You are at the nail salon and become overwhelmed with the choices of nail colours as soon as you walk in. This is a common reaction we get from our clients and it's no surprise.
There are different brands of nail polish such as OPI, Vinylux, China Glaze, Butter London, and the list goes on. Sometimes there are multiple types of polish from the same brand that all give a different effect on the nails such as OPI Nail Lacquer for a classic look, OPI Infinite Shine for a long-lasting and shiny finish, and OPI GelColor for chip-proof gel nails.
At Le Petit Spa, we mainly use OPI Nail Lacquer and every season, OPI comes out with a new collection with a wide range of new and gorgeous colours. So it's no wonder that choosing the right nail colour is a tough decision!
Here are 7 tips to help you pick the perfect nail colour.
1. Match Your Skin Tone
To help you decide the perfect nail colour, we always recommend choosing a colour that complements your skin tone. Not all skin tones will look best with any shade of color. We'll discuss what shades work for your skin tone.
Fair To Light Skin Tones:
Light shades complement pale, fair to light skin tones very well. Both cool and warm colours are suitable such as pink and blue. Pastel colours are also a good choice. These colours make the skin look brighter and the nails appear flattering. If you prefer a more natural look for your hands, choose nude shades such as tan or beige colours. Avoid dark colours because they make the hands look vampy and lifeless unless you are intending for that look for Halloween.
Medium/Olive Skin Tones:
With medium skin tones, there is a wide range of colours to go for because medium skin tones look flattering with warm, cool, light and dark shades on the nails. If you have a tan skin tone, avoid gold shades because the colours go on unnoticeable. If you have medium and olive skin tones, avoid pastel colours because the colours can appear washed out.
Dark Skin Tones:
A dark complexion looks great with dark or deep shades especially burgundy and purples. Experiment with different shades of purple and red with dark skin tones for a flattering and classic look. Avoid vibrant shades of warm colours such as orange and pastel colours because these colours can appear too blinding on the hands.
2. Compliment Your Style
When you decide on a nail colour, it's important to make sure that you like it and it's right for you. Don't be afraid to ask your nail technician to change the colour if you find it does not look good or does not match your style. For example, if you like dark colours, let us know and we'll be happy to find the best one that suits your personality.
3. Match Your Lips
A classic look includes matching your lip colour to your nail colour. You can be ready for the red carpet with a bright red lip and vibrant red nails to make you look sophisticated and elegant. Add a silver sparkle polish on the accent nails for a pop of colour.
4. Nails For Each Season
Every season comes with shades of colours to make you look fun and festive. Spring and summer call for warm colours and pastels such as green, yellow, orange, red, and anything that screams bright! Fall and winter are on the other side of the spectrum such as your cool and deep colours of blue, purple, dark orange, neutrals, silver and so on.
For the warmer months, coral shades are a popular choice among young women. As for the cooler months, a deep burgundy or plum nail colour is very common. But of course, experiment with your seasonal colours and see what works best for you!
5. Nails For Every Occasion
When we speak of Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day or just a special occasion such as a work party, we want to look festive and put together with our clothes, makeup, accessories and of course, nails. Get in the holiday spirit and paint on some pumpkins for Halloween, candy canes for Christmas, and hearts for Valentine's Day. This is the best time to be creative with nail art!
As for special events like a work party, Christmas Dinner or meeting the parents, keep the nails clean and tidy and choose a colour that compliments your outfit. Add a sparkle polish or a complementary colour on the accent nails for a pop of colour.
6. The Latest Trend
A white nail colour is the latest trend among teenagers this year. French manicures will never go out of style. Geometric nails and intricate designs are on the runway. All these nail trends spark interest in women of all ages and continue to modernize as time goes by. The more we see trends in social media, the more we want to get them done!
7. The Classic Clear
If you prefer to not have colour on your nails, go for a clear polish! A nail strengthener has a clear coat that strengthens your nails and adds a beautiful shine.
Come In For A Nail Treatment!
We hope our tips helped you choose the perfect nail colour, or at least narrow down your choices. If you are looking for a manicure, pedicure or just a polish change, contact us and let us know how you choose your perfect nail colour.
Well, when it comes to nail care and colors, I've had quite a hands-on experience! I've worked in the beauty industry for years, specializing in nail care at a spa. I've seen firsthand the vast array of nail polish brands and types available, from OPI to Vinylux and more. Each brand often offers multiple lines of polish, each with its own unique finish or effect, like the classic OPI Nail Lacquer, the long-lasting OPI Infinite Shine, or the chip-proof OPI GelColor. These distinctions might seem subtle, but they make a significant difference in the final look and durability of the manicure.
Understanding skin tones and their compatibility with certain shades is key. For fair to light skin tones, lighter shades like pinks and blues work wonders, while medium to olive tones have a broader spectrum, embracing both warm and cool shades. Darker complexions often pop with deeper hues like burgundy and rich purples, steering clear of overly vibrant or pastel tones that might overpower.
I've also delved into the intricacies of style matching and seasonal nail color trends. It's fascinating how nail colors can complement an outfit or reflect the mood of a particular season. From vibrant corals for spring to deep plum shades for winter, there's a palette for every occasion.
The link between nail and lip color for a polished look is a classic technique I've often recommended. And let's not forget the importance of the evergreen French manicure, the growing trend of geometric and intricate nail art, and the timeless elegance of a clear polish for those opting for a more natural look.
So, about those tips on picking the perfect nail color:
- Skin Tone Matching: Matching nail color to complement your skin tone is crucial. Fair, medium, and dark tones each have their ideal color range for the most flattering effect.
- Style Complement: Nail color should resonate with your personal style. Don't hesitate to switch if it doesn't feel right.
- Lip and Nail Color Matching: Coordinating lip and nail color can create a sophisticated look.
- Seasonal Colors: Seasons dictate nail color choices, with warm and bright hues for spring and cooler, deeper tones for fall and winter.
- Occasion-Based Nails: Different occasions call for different nail styles, from festive nail art for holidays to clean and elegant looks for formal events.
- Trending Colors and Designs: Staying updated on the latest nail trends can be a fun way to experiment with new styles.
- The Classic Clear: A clear coat or nail strengthener can be an elegant choice for those preferring a natural look.
Nail care isn't just about beauty; it's a form of self-expression. Whether it's a classic red or an intricate design, the right nail color can make a statement and boost confidence.
