How to choose the right nail color and avoid “Old Lady” hands

One of my favorite places in the world is a nail salon! Yes, it sounds odd. But I absolutely love the array of nail polish bottles that greet you neatly lined up in a rainbow myriad. It truly takes you back to the days of opening a box of 64 crayons…However, with so many shades to choose from, it can be bewildering. This article features nail color ideas and the best nail colors to flatter your hands.

If you are over 40 you will have noticed the change in the variety of nail polish colors. Now nail fashion in itself is its own industry created by women of all ages being drawn to wearing the latest fashionable manicure.

Every woman should indulge in this inexpensive treat and enjoy the selection process especially since there are now glittery, shimmery, metallic even jewel-encrusted versions of your favorite color polish.

Nail trends are constantly changing and you don’t paint your nails just to match an outfit; they have become the fashion accessory of the ensemble. Wearers no longer have to stick within the boundaries of seasons; nail polish now is worn to enhance the tone of your skin as well as your beauty and nothing more.

What nail colors to use and trends to follow over 40

When it comes to caring and having fun with your nails, age sets no boundaries.

However, there are some important things to remember.

  • Pay attention to nailcare. You may like to consult this previous article on how to care for your nails.
  • Also consider carefully the color you choose. Think of it this way; choosing a nail color is like choosing a lipstick.
  • I recommend keeping your nails short and in a squarish oval shape – “squoval” – in order to keep your hands looking youthful.
  • I have to mention this, even though I have been known to do this, but wearing false acrylic nails with an old-fashion manicure really can make you look more outdated and older than you think or feel. It is classic but it is almost like having an old 1950’s VW in a society that only drives Audi’s.

How do you decide what color to paint your nails?

There are so many different ways to decide what color nail polish to use. Think about choosing a color that suits your skin tone – warm tones for warm skin and cool for cool.

You could match your nails to your outfit, to your lipstick, or you could opt for a neutral shade that matches everything. You can opt for natural or a dramatic shade depending on whether you’re dressing up or down.

How do I choose the right nail color for my outfit?

There’s no right and wrong answer here. You can choose a nail color that matches your outfit, a neutral shade that will go with whatever you are wearing, or you can create a contrast by opting for a color the opposite to your clothes.

What are the 5 tips on choosing the right nail polish?

  1. Look at the latest color trends. Choose a new nail polish each season to update your outfit.
  2. Choose a nail polish to suit your skin tone.
  3. Think about the occasion – for day-to-day, you may want a neutral shade, while you could choose a more dramatic color for parties and events.
  4. Look for a nail polish with nourishing ingredients to keep your nails in good condition.
  5. Simply choose a color that you are drawn too and that will make you happy to wear.

What nail color is most attractive?

similar nail colors here and here

There are so many attractive colors to choose from. You’ll find our favorites below. Irena @outfitmania_cz (above) opts for a flattering magenta polish and keeps her nails short.

What nail color makes hands look younger?

Shades like coral, pink, orangey reds and neutral colors tend to make your hands look younger. But darker shades and blues will usually emphasize your veins and can make hands look older.

What is the most popular nail color right now?

Some of the on-trend colors for this year include pastel shades, turquoise, chilli red, and white.

Here are my top tips to following the latest nail trends:

1. Nude nail color: reliable neutrals

A nude polish has anti-aging power and every woman should have a go-to nude polish. Nudes, baby pinks and light whites will make stubby fingers elongated. My best advice for picking your staple colour is to pair it with your foundation colour.

If you have light skin, choose shades of white, champagne, nude or sand. If you have darker toned skin, choose shades of cocoa, cappuccino, taupe or coffee. Chocolate and shades of grayish-brown are youthful and trendy, but be wary of dark browns as they can be very harsh and unforgiving.

Neutral nail polish | 40plusstyle.comNeutral nail polish | 40plusstyle.com

2. A youthful shade of red

The right type of red is a youthful shade you can pick. Pay attention to the following:

  • Bright orange-red nails draw attention to your manicure rather than to your hands.
  • Burgundy, plum and even browns are versatile for day-night combinations.
  • Go for shades that are more orange based, rather than blue based. I can hear you saying – but how do I tell which is blue based and which is orange based? Put the two bottles together – you will see it immediately.
Souri wears a red print dress | 40plusstyle.comSouri wears a red print dress | 40plusstyle.com

similar nail colors here and here

Souri @fabfemme_australia above (read her style interview here) matches her nail polish to the print on her dress.

3. Pink nail polish colors

There’s a pink for every outfit and occasion. If your hands are not your favorite feature, pick bright pinks. They will draw attention to your nail rather than your finger. For longer or slimmer fingers, I recommend light and soft shades of pink (especially baby pink).

Pink nail polish | 40plusstyle.comPink nail polish | 40plusstyle.com

4. Nail color ideas: shimmer shades

Like lipstick or eyeshadow shopping, it pays to avoid chunky glitter nail polish. However, that doesn’t mean you miss out on all the fun.

Try a touch of metallic or shimmer. I absolutely love the way metallic shades catch the light – it adds intrigue. If you are anything like me, where your work outfit consists of dark colors or a monotone palette, a little metallic nail polish will add a feminine touch to your structured look.

Suzette wears a black outfit | 40plusstyle.comSuzette wears a black outfit | 40plusstyle.com

similar nail colors here and here

Suzette @suzettepetrov above shows how you can choose a subtle, classy, glimmer when it comes to your nails.

5. Beware of the blues when choosing the best nail color

As you get older, your skin is more likely to be showing your bluish veins. I suggest avoiding pale or cool tones such as blues and greens or blue-based reds and plums. These will emphasize any veins that are visible.

6. Beware of the dark

As we age, brown spots appear on our fingers due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, so it’s no wonder your hands are extra susceptible. Fall and winter season trends bring deep and dark browns, blacks and purples.

They look fabulous on short nails but they can emphasize brown undertones and your spots. Try a cranberry or burnt creamy plums, deep ambers or blood reds.

If you still have youthful looking hands I personally love Navy, or moody blues and greens. They are bold and will illuminate your skin in a beautiful way without the harshness of black.

Purple nail polish | 40plusstyle.comPurple nail polish | 40plusstyle.com

7. Nail polish colors to avoid

Yellow nail polish can make your hands look swallow and sickly and bring out the dryness and detail of your hands. If you still have youthful hands, you can wear bright yellow; otherwise I suggest you stick to glamorous gold.

Best nail varnish brands when choosing your nail colors

Now that you are thinking about the best nail varnish shades for you, how about the brands to choose? You don’t want to go to the trouble of painting your nails, only for the polish to chip or flake the next day. The brands below are recommended for their longevity.

How to choose the right nail color and avoid "Old Lady" hands | 40plusstyle.comHow to choose the right nail color and avoid "Old Lady" hands | 40plusstyle.com

similar nail colors here and here

Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) opts for an on-trend pastel shade.

1. Chanel

CHANEL nail color is iconic. Opt for a glamorous shade such as a deep red or burgundy – just as you will find a red lipstick to suit you, you will find a red nail varnish to suit your skintone. Or try an everyday nude. Reviewers say it is worth the price tag as it stays on and is easy to apply.

CHANEL LE VERNIS Long Wear Nail Colour | 40plusstyle.comCHANEL LE VERNIS Long Wear Nail Colour | 40plusstyle.com

CHANEL LE VERNIS Long Wear Nail Colour

2. Dior

DIOR nail lacquer is another iconic choice for you, which provides a glass-like shine. Wearers say it glides on easily, lasts a long time and the brush makes application easy.

DIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.comDIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.com

DIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer

3. Hermès

An investment choice, Hermés nail polish will look great on your dressing table, and your nails. It has great reviews from wearers who say it is the best formula they have tried.

Hermès Les Mains Hermès - Nail Enamel | 40plusstyle.comHermès Les Mains Hermès - Nail Enamel | 40plusstyle.com

Hermès Les Mains Hermès – Nail Enamel

4. Christian Louboutin

As you would expect from Christian Louboutin, the nail polish (below) features a dramatically styled bottle. Choose a deep red.

Christian Louboutin Lalaque Le Vernis Brillant | 40plusstyle.comChristian Louboutin Lalaque Le Vernis Brillant | 40plusstyle.com

Christian Louboutin Lalaque Le Vernis Brillant

5. Deborah Lippman

Deborah Lippman gives the look and feel of a gel polish. Reviewers say it looks like a salon-grade polish with just two coats.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color | 40plusstyle.comDeborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color | 40plusstyle.com

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color

6. butter LONDON

With shock-resistant polymer technology as well as bamboo extract to keep your nails in good condition, butter LONDON has great reviews from women who say the color doesn’t chip, fade or peel.

butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.combutter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.com

butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

7. Londontown

Reviewers say the Londontown polish (below) is just as good as many designer options. It gives a gel-like finish, and wearers say it should last around three weeks.

Londontown Enhanced Color Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comLondontown Enhanced Color Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

Londontown Enhanced Color Nail Polish

8. Manucurist

The Manucurist nail polish features plant-based ingredients, and comes in a choice of 11 colors.

Manucurist Poison Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comManucurist Poison Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

Manucurist Poison Nail Polish

9. CND

CND is infused with Vitamin E and jojoba to help to condition your nails. The formula should last for 7 days.

CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comCND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish

Sheree wears pink nail polish | 40plusstyle.comSheree wears pink nail polish | 40plusstyle.com

similar nail colors here and here

Sheree @shesheshow above matches her nail polish to her pink dress.

10. essie

essie is a budget-friendly option with plenty of rave reviews. Wearers say they love the colors and that the polish lasts at least three days before starting to chip.

essie Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comessie Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

essie Nail Polish

11. OPI

OPI is a great option if you like a polish which creates a shine.

OPI Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.comOPI Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.com

OPI Nail Lacquer

12. Revlon

Revlon could be a good choice for you if you’re looking for a well-reviewed drugstore polish. The Gel Envy range looks like a salon varnish.

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comRevlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

Revlon Super Lustrous Nail Polish

13. wet n wild

Wet n Wild is a great budget option and has a huge range of shades to choose from. Reviewers say it goes on smooth and should last for several days.

wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comwet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

wet n wild Wild Shine Nail Polish

14. Dr.’s Remedy

The Dr.s’ Remedy polish (below) is designed to strengthen and nourish your nails as you wear it. There’s a good choice of colors, and reviewers say it gives long-lasting beautiful color.

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.comDr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish | 40plusstyle.com

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish

15. sets

If you can’t decide what color to choose, then a set is a great idea as you can switch up your nail polish to suit your outfit and your mood.

Deborah Lippmann We Are All Made of Stars Gift Set (Limited Edition) $108 Value | 40plusstyle.comDeborah Lippmann We Are All Made of Stars Gift Set (Limited Edition) $108 Value | 40plusstyle.com

Deborah Lippmann We Are All Made of Stars Gift Set (Limited Edition) $108 Value

Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil Polish Set $120 Value | 40plusstyle.comLondontown Perfecting Nail Veil Polish Set $120 Value | 40plusstyle.com

Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil Polish Set $120 Value

16. press-on nails

If your nails aren’t in great condition, and you just want a manicured look for a party or event, then you could try a press-on set like the nails below.

OPI xPRESS/ON Press On Nails | 40plusstyle.comOPI xPRESS/ON Press On Nails | 40plusstyle.com

OPI xPRESS/ON Press On Nails

GLAMNETIC Short Almond Press-On Nails Set | 40plusstyle.comGLAMNETIC Short Almond Press-On Nails Set | 40plusstyle.com

GLAMNETIC Short Almond Press-On Nails Set

shop the best nail colors in stores now:


What are your thoughts on painting your nails? What are your favorite nail color ideas and brands? When it comes to nail colors do you like to go bright, neutral or prefer unpolished nails?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Care For Your Nails And Do A Manicure At Home
  2. Pamper Yourself At Home: 13 Self Pampering Ideas When You Can’t Get To The Spa
  3. Best Handcream For Women Over 40 For Super Soft Hands

Like this article on how to choose the right nail color? Share it on Pinterest!

How to choose the right nail color and avoid "Old Lady" hands | 40plusstyle.comHow to choose the right nail color and avoid "Old Lady" hands | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Lydia @birabiro

SylviaSylvia


Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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