Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says those with fair skin should opt for blue-based shades with soft shimmer, which will look crisp-not goth-even on porcelain hands like Liv Tyler's.
Juan Rico/Fame Pictures
A hint of pink gives this crimson a pretty edge.
Essie in Lacy Not Racy, $8; buy online now at essieshop.com.
Essie in Lacy Not Racy, $8; buy online now at essieshop.com.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Essie
A feminine berry that's not too dramatic for fair skin.
Avon Nailwear in Vintage Vamp, $5; buy online now at avon.com.
Avon Nailwear in Vintage Vamp, $5; buy online now at avon.com.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Avon
An earthy chestnut looks elegant mixed with metallic.
Revlon in Crushed Crimson, $5; visit revlon.com for stores.
Revlon in Crushed Crimson, $5; visit revlon.com for stores.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Kassidy Gala
Look for gold flecks and warm undertones which make even tricky colors, like purple, flattering on Eva Mendes and all women with olive or tan complexions.
James Devaney/WireImage
Classic ruby red with a sexy metallic finish.
OPI in Bastille My Heart, $9; visit opi.com for stores.
OPI in Bastille My Heart, $9; visit opi.com for stores.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Kassidy Gala
Gold shimmer softens the look of deep violet.
Dior Vernis in Liquorice, $19; visit nordstrom.com for stores.
Dior Vernis in Liquorice, $19; visit nordstrom.com for stores.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Dior
The tiny flecks of copper make olive skin glow.
Orly in Golden Maharaja, $8; buy online now at lotusnailsupply.com.
Orly in Golden Maharaja, $8; buy online now at lotusnailsupply.com.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of Orly
Take the trend to the extreme, advises Lippmann, who suggests going for strong hues that border on black. Kerry Washington does just that with nails that match her noir dress.
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
A deep burgundy that's unapologetically luxe.
Cornelia in Merlot, $9; call, 212-871-3181.
Cornelia in Merlot, $9; call, 212-871-3181.
Time Inc. Digital Studio
The high sheen of this inky aubergine makes nails pop.
MAC in Illegal Purple, $11; visit maccosmetics.com for stores.
MAC in Illegal Purple, $11; visit maccosmetics.com for stores.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of MAC
Dark chocolate is a chic alternative to black.
YSL in No. 36, $19; buy online now at bloomingdales.com.
YSL in No. 36, $19; buy online now at bloomingdales.com.
Time Inc. Digital Studio; Courtesy of YSL
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Best Shades for Light Skin
Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says those with fair skin should opt for blue-based shades with soft shimmer, which will look crisp-not goth-even on porcelain hands like Liv Tyler's.
Advertisement
For Light Skin: Red
A hint of pink gives this crimson a pretty edge.
Essie in Lacy Not Racy, $8; buy online now at essieshop.com.
Essie in Lacy Not Racy, $8; buy online now at essieshop.com.
For Light Skin: Purple
A feminine berry that's not too dramatic for fair skin.
Avon Nailwear in Vintage Vamp, $5; buy online now at avon.com.
Avon Nailwear in Vintage Vamp, $5; buy online now at avon.com.
Advertisement
For Light Skin: Brown
An earthy chestnut looks elegant mixed with metallic.
Revlon in Crushed Crimson, $5; visit revlon.com for stores.
Revlon in Crushed Crimson, $5; visit revlon.com for stores.
Advertisement
Best Shades for Medium Skin
Look for gold flecks and warm undertones which make even tricky colors, like purple, flattering on Eva Mendes and all women with olive or tan complexions.
Advertisement
For Medium Skin: Red
Classic ruby red with a sexy metallic finish.
OPI in Bastille My Heart, $9; visit opi.com for stores.
OPI in Bastille My Heart, $9; visit opi.com for stores.
Advertisement
For Medium Skin: Purple
Gold shimmer softens the look of deep violet.
Dior Vernis in Liquorice, $19; visit nordstrom.com for stores.
Dior Vernis in Liquorice, $19; visit nordstrom.com for stores.
Advertisement
For Medium Skin: Brown
The tiny flecks of copper make olive skin glow.
Orly in Golden Maharaja, $8; buy online now at lotusnailsupply.com.
Orly in Golden Maharaja, $8; buy online now at lotusnailsupply.com.
Advertisement
Best Shades for Dark Skin
Take the trend to the extreme, advises Lippmann, who suggests going for strong hues that border on black. Kerry Washington does just that with nails that match her noir dress.
Advertisement
For Dark Skin: Red
A deep burgundy that's unapologetically luxe.
Cornelia in Merlot, $9; call, 212-871-3181.
Cornelia in Merlot, $9; call, 212-871-3181.
Advertisement
For Dark Skin: Purple
The high sheen of this inky aubergine makes nails pop.
MAC in Illegal Purple, $11; visit maccosmetics.com for stores.
MAC in Illegal Purple, $11; visit maccosmetics.com for stores.
Advertisement
For Dark Skin: Brown
Dark chocolate is a chic alternative to black.
YSL in No. 36, $19; buy online now at bloomingdales.com.
YSL in No. 36, $19; buy online now at bloomingdales.com.
