This fall/winter season it’s important to know what shades are going to compliment your skin tone as well as the weather. One way to express your creativity and style is through nail polish. (Now for the men this may seem unimportant to you, but you might want to keep reading because nail polish a perfect gift for any women any time of the year and makes for a great stocking stuffer during Christmas time!) I personally love to paint my own nails, it’s something that helps me distress from a long day at work or school, plus it’s a lot cheaper than having someone else do them for me. However, I know many people simply don’t have the time or patients to paint their own nails and going to a nail salon is a perfectly good alternative. So whether you do it yourself or leave it up to the professionals, I think it’s key to know when to use the right colors.


When picking out a polish there are many things you want to keep in mind. For instance, what time of year is it, is this going on your toes or fingers or both, what is the shade of your skin tone, or is this for a certain event or party? The main idea is that you want your nails to be sort of like an accessory to your outfit or everyday style.  For instance, when matching your nails to some hot pink heels, while wearing a simple black dress will absolutely complete a night out look. But trust me when I say you shouldn’t have neon colored toes during your Christmas party or deep purples for a day at the beach. There is a time and a place! Also keep in mind your skin tone. Personally I’m on the fairer side so I try to stay away from very light neutrals because they tend to wash me out. However there are a few exceptions that I believe can be worn at virtually any time of the year and on almost every skin tone. For instance a bold red can be used for almost any occasion or everyday use. Another good choice is a French manicure. Although a French manicure is a bit more challenging for the do it yourself types, it’s very common to get done at a salon.


photobucket.com/rednails


i.ehow.com/frenchmanicure

So when you’re looking down the aisle with the many assortments of polish colors keep in mind the key points. First rule out any ones that definitely won’t work for the occasion or time of year (yes this means no lime green for your company picnic). Then discard the ones that won’t work with your skin tone. And last narrow down which one you like the most, perhaps when no one is watching, even test it out on your nail to see how it really looks, it’s okay we all do it! If you’re still lost always fall back on the neutrals or go with the bold red.


Here is a link to BeautySak.com which features OPI’s new line of nail polish for the fall/winter season of 2009, Collection de Espana, that has become my absolute favorite polish colors so check them out! You can find them at a local drug store or supermarket or one place I like to check out is Sally’s Beauty Supply, there’s one in the Coralwood shopping center in Cape Coral or in Gulfcoast Town Center in Fort Myers.

OPI EspanaCollection 2009 at Beautysak.com