How Do I Choose the Best Nail Lacquer?

Fingernail and toenail lacquer comes in a seemingly unlimited number of colors, and the right color for you often depends on a number of things. Some individuals prefer nail lacquers in classic or neutral colors, while others may prefer nail lacquers in bolder colors and styles, such as fluorescent or crackle nail lacquers. You may also want to consider using a base coat and a top coat, since these help protect your nails as well as your manicure. Some nail lacquer is also designed to strengthen your nails, to help you stop biting your nails, or to dry on your nails quickly.

One of the first things that most people look for in a nail lacquer is the right color. Choosing the right color for you will depend on several things, including your skin tone, wardrobe, and makeup. You may also want to consider any special events, seasons, holidays, or fashion trends. The color that you choose, however, should largely be determined by your own personal tastes.

Generally speaking, if you have a cool skin tone, a nail lacquer with a cool undertone will look best on you. If you have a warm skin tone, you may want to consider nail lacquers with warm undertones. Also, those with fair complexions generally look best in light or medium nail polish colors, while those with dark complexions look great in dark colors. You may also want to choose a color that complements your other makeup, such as lipstick or eyeshadow.

If you are in a professional setting, such as at work or at a job interview, it is usually recommended that you save the dark polish and zany colors for another time. Light colors, like pinks and nudes, are usually best for these settings. It is acceptable, however, to play up your nails for certain events, like parties and holidays. You may want to paint your nails red and green before attending a Christmas party, for example. Bold nail polish colors, like fluorescent colors, might also be considered for a flashier look.

Certain types of nail lacquers often go in and out of style very quickly. Metallic nail lacquer may be hot one season, for instance, while glitter nail polish may be all the rage the next season. Crackle nail polish is another relatively new option.

A base coat and a clear coat should also be considered when giving yourself a manicure. Base coats are applied before the nail lacquer, and they help protect the nails from staining and keep your lacquer from chipping. Clear nail polish can also be applied over a colored nail lacquer to help prevent chipping, or it can be applied to natural nails for a polished look.

If you have brittle nails, you can choose a strengthening nail lacquer. These types of nail lacquers contain protein and synthetic fibers that help prevent your nails from breaking, splitting, and peeling. Special nail polish for nail biters is also available. This type of fingernail lacquer has a very unpleasant taste that can help many people stop biting their nails.

Quick drying nail lacquer is also available in a number of colors. This type of nail polish dries much faster than other types, usually within a couple of minutes or less. It is perfect if you have a limited amount of time.