You can be decisive about work, child care and exactly which show to binge watch on Netflix (The Great British Baking Show, duh), but when it comes to choosing a mani color, you’re at a total loss. Then, once you do decide, you’re instantly hit with a case of pedicure envy brought on by the women with good taste seated beside you. That’s why we decided to ask 13 real women to spill on their go-to hue.
13 Real Women on Their Fail-Safe Nail Color
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Published Dec 24, 2018
Essie “fifth Avenue”
“I wear the red-orange hue year-round. In the winter, it warms things up. In the summer, it’s bright and fun. And year-round, it saves me the headache of deciding on a color I may or may not like in the end.” — Lauren
Buy it here ($11)
Essie “sand Tropez”
“It’s the perfect neutral. It matches with everything and when my nails get chipped the second I walk out of the salon—every time!—it’s minimally noticeable.” — Grace
Buy it here ($9)
Smith & Cult “kundalini Hustle”
“It’s the best bright red out there. It doesn’t hurt that it lasts for at least a week and is super shiny.” — Katherine
Buy it here ($18)
Essie “bobbing For Baubles”
“I’m not a fan of pinks/reds with my skin tone and much prefer deep greens and blues. This one is hands-down the best shade of slate blue. It looks classy, but it’s also fun and a little different.” — Rachel
Buy it here ($9)
Opi “red My Fortune Cookie”
“It’s the perfect slightly orangey red that makes you look a tiny bit tanner no matter if it’s mid-summer or the dead of winter. I bought my own bottle because I love it so much.” — Bri
Buy it here ($11)
Orly “kiss Me, I’m Kind”
“It’s the perfect barely-there pink that never looks too pink and I think it’s a nice neutral match for my skin tone. It’s also really buildable and makes nails look super polished, but natural at the same time. It makes me feel classy.” — Cristina
Buy it here ($10)
Essie “licorice”
“Like much of my wardrobe, it’s pitch black and makes me feel cool. It’s also super easy to fill in chips in between manicures and I like the way it contrasts with my blindingly white skin.” — Sarah
Buy it here ($9)
Opi “dutch Tulips”
“I love this for my toes. It’s a pinkish red and never fails in any season. Also, the name just makes me happy.” — Carin
Buy it here ($11)
Dazzle Dry “boss”
“I found this color at a boutique nail salon. It’s subtle and sophisticated—the perfect pink nude.” — Jill
Buy it here ($18)
Essie “wicked”
“It’s a dark red that goes with everything. And it makes me feel like a badass.” — Caylin
Buy it here ($9)
Deborah Lippmann “truly Madly Deeply”
“There’s something so elegant about a grayish mauve. It’s a darker shade, but not too dark that you can’t wear it in the spring/summer, too.” — Rachel
Buy it here ($20)
Opi “i’m Not Really A Waitress”
“This is a beautiful red with the slightest shimmer. I also just love the name.” — Cathy
Buy it here ($11)
Anything Gold
“I don’t really pay attention to the brand, but gold is my solid go-to option for when I can’t think about what I want. It matches everything always and makes me feel sparkly no matter the season.” — Annie
Buy it here ($20)
