Pastels are my new discovery. Winter is about bold, rich colours for me and when summer rolls around, neons are my first stop. But something has changed in me friends, and this year pastels are all I can think about. Here are my top 5 summer shades for nailwear.

1. Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream

Ah, Bazza, you old classic you. The rows of Barry M polishes in my collection go a little unloved these days but I can’t deny that my 13-strong collection is always there when I’m stuck for inspiration. This shade is probably my favourite ever Barry M shade and is the perfect mid-tone blue that applies creamy and is easily opaque with 2 coats. You could definitely describe this shade as a bright, it’s a little Smurf-ish, but I think it still qualifies as a pastel. Try Bazza’s Blue Moon for a true pastel. In summer this looks great and on me will stay chip-free for around 4 days.

2. Models Own Utopia

This purchase was the result of one of MO’s infamous 50% sales. I picked it up on recommendation from a blog but on first application found it a bit nothingy. However, after a few wears this became a bit of an unsung hero in my collection and I started slapping it on left, right and centre. I’d describe it as a very muted lilac pink and it works very well on its own for an understated, easy-breezy manicure colour or as the perfect neutral base for a glitter top coat. I often wear this one with Orly VIP as an accent nail. Sexy. I’d say out of all my picks this one lasts for the least time – I’d give it 3 days wear on average.

3. Essie Tart Deco

Let me tell you, I wasn’t on board with the whole Essie phenomenon until very recently. Tart Deco was my first purchase from the diffusion line in Boots and to be honest on first application I was a little disappointed. My relationship with Essie as a brand has since improved but I still have problems with extreme chippage unless I apply a really good quality top coat. The colours though, gah, the colours. Tart Deco is a peachy pink colour – some might say it’s verging on neon, but I ignore those heinous accusations. For me, it’s a milky shade that reminds me of Fruit Salads from the sweet shop.

4. Topshop Venus Fly Trap

Be still my beating heart. I think this may be THE ONE. Obviously t’s becoming clear that I like my pastels with a little hint of neon and Venus Fly Trap is no exception to that. A vivid pistachio green, it’s actually surprisingly easy to wear and no where near as obnoxious as it may appear in the bottle. As always, Topshop polishes have a great formula that glides on nicely and I can get a pretty good finish from VFT with only one coat – though I’d always go for 2 to lock in the brightness. I can wear this colour for 5 days without needing to reapply.

5. Essie Mint Candy Apple

Finishing on a bit of a cliche, I know, but this bloggers’ fave lives up to every shred of the hype that it comes along with. A gorgeous colour that falls on the bluer side of mint, I’ve been pairing this with cream knits and blue jeans lately and it’s been going down a treat. Mine applies a little gloopy but once sealed with a top coat it’ll last for about a week, making it a top choice for holidays or festivals when you’re not planning to pack the whole manicuring arsenal. I think this is what I’ll be donning for Glasto.

What are you currently rockin’ nail-wise? Are you a pastel fiend like I am? Any recommendations, send ‘em my way!