One of my favorite places in the world is a nail salon! Yes, it sounds odd. But I absolutely love the array of nail polish bottles that greet you neatly lined up in a rainbow myriad. It truly takes you back to the days of opening a box of 64 crayons…However, with so many shades to choose from, it can be bewildering. This article features nail color ideas and the best nail colors to flatter your hands.
If you are over 40 you will have noticed the change in the variety of nail polish colors. Now nail fashion in itself is its own industry created by women of all ages being drawn to wearing the latest fashionable manicure.
Every woman should indulge in this inexpensive treat and enjoy the selection process especially since there are now glittery, shimmery, metallic even jewel-encrusted versions of your favorite color polish.
Nail trends are constantly changing and you don’t paint your nails just to match an outfit; they have become the fashion accessory of the ensemble. Wearers no longer have to stick within the boundaries of seasons; nail polish now is worn to enhance the tone of your skin as well as your beauty and nothing more.
What nail colors to use and trends to follow over 40
When it comes to caring and having fun with your nails, age sets no boundaries.
However, there are some important things to remember.
- Pay attention to nailcare. You may like to consult this previous article on how to care for your nails.
- Also consider carefully the color you choose. Think of it this way; choosing a nail color is like choosing a lipstick.
- I recommend keeping your nails short and in a squarish oval shape – “squoval” – in order to keep your hands looking youthful.
- I have to mention this, even though I have been known to do this, but wearing false acrylic nails with an old-fashion manicure really can make you look more outdated and older than you think or feel. It is classic but it is almost like having an old 1950’s VW in a society that only drives Audi’s.
How do you decide what color to paint your nails?
There are so many different ways to decide what color nail polish to use. Think about choosing a color that suits your skin tone – warm tones for warm skin and cool for cool.
You could match your nails to your outfit, to your lipstick, or you could opt for a neutral shade that matches everything. You can opt for natural or a dramatic shade depending on whether you’re dressing up or down.
How do I choose the right nail color for my outfit?
There’s no right and wrong answer here. You can choose a nail color that matches your outfit, a neutral shade that will go with whatever you are wearing, or you can create a contrast by opting for a color the opposite to your clothes.
What are the 5 tips on choosing the right nail polish?
- Look at the latest color trends. Choose a new nail polish each season to update your outfit.
- Choose a nail polish to suit your skin tone.
- Think about the occasion – for day-to-day, you may want a neutral shade, while you could choose a more dramatic color for parties and events.
- Look for a nail polish with nourishing ingredients to keep your nails in good condition.
- Simply choose a color that you are drawn too and that will make you happy to wear.
What nail color is most attractive?
similar nail colors here and here
There are so many attractive colors to choose from. You’ll find our favorites below. Irena @outfitmania_cz (above) opts for a flattering magenta polish and keeps her nails short.
What nail color makes hands look younger?
Shades like coral, pink, orangey reds and neutral colors tend to make your hands look younger. But darker shades and blues will usually emphasize your veins and can make hands look older.
What is the most popular nail color right now?
Some of the on-trend colors for this year include pastel shades, turquoise, chilli red, and white.
Here are my top tips to following the latest nail trends:
1. Nude nail color: reliable neutrals
A nude polish has anti-aging power and every woman should have a go-to nude polish. Nudes, baby pinks and light whites will make stubby fingers elongated. My best advice for picking your staple colour is to pair it with your foundation colour.
If you have light skin, choose shades of white, champagne, nude or sand. If you have darker toned skin, choose shades of cocoa, cappuccino, taupe or coffee. Chocolate and shades of grayish-brown are youthful and trendy, but be wary of dark browns as they can be very harsh and unforgiving.
2. A youthful shade of red
The right type of red is a youthful shade you can pick. Pay attention to the following:
- Bright orange-red nails draw attention to your manicure rather than to your hands.
- Burgundy, plum and even browns are versatile for day-night combinations.
- Go for shades that are more orange based, rather than blue based. I can hear you saying – but how do I tell which is blue based and which is orange based? Put the two bottles together – you will see it immediately.
similar nail colors here and here
Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) matches her nail polish to the print on her dress.
3. Pink nail polish colors
There’s a pink for every outfit and occasion. If your hands are not your favorite feature, pick bright pinks. They will draw attention to your nail rather than your finger. For longer or slimmer fingers, I recommend light and soft shades of pink (especially baby pink).
4. Nail color ideas: shimmer shades
Like lipstick or eyeshadow shopping, it pays to avoid chunky glitter nail polish. However, that doesn’t mean you miss out on all the fun.
Try a touch of metallic or shimmer. I absolutely love the way metallic shades catch the light – it adds intrigue. If you are anything like me, where your work outfit consists of dark colors or a monotone palette, a little metallic nail polish will add a feminine touch to your structured look.
similar nail colors here and here
Suzette @suzettepetrov above shows how you can choose a subtle, classy, glimmer when it comes to your nails.
5. Beware of the blues when choosing the best nail color
As you get older, your skin is more likely to be showing your bluish veins. I suggest avoiding pale or cool tones such as blues and greens or blue-based reds and plums. These will emphasize any veins that are visible.
6. Beware of the dark
As we age, brown spots appear on our fingers due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, so it’s no wonder your hands are extra susceptible. Fall and winter season trends bring deep and dark browns, blacks and purples.
They look fabulous on short nails but they can emphasize brown undertones and your spots. Try a cranberry or burnt creamy plums, deep ambers or blood reds.
If you still have youthful looking hands I personally love Navy, or moody blues and greens. They are bold and will illuminate your skin in a beautiful way without the harshness of black.
7. Nail polish colors to avoid
Yellow nail polish can make your hands look swallow and sickly and bring out the dryness and detail of your hands. If you still have youthful hands, you can wear bright yellow; otherwise I suggest you stick to glamorous gold.
Best nail varnish brands when choosing your nail colors
Now that you are thinking about the best nail varnish shades for you, how about the brands to choose? You don’t want to go to the trouble of painting your nails, only for the polish to chip or flake the next day. The brands below are recommended for their longevity.
similar nail colors here and here
Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) opts for an on-trend pastel shade.
1. Chanel
CHANEL nail color is iconic. Opt for a glamorous shade such as a deep red or burgundy – just as you will find a red lipstick to suit you, you will find a red nail varnish to suit your skintone. Or try an everyday nude. Reviewers say it is worth the price tag as it stays on and is easy to apply.
CHANEL LE VERNIS Long Wear Nail Colour
2. Dior
DIOR nail lacquer is another iconic choice for you, which provides a glass-like shine. Wearers say it glides on easily, lasts a long time and the brush makes application easy.
DIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer
3. Hermès
An investment choice, Hermés nail polish will look great on your dressing table, and your nails. It has great reviews from wearers who say it is the best formula they have tried.
Hermès Les Mains Hermès – Nail Enamel
4. Christian Louboutin
As you would expect from Christian Louboutin, the nail polish (below) features a dramatically styled bottle. Choose a deep red.
Christian Louboutin Lalaque Le Vernis Brillant
5. Deborah Lippman
Deborah Lippman gives the look and feel of a gel polish. Reviewers say it looks like a salon-grade polish with just two coats.
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color
6. butter LONDON
With shock-resistant polymer technology as well as bamboo extract to keep your nails in good condition, butter LONDON has great reviews from women who say the color doesn’t chip, fade or peel.
butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer
7. Londontown
Reviewers say the Londontown polish (below) is just as good as many designer options. It gives a gel-like finish, and wearers say it should last around three weeks.
Londontown Enhanced Color Nail Polish
8. Manucurist
The Manucurist nail polish features plant-based ingredients, and comes in a choice of 11 colors.
9. CND
CND is infused with Vitamin E and jojoba to help to condition your nails. The formula should last for 7 days.
CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish
similar nail colors here and here
Sheree @shesheshow above matches her nail polish to her pink dress.
10. essie
essie is a budget-friendly option with plenty of rave reviews. Wearers say they love the colors and that the polish lasts at least three days before starting to chip.
11. OPI
OPI is a great option if you like a polish which creates a shine.
12. Revlon
Revlon could be a good choice for you if you’re looking for a well-reviewed drugstore polish. The Gel Envy range looks like a salon varnish.
Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish
13. wet n wild
Wet n Wild is a great budget option and has a huge range of shades to choose from. Reviewers say it goes on smooth and should last for several days.
wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish
14. Dr.’s Remedy
The Dr.s’ Remedy polish (below) is designed to strengthen and nourish your nails as you wear it. There’s a good choice of colors, and reviewers say it gives long-lasting beautiful color.
Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish
15. sets
If you can’t decide what color to choose, then a set is a great idea as you can switch up your nail polish to suit your outfit and your mood.
Deborah Lippmann We Are All Made of Stars Gift Set (Limited Edition) $108 Value
Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil Polish Set $120 Value
16. press-on nails
If your nails aren’t in great condition, and you just want a manicured look for a party or event, then you could try a press-on set like the nails below.
GLAMNETIC Short Almond Press-On Nails Set
shop the best nail colors in stores now:
What are your thoughts on painting your nails? What are your favorite nail color ideas and brands? When it comes to nail colors do you like to go bright, neutral or prefer unpolished nails?
Continue reading:
- How To Care For Your Nails And Do A Manicure At Home
- Pamper Yourself At Home: 13 Self Pampering Ideas When You Can’t Get To The Spa
- Best Handcream For Women Over 40 For Super Soft Hands
Like this article on how to choose the right nail color? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Lydia @birabiro
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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I’ve recently discovered ColorStreet, and I’m loving it! There’s no risk of spills (good for clumsy me), and no dry time. They have lots of colors, metallics and patterns. Check it out!
As someone with an olive skin tone, I cannot wear yellow-based nail polish, it just looks wrong. Blue-based pinks, fuchsia and sheer nudes look very well though. Without any affiliation: my fvourite brand so far is Yves Saint Laurent, La Laque Couture. I use Rose Romantique as a sheer pink/nude and Violine Surrealiste as a vibrant pink/violet for my toes and always get compliments.
Hi I am 63 just had gel nails in a deep red and I had a finger on each hand in a silver glitter I love it
I am 63 and my nails apparently are the envy of all my friends. Last time i had them done was 3 years ago and i am booked by daugter in law to get manicure for her birthday. Can i wear deep red
Sure. Go for it!
Thank you for all these great tips! Although i must disagree with the old vw / audi comment, old vw’s are sooo much cooler than audi’s 🙂
Thank you for your advice. I’m trying to shave off a couple of birthdays without plastic surgery.
I hope I’m not guilty of old lady hands. I wear gel nails. I wear them pretty short and squared . Old lady maybe but at 54 I wear them either bare or any # of flattering colors from beige to metallic (even black)! They are the easiest way to make a fashion statement. I’m proud to be fifty but the bod’s not 20 any more. I love the young fashions, but no mater how cute,hello Kitty I’m not. I say have fun where you can I rock my nails my way amid maybe a hello kitty night shirt.
Lov 2 All!,
What a great post! Pinning it for future reference. And calling for a mani appointment.
Love that you mentioned the squoval shape as it looks modern compared to long nails. It took me a while to come around to dark colors, but this winter I’ve been wearing grey/taupe and feel current. I have zero affiliation with Sophi nail polish other than to say I tried it skeptically, but found I love it. No odor/doesn’t stain nails and it just won an award at the ECRM trade show as the Most Innovative Product in 2016. As long as you follow the directions to a T (it needs to be dried with a hair dryer between coats), it wears just as well as traditional polish.
I don’t spend a lot of time on my nails but when I do I usually get a french manicure- is this a tell tell sign of old lady hands or are they still in style?
Love the polish tips for over 50. I am, soon to be 58 Hispanic women. My color tone is olive color n of course,, my hands are def not my favorite part of my body.. I have been gettin French manicures for a few years, Everyone compliments me on how pretty my nails look. Is French manicure ok to wear into our ageing Years??
yes absolutely!
I’m 38 and I find a french manicure classy and timeless. My nail technician uses a light pink and modernizes it. If you read Allure and Glamour’s current Spring 2021 nail articles, it lists french manicures with some cute twists you may find interesting.
I personally find the French Manicure timelessly elegant, simple, and clean!!
It’s not the hippest. Beside brides you seldom see a young woman wearing French. Especially if you are paying a pro, get advice to go to an elevated style
I wouldn’t wear a French if I were you. Young people are calling a French ombre the “baby boomer manicure” nowadays and are wearing it to look retro, but on someone over 50 it just makes them look like a relic. If you like the structure of a French, at least don’t wear a traditional color with a white tip. Instead, choose a colorful tip, like gold or silver or a contrasting color. And stay away from mauve, terracotta, rose, or any dusty shades, which make mature women look like someone’s great-grandmother.
Old lady style! Don’t feel bad, I’m over 50 and live the style, too, but really had to retire it. Very 1990’s .
Well… there is nothing youthful about my hands anymore. Tough. I will look after them as well as I can and that just has to be it. Luckily I am growing older.
As someone with brown skin, I wish I could wear orange-toned red, but those end up having the same effect on the look of my hands that yellow shades do. I’m basically forced to end up wearing blue-toned red, or darker reds that tend towards burgundy.
I agree, I have olive skin and cannot wear orange-red nail polish.
Wonderful tips! Didn’t think about drawing attention to the manicure instead of the hands (veins and brown spots) Thanks again.
Great advice. Despite the fact that my nails always suffer when I wear nail varnish, I am opting to wear it more and more in my 40s, and have found that my taste has changed. I used to think red was a bit cheap-looking; now (inspired by older women I saw on French TV), I love a bold red as it looks chic and can also give your mood a lift. I’ve also lately fallen in love with taupe nails. As someone who is very fair-skinned, I don’t suit very pale neutrals or, as blue tones which – as you point out – highlight the old veins!