All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
This story came about for completely selfish reasons.
Katie Thompson
Finding the perfectnude nail polishis something that frustrates me every time I go to the salon.
It’s not the right nude for me.
Nude can be several different shades depending on the skin tone, Saulsbery says.
Katie Thompson
But there are other things to consider, too.
Nude doesnt have to be boring.
Saulsbery has tips to help find a nude polish for every complexion.
Katie Thompson
Instead, look for variations of taupe that are more opaque.
Sometimes what the color looks like in the bottle doesnt translate the same on the hand.
So be prepared to test a few options.
Katie Thompson
Saulsbery recommends something that is somewhere between sheer and opaque.
Classic white looks great on this complexion, too.
On model:Lauren B.
Beauty Nail Polish in Love.
Look for shades with a hint of mauve or shades of brown.
On model:Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Jungle Matte (discontinued).
Katie Thompson
With nude you always want the nail bed to be clean, says Saulsbery.
First use a cuticle softener likeQtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm($18).
Then gently push back the skin around the base of thenail.
Instead of cutting your cuticles, Saulsbery recommends using a buffing block to remove the excess skin.
Then shape the tip of the nail by brushing a file from corner to center.
This helps the manicure last longer.
Katie Thompson
Saulsbery uses theOrly Top2Bottom($10) as a base and topcoat.
Then pull the color down from base to tip in three strokes.
That way you get full coverage without any spots or streaks.
You might also like: 6 Nude Lipsticks for Darker Skin Tones