How To Choose The Best Neon Nail Polish For Your Skin Tone

Typically, people associate pastel tones with springtime; brighter shades are usually reserved for the summer. But truth be told, there shouldn't be any rules or restrictions when it comes to wearing neon colors; go blinding or go home is what I always say. Finding the best neon nail polish for your skin tone, however, takes a little bit of skill and patience so that your brights look right.

"When selecting a nail color, I look at the variation in tones of the color that compliments my skin tone. The perfect color should match my complexion undertone or provide contrast to make my nails pop," Kim Truong, a celebrity nail artist who works with Alessandra Ambrosio and Camila Cabello, tells TZR.

And you can't just go by the bottle, either. Sometimes, neons can trick you... they'll appear bright inside of packaging but once applied, the shade can look dull or wash you out. The trick, according to Elle, a celebrity manicurist, is to layer accordingly. “To get the brightest tone, apply white polish first," the pro, who works with Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Lopez, says. "Then do your neon color over it. This ensures a non-streaky application. Then finish with a clear top coat."

Ahead, read more pro-approved tips for your best neon manicure yet.

Fair Skin

"Fair skin tones typically have a cool pink or blue undertone. So go for a polish with similar undertones. Neon pinks, bright blues, and dark neon purples look great on fair skin tones," Truong notes.

Medium Skin

"Neon yellow for warmer skin tones adds a beautiful contrast and is definitely eye-catching," celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards tells TZR. And Truong seconds that. "It brings out the brightness of warm skin tones," she notes. "Corals do the same thing, too."

Dark Skin

"With neons, the contrast of a dark skin tone and the polish makes them pop even more," says Chelsea King, a celebrity manicurist. Yellows, "slime" green, and true oranges are always radiant.

Deep Skin

"High-impact shades pop on those with deep skin complexions," Truong says. Think warm neon yellows and bright turquoises."