Best nail polish for at home manicure (2024)

The way you wear your nails makes a statement. Maybe you like to wear brightly-colored, lengthy, acrylic nails to show off your vibrant personality. Or perhaps you prefer darker colors and shorter nails to demonstrate your sleekness and sophistication.

There are several ways that older adults can rock a nail style.

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If you prefer a more youthful look that may make your skin glow, go for brighter nail polish colors that will pop out, such as Revlon Red, or more neutral tones like terracotta, according to Southern Living. The magazine also recommends nude tones and sheer polishes.

Those who really want to stand out can choose hot pinks, neons, or even a light coral if you are not a huge fan of the brighter colors but still want to glow, according to Best Life.

“Bright, even neon colors, make your hands look so much more youthful and even give the appearance of a warm sun-kissed glow to the skin,” Juli Russell, DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty told the website.

You can never go wrong with the French manicure, a classic, either.

It is important to consider what color and look fit best with your skin tone as well.

“If you have a lighter skin tone, the color would differ depending on how fair your skin is, but corals, greens, and red would be good for older hands because it draws attention to the nails,” according to Orly.

According to Orly, older adults with darker skin may look best in orange, gold, and gray shades.

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Beauty experts recommend staying away from several colors.

Dark colors — especially black — should generally be avoided, according to both Southern Living and Orly. Black, deep navy blue, and darker shades of purple, for example, may draw attention to dark spots, lines, and wrinkles.

This does not mean that you can’t wear dark colors at all, though. According to Orly, the darkest color you should choose is the dark gray-blue shade. This allows you to wear a colder color that still ensures your skin pops. And for darker skin tones, StyleCraze suggests going trendy with cocoa, cappuccino, or dark shades.

“Steer clear from sheer colors or hues that match your skin too closely, as this will give the dreaded ‘mannequin hands’ look,”, Russell told BestLife.

Don’t be afraid to switch up the shape of your nails either!

When at the nail salon, you may opt for almond or oval-shaped nails.

“These two shapes are more youthful and lengthen the appearance of the fingers,” Russell said to Best Life. Additional options include the sharp, stiletto shape, and the flat-topped ballerina shape.

These are not the only options, though. Speak with your nail technician to see what choices are available to you — perhaps you will discover something that you never knew you loved.

Best nail polish for at home manicure (2024)

FAQs

Is there a nail polish that is actually good for your nails? ›

Breathable nail polish allows the natural movement of oil through and then off the nail. This means your nails stay beautifully moisturised but don't become overly soft or weak.

What do nail salons use to make polish stay on longer? ›

There's a reason nail salons often add a drop of acetone to a bottle of nail polish: it makes polish easier to apply and (counter-intuitively) helps manicures to last longer. That's because the thinner consistency is less likely to clump up and lift off of the nail.

What kind of nail polish do nail techs use? ›

Many nail shops use gel polish from popular brands such as OPI , CND , and Gelish . These brands are known for their high - quality , long - lasting gel polishes that come in a wide range of colors and finishes .

Is gel or dip better for your nails? ›

Gel Nail Polish is formulated to restrict the growth of microbes, so you can rest easy knowing there's no cause for concern. Whilst the durability of a dip manicure may seem desirable, it can actually come as a detriment to your nail health.

What nail polish do most salons use? ›

OPI. OPI is one of the most popular salon-quality gel polish lines with a huge color selection. They offer a wide range of colors, including both classic and trendy shades. OPI gel polishes are known for their glossy finish and easy removal.

Is Essie or Opi better? ›

“Overall the two base formulations are similar, however the Essie formulation contains an additional resin (Colophonium/Rosin/Colophane), which I surmise increases the length of wear,” the cosmetic chemist says. Interestingly enough, professional manicurists have mixed opinions.

Are fingernails healthier without polish? ›

Are nails healthier without polish? In general, the answer is yes — but that doesn't mean you need to steer clear of nail polish forever.

What manicure is least damaging to nails? ›

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

What type of polish is best for your nails? ›

Gel polish doesn't chip, so you can keep it on for weeks at a time. You'll only need to get it changed or removed when your nails grow out too far. If you're trying to grow your natural nails out, gel is also a good choice. The gel adds a layer of protection that helps keep your nails from breaking.

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