TIPS AND TRENDS

 

Find the Best essie Nail Polish for Your Skin Tone

 

Celebrity manicurist Rita Remark breaks it down with some of her favorite essie nail polish shades

 

Best Nail Colors for Light Skin Tones

 

 

 

Cloudy pink – Essie’s iconic sheer "ballet slippers" is one of the best nail colors for light skin tones.

Nude nail polish – Nude shades with a hint of pink complement lighter skin tones, and the soft blush offsets any blue undertones. Reach for enduring classic and 2017’s most “pinned” nail polish "topless & barefoot,” an ivory beige nail polish with a dash of pink that looks fantastic on the fairest of complexions.

Gray nail polish – Granite gray "chinchilly" is flattering on practically every skin tone, but it's cool notes shine particularly best on paler skin tones. 

Red nail polish – Those with fairer skin should look for red nail color with blue-y undertones. Reds create a rich contrast, especially essie’s quintessential ruby red "not a phase.”

 

Best Nail Colors for Medium Skin Tones

 

 

Sheer white shades – Rather than wash out medium skin tones, white creates a contrast that makes nails look brighter and the skin tone richer. Cloudy sheer white "marshmallow” was actually chosen for a royal wedding day, so it’s worth a try! 

Nude nail polish – Seek out a nude nail shade that is in the beige/neutral family. The best nail colors for medium skin tones should look like a latté. Try sandy tan "millenium momentum” to give your complexion a boost, and the subtle twinkle is an added bonus!

Gray nail polish – Many medium skin tones have an olive or neutral undertone that pairs wonderfully with any gray shade. The cool tones in deep smoky "smokin’ hot" look fantastic against these undertones and add a dramatic contrast. 

Red nail polish – Medium skin tones were simply meant for red. Nothing looks better on their hand than a vibrant poppy red with orange undertones. Look no further than "geranium.”

 

Best Nail Colors for Dark Skin Tones

 

 

 

Sheer pink nail polish – Sheer candy pinks look vibrant and youthful on deeper skin tones. Try "sugar daddy" for nails that look like their wearing rosy lip gloss. 

Nude nail polish – Nudes that pair with deep skin tones lean toward creamy hues like "of corset" longwear or even deeper nail polish shades such as “save a cowboy” with warm chestnut hues.

Gray nail polish – Choose a gray nail color with a hint of mauve or a purple undertone. This will ensure that it won’t bring out grayness in deeper skin tones. "get a mauve on" has a great tinge of mulberry in the mix that will leave deep-toned hands looking chic. 

Red nail polish – The best reds for deep skin should mirror the shades of fine wines. Match your nails to your glass of red and wear a rich, essie "bordeaux.” Or go for a red-orange nail polish shade like “tomato, tomahto.”

 

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More Tips & Trends

FAQ

What are the best nail colors for light skin tones?
Fair skin works beautifully with jewel tones, deep reds, rich berries, and cool-toned blues. You can also go bold with dark shades or softer with pale pinks and nudes for a subtle look.

What are the best nail colors for medium skin tones?

Brown skin tones look stunning in warm and rich colors like coral, terracotta, cozy reds, and jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire. Gold-tone metallics and deep burgundies also beautifully complement brown skin.

How do I choose a nail polish color for my skin tone?
Consider your undertone (warm, cool, or neutral) and choose colors that contrast with rather than match your skin. Try shades that make your nails and hands pop, and don't be afraid to experiment with both warm and cool tones.

Should I choose warm or cool nail polish shades for a cool undertone?
Cool undertones look best with cool-toned shades like blues, purples, silvers, cool reds, and jewel tones. Avoid warm oranges and golds, which can clash with cool undertones.

What's a good neutral nail color for dark skin tones?
Deep browns, warm burgundies, rich bronzes, and warm nudes serve as sophisticated neutrals for dark skin tones. These shades complement rather than wash out deeper complexions.