Pale-skinned individuals will benefit from opting for nude shades; those with cool complexions might try green hues to complement their existing hue scheme.
Sheer pastels such as Zoya’s Marley ($12), a pearlescent pale lavender shade, will amplify your fingertips and lend them an air of delicate beauty. Olive or dark skin tones should opt for earthy clay shades or bold burgundy tones, as these make an impressionful statement on nails.
Soft Neutrals
If you have fair skin, neutral or light taupe nail polish shades are an ideal complement to your natural beauty and make an easily integrated style statement that goes with any outfit or occasion.
Light pastel hues such as petal pink or lilac make an excellent accent to fair skin, adding femininity and elegance with their delicate hue. Or opt for shimmery white polish for an eye-catching shine on your nails.
People with pale, cool complexions can also pull off rich, deep colors such as dark purple nail polish shades to add drama and refinement to their looks, as it emphasizes your cool undertones for an eye-catching appearance.
Light olive green hues make for beautiful autumn-themed wardrobes and nail polish in this color is also a fantastic accent piece. Nail polish options such as ORLY Plastic Jungle and Kelli Emerald make these pieces suitable for fall/winter seasons.
Cool Pastels
If you have cool skin, it’s wise to stay away from warm pinks and corals, as these could clash with your complexion. Pastel colors such as mint green, blue-based purples and soft oranges look amazing when worn against pale skin tones.
Add warmth to your skin tone by selecting hues like Oh Snap, Neon Paradise and Gold Rush polishes; similarly, warmer pinks and corals can create the appearance of sun-kissed skin if you have recently become sun-kissed.
Olive skin tones benefit from neutral or dark brown polishes as their richer colors provide a pleasing contrast with their complexion. To make an even bigger statement, dark red nail polish such as Cote’s No. 10, Yari’s favorite shade from this season–can create a dramatic statement against their complexion. For an eye-catching autumn look, earthy tones may prefer earthy-toned colours such as Plastic Jungle, Pine-ing For You or Gilded Glow, which bring out golden undertones while creating beautiful autumn looks!
Warm Nudes
Pale-skinned ladies need an iconic nude nail polish shade in their collection, and Essie’s Ballet Slippers, Queen Elizabeth’s favorite nude shade, look perfect on all skin colors. It offers a soft yet sheer finish for an ideal finish.
Light pinks with warm undertones look stunning on pale complexions. Their shades look natural on nails and help your hands appear healthier.
Purple nail polishes can also be a good choice for women with fair skin, as their cool undertones complement the complexion well. Try Zoya Marley or CND Vinylux Down by the Bae, as both options offer chic and versatile looks.
Blue-based reds can also be an effective choice for people with cool undertones, as they help balance out skin tones while providing an eye-catching contrast. Choose classic shades like Essie’s Down to the Core or My Pool Party as they will not go out of style in this season.
Classic Reds
For an iconic classic look, opt for true red nail polish to complement pale skin tones. The intense contrast will bring bold and striking appeal while remaining delicate and attractive against your complexion. When choosing this shade, reach for one with cool undertones, such as Essie A-List or Showstopper, which have cool undertones to complement both pink and yellow undertones found in pale skin tones.
Baby blue and lavender shades look fantastic on pale skin tones, adding an exuberant and youthful aesthetic that’s ideal for spring and summertime. For something a bit less eye-catching, neutral brown is another fabulous choice; warm chocolate hues like Essie Merino Cool are particularly flattering or opt for one with cool tones like Crooner Wine from Essie as options.
Dark olive green nail polish can also make for an elegant and sophisticated statement on those with fair skin. From full manicures to French tips, this earthy shade will add a stylish and elegant finish.
Muted Mauves
Persons with light complexions and cool undertones should opt for nude or pink shades that complement their skin tone, such as Essie’s Ballerina Slippers ($18). Or, for something soft and feminine, try muted mauve hues without being too bright.
If you have blue-green skin tones, trendy periwinkle nail polish hues could be perfect for you. These vibrant hues bring out your natural radiance while making your nails pop from any other elements in your look.
If you prefer classic reds, choose brick shades that complement your natural tan, such as OPI’s Bubble Bath ($11). Salmon mustard, teal, salmon mustard and teal nail polishes also work well on warm skin tones; salmon hues (such as Zoya Foster $12) or CND Vinylux Down By the Bae (16) work particularly well to emphasize medium or olive skin tones.
Subdued Grays
Light grey nail polish shades offer a sophisticated and subdued option, complimenting pale skin beautifully due to its cool undertones. Try ella+mila’s Serene Slate color for an easy application that looks fantastic on nails.
For medium skin tones, Yari suggests pink shades with subtle blue undertones such as Cote Nail Lacquer shade No. 38 ($18). She also likes bright teal blue hues like ORLY Showstopper ($15), which is an irresistibly vibrant red-orange, and Sugarland ($15), an innocent bubblegum pink shade.
Avoid yellow and bright purple colors that clash with their complexion; instead opt for sheer candy pinks like ella+mila’s Sugar Daddy ($5) that look vibrant and youthful on nails, then add pops of color with coral or peach shades that match your skin tone – Orly offers exciting orange options like Plastic Jungle, Kelli’s Emerald and Pine-ing For You that work beautifully on nails.
Soft Metallics
Metallic nail polishes will complement your complexion perfectly, whether you prefer an intricate manicure design or a classic French tip. Look for silver and gold hues that reflect the warmth of your skin rather than creating stark contrasts with it. Metallics make an ideal option that can be worn casually as well as at formal events across seasons.
For a fresh, feminine and sophisticated look, lavender nail polish offers the perfect soft feminine aesthetic. Or experiment with periwinkle blue, this season’s fashionista-approved hue that has made its debut on runways and beauty blogs alike. Pale tints of blue work especially well when applied over fairer skin tones, like milky shades or baby blue.
If you have olive-toned skin, warm taupe hues are your go-to nail colors – try Smith & Cult Ballet Pink or Zoya Nail Polish Rowan to find one that complements your complexion perfectly. If your natural skin tone leans more toward neutral hues such as brown or moss green tones, moss/rust green shades, or rich brown tones such as Orly Breathable Nail Polish in Double Espresso and Zoya Nail Polish Londontown Cafe Au Lait are great options to explore as well.
Deep Jewel Tones
Deep jewel tones look absolutely breathtaking on fair skin tones and are an exciting way to add drama and depth. Essie’s Frosted Mocha shade and Zoya Olive For Green nail polish both pair elegantly and warmly with pale complexions, as do rich blue shades such as the trendsetting Periwinkle shades this spring.
For a neutral look, try wearing a soft blush pink color such as Essie’s “topless and barefoot,” or Nail Polishes by Cote’s Baguette Me Not (mod pastel lilac). Additionally, grey nail polishes such as Essie’s “chinchilly” can flatter pale complexions while accentuating their cool tones.
Medium and olive skin tones benefit from bold nail colors like orange-reds and creamy pinks that stand out against their earthy clay colors, like Orly’s Adventure Awaits or Zoya Foster, which add depth and vibrancy. Meanwhile, deeper tones may opt for earthy violets or purples, which add an eye-catching yet classy and sophisticated appearance.