Last month, my boyfriend proposed during a vacation to New Orleans, and I ecstatically accepted. No more than an hour into our engagement, strangers were already eagerly grabbing my hand and asking to see the ring – and I was more than happy to oblige. Over the next few weeks, my left hand became quite the subject of attention, and me, being ever the cosmetic-perfectionist, I made sure to keep my digits perpetually manicured. I’d changed my polish four or five times before I wondered if there was one particular color that was best for displaying my new diamond-adorned finger.
After a little research, and a lot of testing, I found that the best hues were the good old classic naturals. They’re simple enough to add just the right amount of polished shine without taking any of the attention away from your ring. Here are a few suggestions:
Nude – Regardless of the cut, style, color and metal of your ring, natural colored nails look great on any skin tone. The best hues for achieving this look are a single coat of L’Oreal “In the Buff” ($6 at your favorite local Bay Area drug store) or, for a tad of blush, OPI “Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs.” ($6 – $10 at Beauty Center.)
Pale Pink – For lighter skin tones, a pale pink offers a subtle complement to both your complexion and your ring. These classy shades are simple, sweet, feminine and not the least bit overbearing. To get this look, try Essie “Ballet Slippers” ($8 at Target) or Revlon “Pale Cashmere” ($8 at Ulta.)
Natural White – For a darker skin tone, a nude white gives your nails a classy contrast without taking away from the sparkle of your new rock. You can easily create this effect with Sephora by OPI “Bare to Be Different” ($9.50 at Sephora) or Essie “Like Linen” ($8 at Target.)
Additionally, remember that no one likes to see jagged talons. Keep your nails clipped short and filed slightly round – a la Kate Middleton’s classic and understated manicure used for showing off her prenuptial royal jewel. Maintain clean and uncomplicated nails – and let your new icing speak for itself.
