When choosing nail polish colors, it’s important to consider your skin tone, outfit, season, and personal style preferences. The most flattering nail colors will complement your skin tone and look cohesive with your overall look. While all colors can work, some tried-and-true color combinations tend to be universally flattering. Here are some of the top two-color nail polish color pairings that look great on most nails.
Go Neutral
One easy way to pick two nail polish colors that go well together is to choose a neutral nude or pale pink along with a bolder bright color. The neutral acts as a base that allows the bright color to really pop. Some ideas:
- Nude and red
- Sheer pink and electric blue
- Beige and purple
- Light gray and coral
Pairing a neutral with a bright color helps balance and pull together the look. The neutral color is flattering and allows the bolder secondary color to shine.
Monochromatic
Wearing different shades of the same color family can create a sophisticated, monochromatic look. Some color combinations to try:
- Light pink and fuchsia
- Baby blue and navy
- Pale yellow and gold
- Lavender and plum
Wearing tints and shades of one color makes your manicure look polished. The monochromatic look also helps elongate the fingers.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. When paired together, they create a striking, high-contrast look that flatters most skin tones. Some ideas for complementary color pairings include:
- Red and green
- Purple and yellow
- Blue and orange
- Pink and green
The vibrant contrast between complementary colors is eye-catching. Just be sure the shades you choose complement your skin’s undertones.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. This creates a harmonious, calming color combination. Some analogous color pairings to try include:
- Blue and blue-green
- Yellow-orange and orange
- Red-violet and red
- Green and yellow-green
The analogous colors blend seamlessly together for a soothing manicure. This is a great option if you want a laid-back, relaxed vibe.
Split Complementary
The split complementary look uses a base color, then pairs it with the two colors adjacent to its complement. This creates a more nuanced accent rather than using the true complement color. Some split complementary ideas:
- Red, yellow-green, blue-green
- Purple, orange, yellow-orange
- Pink, green, yellow-green
- Blue, peach, burnt orange
The split complementary color scheme is both harmonious and vibrant. The accent colors are less contrasting than true complementary colors, creating a more complex, stylish look.
Triadic Colors
Triadic color palettes use three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. Some examples include:
- Red, yellow, blue
- Purple, orange, green
- Pink, yellow, teal
- Turquoise, red, yellow
Triadic colors have a fun, youthful energy with lots of visual interest. Just be careful not to choose colors that clash with your skin tone.
Accent Nails
Another way to incorporate two nail polish colors is to use one shade on most nails, then a different color on the ring fingers or accent nails. For example:
- Nude nails with black accent nails
- Baby blue nails with gold accent nails
- White nails with red accent nails
- Pink nails with leopard print or floral accent nails
Accent nails let you experiment with a bold color without it being overpowering. They add flair and personality to any manicure.
Consider Skin Tone
When selecting two nail polish colors, it helps to consider your skin’s undertones. Cool skin tones with pink or red undertones tend to look best with cool-toned nail colors like:
- Pink
- Plum
- Berry
- Blue
- Purple
- Mauve
- Emerald
- Slate
Warm skin tones with yellow, peach, or golden undertones tend to look best with warm-toned nail polish colors like:
- Coral
- Peach
- Yellow
- Melon
- Red
- Copper
- Orange
- Terracotta
Choosing colors within the same temperature family as your skin tone creates a cohesive look.
Match to Your Outfit
When in doubt, choose nail polish colors that complement your outfit for the day. Matching or coordinating your nails to your clothing is an easy way to pull together a polished look. Some examples:
- Red and black for a bold, edgy outfit
- Navy and white for nautical vibes
- Coral and denim blue for summer casual
- Plum and gray for office professional
Tie your nail colors directly to what you’re wearing for foolproof coordination.
Consider the Season
Nail polish colors can also be selected to match the season or occasion. Some seasonal color ideas:
- Spring – Pastels like pink, yellow, blue
- Summer – Bright neons like orange, green, purple
- Fall – Rich earth tones like burgundy, olive, taupe
- Winter – Deep jewel tones like ruby, emerald, sapphire
Choosing seasonally appropriate shades makes your manicure feel fresh and fun.
Summary
When selecting two nail polish colors to pair together, consider your skin tone, the colors you’re wearing, the season, and your personal preferences. Some universally flattering combinations include neutrals with brights, monochromatic tints and shades, complementary colors, analogous hues, and accent nails. With so many gorgeous options, you can mix and match for an endless array of stylish, on-trend nail looks!
Examples of Color Combinations
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Sheer Pink | Electric Blue |
| Nude | Red |
| Lavender | Plum |
| Yellow | Orange |
| White | Red Accent Nail |
| Coral | Denim Blue |