20 Best Pastel Colour Nail Ideas

Sweet, subtle and undeniably chic: pastel nails offer a sophisticated and refreshing alternative to the bold and bright colours we see in Summer. Explore the delicate beauty of soft hues and creative nail art and find inspo for you next trip to the salon! Get ready to add a calming touch of understated elegance to your manicure. 

Ahh, pastels. Sweet, serene and so easy to wear in Summer. In this blog post, we’re going to explore some pastel mani inspo for your next trip to the salon. Read on for our top pastel shade recommendations, creative nail art designs, and an insight into the psychology behind pastel hues. Get ready to fall head over heels for pastels!

Pastel Nails: Soft, Subtle Shades

Pastel nails are a timeless trend for Spring and Summer. Delicate pastels offer a sweet alternative to the bold bright shades we often see at this time of year. And while a good neon manicure will always have its place, a subtle pastel shades is hard to beat.

From whisper-light lavenders to creamy blush hues, the pastel palette exudes sophistication and playful elegance. There are endless possibilities for creating a soft, dreamy manicure that will work for any occasion.

Unlike bold hues that can overpower lighter complexions, pastels are universally flattering in their understated charm. They have a unique versatility that makes them a perfect match for everyone; soft pastel tones create a subtle contrast against the skin without overwhelming or competing against its natural tones. Whether you have a fair, medium or deep skin tone, pastels can effortlessly enhance your look with a touch of delicate colour that feels fresh and soothing.

On medium skin tones, pastels bring out the natural warmth of the complexion. Peachy corals, mint greens and rose shades add vibrancy to the skin.

On deep skin tones, pastels offer a beautiful contrast, creating a look that is both modern and harmonious. Baby blues, delicate yellows and lilac shades create a stunning juxtaposition against melanin-rich skin.

On fair skin tones, pastels offer a pop of colour without appearing too harsh or dramatic. Soft lavenders, pale blues and pink shades give fair skin a soft, feminine appearance.

The Psychology of Pastel Nails: Calming Colours

Soft and muted pastel tones possess a remarkable capacity to induce feelings of calm and relaxation. Unlike bold and vibrant tones which, let’s face it, are A LOT for our senses, pastel colours evoke feelings of tranquillity and serenity. Research has found that exposure to soft, soothing colours can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tension, since their muted tones are easy on the senses, helping to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Want to take advantage of the psychology behind your manicure?

Pastel blue symbolizes trust, tranquillity and reliability. This is your shade if you’re going for a job interview.

Pastel yellow represents warmth, optimism and joy, so if you’ve got a wedding coming up, yellow might be for you.

Pastel purple is associated with spirituality, mystery and creativity. This one’s for the sensitive souls.

Pastel green symbolizes harmony, growth and abundance. If you’re manifesting your dream life, this is the shade for you.

Pastel pink represents romance, playfulness and femininity. A perfect colour for date night.

Pastel orange symbolizes energy, vitality and adventure: ideal for a summer holiday!

20 Pastel Nail Ideas

1. Delicate Pastel French 

Shades: 587, 589 and 000.

2. Blue and Pink Abstract 

Shades: 229, 275 and 582.

3. Apricot Neon and Soft Pink

Shades: 584, 600, 601 and 307.

4. Sage Botanical

Shades: 473 and 002.

 5. Blue Blossom

Shades: 493 and 000.

6. Yellow Petunia French

Shade: 589.

7. Apricot Crush

Shade: 600.

8. Fresh Muted Green

Shade: 588.

 9. Sage and White Abstract

Shades: 001 and 473.

10. Candy Cane

Shades: 438, 229 and 275.

11. Sunset Soiree French

Shades: 470, 471, 472, 473, 474 and 475.

 12. Multicolour Mani

Shades: 386, 385, 384, 389 and 397.

13. Angled Two-Tone French

Shades: 002 and 130. 

14. Multicolour Pastel Abstract

Shades: 586, 386, 387, 384, 385, 366, 388, 365 and 367.

15. Pastel Ombre French

Shades: 208, 102, 543, 130, 145 and 545.

16. Pastel Rainbow

Shades: 003, 229 and 117.

17. Floral Lavender

Shades: 582, 365, 364, 558 and 300.

18. Lavender and Mint Abstract

Shades: 387 and 438.

19. Minimalist Mint

Shades: 473, 388 and 300.

20. Grey Matte Ombre Swirl

Shades: 474 and S255.

Check out our full list of Spring nail colours here.

We’ve provided tonnes of inspo for your next mani, but we’d love to see what designs you come up with! Make sure to tag us in your summery pastel manicures.