Neutral Manicure Ideas That’ll Make You Want to Go Back to Basics

When it comes to your appearance, there’s a golden rule for things like makeup and nail polish: Less is more. You don’t always need a bold and bright nail polish to make a statement. In fact, sometimes the lightest of colors can make the best and biggest impressions. Think of your nail polish like you would any other accessory — you want to enhance your natural beauty, not take away from it. Like a manicurist for the popular brand essie, Michelle Saunders, says: “In the same way that a nude pump elongates the legs, a nude fingernail makes the hands look lengthened, feminine, and clean.” And after scrolling through these photos of neutral acrylic nails (and non-acrylic nails for the natural gals), we think you’ll agree.

What are neutral nail polish colors?

“Neutral” is not synonymous with beige. Just because a manicure isn’t bold, like dark-colored acrylic nails or heavily-adorned stiletto nails, doesn’t mean it has to be boring or any less beautiful. Plus, neutral colors go with a variety of outfits, no matter the season.

Neutral nail polish is made to accentuate your skin tone, which means you should take your skin color into account before choosing to paint your nails. Oddly enough, deciding to go with the wrong shade could make your skin look reddish — or even worse, gray. But don’t worry, picking the right color is easy. Just take a look at your skin’s undertones. Hint: If your veins are blue, you’re cool-toned; if your veins appear more green, you’re warm-toned.

Scroll down to find a photo of neutral nails you love, then click on one of the circular buttons below the image to share it with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

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