The seasons are changing. Summer is winding down; crisp and cool mornings are setting in—I haven’t had my AC on all week. Sure, this late-August weather may just be New York’s famous “Fake Fall,” but along with the autumn-like vibes, my inbox is full of emails encouraging me to purge my summer beauty routine for one geared towards fall. Now, I’m a product fanatic as much as the next editor, but it can be overwhelming (and expensive) to keep up, which got me thinking: what are beauty products that work all year round?
Naturally, I started with nail polishes. I’m a minimalist at heart when it comes to nail color, so while this summer introduced us to some playful trends—“Brat” nails, limoncello nails, “farmer’s market” nails, Aperol Spritz nails, aura nails—I prefer the classics that I can wear anytime, anywhere, and always flatter.
Featured Experts
- Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood
- LaTara Haye is a nail artist with Nailing Hollywood
In that spirit, I present 10 nail colors that look stunning any time of year—plus the best shades of nail polishes to get the looks. I’ve also included insight from the experts on why these colors work year-round.
Classic Red
“Classic red is a universally flattering shade that has the perfect balance of warm and cool undertones,” says Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “It’s a great option year round that is a classic statement color that exudes confidence.”
Nearly Nude
“Nude is a great option all year for those who prefer a more subtle, natural look,” Hanna says. “Nude shades are versatile since you can pick a nude that complements your skin tone the best.” As a bonus, she says the nail color “elongates the fingers and gives off a clean, well-groomed look.”
Jet Black
“Black falls under chic and edgy,” says Nailing Hollywood artist LaTara Haye. “This could be the reason behind why editorial shoots require staff to wear all black.” Hanna adds that it’s “universally flattering” as well as “bold and modern.”
Milky White
Haye contrasts a black manicure with the softness of a sheer pink or, in this case, a milky white hue, which she says creates a “soft and delicate look.” She notes that this shade is “perfect for weddings, communions, and other intimate gatherings.”
Sheer Pink
“Sheer pink is soft, feminine and understated,” Hanna begins. “It is perfect for anyone who prefers a more natural look and gives your nails a healthy, natural glow. The soft touch of pink complements both warm and cool tones really well.”
Neutral Taupe
“Taupe is a great year-round choice for those who prefer balanced, neutral looks,” Hanna says. “Since taupe has a blend of both warm and cool undertones, it will work well with any season’s trending color palettes.”
Black Cherry
“Black Cherry is a classic nail shade that adds richness to your look,” Hanna states. After all, who doesn’t want to exude luxury year-round?
Bubblegum Pink
“Bubblegum pink is a fun, playful option that works well all year,” says Hannah. “The undertones in bubblegum pink work well with any season’s color palette and add brightness to your overall look.”
Navy
“Navy is a classic shade that exudes luxury,” says Hannah. “It is a rich, deep color that works well for those seeking a refined look.” Hayes adds that it “exudes strength,” and is “flattering on various skin tones.”
French Manicure
“A French manicure is an all-time classic worldwide,” says Haye, noting that it gives you a “clean, polished aesthetic.” And you’ve got options when it comes to customization. “Colored French tips are trendy and can be customized to match any season,” says Hanna, whereas “a classic nude and white French manicure is the perfect manicure for any season and any occasion.”
