Moving away from 2011’s neutrals, understated pinks and gun-metal grays, refreshingly new polish trends are here, directly inspired by the runway and design houses. Set the trends in motion on your own digits by sampling the following:
1. Pistachio
Essie, Navigate Her
“2012 is all about the color green,” says Essie founder Essie Weingarten to Refinery29. “There’s something really special about it, so you’re going to see a lot of it.” For spring pistachio-hued perfection, look for polishes that have creamy undertones and lots of opacity.
2. Tangerine
Le Métier De Beauté Nail Lacquer in Not So Safe Orange
From the runways to design leaders such as Pantone, tangerine has been heralded as the color of the season “Offbeat orange and retro mod brights straight out of the swinging ’60s [will be big for 2012],” says CND founder Jan Arnold. Adds OPI Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, “Orange will be a big color for next year, and bright corals (orange with red pigment) will also be popular.”
3. Glitter
Nicki Minaj by OPI Nail Lacquer in Save Me
Not just your average glitter polish, spring’s versions feature new color and shapes and sizes of sparkles. “The glitter craze is continuing, but will be transforming into new variations — the latest versions are 3D holographics, but shiny shimmers still continue to rule,” says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann.
4. Neon
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Pink Graffiti
“This isn’t old-school, ’80s neon,” says Butter London creative director Nonie Creme. “It’s a grown-up, modern interpretation; the result of a neon mixed with pure white pigment to create a beautiful, pulled-back look. This is an evolution of neon — still bright and in the same color family, but more sophisticated and subdued.”
5. Blue
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in On The Beach
Blue is no longer a color to shy away from when it comes to beauty. “Different hues of blue — baby blue, turquoise, and navy — will be big this spring. It will definitely be a lasting trend seen into fall as well,” says Lippmann.
6. Pastels
Essie, To Buy Or Not To Buy
Pastels don’t have to be chessy; think pistachio green and butter yellow.
Which nail varnish trend will you try?
