Hands up if you’ve ever felt the stress of picking a nail polish colour at your mani appointment? ?♀️ That’s okay – it happens to the best of us. And, whilst we fully believe that nothing lifts the spirits quite like a fresh mani (okay, maybe chocolate, but other than that – nothing), knowing what you want, or what’s *in* when it comes to nail polish colours isn’t always easy.
Luckily, as die-hard mani lovers, we’ve been on the lookout for our next nail crushes – to make your choice that little bit easier.
Currently, we’re loving:
- Pantone’s Very Peri
- Pearl and mother of pearl effects
- Metallic polishes
- Shades of green (Quetzal green, espesh)
- Salted Caramel
- Any and all shades of blue
- Neon red
- Neutral nude
- Sunshine yellow
- Pacific Pink
Yep, we’ll be wearing these polish colours throughout spring and summer. Read why (and get your fix of inspo) below.
By Beth Ryan
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1 Very PeriPantone has declared that 2022 will be the year of ‘Very Peri’ – a lush shade of periwinkle with blue, violet, and red undertones – that represents “carefree confidence”. Frankly, we’re already obsessed. Block colour, french tips, or nail art – anything goes.
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2 PearlPearls are everywhere right now. From pearl-encrusted hairstyles to Euphoria-esque bedazzled eye make-up – we can’t wait to add it to our mani’s too. Go for pale shades of pink, milky shades of white, and anything in between – for a mani that could give your granny’s necklace a run for its money (in a good way).
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3 MetallicsThe runways of fashion week called it – metallic mani’s are back. Chrome finishes, mirror effects – the shinier, the better. Dua Lipa is a fan (and so are we). Silver and rose gold are great options, but our fave? Classic gold – (still) the jewellery colour of choice for 2022.
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4 Quetzal GreenDeep forest and sage green are still go-to looks, but the newest green trend takes it up a notch. Quetzal green is a bright, tropical shade – a nod to the emerald plumage of the sacred Mayan bird. It’s fun, cheerful, and adds a bit of exoticism to your mani.
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5 Salted CaramelThe chocolate browns of 2021 have had an even sweeter update – with caramel, hazelnut, and toffee tones taking over. Sounds delicious, looks delicious, and looks good with everything.
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6 (Any) blueWe’d love to tell you that there’s one shade of blue that will rule this year, but the truth is – 2022 is full of em’. From navy to baby, through to Gucci’s favourite: cobalt. Having a hard time choosing? Go for a gradient of shades across your nails.
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7 Neon redSomewhere between coral, orange, and a classic Marylin red – neon red is a 2022 twist on the classic. Perfect for sunny days, beach hols, and for combining with a red lip (once we can get rid of our masks, that is).
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8 Neutral nudeAs the name suggests, this is the most neutral shade there is. Nude colours as close as possible to your own skin tone create a sophisticated, clean, and clear look.
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9 Sunshine yellowAccording to Pantone – 2022 will be full of colours that convey joy. And honestly – is there anything more joyous than a sunny shade of yellow? Yep, marigold manis will be everywhere this year – the perfect way to add a bit of cheer to your look.
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10 Pacific PinkPink is always a winner, and 2022’s fave shade is the soft and serene ‘Pacific Pink’. The pretty polish goes perfectly with some of our fave fashion trends of the year (thinks greens & browns) and incorporates soothing and romantic tones. And, let’s face it – we could all do with a sense of peace and harmony this year.
FAQs
Which nail polish colours are trending for spring and summer?
This spring and summer, trending nail polish colours include Very Peri, pearl and mother of pearl effects, metallics, shades of green like Quetzal green, salted caramel, all shades of blue, neon red, neutral nude, sunshine yellow, and Pacific Pink. These shades offer a mix of bold, cheerful, and classic vibes, making it easy to find a look that suits you.
What is Very Peri and why is it popular for manicures?
Very Peri is a lush periwinkle shade with blue, violet, and red undertones that represents carefree confidence. It works for block colour, French tips, or nail art, and has quickly become a favourite for those wanting a modern, uplifting mani.
How do metallic nails look and which shades are popular?
Metallic nails have a shiny finish with chrome or mirror-like effects, making them eye-catching and trendy. Popular shades include silver, rose gold, and especially classic gold, which remains a top choice for a glamorous touch.
What makes Quetzal green a popular nail trend?
Quetzal green is a bright, tropical shade inspired by the emerald feathers of the sacred Mayan bird. It is fun, cheerful, and adds a touch of exoticism to your manicure, standing out among other green options like deep forest or sage green.
Which shade of blue is best for your nails this season?
There isn’t just one blue you need to choose—any shade from navy to baby blue and even cobalt is in style. You can even create a gradient of different blues across your nails for a unique and on-trend look.
