3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow (2024)

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1Choosing Based on Your Skin Tone

2Selecting a Polish for an Occasion

3Picking a Polish Based on Personality

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Co-authored byMia Rubie

Last Updated: March 25, 2024Fact Checked

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Picking out nail polish colour can be a very fun endeavor. However, with so many different colours and styles, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, there are ways to narrow it down. Factors like the season, your skin tone, and your personality can help you pick out the perfect polish for any occasion.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Based on Your Skin Tone

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  1. 1

    Go for nude shades if you have a light or medium skin tone. Nudes tend to work best for light-coloured or medium-coloured skin. Lighter skins benefit from a pinkish nude. Avoid beige if you have pale skin, as it could create a yellow undertone. If you have medium-coloured skin, you can go for either beige nudes or nudes with a pinkish undertone. Both will look great on your skin.[1]

    • Dark skin tones don't look as good with nude shades, but if you want something lighter and less noticeable, try pastels.
  2. 2

    Choose a pink shade for any skin tone. If you love pink, you'll be happy to know it works for every skin tone. Pale skin tends to look great with any type of pink, from soft baby pinks to bright fuchsias. Peachy shades of pink look great on medium skin tones. Dark skin looks great with very bright, vibrant pinks.[2]

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  3. 3

    Pick blue for any skin tone. Blue is a universal colour that looks great on pretty much any skin tone. If you have pale skin, played down blues like navy blues look great. Medium skin tones look good with sky blues or pastel blues. Vibrant shades, like cobalt blues, look good on dark skin.[3]

  4. 4

    Experiment with purple. Purple looks good on pretty much any skin tone, but different shades match better with different tones. If you have a pale skin, opt for lavenders. For medium skin, go for a pastel shade with hints of gray. For dark skin, both pastels and brighter shades of purple look great.[4]

    • Deep purple polishes with berry undertones also work great if you have a dark complexion.
  5. 5

    Choose the best red for your skin tone. If you have pale skin, go for a bright, classic red and avoid sheer tones. For medium skin, red-orange shades look great. For dark complexions, go for a deep wine red.[5]

    • If you have pale skin, hold up a bottle of red polish to the light when shopping. If you can see through the polish, it's too sheer for your skin.
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  1. 1

    Opt for neutral colours for formal occasions. Neutral colours tend to work anywhere, so they're a safe option if you're wearing polish to work or a job interview. For an every day look for professional occasions, you can opt for grays, whites, beiges, and light peachy shades.[6]

    • For example, wear a beige polish to a job interview.
    • For a fun color that's still neutral, opt for gold with a little bit of shimmer.[7]
  2. 2

    Go with holiday-themed colours. You can wear the colours associated with a particular holiday for a fun, festive look. For example, wear red, glittery polish for Christmas or bright orange polish for Halloween.

    • Holiday-themed colours can be a particularly great choice if you're going to a party commemorating a particular holiday.
  3. 3

    Choose a colour based on season. Some colours are more appropriate depending on the time of year. It can be fun to transition your choice of polish colour with each new season.

    • For the fall months, go for colours like grays, dark blues and purples, silvers, cherry shades, and burnt oranges.[8]
    • For the spring months, try greens, whites, bright pinks, yellows, reds, and bright blues.[9]
    • For the winter, try deep purples, light pinks, grays, and silvers.[10]
    • For the summer, try shades like light pinks, greens, bright reds, corals, and light nude shades.[11]
  4. 4

    Add sparkles for a fun event. If you're going for a night out on the town, incorporate a little fun into your look. Add nail polish in sparkly shades or add a sparkly topcoat over a dark base. A little glitter and sparkle can make for a fun, carefree look.

    • For example, paint your nails black and then wait for them to dry. Once dry, add some glittery gold polish over the black to create a fun, sparkling look.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Picking a Polish Based on Personality

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  1. 1

    Use metallics to convey a wild personality. Maybe you see yourself as someone with a wild side who enjoys partying. Metallic colours, like metallic blacks, blues, and silvers, really give off a party vibe. These can be a great option to convey your fun loving personality.

  2. 2

    Go for an edgy look with black polish. If you want to give off a punk rock, edgy vibe, black nail polish can be great. When paired with things like leather, hoodies, and band t-shirts, black polish can appeal to your rebellious side.[12]

  3. 3

    Pick bright colours for an energetic look. A variety of bright colours can give off an energetic look. Pick oranges, greens, and yellows if you want to emulate energy. Bright pinks can also work for an energetic look.[13]

    • If you want something both bold and energetic, go for a bright orange or green. These are somewhat unusual colours that can add a touch of quirkiness to your look.
    • If you want something very bright, you can even go with white polish.
  4. 4

    Choose muted colours for a softer look. If you want to give off a serene demeanor, look for softer, more played down polishes. Shades like light purples and pinks have a feminine, soft feel. You can also try pastel shades of blue.[14]

  5. 5

    Show off sophistication with darker polish. If you want to look sophisticated, choose a deep polish with berry tones. A deep purple polish or a wine red polish can really reflect a classy personality.[15]

    • Deep polishes look great when paired with former outfits, like evening gowns.
  6. 6

    Go for bright red to look bold. Red is traditionally thought of as the colour of confidence. If you want an overtly bold look, opt for a bright red polish. This can be great for an event where you want extra confidence, like a first date.[16]

    • For example, try something like candy apple, true red, or an red-orange colour.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    What are some nail polish colors that will go with anything?

    Mia Rubie
    Nail Artist

    Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

    Mia Rubie

    Nail Artist

    Expert Answer

    My favorites are nude, red, and gold. I feel like gold is a very modern neutral.

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  • Question

    How do I match two or more colors on my hand?

    3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow (23)

    Community Answer

    You could do a base coat in one color and some designs in another color. You could also do two colors alternating from nail to nail. When trying to decide which two colors to use, consider the theme of the event, the time of year, etc.

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  • Question

    I am 81 years old with very thin hands. I have fair skin with grayish veins, and my nails are in good condition. What is an attractive nail color for me?

    3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow (24)

    Community Answer

    Bright red is a good color to go with, or a pastel color for someone with fair skin.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      About This Article

      3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow (27)

      Co-authored by:

      Mia Rubie

      Nail Artist

      This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. This article has been viewed 354,673 times.

      2 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 36

      Updated: March 25, 2024

      Views:354,673

      Categories: Nail Polish

      Article SummaryX

      To choose a nail polish color that suits you, consider matching your nails with your skin tone. For example, nude shades look great with lighter skin, while pastels and bright purples look better with dark skin. No matter what skin tone you have, pink or blue will make your nails pop. Every woman needs a red nail polish in their collection, but try to match the shade with your skin color, since darker reds look better with darker skin. Alternatively, match your nails with your personality or mood. For example, if you’re feeling happy and energetic, opt for bright oranges, blues, greens, and pinks. For a more sophisticated look, go for darker colors like dark purple and red. For more tips, including how to choose a nail polish for special occasions, read on!

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      3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      3 Ways to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You - wikiHow? ›

      Finding the ideal nail color starts with understanding your undertone. To determine your undertone, observe the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they have a greenish hue, you probably have a warm undertone.

      How do you know which nail polish color suits you? ›

      Finding the ideal nail color starts with understanding your undertone. To determine your undertone, observe the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they have a greenish hue, you probably have a warm undertone.

      What color nail polish is attractive? ›

      However, certain colors have stood the test of time and are often considered universally appealing. Classic red exudes timeless elegance and confidence, while soft pinks and neutrals offer a subtle and feminine charm. Bold and vibrant hues make a statement and showcase a sense of individuality.

      What nail color suits everything? ›

      Nude or Beige

      A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting.

      What nail color gives you positive energy? ›

      Yellow : Signifies positivity and fun. It gives off a high-energy vibe or someone going through a positive life change.

      What are the three methods in choosing the right nail polish color? ›

      Picking out nail polish colour can be a very fun endeavor. However, with so many different colours and styles, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, there are ways to narrow it down. Factors like the season, your skin tone, and your personality can help you pick out the perfect polish for any occasion.

      What is the most flattering nail polish color? ›

      “Nail polish colors that have cool tones—like blue, lavender, and light pink—typically complement people with cool undertones,” says celebrity manicurist Queenie Nguyen. Pastel colors, blue-based reds, and jewel tones are also very flattering. If you're choosing brown nail polish, lean toward taupes.

      What nail color looks best on me? ›

      The color of your natural nails can be an indication of your skin tone. If you have a fair complexion, opt for light shades of pink, beige, and white. Women with olive skin tones should choose colors that are in the green family, while those with darker skin should stick to shades of brown, black, or deep red.

      How to pick a signature nail color? ›

      Chances are, you've worn your signature shade before, so think back to the times you've had your nails done and garnered compliments, or looked down at your hands and thought "My nails look so pretty!" Then narrow it down to your top two—maybe a good, deep burgundy and the palest pink.

      What color nail polish looks best on pale skin? ›

      Light and Neutral Tones

      Pastel, pink, and neutral shades are an ideal choice if you're looking for a classic yet eye-catching look. If you want to avoid neutral nail polish colors, opt for flashier pigments.

      What nail color helps anxiety? ›

      The Calming Power of Blue

      The color blue has an effect on our emotions, and can help calm those worries. When choosing a shade for your nails (or even your living space) try to go with lighter shades of baby blue or powder blue.

      What is the most calming nail color? ›

      If you need calm, soothing energy in your life, then choose a light blue nail color. Very Well Mind points out that people are more productive when working in painted blue rooms. The color blue can invoke a calming, relaxing feeling, and instill a sense of reliability.

      What nail color attracts love? ›

      Back then red was used to show a person's social class, and today it's used in the attempt to attract love. A bottle of red nail polish at a drugstore ranges from around $3.50 to $10.00, so participating in this trend does not mean you have to make an appointment at the nail salon.

      How do I know what color to paint my nails? ›

      7 Tips To Pick The Perfect Nail Colour
      1. Match Your Skin Tone. To help you decide the perfect nail colour, we always recommend choosing a colour that complements your skin tone. ...
      2. Compliment Your Style. ...
      3. Match Your Lips. ...
      4. Nails For Each Season. ...
      5. Nails For Every Occasion. ...
      6. The Latest Trend. ...
      7. The Classic Clear.
      Nov 14, 2017

      What nail polish color goes with my skin? ›

      The color of your natural nails can be an indication of your skin tone. If you have a fair complexion, opt for light shades of pink, beige, and white. Women with olive skin tones should choose colors that are in the green family, while those with darker skin should stick to shades of brown, black, or deep red.

      What should your nail color match? ›

      Match Your Wardrobe

      Think about the colors you typically wear and choose nail colors that will complement your outfits. If you tend to wear a lot of neutral tones, opt for classic shades like nude, beige, or gray. If you love bright and bold clothing, experiment with vibrant nail colors that will make a statement.

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