As February begins and spring starts to feel within reach, it’s understandable that our minds will turn to the beauty trends that you can start to dip into now. Where a new-season wardrobe might feel a little OOT, and there’s definitely no sign of ditching that Arket puffer coat, this is a prime time to do something easy yet effective, like switch up your nail colour.
Although uber-cute heart prints and fashion-forward nail art can be fun, if you are looking for a key colour (or five) to try as your February nail selections, there are plenty of sophisticated options to choose from.
From vibrant pinks and red looks that peak in popularity over February (thank you Valentine's Day), to spring greens hues preferred by celebrity nail artists like Harriet Westmoreland, there are so many pretty nail colours to choose from ahead of your February manicure.
Scroll on to discover the five nail colours you're bound to see everywhere this month, as well as the products you might need to help get the look at home.
1. Magenta Pink & Pillar Box Red
As magenta is the Pantone's colour of the year and red is a common choice in salons for February, it only makes sense for the two to colours in all and every shade are fast becoming a go-to this month. If you're in the market for February nails with a bit of extra shine, try opting for a chrome finish on your pink or red manicure.
Why stop at one of the colours when you can wear both? Viva la Magenta!
Get the look:
For a longer wearing uber red mani, Mylee's French Cancan gel polish has you covered
If you're going to do pink, you might as well go all out with a bright and bold shade like this, right?
2. Sheer Nude
Loved the glazed donut manicure but want to take it on to the next level? Then this buzzy nail colour option is sure to become your go to. The lip gloss or lip oil mani is the newest online nude nail trend to take over the beauty space.
Although similar to the glazed donut trend—a soft subtle nail colour that oozes sophistication—the beauty of lipgloss nails' lies in its shine. As the beauty cousin to Hailey Bieber’s famed look, the manicure uses a semi-sheer polish, either pink, peach or nude, usually in colours that resemble classic lipgloss shades, along with its signature super mirror-shine topcoat.
Get the look:
For the perfect lip gloss or lip oil mani this February, you are going to need a super (duper) shiny top coat. This is my current favourite.
The classics are classic for a reason and no nail colour is more timeless than this pink-hued nude.
3. Metallic Nails (in any shade)
Ready for a next-level luxe manicure this February? Then velvet, metallic nails are sure to elevate your standard manicure. The finish colour sits comfortably between a mix of glitter and metallic polish effects, and what I really enjoy about it is the ability to create the illusion of texture thanks to how it bounces the light. My personal favourite? Shimmering, silver-blue, which is a nice take on the pastel, sky-blue shade that often pops up at this time of year.
The silky, velour-like feel of a velvet manicure (remember those from the 2010s?) but with a smooth, non-fuzzy finish and in expensive-looking shades. What's not to love?
Get the look:
A velvet lacquer to offset my pre-spring looks? Sign me up.
Luxe nail looks can also be affordable. Case in point, this bodacious blue shade from Barry M.
4. Hues of Greens
Greens for spring—I know—groundbreaking. However, from pastel hues to cool forest-y options, this is an overarching colour trend that is long overdue its moment in the sun.
With a mix of minimalist and subdued shades of green and maximalist-friendly options to choose from, it’s easy to see why green is so in this February. *adds pictures to Instagram saves*
Get the look:
The perfect deep green and a completely vegan formula? That's truly a match made in heaven. Pick it up just in time for a Valentine's mani with a twist.
A Gucci green is always a good idea.
5. Jet Black
Y2K's resurgence has brought back many things,from the micro mini skirt to this, the return of the jet-black mani. Consider it beauty’s punky ode to the 'misunderstood teen' look that is so prevalent on the runways.
Whether you wear this new February favourite with a matte or glossy finish, it's sure to impress.
Get the look:
When opting for such a dark colour, good nail prep to prevent staining is vital. Layer up on this and your nail beds will thank you.
This jet black shade is all colour, all shine with none of the intense layering that sheer black nail polishes often require.
The best manicures are rooted in both nail health and long-lasting colour formulations. Scroll on for the products to add to your nail arsenal.
Shop My Nail Kit Essentials:
1. Mylee the Real Deal Gel Polish Kit
Out of all the at-home gel options on the market, Mylee is by far the easiest and is a great, fuss-free alternative to a salon appointment. If like me your idea of a perfect Sunday night wind-down includes some beauty-related self-care, then this kit is a must.
2. Liz Earle Rose & Ginger Hand Cream
Sumptuously smooth hands are always a plus and when the Febuary chill begins to bite, I for one am always grateful to have this hand cream on standby.
3.Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle
Crack and overly sore cuticles are sometimes an unavoidable nail woe, but this soothing lemon-scented cream from beloved moisturising brand Burt Bee's is sure to keep the worst of it at bay.
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