Little luxuries: Spring nail colours

The sugary-sweet ice-cream shades that arrive each spring have come on in leaps and bounds since the streaky, Tipp-Ex-like formulations of old. And as such they are infinitely more mature than they may appear at first sight.

While fun, there's nothing childish about this trend – elegant pastel shades have been reclaimed by some of the most innovative designers on the catwalk after all, ensuring there's a sharper edge to the sugar and spice.

Whichever shade you opt for, a quick file and base coat will not only extend the longevity of a lick of paint, but ensure that nails don't suffer.

(From left to right in image) 1. Celebration nail lacquer in 419 Coral Red, £4.90, kikocosmetics.co.uk

2. Hi shine gel effect nail polish in Shine Papaya, £3.99, Barry M, available nationwide

3. Colour Riche Nails in Perle de Jade, £4.99, L'Oreal, available nationwide

4. Nail polish in Sharks Left, £22 for set of two, Pierre Hardy for Nars, narscosmetics.co.uk (available 1 May)

5. La Laque Couture in Vert d'Orient, £18, yslbeauty.co.uk

6. Feather effect nail polish in Edinburgh, £11, nailsinc.com