How to Pick Nail Polish Colors For the "Skittles" Manicure That's Sweeping Instagram
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Between the skincare fridges and curated shelfies, beauty-lovers may have also noticed more and more photos of mismatched nails taking over their Instagram Explore pages lately. The nail art trend has earned many names, including the "paint chip" manicure, which uses nail polishes from the same color family, and the "Skittles" manicure, which features an array of colors, allowing you to embrace your creativity (and indecision) even further.
Picking nail polish shades for this manicure from the sea of options available to you at your nail salon or your personal collection can prove overwhelming. If you have no idea where to start, we've enlisted the help of Olive and June founder and nail expert Sarah Gibson Tuttle. Check out her tips, ahead.
Pick One Shade and Adjust Its Tone
Tuttle said that a simple way of curating colors for the skittles manicure is by starting with your favorite one. Then, pick two shades that are slightly darker and two that are lighter to create a gradient across one hand.
Look at Your Favorite Treats
Desserts have distinct color combinations. (That is, after all, how the "Skittles" manicure first got its name.) Tuttle suggests taking inspiration from your favorite candy or sweet treat. "I love cookies and cream so my go-to mani right now is an ombr, which ranges from black to crisp white," she said.
Take Inspiration From Your Go-To Outfits
Tuttle suggests sifting through your wardrobe for inspiration. "Your go-to looks — like what you always wear to work or your favorite party outfit — likely include colors that you already really love together and make you feel your best, so they are perfect for mani inspiration," she said. "For example, if you're a jeans-and-t-shirt girl, try choosing denim-inspired hues that range from dark to icy light blues and crisp white."
For this particular look, Olive and June has a curated set called the The Blue Jeans Kit ($40) that takes the guesswork out of picking out your nail polish colors.
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Look at the Wall of Nail Polishes at a Nail Salon
If you still have no idea where to begin, Tuttle explained how the wall of polishes at your local nail bar can help guide you. "Shades are usually grouped by color family, so decide which one you're gravitating toward and pull from there," she said.