Every time you hit the salon, you pine for trendy greige nails. But try as you might, you end up looking more like a character on The Walking Dead than you were going for. The key to the ideal manicure: Finding the shades that play up your natural complexion. Here are the best.
The Best Nail Polish Colors for Every Skin Tone
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Best For Olive Skin
If you’re on the taupe side with yellow undertones, go warm with a peach or gold to elongate your fingers.
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Best For Fair Skin
Pastel colors—like the lightest of lavenders—are key for all-over pale tones.
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Best For Bronze Skin
You’re one of the lucky few who can pull off hot shades like tangerine without looking like a 17-year-old.
Best For Medium Brown Skin
Super-saturated colors—whether a bold fuchsia or an electric cobalt—look best with darker hands.
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Best For Peachy Skin
Your porcelain complexion shines with blue-based reds and deep berry shades.
Best For Beige Skin
If you’ve got even beige tones, look for hues on the frosty side. A cool pink with silver notes is just right.
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Best For Dark Skin
The darker your skin, the more colors you can pull off. But we love the way metallics and jewel tones pop.