When it comes to picking the perfect nail color, girls have so many options to choose from! The nail color you choose can say a lot about your mood, style, and personality. The right shade can make you feel confident, trendy, playful and so much more. But with hundreds of colors and finishes to select from, it can be tricky to narrow it down. Here are some tips on picking the best nail colors for any occasion or mood.
Consider Your Skin Tone
One of the most important things to think about when selecting a nail color is how it will pair with your skin tone. Those with fair or olive complexions look best in nude, pale pink and peach shades. Medium skin tones can pull off bolder colors like reds, burgundies and hot pinks. Darker skin looks great in deeper shades of wine, purple, emerald and navy blue. Metallic polishes like gold, rose gold and silver complement all skin tones. If you aren’t sure what tones pair best with your skin, look for polishes with blue, pink or yellow undertones.
Match Your Style
Your personal style and fashion sense should also guide your nail color choice. For a polished, professional look, stick with neutral pinks, nudes and reds. Edgier rocker chic styles look cool with black, dark greys and purples. For a romantic, feminine vibe try soft pinks, sheer nudes and pale corals. Those who love bright, eye catching accessories will have fun with colors like electric blue, lime green and tangerine. And don’t forget about nail art and embellishments like glitter, gems, foils and striping tape to really make your nails pop.
Occasion Appropriate
The event or occasion you’ll be wearing your chosen shade to is important in selecting the right color. Bridal showers, weddings and formal events call for soft, natural looking pinks and nudes. Date nights, parties and nights out allow you to get more adventurous with darker vampy reds and purples. Job interviews and work events do best with straightforward pinks, reds and French manicures. And any causal everyday activities like running errands, walking the dog or brunch let you have fun with any color you love.
Match Your Mood
Your current mood or state of mind can also influence which color you should choose. Feeling flirty? Opt for hot pink or coral. Want to channel your inner rebel? Go for an edgy black or dark grey. Need a confidence boost? Try a bright, upbeat yellow or cobalt blue. Stressed out? Cool mint green has calming effect. Your nail color can help reflect or improve how you feel.
Consider the Season
The current season and time of year can provide inspiration on colors to try. Pastels in shades of pink, yellow, green and blue say spring. Earth tones like taupes, khakis and olive green fit fall. Royal blue, emerald green and bold metallics make wintery statements. Neons, vivid brights and citrus hues are fun for summer. Your nail color is another way to celebrate the season.
Popular Trends
Looking at current nail color trends can help provide ideas if you feel stumped on which shade to pick. Some hot trends right now are two-toned color blocking, mutedneutrals, sheer pinks, chrome textures, dark vampy colors, and oversizedartistic prints. Pinterest, Instagram and runway shows are great sources to find trending polish styles and get inspired.
Don’t Forget Top Coat
No matter which shade you choose, a quality top coat is key to extending the life of your manicure. Top coats help prevent chipping and peeling by creating a protective layer over the polish underneath. They also add a beautiful glossy shine. Quick dry top coats help your polish set faster. Some other popular top coat varieties include ridge filling (for smoothness), matte finish, plumping and nail strengthening formulas.
Have Fun and Experiment!
The most important rule when picking nail colors is to have fun with it! There are so many gorgeous shades out there to try. Feel free to get adventurous and test out new styles. You can always remove it. Play around with different color combinations and nail art. Switch it up for the seasons. Nail polish is meant to be enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find colors and styles you love.
Tips for Long Lasting Manicures
Once you’ve chosen the perfect polish, you’ll want it to last as long as possible. Here are some tips for making your manicure stand the test of time:
- Always use a base coat – This helps the polish adhere to your nails.
- Apply thin layers – Multiple thin coats wear better than one thick coat.
- Let polish dry between coats – This prevents bubbling and smudging.
- Wrap tips – Brush polish over the tips of your nails to seal in color.
- Use quick dry top coat – Speeds up drying time.
- Avoid water – Try not to immerse nails in water right after painting.
- Reapply top coat – Refresh every 2-3 days to prevent chips.
- Remove polish gently – Soak in remover instead of pulling it off.
- Take polish breaks – Give your nails a breather between manicures.
- Moisturize – Keep nails and cuticles soft.
How to Remove Nail Polish
Taking off last week’s chipped nail color is important before applying fresh polish. Here are some tips for easy, gentle nail polish removal:
- Use pure acetone remover – This works faster than non-acetone.
- Soak cotton pads – Saturate them and hold over nails for 30-60 seconds.
- Wrap nails – For dark polishes, wrap nails in foil after soaking for better results.
- Gently push back cuticles – With an orange stick after softening with remover.
- Scrub nails – Use an old toothbrush to remove any remaining tint.
- Rinse and moisturize – Wash nails in soap and water, then apply cuticle oil.
- Avoid pulling off polish – This can damage the nail.
- Use non-acetone occasionally – To give nails a break from harsh acetone.
Choosing a Salon vs. DIY
Should you get your nails done at a salon or DIY at home? Consider the pros and cons of each:
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Conclusion
With so many nail polish colors, finishes and application techniques, having beautiful nails is easier than ever. Consider your style, mood, season and occasion when selecting a shade. Prep nails properly and use tips like base coat and thinner layers for long wear. Change it up and experiment with different colors. Most importantly, have fun with your manicure! Nail art is a great way to express your personality.
