The past few years have seen amazing innovations in nail polish, coupled with trends so numerous it’s often hard to keep track. From no-chip gel manicures to faux-chip crackle topcoats, companies have been churning out launch after launch. While spring is traditionally the most yawn-inducing time of the year as far as nail polishes go (say hello to a never-ending parade of pastel crèmes), Neon Tommy takes a look at the brands that dare to be different this season.

YSL La Laque Couture Tie and Dye (YSL)

Leave it to YSL to come up with a chic take on tie-dye. Each of the four punchy hues in this collection contains a gradation from opaque base color to sheer “pop coat.” The brand has yet to release any images of what these look like on the nails, although they do note that top layer can be used alone for a sheer and glittery manicure. Admittedly, this could turn out to be one big mess, but it has definite trend potential.

Illamasqua Speckled Nail Varnishes (Illamasqua)

Next on the list are Illamasqua’s curiously speckled nail lacquers, which feature varying sizes of glitter suspended in colored bases. While these may appear to be no different than your typical chunky glitter polish, the brand’s unexpected use of texture sets their spring polishes apart from imitators. The ‘glitter’ in these varnishes is actually matte, and gives a surprisingly convincing illusion of eggshells when viewed from a distance. The shades range from pale blue to soft pink, but the speckle effect effectively turns these overdone colors into something modern and new.

Zoya Pixie Dust Polishes (Zoya)

The pixie dust or ‘liquid sand’ effect is quickly becoming this spring’s most popular trend. These polishes, much like Illamasqua’s, are an exploration of matte glitters. But while Illamasqua chooses to pair their glitter with a crème base, Zoya’s polishes have a uniform finish like dulled, crushed glass. While half of the line contains the usual soft shades of the season, this is one use of pastels that manages to be innovative. Think sandpaper, but sparkly.

Reach Staff Reporter Sarah Wu here.