By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
Nude nails aren’t one size fits all, there are a lot of options from ballerina pink to a taupe, deep brown; some have shimmer; some opaque, and so on. While many neutral nail colors are universal, true nude nails really are dependent on your skin tone.
The new nude polishes run the full spectrum of skin tones, and with toned-down clean girl manicures and soap nails having a major moment, demand has never been higher.
Here, we rounded up the best nude nail colors on the market for your next manicure. When you’re ready to give up your bright nail looks, consider your natural nail bed shade and then pick up a complementary polish.
For fair skin
The best neutral shade for fair skin is pink because it supports the pink and blue undertones in pale skin tones. However, take note that it should not be just any pink. A pale, beige-y pink like OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Put It In Neutral is a true winner for the lightest skin tones.

For medium skin
While nude nail recommendations for fair skin tend to be quite pale in tone, nude nail ideas for medium skin showcases a bit more pigment. We recommend reaching for Essie’s Blush Jelly, a creamy pink nail polish that brings a touch of softness.

For medium-deep skin
When shopping for nude nail colors for medium-deep skin tones, look for colors that enhance the natural warmth in the skin. Rick almond, amber, and even chocolate tones like Orly’s Prince Charming shade can work well for you.

For deep skin
The deeper your skin tone, the darker your nude nail polish can be while still making for natural-looking manicure. CuCo’s Coffee o’ Clock has a rich brown shade that will surely feel balanced on your skin–not too stark, not too flat.

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