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Step 1
Consider your skin tone. Certain nail polish colors work better with specific skin colors and tones than others. A woman with darker skin may sport a bright pink nail polish and draw compliments, while a woman with fair skin who tries to wear the same color may find it quite unflattering. Browse the ads in your favorite magazines to get some examples of flattering colors for your own skin type.
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Step 2
Match your individual style. Once you've determined the colors that work and don't work with your coloring, decide which color best reflects your own personal style. Purple nail polish may look great against your skin tone, but are you the kind of person who wears purple nail polish? Soft pink might be a color that works well for you, but perhaps you are the type who likes to use cosmetics to make a statement. If so, soft pink may be too understated.
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Step 3
Find something that meets your commitment to nail polish maintenance. If you are unlikely to devote much time to the maintenance and upkeep of your polish, it is best to stay away from flashy colors that will draw significant attention to your fingernails. As time passes and your nails grow longer, even the highest quality nail polish will need touching up and eventually will need to be completely reapplied. People are less likely to notice flaws in more subtle polish colors.
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Step 4
Open your mind to the possibility of using clear nail polish instead of choosing a color. Clear nail polish is a great choice for women who want a well-groomed look without a lot of extra pizazz.
