The Best Easter-Inspired Mani Ideas — & How To DIY Them At Home

Slowly but surely, pastels are starting to feel more seasonally appropriate after a seemingly endless winter. Even if you're still bundled up outside, nothing brightens our day like a fresh, candy-colored mani. (Which, we would argue is the simplest, most non-committal way to ease into spring vibes.)

If your collection of pastels is looking a little sad and crusty at the moment, we have your guide to the most current crème de la crème of pastel polish looks to try ASAP. From Easter egg-inspired to "pastel goth," keep scrolling to find the prettiest pastel mani ideas to try this spring.

For an Easter-inspired take on the classic French manicure, swap out creamy white tips for candy-colored pastels, as seen in this set by nail artist Yumi Lee. To achieve the look at home, start with a neutral beige base like Olive & June's BEB, and carefully use a silicone stamp or tape to create a rainbow of French tips. (Option two: Pick up a set of nail art press-ons for an easy-peasy way to get in on the trend.)

Easter eggs aren't just for Taylor Swift lyrics and Pixar movies. These adorable nails by Hollie Dalton are the stuff of spring dreams — and with the right tools, you can achieve these at home. Start by painting each nail a different pastel hue, and wait for them to dry. Next, take a small detail brush and carefully stipple on flecks of dark brown or black polish to create an eggshell-like motif. Lastly, seal your mani with a matte top coat to create a milky-matte finish.

Equal parts spooky and sweet, the pastel goth manicure is perfect for embracing the dark side while also indulging in your love of springtime colors. If you don't have a steady hand for painting itty-bitty crosses and occult-inspired motifs (as seen in the above look by Austin-based manicurist Nicole of Thunderbolt Nails), not to worry: Black nail decals can achieve a similar look without having the surgical precision of a professional. That said, if you're ready for the challenge (or have a gifted nail tech on speed dial), then carefully painted black nail polish will also do the trick.

The pastel swirl manicure has quietly been trending on Instagram and TikTok this year, racking up pages upon pages of vibe-y, groovy nail art. And since this look is all about wavy lines and slight variations on each nail, you can't really mess it up. After finishing your base color, go in with a long, thin striping brush to create sweeping strokes of accent color on the nail. (Myriad video tutorials can also help guide you at home.) Lastly, finish with a glossy top coat to lock in mirror-like shine and voilà!