Breezy Nail Colors for Spring and Summer 2012
Sorbets, nudes, and rich reds create the breezy palette for spring and summer 2012 nail colors. Unlike the brilliant, bright neons of last year, 2012 returns to the classics and has a timeless quality to its colors, even vibrant shades like tangerine. The wide variety of colors guarantees that everyone will find one to suit their personality and mood for both seasons.
Pastels and Sorbets
This category covers every color of the rainbow, so long as they’re light, pale, and have a white base. Neons take on a subtler color when combined with white, giving all the pastels a more sophisticated edge that matches well with the current fashion trends. Pick up a few sorbets for the spring and move into the more saturated pastels during the summer. Avoid bright pastels like hot pink and yellow; go for rosy pink and matte yellow or chartreuse instead. Blues, purples, and greens also hit the right notes. Both sets of colors lend a youthful, effortlessly fashionable quality to your outfits.
Neutrals
These shades ruled the runways for spring and summer. Beige is the most coveted of all, but creamy pinks, whites, and grays also line the shelves. Because the patterns and colors of clothing are so bright and vibrant this season, pick up a neutral shade that will match all of your different ensembles. A pale pink and very faint yellow add just a touch of color and tap into the energizing vibe of the warmer months. When choosing a white, make sure it is not whiteout bright; it should have a pearlescent or creamy base. Once summer rolls around, pick up a neutral with a honey or amber base to add a bit of that sun-kissed style.
Mint Green
This is the IT color for the spring season. Toss the dark hunter greens and pick up a pistachio or mint pastel/sorbet. If you can only have one color for the spring season, make it this one. Make sure it is not transparent; the hottest polishes have matte and opaque finishes. Put a gloss overtop for a smooth sheen that shimmers in the sun.
Tangerine
While coral, which is orange with red undertones, always crops up during the summer, this year tangerine takes center stage. Thanks in part to Pantone naming it the color of the season, the bright pop of color has graced the nails of many a model. Unlike a neon orange, this has a creamy base that grounds the color and prevents it from blinding anyone. The result is a fabulous mini supernova of color on each fingertip, sure to brighten anyone’s mood.
Reds
Classic reds like burgundy and cherry lend a high fashion, sophisticated vibe to the wearer. Go for rich, dark colors for a seductive, mature attitude and the cherry to match your 50’s inspired ensembles. Pink, at the other end of the red spectrum, comes in both hot and creamy versions during these seasons. Hit the boardwalk with bright, glittery pinks and sit down to dinner with a pastel version to make the most of the color.
