With the arrival of spring and summer, soft, romantic colors are making a comeback in the world of beauty. These include pastel shades that dress nails with subtlety and elegance. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about pastel manicures, their techniques and the motifs for perfect results.
The growing popularity of pastel manicures
Known for its discreet, sophisticated character, pastel is very popular in manicure. Indeed, delicate, luminous shades offer a refreshing alternative to the flashy, dark colors traditionally associated with manicure. Pastel varnishes and gels are perfect for adding a romantic, poetic touch, whether for a special event or simply everyday wear.
Choosing pastel colors to match your skin tone
With the vast choice of pastel colors available on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to find the one that suits our skin best. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- For fair skins: opt for pale pink, peach or lilac tones that will illuminate your hand while highlighting your complexion.
- For intermediate skins: try slightly deeper shades like pastel turquoise or water green, which will contrast with the warmth of your skin.
- For darker skins: coral, mint or lavender shades are perfect to enhance your complexion and create a delicate color harmony.
Techniques for a successful pastel manicure
There are several pastel manicure techniques to choose from, depending on your mood and level of experience. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Classic varnish
One of the easiest ways to achieve a pastel manicure is to use a colored varnish in the tones you’ve chosen. Simply apply the varnish neatly to each nail, taking care to follow the natural shape of the nail and respecting the drying times between coats. Don’t forget to use a base coat before applying nail polish to protect your nails and optimize color hold.
Semi-permanent manicure
If you want a long-lasting pastel manicure, opt for the semi-permanent gel technique. After applying a special base and curing under a UV lamp, apply the pastel color of your choice. Finish with a top coat for a shiny finish and long-lasting hold.
Pastel gradients
For the more creative, you can also create pastel shades on your nails. To do this, use a make-up sponge and dab lightly with several pastel colors to achieve a harmonious blend between them. Then apply the sponge to your nails and leave to dry before applying a top coat to protect and shine your manicure.
A few design ideas for a successful pastel manicure
Would you like to try your hand at a pastel manicure adorned with pretty patterns? Here are a few suggestions:
- Points: Simple and elegant, they’re perfect for starting out in nail art. Using a dotting tool or toothpick, make small pastel dots all over the nail.
- Lines: Play with variations in pastel shades by creating fine horizontal, vertical or zigzag lines on your nails.
- Flowers: Create delicate pastel flowers by combining two or three different colors for the petals and center of the flower.
- Geometric patterns: Create a variety of geometric shapes (triangles, squares, rhombuses) using different pastel shades and let your imagination run wild to create a patchwork of subtle colors.
Through these pastel manicure tips and ideas, we hope you’ll find the inspiration to embellish your nails with this elegant and poetic trend. Feel free to express your creativity and share your pastel creations on social networks to inspire other beauty enthusiasts!
