Cat eye, 'glass' nails and pastel shades: These are 14 spring nail trends to try now

If there’s one trend to know for 2025, it’s the so-called 'cat eye' nails which have quickly filled the gap left by Hailey Bieber’s ‘glazed donut’ trend. This multidimensional finish is created with a quick wave of a magnetic wand, which gathers the shimmering particles into a diagonal streak while leaving the rest of the nail bare. If you want a subtle sparkle (without committing to a full-on disco ball) this is the perfect middle ground. Not to mention that this nail trend has already gained red carpet credibility: Anya Taylor-Joy unveiled her silver set at last year’s Academy Awards.

Glazed manicures were everywhere in 2024. But this spring, we prefer to see them done in cheery pastel shades. Why not tap another Hailey Bieber favourite, trying glazed pastel green 'matcha' nails this spring?

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Martinis, merlot, and more – your next mani is officially on the rocks. Lately, style experts have been raising a glass to nails that match their tipple of choice, from Sara Biderman’s wine-clad claws to Carin Falk’s dirty martini dip. The concept is simple: pick your signature drink, then let its colour (or garnish) inspire your polish palette. Consider it the perfect way to toast any occasion, no bartender required.

Butter yellow nail varnish sold out in seconds when celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik painted Selena Gomez's claws this colour. Bridging the gap between easy to create but not over-done, this manicure is a must for anyone looking forward to days spent in the sun.

The faded French tip is arguably one of the most wearable manicures on this list, featuring a soft gradient that seamlessly transitions from your natural nail bed to a whisper of colour at the tips. Not only is it usually rendered in a milky neutral, but it also allows for nails to grow without the fuss of frequent salon visits.

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Following last year’s parade of milk, matcha, espresso, and latte manicures, black sugar boba nails are the latest to brew excitement. Think of it as a sweeter twist on tortoise-shell aesthetics, with rich swirls of black and caramel drifting through a milky base – just like your favourite bubble tea.

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Feeling shy about bold nail art? Consider this your perfect “first flush.” As the name suggests, blush nails boast a ruddiness of soft pink blooming from the centre of each nail. A fresh spin on aura manicures, this neutral take on the trend is achieved by dabbing a small amount of eyeshadow (yes, actual eyeshadow) onto a nude or barely-there base, then softly blending outward for that romantically wistful wash of colour.

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Dots are having a moment in 2025 – and for good reason. They’re one of the easiest at-home nail art options (think toothpick, bobby pin, or an actual dotting tool) and the perfect entry point for anyone not ready to freehand. Whether you go for a neat row of polka dots or a scatter of different sizes and colours, the result is playful, modern, and surprisingly versatile.

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Translucent and candy-like, these sheer “jelly” nails are the perfect sweet treat. Boasting a high-shine finish that catches the light in all the right ways (while letting just enough of your natural nail peek through), they’re an ideal match for any micro-aesthetic – whether you’re channelling a tailored office siren or an overzealous mob wife.

Plucked straight from Grandma’s china cabinet, we're served vintage florals and painted porcelain nail prints this spring. Delicate blooms, scrolling vines, and artful brushstrokes recall the charm of heirloom teacups or hand-painted pottery. Think crisp white backgrounds with classic blue accents – or lean into pastel pinks and yellows for a softer, garden-inspired vibe. It’s an old-world aesthetic that feels fresh for the season.

The cherry on top of this season's manicures? Cherry motifs. A nostalgic nod to summer, the design typically pairs two glossy red dots with a delicate stem to form a playful pattern that pops against any neutral or pastel base. Consider this your cue to indulge in a little fruit-inspired fun – no produce aisle required.

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Longing for summer? The easiest way to capture that golden-hour glow is with these peach-gradient tips, softly transitioning from a pale coral base to a sun-kissed tangerine at the edges. Evoking that enviable end-of-day radiance (even if your schedule doesn’t allow for an actual sunset viewing), this mood-boosting mani is best worn with breezy linens no matter the season.

One perennial way to lighten up your nails for 2025 is with a sweep of pastel polish. Think sorbet shades – lavender, mint, peach – that provide a refreshing pop of colour without overpowering your look. They’re versatile enough for a day at the office or a springtime soirée, and the softer palette makes it easy to mix and match without risking a sartorial clash.

Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein called her creation on Zoë Kravitz’s “naked illusion” nails the “no-makeup makeup of nails.” “The idea is to enhance the beauty of the natural nail, making it look as if it’s just a clear coat,” she explained in an Instagram post following the Golden Globes, where Kravitz dared to go bare. Perhaps the easiest nail trend to try of 2025, all you need is a high-shine clear top coat to recreate this look.