When you're faced with the wall of polishes at a nail salon and finally pick a color, you're not just making a style choice—you're making a personal statement. Turns out you gravitate toward a hue that best represents you without even knowing it. Here, Essie's celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders gives a polish personality breakdown.
If you turn to:
Reds...
A crimson manicure is classic and timeless, and wearing a scarlet mani means you're elegant and effortlessly chic. Try Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in "It's Raining Men," $18.
Black...
Equal parts edgy and complex, a black mani exudes confidence. Consider it a #GirlBoss must. Try Sally Hansen Insta Dri Nail Polish in "Back to Black," $5.
Neons...
Because neon lacquer is so bright and loud, there's no denying it will get you noticed. If you're wearing it, chances are you're outgoing and adventurous. Try Essie Nail Polish in "Vibrant Vibes," $9.
Whites...
Wearing an of-the-moment white manicure adds a youthful and modern element to your look. On your nails, it signals that you're trendy and cool. Try Zoya Nail Color in "Purity," $9.
Blues...
With so many varying depths, blue is super-versatile and experimental, and suggests that you're creative and forward-thinking. Try Essie Nail Polish in "Butler Please," $9.
Nudes...
Barely there nudes are perfect for every occasion and the color is super-forgiving when it comes to DIY applications. A nude mani reads as low-maintence and unfussy. Try OPI Nail Lacquer in "Do You Take Lei Away," $10.
Pastels...
If you love a soft, sweet, and muted pastel polish, it means you're a romantic at heart. Try Essie Nail Polish in "Need a Vacation," $8.50.
Pinks...
If your go-to hue is pink, you're fun, flirty, ultra-feminine, and love being a girly-girl. Try Dior Vernis in "Wonderland," $27.
Oxblood...
This moody red is the sexiest of all polishes. Consider yourself a total vixen if this is your signature shade. Try Jin Soon Nail Polish in "Audacity," $18.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
