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Nail Trends

Color Theory for Your Nails

We’ve seen it all over socials: color theory is IN! From picking an outfit to dying your hair, choosing a color that complements your skin tone can make a big impact on your overall look. The same is true for nail polish!  

Color Theory : The Best Nail Shades for Your Skin Tone

Don’t get us wrong—there are no rules when it comes to self-expression. The best nail color for you is whatever makes you feel confident and happy. BUT, if you’re looking for shades to enhance your natural skin tone—whether it’s light, medium, or deep—we have the guide for hue.  


Light Skin Tones

Light Skin Tones

It's true that jewel tones look great on ALL skin types, but they really stand out on fair and lighter tones. A rich, shiny nail hue like Big Apply Red® or a deep sea blue can really bring out the pigments in your skin and create a vibrant contrast. If you prefer to keep it cool, try a robin’s egg blue or neutral pinkish-beige nail color.

Cool-tone shades to try: 

SHOP GELATO ON MY MIND®  

SHOP BABY, TAKE A VOW  

SHOP BIG APPLE RED®  

SHOP LESS IS NORSE®  

Light Medium Skin Tones

Light Medium Skin Tones

Both pale lights and bold brights are great nail shades for those with light-medium skin tones. A bright, spicy coral nail polish like our iconic Cajun Shrimp® would look great. For softer shades, try a warm sandy beige nail color like Samoan Sand, or a pale gray or pink shade.

Warm-tone shades to try: 

SHOP SAMOAN SAND  

SHOP CAJUN SHRIMP®  

SHOP I CANNOLI WEAR OPI  

SHOP MOD ABOUT YOU  

Medium Skin Tones

Medium Skin Tones

For medium skin tones, earthy shades can really complement your complexion. A warm army green or nutty brown nail color like My Italian is a Little Rusty will bring out your natural tan. Don't shy away from reds, either! A deep wine-red like I’m Not Really A Waitress looks great on any tone.

Shades to try: 

SHOP I'M NOT REALLY A WAITRESS®  

SHOP SUZI - THE FIRST LADY OF NAILS  

SHOP DULCE DE LECHE  

SHOP MY ITALIAN IS A LITTLE RUSTY  

Medium Deep Skin Tones

Medium Deep Skin Tones

Medium Deep Skin Tones Warm nail shades also pair well with medium to deep skin tones. For a neutral nail, try a classic brownish taupe or creamy coffee hue like Tiramisu For Two. If you’re looking to make a statement, a bright, beachy teal like All Heal Queen Mother Earth looks amazing on tanned skin.

Neutral-toned shades to try: 

SHOP ALL HEAL QUEEN MOTHER EARTH  

SHOP YOU DON'T KNOW JACQUES!  

SHOP GOT MYSELF INTO A JAM-BALAYA   

SHOP TIRAMISU FOR TWO  

Deep Skin Tones

Deep Skin Tones

Both rich, deep shades and subtle, light shades look great with deeper complexions. Nail colors with pink undertones like Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around® can provide a bright contrast that enhances your skin. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a vibrant red. Try one with blue undertones, like Got The Blues For Red, to really stand out.

Shades to try:

SHOP DON'T BOSSA NOVA ME AROUND®

SHOP THROW ME A KISS

SHOP GOT THE BLUES FOR RED

SHOP I AM WHAT I AMETHYST

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