Style Skincare Hands and Feet We Found the Best Neutral Nail Colors for Every Skin Tone And by the way? Neutral doesn't have to mean boring. By Daley Quinn and Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 22, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Lights Lacquer I have a confession to make: Neutral nail polish has never touched my nails. A true sucker for all things colorful and bold, I always gravitate towards sparkly, fun shades over nude nails. Plus, I never really know which neutral shade will actually look good on my skin tone. If you also suffer from FONN (that's fear of neutral nails), celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, founder of JK Nail Artelier in New York City, is here to help us find the best neutral nail colors for fair skin, dark skin, and everything in between. How to Find the Best Nude Nail Polish According to Kandalec, if you're looking for an opaque shade, don't try to match it to your skin. "That will make you look like a mannequin," she says. "Instead, look for a shade that is visibly lighter or darker than your skin tone." For those looking to try an at-home gel nail polish kit with a universally flattering color, the light pink of Sally Hansen's starter kit is a great choice. On the other hand, if you're on the hunt for a sheer shade, it's best if the shade more closely matches your skin tone. "Use the web to search for an on-hand swatch of shades," suggests Kandalec. "Search the 'brand name + shade name + swatch' ( '+ dupe' works well too) to see it on different skin tones, then take your pick." 8 Simple Nail Care Tips to Banish Dry, Brittle Nails for Good Some common mistakes to avoid when choosing the best neutral nail color for your skin tone is picking a shade that's too ashy or overly taupe. "I generally prefer tones that have a bit more of a peachy, warmer undertone, as they're easier to wear and are universally flattering," says Kandalec. Another mistake? Forgetting to incorporate a light glimmer or shimmer from time to time. 01 of 17 Best for Fair Skin: Essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish in Mademoiselle Sip your tea with prim and polished tips with this semi-sheer pink nude that's mademoiselle chic. $10, amazon.com 02 of 17 Best for Fair Skin: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Organdi "This is a beautiful dusty mauve," says Kandalec. "I use it on my client, Jessica Chastain, very frequently." $30, nordstrom.com 03 of 17 Best for Fair Skin: OPI Put it in Neutral OPI Another great, opaque pinky shade that'll flatter fair skin tones—without looking washed out. $12, opi.com 04 of 17 Best for Olive Skin: KBShimmer Nail Polish in A Hint of Manila For a little shimmer in your life, use this iridescent hue. This adult version of glitter lacquer won't take you back to grade school, but instead adds a little pizzazz to your fingertips. "This is a soft, tan creme color with a fine, holographic sparkle," says Kandalec. $11, kbshimmer.com 05 of 17 Best for Olive Skin: Lights Lacquer in Like One of Your French Girls "This is a sheer, buildable shade that has just a touch of opalescence," says Kandalec. "It's perfect for a quick swipe to look polished before heading out the door." $11, lightslacquer.com 06 of 17 Best for Olive Skin: Sally Hansen Good, Kind, Pure Vegan Nail Polish in Almond Tan For those of you that usually gravitate towards pale pinks, try this almond taupe that is a neutral version of your standard pastel. A tan shade that stuns on olive skin tones, it's also plant-based, 16 free, and 100 percent vegan. $7, amazon.com These Are the 10 Top Nail Trends of 2023, According to Experts 07 of 17 Best for Olive Skin: Zoya Nail Polish in Avery "This truly works for everyone, especially medium and olive skin, though, with its cool-based neutral tones," says Kandalec. Plus, Zoya is one of the best breathable nail polishes around. $10, amazon.com 08 of 17 Best for Tan/Medium Skin: MiniLuxe Nail Polish in Tuscan Tan The name doesn't lie—this barely-there hue is the perfect nude for tan skin tones. "It's a timeless, earthy classic shade for dark skin tones," agrees Kandalec. When you don't want to fully commit to a bold shade, sweep this one on for an instant pick-me-up. $14, shop.miniluxe.com 09 of 17 Best for Tan/Medium Skin: Morgan Taylor in Tan My Hide If you love wearing muted colors in your clothes, this delicate pale purple is the perfect complement. "This is a warm, opaque shade for medium skin tones," says Kandalec. $9, amazon.com 10 of 17 Best for Dark Skin: essie Nail Polish Glossy Shine Finish in Crochet Away Amazon This rich, glossy brown hue from Essie can be a perfect neutral for people with darker skin tones. $16, amazon.com 11 of 17 Best for Dark Skin: KBShimmer Nail Polish in Caught on Tape Stark white may not be your thing, but this pinky nude creme color is a happy medium that looks great on dark skin tones. $11, kbshimmer.com 12 of 17 Best for Dark Skin: Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Enamel in Totally Toffee Revlon This warm toffee shade is just as satisfying as its candy counterpart. $7, amazon.com 13 of 17 Best for Dark Skin: Orly Nail Polish in Canyon Clay This is a deliciously rich chocolate brown shade that will look stunning on darker skin tones. $11, orlybeauty.com 14 of 17 Best Shimmer for All Skin Tones: OPI Nature Strong Nail Lacquer in Intentions are Rose Gold If you're on the hunt for a neutral nail shade with a hint of shimmer, this pick is ideal for any skin tone. $13, target.com 15 of 17 Best Neutral Pink for All Skin Tones: Pink Capiz Olive + June This shimmery seashell-pink shade adds a subtle glow that sets off every skin tone. $9, oliveandjune.com 16 of 17 Best Ultrasheer for All Skin Tones: Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil #4 Londontown This ultrasheer shade leaves just a hint of color that'll work with any nail and skin shade. $20, londontownusa.com 17 of 17 Best Nude Pink for All Skin Tones: OPI Nature Strong Nail Lacquer in For What It's Earth For a stronger mauve shade for fair skin tones, reach for the OPI Nature Strong Nail Lacquer in For What It's Earth. We love that this polish is vegan, cruelty-free, and 9-free, too. $13, amazon.com Frequently Asked Questions What is the best neutral nail polish for red undertones? Opt for neutral nail colors that work well with the red undertones. For people with fair skin, opt for neutral nail colors that skew on the pinkier side (like OPI's Put It In Neutral, above), while people with medium or dark skin tones may look for neutrals that skew toward warm cinnamon (like Revlon's Totally Toffee, above). What is the best neutral nail polish for yellow undertones? Go even pinker with your neutral hues to help warm up your skin tones. Opt for rosier hues like rose gold (like OPI Nature Strong Nail Lacquer in Intentions are Rose Gold, above). Is there a nail polish that looks like natural nails? Simply putting on a clear gloss is the easiest way to opt for a natural nail look. But if you want a hint of color, look for an ultra-sheer shade, like Londontown's Perfecting Nail Veil #4, above, which leaves just a hint of color to supplement your natural shade. What are the best brands to buy neutral nail polish? While we've already shared a ton of great neutral nail polishes from popular nail color companies, every company offers some sheer, soft, and neutral nail shades that'll flatter many skin tones. You can take the tips above to help you scout out hues from your favorite nail color brand that'll work with your skin tone. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit