There’s no such thing in nail care, as don’t! Often, nail colour is matched to clothing, says nail pro Lena White for OPI. “But actually the colours you wear that look good have more to do with skin tone.”
So how do you know what undertones your skin has?
“Stand in natural light and look at your arm: skin with a pink, blue or red undertone is considered cool,” says Lena, “while skin with a golden, beige or olive undertone is warm.”
If you can’t determine your undertone, you might be neutral and you’re lucky as you can wear most colours.
Follow our guide below for the latest shades and finishes for your nails:
Pale
Pale skin tones are generally cool, so lighter polish shades with pink or blue undertones work best. Pastels look great. Choose blue-based pinks or reds to brighten your skin.
Try: Bourjois Gel Nail Polish Pink Pocket, R119.95; Smudge Soft Pink Nail Polish, R29.95; Sorbet Pro Gel Effect Nail Polish Pretty In Pink, R110
Tanned
Tanned skin looks better in warmer colours. Lighter shades such as warm, pale hues of brown, light blues, pinks and purples can accentuate tanned skin.
Try: Mavala Nail Polish Blue Mint, R89; L’Oréal Infallible Nail Polish Gris Eternal, R124.95; Essie Nail Polish Not Just A Pretty Face, R134.95
Olive
Medium olive skins are lucky and can carry off almost any shade, from classic reds and dark burgundies to vibrant blues, pinks, peach and orange. Silver and metallic look great too.
Try: Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Nail Polish Kook A Mango, R99.95; Yardley Stayfast Pro UV Nail Polish Classic Red, R99.95; Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer Bubbilicious, R54.95
Dark brown
Dark complexions suit rich, deep shades best. Burgundy, vibrant purples and plums look great, but beware of neon brights that zap the colour out of rich, dark tones.
Try: Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Enamel Burgundy Crush, R105.95; Essence The Gel Nail Polish More Than A Feeling, R29.95; Trind Caring Colour Nail Lacquer Deep Purple, R110
