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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. In that spirit, I present 10 nail colors that look stunning any time of year and the best polishes to get the looks.
Featured Experts
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.”
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.”
