As an innovative beauty brand, it’s important to us that our products are both creative and approachable. We don’t believe in rules – we never will – and only champion transformative and empowering makeup that inspires individual style.
While all of our nail polishes are formulated to suit every shade of skin, we understand the search for colours that best complement your skin tone can be long and tricky. Whether you're still seeking your favourite nail polish or simply looking to switch up your manicure, we recommend giving these shades a try…
Nail colours for dark skin
When it comes to picking a nail polish for dark skin tones: our motto is ‘the brighter, the better’. Bold colours – as found in our classic pillar box red nail polish, Mistress – really complement dark skin, due to the cool undertones.
If red nails on dark skin isn’t really your thing, have no fear. Pretty in Putty, our pale nude polish is both brunch and boardroom appropriate. A true all-occasions colour, it’ll never go out of season or style.
Seeking something more exciting? Look no further than our Marshmallow Sun Switch polish: it flips between two on-trends shades depending on the light. We love to see both pink and white nails on dark skin – this way you get to wear both!
Nail colours for olive skin
A variety of shades look great on olive skin; from subtle and shiny to striking and sparkly. With this in mind, we recommend opting for a shimmery statement colour like our magical Tempest polish – its bright teal shade promises to catch eyes.
Inspired by the exotic structural hues in nature, Forbidden Fruit is a colour-shifting oil formulated with gorgeous green and magenta shades. Perfect for olive skin tones, the alluring polish changes and reflects the light as your hand moves.
If you prefer more classic manicures, try Total Eclipse, our contemporary grey crème polish. A chic shade for all four seasons – just one swipe of this dark and stormy colour will provide flawless coverage.
Nail colours for tan skin
Whatever the season, we love to see vibrant polishes on tan skin tones – especially those that feel like summer. The ultimate blend of sophisticated and fun, our Lucky 7 polish adds the perfect juicy pop of colour.
A great alternative to traditional pinks and reds, Pepperminty – a tingly fresh shade with high gloss shine – looks amazing on both tan fingers and toes. Plus, it’s great for giving tough outfits a feminine twist.
Earth and jewel tones like cobalt blue, hunter green and bright orange also complement tan skin really well. Dive right in with Pool Party, our deep azure polish – there’s something about wearing bright blue that just feels cool.
Nail colours for pale skin
People with fair skin needn’t hold back when it comes it red polishes. Dangerous Affair, our strikingly beautiful burgundy paint, is one of the best nail colours for pale skin. The contrast of its cool tones against pale skin is sublime – trust us, you’ll want to wear it all year round.
On days when you desire a fresh, natural look, opt for Iced Frappe: our luxurious creamy nude colour. Minimal and elegant with a high shine finish, it uplifts fair skins tones without ever looking ‘too much’.
Spinning Teacup, our delicate pansy posy shade, also makes a subtle yet stunning statement against light skin tones. Not only is the high gloss polish creamy soft and long-lasting, it’s
a dreamy colour for all four seasons.
Whether you’re looking for a shade to perfectly match your undertone or to make your nails pop, you’ll be sure to find the best colour for your skin tone in our range of Ciaté London nail polishes. Share your favourite shades with the hashtag #Ciate for the chance to be featured on our Instagram.
