The Best Nude Polish for Your Skin Isn’t Necessarily Beige

What’s soft, cool, and chic all over? Choosing to go nude — with your manicure.

“You can never go wrong with a nude nail,” says Jennifer Mather, CND education manager. “It is a timeless look that happens to be a hot seasonal trend.”

While the previous definition of nude was restricted to beige and blush tones, the spectrum has blossomed. “Nudes can range from stone, mocha, mauve, and lilac to every variation and combination in between.”

Related: 9 Subtle Things Your Nail Polish Colour Reveals About Your Personality

The best nude polish for your skin tone

To discover your winning fit, follow these complexion-meets-colour wheel guidelines. Lighter skin tones generally suit softer shades of pink-toned hues, says Mather, while those with a medium skin tone can play with shades of tan, grey and lilac. If you have a deep skin tone, try pure shades of soft pink and peach. (In a recent Facebook Live video with Best Health, Mather also shares this tip: Hold the polish up to your nail bed. If it brings out any red in the white of your nail bed, it may not be the most flattering shade. What your trying to do with a nude polish is neutralize any redness in your skin, she explains.)

Easy application tricks

Next, use these easy tricks for a flawless application. Surprise: the first step happens at the sink. “Clean hands with soap and water, then dry,” says Mather. “It helps to remove residue from daily wear and tear, like oil from scratching your head or skin.”

For extended results, a simple habit can be a game-changer. “Coat the tip of the nail,” says Mather. “Wipe all excess polish off the brush and gently trace the free edge of the nail. Follow by applying polish to the entire nail in a very thin coat.”

Related: What the Colour of Your Nails Says About Your Health

Wielding that brush like a pro helps, too. “Holding it at a 45-degree angle can cause streaking,” says Mather, “Try to lay the brush as flat as possible to the nail. This will hug the curves resulting in a more even thin coat, and less mess to clean up later.”

Polish pictured in top photo, from left to right:
OPI Nail Laquer in You’ve Got Nata On Me, $14 at salons
CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in Uncovered, $13 at salons
Essie Nail Polish in I’ll Have Another, $10 at mass retailers
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Beautifiers in Rose to the Occassion, $10 at mass retailers
Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel in 540 Checkmate, $9 at mass retailers
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 556 Beige Beige, $32 at Chanel beauty counters

Related: How to DIY a Heart-Shaped Manicure