Send Nudes | Nude Nail Polish for Medium to Deep Skin Tones
Let's talk about nudes. No, not those kind. Get your brain out of the gutter.
I'm talking about real-life nude nail polishes for my people with medium to deep skin tones.
While there are truly no rules when it comes to color and you should one-hundred-million-kajillion percent wear whatever shades bring a smile to your face, I also understand that finding a great nude can be a challenge when your skin tone falls outside the range traditionally represented by the beauty industry.
The shades below are personal favorites that I actually own, use, and carry in my kit. I'm also thrilled to see that the call for better nude shades is no longer going unanswered.
As you may know, I spent a good portion of my adult life as a makeup artist before I ever ventured into nails. I've always been on a quest to find and curate a great selection of foundation-like nude shades, and that search naturally carried over into my nail kit.
Why not focus on lighter nude shades?
Frankly, there's no shortage of light-toned nude polishes with strong brand recognition. Think Essie's Ballet Slippers or OPI's Bubble Bath and Samoan Sand, just to name a few.
Of course, nobody has to match their manicure to their skin tone to wear a color. But it's nice to have the option of a true-to-you nude, and everybody deserves to have one.
Warm Shades
These cuties will lean more towards a red or plummy undertone (think more of the NW foundations at MAC or the R family with MAKE UP FOREVER).
OPI Nail Lacquer in Chocolate Mousse ($10)
OPI Nail Lacquer in Shhh… It’s Top Secret ($10)
Essie Nail Lacquer in Cocoa Karma ($9)
Floss Gloss Nail Lacquer in Blood, Suede and Tears ($9)
CND Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish in Clay Canyon ($11)
People of Color Beauty Nail Lacquer in Mother of Earth ($12)
People of Color Beauty in Brown Sugar Babe ($12)
Cool Shades
These cuties are for my cool toned olive/yellow babes- thing C or NC shades at MAC or the Y family with MAKE UP FOR EVER.
Mented Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Brown & Bougie ($8)
Mented Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in yes We Tan ($8)
Zoya Professional Lacquer in Kateri ($10)
Kiara Sky Professional Nail Lacquer in Treasure the Night ($8.50)
Essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Cold Brew Crew ($9)
Zoya Professional Lacquer in Desiree ($10)
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