A Guide to Picking Your Perfect Natural Nail Color

Too often we ignore caring for our hands in favor of hair, body, or facial treatments. While hands and nails may not be the very first thing we notice about someone, they’re one of the most prominent indicators of self-care.

So why not enhance your look with a subtle shade of nude? A nude is a color that everyone needs in their nail care arsenal. For times when you just don’t know what nail color to pick – or when you simply want a more subtle look – a more natural nail color is a great go-to.

A natural nail color goes great with every outfit and every occasion, making it low maintenance and easy for every day. Need help finding your perfect natural nail color? We’ll help you break down your skin undertone, and identify which polish shades best suit your skin!

Choosing a shade that subtly complements your skin tone is only one piece of the puzzle. The next step: figuring out your undertones. This is the difference between finding your true natural nail color, and one that only kinda matches you.

We’ve listed a few different ways to determine your undertones below. Choose the easiest test for you, or try out a couple if you want to be extra sure!

The White Paper Test
Hold a stark white piece of paper up against your hands. Notice a yellowish hue? You probably have warm undertones. If you find pink or bluish-red hues, you probably have cool undertones.

White Vs. Off-White Test
Find a stark white piece of clothing, preferably a t-shirt or blouse. Compare that to an off-white piece of clothing. If you find that you look washed out or better in off-white clothing, chances are you’ve got a warm undertone. Skin with neutral undertones might rock both without looking drained of color.

The Vein Test
Green veins usually point to warm undertones. Blue to purple veins lean towards cool undertones. Veins that blend into your skin or contain no visible color can mean you’ve got neutral undertones.

The Tanning Test
If you tanned easily in the past, you likely have warmer undertones. If you tend to get red or burn in the sun without sunscreen, then you likely have warmer undertones.

The Verdict:

Yellow or golden colors in your skin mean warm undertones
Pink, red, or blue hues mean cool undertones
A combination of cool and warm colors means neutral undertones
Gray hues mean neutral undertones
Olive skin tends to have neutral undertones, plus a green undertone
Any skin tone can have cool to warm undertones; deep skin can have red to blue undertones and fair skin can have golden undertones

Choose nudes with soft pink hues to brighten your skin. Think of a natural nail color in a light blush, a medium pink nude, or even a classic mauve to warm up your skin.

Avoid: Polishes that are too beige or too dark – they can make you look washed out

Go for sheer nudes in pinkish tints; a sheer taupe can work well for you, too. Our Ridge Filler Base works great not only as a base coat, but as a natural nail color on its own in this case. Another tip: search for nudes with bluish pink undertones.

Avoid: Polishes that are too dark

Find a natural nail color in pink beige or brown beige nudes. You might even consider a polish in rose gold, which can be considered a nude depending on your skin tone.

Avoid: Polishes with yellow undertones to prevent a sallow look; polishes that are too pink

Try milky brown polishes or cinnamon hues to accentuate your red undertones.

Avoid: Polishes with very white undertones

Go for peachy, gold, or creamy beige nudes to bring out the warmer tones in your complexion. A nail polish with soft caramel or taupe undertones could also complement neutral undertones.

Avoid: Polish with yellow undertones

Search for a less traditional metallic: something with copper undertones. While copper isn’t the usual beige or pink that falls under our idea of nudes, this is what the beauty industry considers a “new nude”, according to celebrity manicurists. In the same vein, consider rich brown hues (like cocoa) or mauves.

Going the more traditional route? Search for a rosy beige.
Avoid: Nudes with ashy gray and white hues – you don’t want to dull your skin!

To maintain your natural nail color for as long as possible, you need to prep and protect your nails. Not only will these steps help your true natural nail color last longer, your nails will be healthier as a result! You’ll also get a richer, glossier shade of nude suited to your skin.

Enrich your nails with a nourishing oil before manicures. If you let your nails go bare every so often, you can even use this treatment for a healthy, shiny look. Our Nail & Cuticle Oil is the perfect choice for this.
Use a protective base coat. A base coat works similar to a primer: it creates a barrier between your natural oils and your fingernails to avoid degrading the polish.
Finish with a top coat. A top coat provides a protective film over your natural nail color to prevent chipping.
Layer different shades of nudes to get a true natural nail color. Remember to use shades that are fairly similar in color and finish.

If you don’t find your ideal nude at the first pick, don’t fret – and keep experimenting! In the meantime, did you know you can use your undertones to pick out other cosmetic products, too? Figure out How to Choose the Best Natural Foundation while taking into account your unique skin tone and undertone combination.

What are the top natural nail color recommendations for medium or olive skin tones?

For medium or olive skin tones, consider colors such as:

Mauves
Taupes
Rose golds
Bronzed tones
Warm beiges or tans
Terracotta shades

Remember that the ideal shade can vary based on individual preference and the exact shade of the skin.

How can I find the perfect natural nail shade for dark and deep skin tones?

Dark and deep skin tones are beautifully complemented by a range of natural nail colors. Consider these shades:

Berry tones
Deep plums
Rich browns and chocolates
Warm golds
Jewel tones like deep emerald and sapphire
Deep reds and burgundies

Does the undertone of my skin play a role in selecting a natural nail color?

Yes, the undertone of your skin can influence which nail colors look best on you. Generally:

Cool undertones: Colors with blue or purple bases, like certain mauves or berry tones, can be especially flattering.
Warm undertones: Colors with yellow or orange bases, such as corals, warm beiges, or terracotta shades, can look great.
Neutral undertones: You may find that a wide range of colors suit you, from both cool and warm spectrums.

Are there any universally flattering natural nail colors that work for all skin tones?

While individual preferences can vary, there are some shades that tend to be universally flattering, including:

Nude shades that lean slightly pink or peachy
Classic soft pinks
Taupe shades with a balance of warm and cool undertones
Rose golds with a subtle shimmer

Trying out a few universally recommended shades can be a good starting point, but always go with what makes you feel confident and happy.

What tips can help in ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of natural nail colors?

Base Coat: Always start with a clear base coat. It provides a smooth surface for the nail polish, prevents staining, and can help the color adhere better.
Thin Layers: Apply thin layers of nail polish rather than one thick layer. This ensures faster drying and reduces the likelihood of chipping.
Top Coat: Finish with a clear top coat. This seals in the color and provides a protective barrier against chipping. Reapply the top coat every 2-3 days to maintain shine and protection.
Avoid Water: After painting your nails, avoid immersing them in water for prolonged periods, as this can weaken the nail polish.
Proper Storage: Store your nail polishes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their consistency and color.
Regular Maintenance: Use nail and cuticle oils to keep the nail bed and cuticles moisturized. Healthy nails hold polish better.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose colors and practices that make you feel good and match your personal style. Enjoy experimenting with different shades to find your favorites!