Even though it has returned to dreary days around here, it’s still springtime. And that means it’s time to add those perfect spring colors that I’ve been waiting for to your wardrobe. I have been stocking up on great pastel nail colors lately and wanted to share where I get some quality nail colors at a great price

Fresh Paint – This is the line of polish sold at Five Below. If you have a store in your area and haven’t visited it yet, please do – you will not be disappointed. This polish is 3 for $5, and they always have tons of great colors. I just scooped up a bubble gum pink called Pom-Pom, and a great peach color called Papaya.

Sinful Colors - This might be my favorite polish right now. Sold at Walgreens for $1.99, they have amazing pastels for the spring. I just bought a great pastel yellow that I can not wait to try out (loaned it to my sister – this is another yellow I found called Let’s Meet).

Wet n Wild Fast Dry - I usually get these from Rite Aid or CVS for $1.99. They do dry fast and have great staple colors like a ruby-red (this one is Everybody loves Redmond) or pale pinks for the season.

And here are few tips I use to get a professional looking manicure in between my trips to the shop:

1. Always file the edges of your nails before painting. Even if they are the length you want, just give them a little shape – it gives a nice new surface for the paint to stick and makes your nails look freshly manicured.

2. File a little on the top of your nails, then wash your hands. This will get the oil off of your nail and give a rough surface for the polish to stick.

3. Never shake your polish – it’ll give you bubbles. Instead just roll the polish in between your hands to mix it up before painting.

4. Don’t worry about polish on your skin. Once your nails are dry, wash your hands with a gentle soap and put a light lotion on. This will get rid of the extra polish on your skin.

5. For neons and pastels, I don’t use a top coat. I like a less shiny look to some colors – but this one is up to you.

6. And I stole this tip from my sister: Run your nails under cold water to dry them faster. You may still have to wait until they are completely dry but this will speed it up a bit.

Maybe I can talk ManicMonday in to giving us another nail tutorial soon – I’ll start to bugging now. Check out her guest post here.

What are some of your favorite polishes/colors of the moments?— Any great nail tips to add to the list?

Put your best fingers forward,

Fashionably Tardy