Neutral nails might be in, but Charlize Theron’s lemon sorbet nails prove that pastels can be just as chic, and are infinitely more fun for spring.
While a natural and subtle look always has its merits, your spring nails offer an opportunity to lean into brighter and more playful shades. This doesn’t necessarily mean statement oranges, blues, and chalky, floral pastels (though you can definitely go down that route), as subtle, sheer nail polishes and tints are still proving very popular among the 2026 nail trends. But we do think there’s a middle ground to be found: spring nail colours that are close to neutrals and creamy shades, with just a hint of freshness and vibrancy. A milky lavender, for instance, a cherry-blossom pink, or perhaps a soft, lemony yellow.
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Why we love Charlize Theron’s lemon sorbet manicure for March
Stepping out for Dior’s Fall/Winter show on March 3rd, as part of Paris Fashion Week, Charlize Theron paired a black cape and leather skirt ensemble with a soft, cool-yellow nail colour, which really popped against the monochromatic outfit.
The manicure, which we’ve dubbed ‘lemon sorbet,’ was created by celebrity nail artist Imarni and is the perfect balance of wearable and creamy, with just a squeeze of bright, zingy lemon tint. While yellow nails might not be your first thought for a spring manicure, or even just an everyday look, Theron demonstrates just how easy the shade is to wear. Especially if you opt to layer it over a similarly short and neatly rounded nail shape.
It’s subtle, not in your face or overly bright, but it does look chic – and offers a welcome break from all the neutrals and sheer pinks we’ve been seeing lately.
In the comment section of her Instagram post, Imarni shared that Sorbet BIAB had been used to create Theron’s manicure (which we believe refers to The Gel Bottle’s yellow BIAB polish of the same name). So, if your local nail salon stocks the line, you can easily request the exact shade. If not, though, or if you prefer to do your nails at home, we’ve found a few other polishes that will help create the lemony look perfectly.
Recreate Charlize Theron’s sorbet manicure
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ovni
RRP: $34/£30
For a cool and almost icy lemony shade, this Chanel nail polish is a great option for your March nails. It’s buildable, glossy and incredibly chic.
O.P.I
Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer Nail Polish, This Chic Is Bananas
RRP: $14.49/£17.50
For a gel-like look at home, opt for OPI’s Infinite Shine polish in this soft, zingy lemon hue. It’s chic but very wearable – comparable to an icy vanilla or cream shade, but with a pop of spring-ready colour.
To recreate Theron’s lemon sorbet nail look at home, we recommend starting with one of the best nail strengtheners as your base coat, and preferably a clear one. Then apply two to three shades of your chosen yellow polish to ensure a streak-free finish, before adding a glossy top coat (we like essie’s Gel Couture top coat). Be sure to allow each layer to air-dry completely before adding another.
