It’s been awhile since I’ve done a nail art column, and with the temperatures heating up, so should your manicures!  Prom and Wedding seasons are rapidly approaching, so it’s time to study up on the hottest nail trends for Spring 2012.  I can hardly contain myself with pistachio hues popping up all over the fashion world, and what’s better than a minty maven manicure?  I may be a little biased, considering I plan on incorporating a variation of this color in my wedding, but this color craze has got me craving some mint chocolate chip ice cream from the Big Chill (so unbelievably good)!  Here are the irresistible top cool colors for your springtime fingers and toes:

1. Perfect Pistachio:  This dreamy, creamy shade of green is practically heaven sent.  Fall gave us a lot of army and hunter greens, but this spring its’ all about being minty fresh.  In fact, I just ordered some yardage of Vera Wang chiffon in pistachio.  Double mint, anyone? RGB nail color in dew and minty, $16, available at www.rgbcosmetics.com
2. Tango Mango:  We all know by now that the color of 2012 is tangerine tango, so of course we need some manicures to match!  Check out Revlon’s Scented Mad About Mango Nail Enamel, $5.99 at CVS stores!
3. Pastel Neons:  I practially get weak in the knees when I see a creamy neon hue, whether it be clothing or nail polish.  In season’s past bright, 80’s style neons seemed to be a big hit, but this year it’s a tad more sophisticated.  If you still have your neon polishes from last summer, add some white polish and create your own softer version.  If you’re looking to buy, check out the Orly and China Glaze polishes like these at Sally Beauty Supply!
4.  Girly Glitters:  These big, chunky glitter polishes are fun yet sophisticated, which is hard to do when it comes to glitter.  Stick to the glitter polishes that have champagne hues added in, or purple for a little fun.  Try Jewelry Heist or Papa-Paparazzi by Wet n Wild’s new Spoiled nail color line.  It’s $1.99 and available at CVS.  Enough Said.
5. Basic Beige:  Nude nails are all the rage right now, similar to last season but with a twist.  It’s all about matching the natural nail to your skin tone.  Think dull, skin colored polish with less pink in the mix.  Try Sephora’s Neural Beauty polish by Sephora for OPI, $9.50 at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com
6. Printed Polish:  Nail art is still a huge craze.  Go with an art deco inspired mani for the freshest look.  Try black and white options with a pop of color, or go the easy route with nail polish strips, like Sally Hansen’s Salon effects in Tri-bal It on or Pink-A-Dot, $9.99 at Ulta stores and Ulta.com

 Have fun with your fingers and toes this spring, and don’t forget the ice cream!