The secret to nail colors that always look expensive is matching them to your skin's undertone, not just your skin shade. Answer 4 quick questions to find your undertone and the polish colors that flatter you most, then try them on your own hand with AI.
Look at the veins on your inner wrist. What color are they?
Which jewelry makes your skin glow more?
How does your skin react to the sun?
Pure bright white or soft cream: which looks better against your skin?
Cool
Your veins look blue or purple, silver jewelry flatters you, and you burn before you tan. Your most flattering nail colors: true red, berry, fuchsia, blue-based pinks, plum, emerald, sapphire, icy lilac, cool grey, and crisp white. Go easy on orange and warm yellows.
Warm
Your veins look green, gold jewelry flatters you, and you tan easily. Your most flattering nail colors: coral, peach, brick and tomato reds, warm nudes, terracotta, mustard, olive, bronze, and gold. Go easy on icy blues and stark cool tones.
Neutral
You are the lucky in-between: both gold and silver suit you, so most colors work. Especially flattering picks: rosy nude, mauve, dusty rose, true red, soft berry, jade, and taupe. Pick by mood, you can pull off almost anything.
How undertone decides your best nail colors
Skin tone is how light or deep your skin is. Undertone is the subtle hue underneath: cool (pink, red, blue), warm (yellow, peach, golden), or neutral (a balance of both). Undertone is what makes a shade look harmonious or slightly off, which is why two people with the same skin shade can suit very different nail colors. Cool undertones glow with blue-based colors, warm undertones glow with golden-based colors, and neutral undertones can wear almost anything.
Related guides and tools
- Nail colors for your skin tone: the full guide
- Quiz: which nail shape suits you?
- How virtual nail try-on works
- Nail shapes guide: all 7 shapes explained