Picking a nail polish color is one of the best parts of the manicure—and there are hundreds (thousands!) of colors to choose from! But how do you know which shade of red to get, or whether you should go for a classic pink or a funky royal blue? Here are some tips on helping you pick your next shade.
Check your skin tone
Some colors look amazing in the bottle but absolutely horrible on our hands. It’s our skin tone. Just like clothes, lipstick, or eyeshadow, nail polish colors can either make our skin look healthy or sallow.
If you’re fair, you can get away with a lot of colors (though gold and yellow aren’t that flattering for you)/ If you’re medium-toned, a glitter finish or a very bright color can really bring out your natural tan. However, very dark purples, reds and blues can make your skin look even darker. For those with very deep complexions, reach for brights or yellow-based shades.
Consider the occasion
Acid green nail polish isn’t appropriate for a job interview or a wedding. Meanwhile, a weekend at the beach seems to call for neons! As for nail polish that’s work appropriate, you have to play it by ear. Do you work for a very conservative company? Stick to nudes and pale pinks, or keep your dark purple polish on your toe nails.
Make it part of an outfit
Nail polish is an accessory, and it should complete—not compete—with the rest of your look. If you’re wearing a ball gown, or a vintage dress, than a classic red helps exude old Hollywood glamour. If you’re wearing flipflops and shorts for a weekend by the pool, then canary yellow nails are perfect.
Check the season
During spring, nail polish brands break out the brights and corals. Summers are usually all about neons, while fall collections are often ablaze with reds, golds and other metals.
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