12 Best Nude Nail Polishes for Every Skin Tone

Hanna explains that when choosing a nude nail polish, it’s helpful to consider both your skin tone and undertone. For fair skin, she suggests soft pinks or ivory beiges. Light skin tones tend to suit peachy or pink-based nudes, while medium skin tones often pair well with caramel, tan, or beige shades. Deeper and darker skin tones look beautiful in mocha, espresso, or rich caramel tones.

Your undertone, whether cool, warm, or neutral, can also help guide your choice, says Hanna. Cool undertones tend to complement pinks, mauves, or taupes, while warm undertones pair nicely with yellow-based, peachy, or golden browns. If you have a neutral undertone, you can usually wear a wide range of shades with ease.

Sheer finishes are also a great starting point, as they allow your natural nail color to show through for a more customized effect. Ultimately, nude polish is personal. While skin tone and undertone can be useful guides, Hanna says the best choice is always the one that makes you feel good.