Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (2024)

Hands + Nails

"It's kind of like the LBD of nail polish."

By Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director ·

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (1)

Light pink nails are one of the most versatile manicure looks you can choose. Whether it’s your wedding day, your baby shower, a big work presentation, or a girl’s trip, pink works in every situation. However, there’s a difference between a sheer light pink nail polish and an opaque light pink one. The opaque version leans more into white-pink territory on the nails, which has become incredibly popular in recent years.

For me personally, this light pink hue is my signature shade. If I had a dollar for every time someone complimented mynailswhile wearing OPI’s Let’s Be Friends (it’s a best-seller that they finally brought back from the limited-edition graveyard), I’d probably have a new designer bag on my arm. It’s the perfect milky, white-pink that goes with everything—I even wore it on my wedding day, despite the irony of its name.

Why Light Pink Is a Classic Shade

It turns out, I’m not the only one who loves light pink nails. I spoke to several salon owners who said this type of baby pink color is one of their most requested shades, and you’ll see many celebrities wearing it on their nails too. “Baby pink or pinky-white shades never go out of style because they work so well at enhancing the true beauty ofevery skin tone,” says celebrity nail stylistMazz Hanna. “Pink nails elongate the fingers on pale skin for a subtle, yet elegant statement. They also offer darker skin tones a bright contrast, without the harsh effects of a classic white nail polish. It’s kind of like the LBD of nail polish: it’s always in style, no matter the season, and brings out the best in everyone.” I couldn’t agree more.

Our Favorite Nail Polishes for Light Pink Nails

1 / 13

essie Gel Couture in Matter of Fiction ($13)

One of the brand’s best-sellers and a true crowd pleaser, this dreamy baby pink shade complements nails on all skin tones in all seasons. On my nails, I need three coats to get that creamy pink look I want, but two coats might be enough for some. Be sure to also get the brand’s Gel Couture Top Coat ($11) to lock in a manicure that lasts—no base coat or UV lamp required.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (2)

2 / 13

OPI Nail Lacquer in Let’s Be Friends! ($11.50)

The brand describes this shade (probably my favorite nail color of all time) as cotton-candy pink, but I’d say it’s even lighter than that. It’s also super creamy, but I still prefer three coats when I’m trying to hide any frustrating ridges on my nails.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (3)

3 / 13

Olive & June Nail Polish in Pink Sands ($9)

The brand has a ton of classic soft pink shades to choose from, so we’re taking the guesswork out of it for you: This one is the end-all-be-all of Olive & June’s baby pink nail colors. It’s dainty, pretty and a must for both nails and toenails (it looks so good on toes in the sand!).

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (4)

4 / 13

ORLY Lacquer in Cake Pop ($10.50)

Before I discovered Let’s Be Friends, this creamy baby pink (it’s almost a white with a hint of pink, though it looks more lavender in this photo) was one of my go-to shades, and I could easily find it at the drugstore in any city. Now, many years later, it isn’t as easy to find, but I’m happy to see it’s still a beloved pink hue and available on the brand’s site.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (5)

5 / 13

Manicurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Blossom ($14)

If you’re looking for a baby pink nail polish that puts the environment first, this one is vegan, cruelty-free and made in France using up to 84-percent bio-sourced ingredients. Who would have thought you could use potato, corn, yuca and cotton to make a beautiful pink nail color? The packaging is eco-friendly, too.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (6)

6 / 13

Bio Sculpture Gemini Nourishing Nail Polish in Sweet Candy Breath ($13)

Perfect the nude pink nail look with this celebrity favorite. It girl Sofia Richie even wore it on her wedding day to keep her nails beautifully neutral so her dress would make the statement. For her rehearsal dinner, Richie’s manicurist Georgia Rae applied one shade of OPI’s cult-classic Funny Bunny, a sheer white nail polish (that one doesn’t contain any hint of pink or baby pink).

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (7)

7 / 13

Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer Girlishly Giddy ($22)

The brand describes this best-seller as “a classic light pink with cool undertones,” and it looks beautiful on every set of nails I’ve seen it on. However, it does lean a little more pink than some of the lighter options included in this list.

Use it as part of Dazzle Dry’s famous four-step system to ensure quick drying time (no sprays or oils needed) and long wear of up to 14 days without chipping. Considered a healthy gel alternative, it gives nails the glossy gel look, but can be removed with regular nail polish remover.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (8)

8 / 13

Butter London Patent Shine Nail Lacquer in Sandy Bum ($18)

Known for its high-shine formula, Butter London uses a patented Shock Resistance Polymer Technology to give the nails a gel-like finish without using actual gel. This milky baby pink gives full, fade-resistant coverage for a manicure that lasts up to 10 days.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (9)

9 / 13

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Chantilly Lace ($20)

If you want light pink nails that are a bit more sheer, this shade from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann also features a subtle iridescence. It offers the glossy finish of a gel manicure without stepping foot in the salon, and without any damage to the nails.

In fact, this 21-free, vegan formula prioritizes nail health by incorporating evening primose, keratin, biotin, green tea, rice protein, and strengthening aucoumea. Over time, the nails become stronger and more resilient.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (10)

10 / 13

OPI Gel Color in Love Is In The Bare (available in salons)

Described as “impossibly romantic,” this soft baby pink is more sheer and a great option for those who like a little more of a natural look on their nails, but it’s nonetheless a salon staple. Click here to find a salon that has it.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (11)

11 / 13

NAILS.INC London Court NailPure Nail Polish ($15)

A vegan nail polish with serious lasting power and high shine for a non-gel formula, this soft pink color is super versatile and will go with everything in your wardrobe. Plus, the brand’s NailPure formula also contains a patented Regenerating Complex to rev up the production of keratin in your nails, so they become stronger and healthier over time.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (12)

12 / 13

LONDONTOWN Enhanced Colour Lakur in Jane Austen ($16)

This creamy, baby pink nail polish has lavender undertones in it that give it a little bit of mystery because it’s tough to tell exactly what color it is on the nails. The brand’s signature 21-plus free formula includes a chip-resistant Florium Complex, which is a blend of botanical extracts and plant oils that strengthen and nourish the nails.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (13)

13 / 13

Cote No. 11 Pink Opal Nail Polish ($18)

For those who want a baby pink shade, but love a pearlized finish, this is the one to flaunt on your nails. The luminescent opal finish, as the brand describes it, catches the eye, and also does a good job of hiding any minor chips you might incur. I tend to keep my nails on the shorter side, and this fun take on light pink also makes them look longer.

Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (14)

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Light Pink Nails: The Best Shades for Your Next Manicure (2024)

FAQs

Are light pink nails attractive? ›

Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.

What nail colour makes you look younger? ›

Neutral Shades: Opt for neutral colors like nude, beige, rose, or soft pink. These shades create a clean and elegant look, giving the illusion of youthful hands.

What is the most attractive color to paint your nails? ›

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

What do light pink nails mean on a girl? ›

Lighthearted. In the past, the meaning of light pink nails had a lighthearted connotation. Light pink signified playfulness, so it may signify that someone is cheerful and sociable. If you are wondering “what does it mean if someone has blue nails”, it can mean that someone is attached, or in a relationship.

What nail color attracts guys the most? ›

The theory has been backed up by research, which shows that men find women with red nails more attractive than those with any other color nails.

What nail color makes you look older? ›

Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.

What nail colors should I avoid for older hands? ›

As you get older, your skin is more likely to be showing your bluish veins. I suggest avoiding pale or cool tones such as blues and greens or blue-based reds and plums. These will emphasize any veins that are visible.

What color nail polish looks best on older hands? ›

"Orange is a youthful, bright and uplifting colour, and it helps draw attention away from signs of ageing hands with age spots, visible veins and wrinkling skin," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann from her eponymously named polish brand.

What are the best nail colors for summer 2024? ›

Jelly Pink

Jelly nail polishes are an easy way to mimic the “popsicle-stained” effect and the formulas are especially pretty in pink. “The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the different shades of pink… a soft pastel or maybe something neon but jelly pink will be the most popular,” says Janee.

What color nails are in summer 2024? ›

Summer 2024 Nail Trend: Pastel Nail Colors

“This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton. It's fresh and fun for summertime without the intensity of the brights and neons we're used to seeing in the warm months.

What color of nails go with everything? ›

If you don't know how to wear white nail polish, don't fret, it's actually the easiest color to pair. White nails truly go with everything and make any color pop.

Should toenails and fingernails match? ›

Should Your Manicure and Pedicure Match? Simply put, no – you mani and pedi doesn't have to match. Back in the day, it used to be mandatory to match the colour on your fingernails to your toes but, over the years this trend has become predictable and a little boring too.

What color should I paint my nails next? ›

When it comes to choosing a nail color, there is no right or wrong answer. The best way to find the perfect nail color for you is to take into account your skin tone. If you have fair skin, look for colors with a cool blue undertone. For medium to dark skin tones, opt for colors with warm red or orange undertones.

Do guys like pink nails on girls? ›

Many guys are very fond of light pink nail polish, and it is one of their top picks. Light pink can be beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, professional, and timeless.

What nail color attracts love? ›

Back then red was used to show a person's social class, and today it's used in the attempt to attract love. A bottle of red nail polish at a drugstore ranges from around $3.50 to $10.00, so participating in this trend does not mean you have to make an appointment at the nail salon.

Is it good if your nails are pink? ›

Healthy nails are generally pink. Very pale nails may indicate illnesses, such as anemia, congestive heart failure or liver disease. Poor nutrition also may be a culprit. It's a good idea to get very pale nails checked by a doctor.

Do pink nails mean anything? ›

Which Nail Colour Is Good For Health? Healthy nail colour is typically pink with a white half-moon shape at the base called the lunula. This indicates good blood circulation and overall nail health.

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