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Nail Trends

Color Theory for Your Nails

You’ve seen it all over socials: color theory is IN!

Color Theory For Your Nails

We've all fallen down the rabbit hole. Red nail theory. Color analysis. Suddenly, everyone on the internet has a color conspiracy. While we can't promise one nail polish will magically change your life, the right shade can make your skin tone pop. Here's how to find yours.

What nail color looks best on fair skin tones?

It's true that jewel tones look great on ALL 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 shade like “Big Apple 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 Nail Polish Shades to Try: 

SHOP GELATO ON MY MIND®  

SHOP BABY, TAKE A VOW  

SHOP BIG APPLE RED®  

SHOP LESS IS NORSE®  

Both pale lights and bold brights are great nail shades for those with 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 Nail Polish Shades to Try: 

SHOP SAMOAN SAND  

SHOP CAJUN SHRIMP®  

SHOP I CANNOLI WEAR OPI  

SHOP MOD ABOUT YOU  


What nail color looks best on medium skin tones?

For medium skin tones, earthy shades can really complement your complexion

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.

Earthy Nail Polish 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  

Warm nail shades also pair well with medium to 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 Nail Polish 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  


What nail color looks best on deep skin tones?

Both rich, deep shades and subtle, light shades look great with deeper complexions

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” press-ons, 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

Find your most flattering personal shade of nude

Select the right angles for your nails

Turn heads with reds or look pretty in pink

Pretty, clean, and refreshingly muted

Locks on like gel and unlocks like lacquer

The basics of one of our fave DIY systems

Color Theory FAQs

Stay up to date with the latest trends on our

What’s Trending

page.

Follow our nail color guides to find your match. 

THE PERFECT NUDE

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THE PERFECT PINK

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THE PERFECT BLUE

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THE PERFECT PURPLE

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THE PERFECT GREEN

You can’t go wrong with a soft, sheer pink nail color or a nude nail polish. 

FIND YOUR NEW FAVE

  | A classic for a reason; a bold, brilliant red nail polish looks amazing on everyone. 

SHOP OPI RED