Real or fake, when your manicurist asks how you want your nails shaped, their question is really code for “Tell me your personality.” Nail trends come and go, but many of us stick with same shape without giving it a second thought every time we get a manicure. So, what message is your go-to nail shape projecting out into the world? Read on to find out!
Square
You are the epitome of chill. You’re not afraid of a little sparkle you’re just practical by choosing comfort over making a statement, and black and denim make up the most of your wardrobe. On a Friday night, you’re more likely to favor takeout and Netflix at home rather than dinner and drinks at a new restaurant in your hood.
Shade to Try: A true minimalist at heart, when you’re feeling adventurous, a subtle gem or dot of gilded polish like CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Mink ($5; drugstore.com) on your neutral mani is just change you’re craving.
Rounded
One word that sums up your style: Classic. You stick to the same daily uniform of timeless, tailored pieces and when you go to bed at night, you dream about how you wish your life was a bit more like a black-and-white Audrey Hepburn movie. There’s a good chance you’ve been going to the same manicurist for years, and your polish shade of choice is Essie’s Ballet Slippers ($9; essie.com). On the rare occasion you do want to break out of your shell, you don’t stray too far out of your comfort zone.
Shade to Try: Elevate your pale, sheer pink polish with a neutral French manicure tip using a dark gray like Formula X The Colors Nail Polish in Gray Matter ($11; sephora.com) for a modern twist on the classic nail art design.
Squared Oval/Squoval
You don’t set trends, but you’re always on top of the latest style, and there’s nothing wrong with being part of the status quo. Simple, and halfway between a square and oval, your nail shape doesn’t veer too far left or right, so you’re always smack dab in the middle of the crowd. This shape is the perfect accessory to the season’s must-have shoe and bag you picked up as soon as they hit stores.
Shade to Try: Silver and gold may toggle has the metallic of choice from season to season, but lately rose-gold has been making waves in the beauty world as the latest must-wear eyeshadow shade. On the manicure front, a shimmery rosé polish like Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Glamorous Life ($18; beauty.com) is the fashionable update your nails need to hold your spot at the cool kids table
Oval
Sophistication is your middle name. No hair is ever out of place, and your makeup always looks like it was freshly applied. Naturally, you can handle any social situation with poise. You’re at a party and someone else is wearing the exact same dress as you? You walk up and tell them you like their dress with a smile. Naturally, you gravitate towards manicures that are equally as elegant as you.
Shade to Try: You have penchant for clean, simple designs and a trio of classic red shades including Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamoured Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Rita ($18; sephora.com), Dior Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Aventure 551 ($27; sephora.com), and Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in Shop Girl ($18; sephora.com).
Almond
You’re adventurous, but never try something new without a side of caution. Traded for tried-and-true flat sandals for a strappy stiletto pair? You’re sure to stash a handful of Band Aids in your bag just in case of a blister.
Shade to Try: A sparkly geometric design using Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Bridge & Tunnel ($18; net-a-porter.com) is unique enough to appeal to your bold side, but not without straying too far outside the lines.
Coffin
Demi Lovato may have asked, “What’s wrong with being confidant?” and you know the answer: Absolutely nothing. Although your style is edgy, and you’re always down to try a new hair color whether it’s a darker variation of your natural shade, o a r pastel hue, you don’t completely throw away practicality. Case in point: your coffin nails. This shape may be long, but it’s flat, square finish still allows you to function in your day-to-day life—like typing at a computer, or putting on tights without your nail getting caught in them—with relative ease.
Shade to Try: A black polish is quintessentially edgy. Up the ante with the Givenchy Beauty Nail Polish in Folie Scintillante ($20; net-a-porter.com). This midnight shade with a bit of sparkle won’t go unnoticed.
Stiletto
You aren’t afraid to do you. Chances are your innovative beauty game has earned you a number of followers online and offline. It doesn’t matter that your manicure makes texting or typing an email take three times as long, because showing off your beauty routine is your job.
Shade to Try: You’ve never met a polish shade you wouldn’t try. Jewels and kaleidoscopic glitter like Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Candy Shop ($20; deborahlippmann.com) are just the manicure tools you need to continue to stand out.
