I have always needed to know this...how does a person tell what nail color...?

Question

goes with what type of skin tones?
I am a very pale type,w/ dk brn hair,..a very slight tan, but more orangish and pink skin tones on me...I have tried all sorts of colors on me...and although my toes, are okay with dark purples,(and I have heard that toenails are different from finger nails..for putting on colors, what can or how can I find out if I have the right colors for my fingernails? This is really frustrating for me...some people have said to me "you can only wear light pearly like colors."..or "your skin tone says only dark plums and grapes!" Trust me when I do put on the dark stuff, on my fingernails..the color just looks completely wrong!
And some people have said..."who cares! wear anything!" or "I have no idea...!" and these are some of the professionals out at the make-up counters! What can I do? How does a person figure these things out, if you aren't a tan person, or dark skinned, or a little white,and a little of this and that, everywhere!?

anybody?

Thanks to answerer one and to treadstone..I think that I have heard of what you are saying..but I forgot all about that! Thanks!

Answer 1

The most important factor in choosing nail color is determining your skin tone. Here's how to determine your skin tone.

Warm skin tone:
1. Look at inner wrist - veins will appear green.
2. Gold jewelry is more flattering than silver jewelry.

Cool skin tone:
1. Look at inner wrist - veins will appear blue.
2. Silver jewelry is more flattering.

The idea is to choose a warm or cool or neutral color & an appropriate intensity. Some people are more comfortable w/ soft sheers than solid cream colors. Some skin tones look better w/ cream colors rather than pearlescent or metallic colors.

Here are some examples:

1) Swing Velvet by Essie
A warm, dark burgundy red w/ subtle sparkles.

2) I'm Not Really a Waitress by OPI
A cool, cherry red w/ sparkles.

3) Buy Me a Cameo by Essie
A neutral, pearlized taupe.

4) Sugar Daddy by Essie
A soft, warm sheer pink.

5) Madamoiselle & Ballet Slippers by Essie
Cool, pale pinks.

Colors 3, 4, & 5 are the easiest to wear because they are "soft" colors.

The first 2 reds listed will work w/ the corresponding skin tones but because they are so dramatic, they will draw attention to the shape of the nail & either complement or clash w/ clothing.

Bottom line: Nail color is like lipstick. It is very personal & it takes a while to figure out what you like. When you're starting out - stick w/ safer colors for every day & venture out occasionally to see what works. As you figure it out, you'll be able to make bolder choices.

Answer 2

Well I'm a light skin African-American woman and I tend to get more of the pinks or light purples, because they compliment my skin tone the best. You can also do a french manicure...those always look good with any skin tone.

Answer 3

ok i ain't a pro, but i guess i'll try my best, if you're a little of everything, and you've tried out most of the colors that they told you your nails should match with your skin, i'm guessing those opal colors should go good, because i'm also a little light and tan and whatnot and it's confusing, so i go with either those pink that look sorta like the nail color but shinier, or the clear ones.