We know that there is an art to choosing the right shade of clothing, hair color and makeup, but consider that the same time and thought should go into choosing your nail color. Why? It’s not close to your face. It covers a miniscule portion of your body. Does it really matter? I think so. I didn’t used to until I looked at my mom’s hands and thought, “Oh my gosh, she’s aging!” Then I couldn’t help but look at everyone’s hands. They are a real give-away to age or aging. It was a few months later, after a manicure, that I was amazed by the difference in the back of mom’s hands. “What hand cream have you been using?” I asked eager for the answer. Turns out, there was no fountain of youth cream.

Her manicurist had mentioned that a different color choice may make a big difference in the appearance of mom’s hands. She was right! When you’re choosing a nail color, allow your manicurist to help. She knows all the colors in her shop and she may also be able to offer her expertise on which undertones will look best with your skin.

If you have yellow or olive undertones choose nudes in white or beige colors. If you want to go bright or dark opt for orange-based colors like corals or chocolates. If you have blue undertones you’ll look best pink nudes and brights and darks like fuchsia and deep violets. If you keep your color choices in these families, you’ll be pleased with the results and with the age-diminishing effects they can have on your skin.

Not sure what your skin tone is, paint a cherry red (yellow undertone) one hand and tomato red on the other (blue undertone). Don’t use a little swipe. Paint your whole hand and put on two coats. This is the only way to get an accurate read on which color works best. You’ll instantly see which is your shade. The color that matches your skin will reflect light and make it look healthier and brighter. Hint: When you’re trying on new shades of nail polish, follow this rule: Really glob on the color on at least one nail. A dab of the color, especially on the tip of a nail, won’t give you any idea whether it’s right for you.

If you want to add high gloss and shine to your bare nails or over a color, opt for a pearlescent shade. The shades of today are much different than the harsh frosted shades of the 80’s. On bare nails, an opaque pearl looks soft and well-manicured. Over your favorite color, opt for a sheer shade that will add depth and shine without changing the hue of your polish.

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