The spring nail trends we can't wait to sport

If fall is fashion's favourite month, spring is for beauty. Lipsticks get brighter, skin gets dewier, and new nail trends abound. That means it's time to leave last season's oxblood and glittery finishes behind, and upgrade your nail game with a whole new crop of manicure trends for spring 2019. If you're not sure where to start, no problem! We consulted two Canadian experts to help you decode the incoming trends and find the ones that work for you. Essie's Global Lead Educator, Rita Remark, and owner of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto, Leeanne Colley, weigh in on the metallic finishes, the shape you should ask for, and what runway shows are inspiring them this season.

New hue

Afraid of colour? You're going to have to let that go this spring. According to Colley "yellow is a shade that will take centre stage." Remark is also seeing lots of bold, cheerful shades, like bright coral and lavender. To really make that punchy colour pops, try starting with a coat of white underneath it. If you'd rather tone it down and ease into this trend, try a pastel version of your favourite shade.

Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in No Faux Yellow, $13.99, walmart.ca

Nearly naked

Classic, nude nails persist every season, but there's a bit of an update each time too. The new nude will be a sheer — almost clear — but with a bit of a pink tint," says Colley. This look is perfect for someone who wants to look polished, but also wants something super neutral. For Remark, the new nude isn't a nude at all. "Grey, particularly with a touch of violet, is very versatile and looks great on many skin tones."

Try: Essie Gel Couture in Take Me to Thread, $13.99 , shoppersdrugmart.ca

Mismatched fingers and toes

If you think it's a faux pas to do anything but match your fingernails to your toes, think again. This spring, it's all about having fun and going with contrasting colours that compliment each other, like yellow and violet, says Remark. Colley is into that mismatching, too, and she loves "pairing anything with a Kelly green or cobalt blue" like a juicy, watermelon pink. Whichever colour combo you choose, put the one that's a little more daring on your toes if you're used to matching.

Try: Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in Flusher Blusher, $21.99, well.ca, with Zoya Nail Polish in Evergreen, $13, amazon.ca

Nails of metal

Last season, glittery golds and silvers were everywhere, but for spring, trade that glitz for something more grown up: metallics. "Heavy metal textures will be super popular polish finishes," predicts Remark. Colley also sees metallic finishes on the horizon for spring this year, but adds that shades topped with a matte finish will continue to be popular. So if that's your comfort zone, stick with it.

Try: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Wow, $15, sephora.ca

Things are going to get graphic

"We're still going to see lots of nail art," says Colley, and her favourite look is artistic graphics. "I loved the nail look from the Kith show — a negative space base with black and green graphics." If you don't have a steady hand and want to try nail art at home, consider picking up nail decals or nail stencils to help you achieve a salon-worthy look.

Try: What's Up Nails X-Pattern Nail Vinyls, $5.65, nailpolishcanada.com

Nails that go bling

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Look to Cardi B for inspiration here. "Metal studs and coloured jewels turn an average manicure into a masterpiece," says Remark. Most salons will be able to help you get that blinged-out look, but if you're going to DIY it, try using press-on nails instead of loading up on little jewels and gluing them on yourself. Remark adds that if you're going to take this trend on, keep your nails shorter so it doesn't get too overwhelming. "Remember, it's all about balance."

Try: Dashing Diva Magic Press Toast of the Town Press-on Gel Nails, $11.82, ulta.com

All oval it

If you're tired of that Kardashian-favoured talon nail look, or the super severe square nail, we've got good news from Colley, who says that we'll go a touch longer this spring but with a "soft, round oval" shape. Remark agrees, and she says to keep your nails looking elegant, aim for an "oval or almond shape and stay away from square or stiletto." You'll need a good hardener to keep your nails healthy and long, and opt for a file rather than nail clippers when you're shaping them.

Try: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, $8.49, shoppersdrugmart.ca, and Premium Emery Board, $7.50 (on sale for $4), tweezerman.ca

Tara MacInnis is a Toronto-based writer and editor with a deep love for lipstick, jumpsuits and dogs. Follow her on Instagram @tara_macinnis.