubble Bath” or Essie “Vanity Fairest” as your base. For the flames, grab a saturated pink like Color Club “Warhol” or Orly “Hot Shot.” A fine detail brush is your best friend here — sketch out a loose flame shape and slowly build the outline, then fill in the color.

Cure after each nail to keep the flames sharp. If you’re not into hot pink, swap in coral, violet, or even neon green. Celebrity nail tech Thuy Nguyen says flame nails “add instant attitude without needing length” — and she’s right.

This one’s perfect for nights out, festival fits, or just spicing up a slow week. When I wore this, it felt like my hands were part of my outfit — and honestly, that’s the energy we all deserve.

Gelato Fingers

This mani is the equivalent of a colorful scoop of gelato on a spring sidewalk. Each nail is a different pastel shade — mint, peach, butter, lilac, and sky blue — with a glossy finish that makes them look as smooth as they feel. It’s simple, clean, and so photogenic.

This look thrives with creamy, one-coat coverage polishes like Zoya “Darcy”, Essie “Mint Candy Apple”, and Olive & June “Lavender Cloud.” Apply two thin layers, cure or dry in between, and use a glassy top coat like Seche Vite to get that candy shell shine.

No nail art here, which makes it a quick at-home win. And it’s great for indecisive moods — when you want a little of everything. According to Nails of LA founder Natalie Minerva, “Pastel rainbow manis give your whole look dimension with zero effort.”

This is the mani I go for when I want to feel polished but easygoing. It’s chic, non-fussy, and pairs perfectly with iced lattes and breezy knits.