11 Pretty Pastel Nail Polishes That Suit All Skin Tones
Light, dreamy, and elegant shades that suit and flatter every undertone.
Simone de Vlaming is a beauty expert and founder of Beautymone.com. She specializes in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and nails. Simone decided to start a beauty blog during her graduation to find an outlet for her passion. She also worked as a beauty advisor in a beauty store/perfumery.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Nail color trends may come and go, but pastel nails never go out of style. Having pastel nails, especially during spring, may drastically change the way your hands look. What’s more? You can always go for the best pastel nail polish colors regardless of the season. There are so many pastel shades out there that you will never get bored of trying new ones, and these colors compliment almost every skin tone. They usually have a very cool and warm undertone and are available in muted colors that look soothing to your eyes.
The pastel nail color range varies from soft and floral to earthy and warm hues. Do you want your nails to look pretty all the time? Ahead, we have curated a list of the 11 best pastel nail polish colors that will make your nails look stunning. These shades are worth trying, and you will instantly fall in love with them. Keep reading and test take your best pick.
In This Article
11 Must-Have Pastel Nail Polish Colors That Spruce Up Your Nail Paint Collection
1. Best Glossy Finish:Gellen Soak-Off Nail Gel
Give this statement-making pastel nail polish set from Gellen a try, if you’re on the lookout for shades that steal the show and stand out everywhere you go. The kit contains 6 muted and subtle hues with a gel-like glossy finish that enhances the color, ensuring that your nails look gorgeous and flawless, as confirmed by many positive reviews online. A shade for every mood, this kit has soft pink, cool lilac, plush blue, peach, vanilla, and light orange shades. It is made from natural resin and has no chemicals, making it a perfect addition to your nail paint collection. If this was not all, this spring color nail polish also comes with a convenient brush for hassle-free application.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Good tenacity
- Mirror shine finish
- Non-toxic ingredients
Cons
- Formula may be prone to chipping
"These nail polishes are easy to apply. Although it does require a few layers of application for the desired effect, the end result is strikingly amazing. The polishes look opaque on my nails and last for a notable 2-3 weeks. I am also amazed as these polishes do not chip easily and never peel off."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,782 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Long-Lasting:Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Set
We’re sure you’re instantly going to fall in love with the shades of these pastel color nail polishes, just like the many reviewers online. This nail style set contains 6 sophisticated shades that include pastel green, soft blue, sheer pink, lovely lilac, beautiful peach, and popping yellow colors. Altogether, this kit has dreamy shades that apply effortlessly for nails that look beautiful and enchanted. For nail paint that lasts long, cure the polish under a UV lamp for 90-120 seconds and enjoy your pretty nails for over 3 weeks.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- Shiny formula
- Non-toxic and safe ingredients
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction when it comes in contact with skin. Paint nails with caution.
"These polishes lasted on my nails for a week. The shades are pleasing, but the yellow and lighter purple require 2-3 coats for a rich hue. They go on smoothly on my nails and lend them a smooth finish."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 24,778 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Quick-Drying:Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color
Every nail enthusiast needs to own at least 1 pretty shade of pastel pink polish. If you’ve had no luck and have lost all hope, don’t fret. This one from Essie Expressie is a subtle yet dreamy shade that will never let you down, all while adhering to a commitment of no animal testing. The formula is quick-drying and glides easily, so you can count on this one when you’re running late and need a quick fix up. What’s more, it comes with an angled brush that makes application a breeze, and you can ensure a nail salon-like finish even if you are a novice. Suitable for all skin complexions, this one comes in 40 different shades and is seriously hard to resist.
Pros
- No top coat needed
- Vegan formula
- Available in 40 colors
- Has an angled brush
Cons
- Some may find that the consistency is a bit too thick.
Quick Tip"I love that this polish dries quickly on my nails and provides good coverage. I like the vibrancy of the polish’s hue. It does not chip and lasts for a long time. I really like how smoothly it goes on my nails, beautifying their looks in an instant."
4. Best For Smooth Coverage:DND Soak-Off Gel Nail Polish
Embrace your wild side and bring out your inner diva with this bright pastel nail polish from DND. It comes as a set of 2, where one is a soak-off gel polish, and the other is a pastel orange nail paint. Together they ensure you have beautiful nails with a dashing orange hue that will last you for days. Suitable for professional use, people of all skin tones can use this one. Let your nail makeup artistry find free reign with this vibrant nail polish.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Saves time
- Gives smooth coverage
- Comes with a soak gel polish
Cons
- Requires LED/UV light to dry
"I love the color of this polish. It imparts my nails an elegant look. It glides smoothly on my nails, offering them full coverage and lending a smooth finish. What I love most about this polish is that it lasts for a long time without chipping much."
5. Best Chip Resistant:Kleancolor Nail Lacquers
Get in with the spirit of springtime and indulge in 6 pretty pastel nail polish colors of the Kleancolor Nail Lacquers set. From stunning pinks and purples to breathtaking pastel blues, this set has got it all! Its long-lasting formulas are indeed trendsetters while lending a beautiful glossy finish to your nails. With high-quality ingredients that are nourishing and safe, you do not need to worry about the health of your nails. Just put on a base coat, top it up with another coat, and you are good to go.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Chip-resistant
- Safe ingredients
- 6 shades
Cons
- Slightly runny consistency
"I love the consistency of these polishes. They glide smoothly on my nails and dry quickly. They do not have a strong chemical odor. Additionally, they do not chip and stay on for a long time. I quite appreciate the soft, lovely hues."
6. Best Mirror Finish:Eternal Hola Bonita Pastel Nail Enamel
The Eternal Hola Bonita Collection is a must-have beauty and nails essential in every smart woman’s vanity. It comprises 4 pastel shades that are not unique but also long-lasting and chip-resistant. With pastel pink, purple, blue, and lavender colors, this is the ultimate set for anyone who wants beautiful, pretty nails. You can expect high coverage along with a superb gloss finish. The formula is also quick to dry, so you are good to go just in time. The best part about these nail enamels is that you can apply them on gel, acrylic, or natural nails and have a stunning effect regardless, of making them delicate.
Pros
- Fast drying
- No parabens
- Mirror finish
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons
- May require 3 coats
"These polishes are easy to apply and they dry quickly on my nails. Their brush size is also perfect, providing full coverage. They stood the test of daily chores and frequent hand washing. Overall, if you love a DIY salon-style manicure, I'd recommend this set."
7. Best Semi-Matte Finish:Duri Nail Polish
The perfect blue pastel nail polish can have you feeling all sorts of wonderful things, from happiness to pure bliss. The cool, pastel blue is formulated without toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde, making it a safe and suitable option. As far as durability is concerned, it lasts a long time, helps with nail maintenance, and is worth every penny. It has a semi-matte finish that provides full coverage and is easy to apply. The warm summer pastel color offers the best finish when applied with 2 coats of a nail growth base and coat system.
Pros
- Semi-matte finish
- Long-lasting
- No UV lamp required
- No base coat required
Cons
- Some may find the brush to be slightly thick
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 25 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
8. Best Chemical-Free:Cirque Colors Glitter Nail Polish
When looking for a glitter nail polish that includes pastel colors, this one from Cirque colors is a pretty, sweet interesting choice. The feminine shade Lullaby is a multicolored pastel glitter nail polish. It makes your nails sparkling shiny and gives a festive look. The formula is non-toxic and is free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP and formaldehyde resin, ensuring you are safe from allergic reactions. With a commitment to no animal testing, this is the perfect choice for vegan users. You can use it with a hold fast base and liquid laminate top coat for that extra premium finish.
Pros
- Free of chemicals
- Dries easily
- Handmade product
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly inconsistent coverage of glitters
"Applying this polish over a dark blue polish made my nails glisten. The applicator easily applies the polish to my nails offering full coverage. I wished the bottle was bigger, but the superb quality was undeniable. Overall, it is a good product that I would recommend buying."
9. Best Vegan:ILNP Nail Polish
ILNP Summer lovin’ pastel teal holographic shimmer nail polish is all you need to shine with a pastel color. It has a stunning teal holographic hue that radiates somewhat pink to yellow color. Loaded with premium ingredients, this nail polish brand doesn’t test its products on animals and performs as one of the best pastel nail enamels. Additionally, there are no animal derived ingredients in it, which makes it an ideal choice for vegans. Another benefit of using this pastel shimmer nail polish is that it gets off easily with the use of a good quality nail polish remover.
Pros
- Chip-resistant
- Non-toxic formula
- Maximum coverage
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Mixed shade of colors might not be pleasing to all
"I am quite pleased with this nail polish. The polish glides on smooth and dries quickly. I love its aesthetic appeal. It also lasts long on my nails without chipping or dulling. The shimmer particles in the polish enhance the overall look of my nails."
10. Best Kid-Friendly:Heroine New York City Nail Polish
Your hunt for the perfect pastel peach is over with this Heroine New York City nail polish. It is that beautiful peach with a sheer shine and neon coral color to add to its beauty. Made with no toxic ingredients, this nail polish is kid-friendly. It comes with a robust quality cap and flat brush for an effortless and easy application. Its high-quality formula doesn’t trouble you with any messiness and dries fast. With just 2 coats, the color settles on your nails perfectly well.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan formula
- No toxic ingredients
Cons
- For some, the color may be too bright
11. Best Vibrant Colors:Color Club Nail Lacquer
Say hello to your all-new favorite nail polish from Color Club. This blue pastel nail polish is long-lasting and chip-resistant, making it an essential addition to your vanity bag. Easy to use, the formula dries effortlessly, and it comes with a smooth brush for easy application. Even with constant exposure to water, sanitizers, or soap, you will find that this one stays on for weeks to come.
Pros
- Quick-drying formula
- Vibrant color
- Premium quality
- Chip-resistant
Cons
- May need frequent reapplications
"The nail polish looks coral and pink in varying lights. It amps up my look instantly. Though it needed three coats for the best results, each coat dries swiftly, adding to the charm."
Surely after having known so much about pastel nail colors, you must be tempted to buy a pretty pastel nail polish for yourself. But before that please give some time to the points given below to assist you in making a better purchase.
How To Choose The Best Pastel Nail Polish For Your Hands?
With a variety of pastel nail polishes available in the market, choosing the best one for your nails can be a tedious task. Read the points given below that can assist you in choosing the best pastel nail polish for your nails.
- Color
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is one of the most critical points to consider for exceptional results. While you can choose from stunning pinks and purples to beautiful pastel blues and yellows, you must pick colors that complement not only your skin tone and the ones that you most gravitate towards. If you’re dusky, do not choose nail paints with white undertones, and if you have fair skin, select ones with highly pigmented colors, this will help your nails stand out.
- Formula
Always keep an eye out for expertly crafted formulas that are quick-drying, chip-resistant, and long-lasting. A nail polish with all the above features will ensure your nail paint stays on for a long while protecting your nail’s health and longevity.
- Ingredients
Many pastel nail polish colors in the market come loaded with harmful ingredients like parabens, DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, and more. This may ruin and damage your nail’s health, and hence, it is best to steer clear of them. Instead, opt for nail paints with natural and non-toxic ingredients.
How To Wear Pastel Nail Polish?
Follow the given steps to wear pastel nail polish –
- Step 1 – Apply a base coat.
- Step 2 – Add the first coat of your favorite pastel nail color and wait for it to dry completely.
- Step 3 – Now top it up with a second coat of the same pastel color to get the most desired even coverage.
- Step 4 – If you wish to give your nails that extra pop, use a jelly nail polish to top it off.
Infographic: Nail Art Ideas With Pastel Polishes
Pastel nail colors are soft and delicate and are appropriate for all occasions. Pastel nails add a touch of elegance to your overall look. The traditional nail polish-wearing style is outdated and now, people are embracing amazing nail art. We have provided you with 5 quirky nail art ideas with pastel shades in the infographic below. Check it out to give your nails a transformation.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Nail polishes play a major role in elevating your manicure. If you are a fan of soft, pastel nail colors, we suggest you get them for your nails too! The best pastel nail polishes are a great addition to your collection as they look elegant and oh-so-pretty! Try the Beetles Pastel Gel Nail Polish Set for a long-lasting elegance, the Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color if you are looking for a vegan formula, and the Eternal Hola Bonita Pastel Nail Enamel for paraben- and gluten-free option. These nail colors are available in various shades to complement every skin tone. The chemical-free pastel nail polishes are non-toxic, vegan, and long-lasting. However, some nail polishes may need a double coat based on the intensity of the color. Check out the product reviews and buying guide to select the right shade that matches your skin tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pastel nail polishes good?
Yes, pastel nail polishes are available in calm and soothing colors and look good on all skin tones.
How long do pastel nail polishes last?
Pastel nail polishes are chip-resistant and last up to 7 to 10 days.
How often should you use pastel nail polishes?
You may use pastel nail polishes every three to four weeks.
Do pastel nail polishes expire?
Yes. The shelf life of an unopened bottle of pastel nail polish is five to eight years. However, after opening the bottle, you should use it within two years.
Do pastel nail polishes give any smell?
Yes, most pastel nail polish has a sweet and fruity smell, which leaves a subtle smell after drying.
How much time to take pastel nail polishes to dry?
A pastel nail polish takes 10 to 12 minutes to dry completely.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De is our in-house makeup aficionado with a deep interest for discovering makeup trends. Since pastel nail colors are the latest fad, she recommends using these pastel nail polish brands. She spent hours browsing through many reviews and conducting her own research to deliver this handcrafted list. The products listed above have been selected based on their finish, texture, color payoff, and more.
Read full bio of Simone de Vlaming
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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