Shown counterclockwise from top left:

1. Red: Opi The Thrill of Brazil, $7.50

“This is a cool hue, which is good for dark skin,” says Skyy Hadley, a manicurist based in Hoboken, New Jersey. “And it works on fair skin tones, too.”
To Buy: www.opi.com for stores.

2. Coral: L’Oréal Mango Get ’Em, $5

The peach in this looks fresh on all complexions, says New York manicurist Gina Viviano.
To Buy: At drugstores.

3. Hot Pink: Opi LA Paz-itively Hot, $7.50

With a mix of fuchsia and red, this is a true pink, which flatters all skin tones.
To Buy: www.opi.com for stores.

4. Pale Pink: Essie Delicacy, $8

“A sheer pink is graceful on all skin colors,” says Viviano.
To Buy: www.essie.com.

5. Nude: Revlon Sheer Nude, $5

This pink-toned nude is vibrant enough to look good on all fingernails and won’t appear muddy or flat next to dark skin.
To Buy: At drugstores.

6. Purple: Maybelline Racing Rubies, $4

Purple may seem avant-garde, but this one is wearable, thanks to its navy blue base, which looks classic on everyone.
To Buy: At drugstores.