For those seeking a break from bright nail colors and intricate nail art, it may be time for a polish palette cleanser. The answer we go back to time and time again? A go-to neutral. Arguably the most versatile nail color range, neutrals are also a big trend for 2020 (but really, did they ever go away?). By definition, they go with every outfit, so you’ll never have to worry about clashing colors. Plus, they tend to camouflage chips a little better than say, bright red, just in case your next manicure appointment is a little further away than you’d like.
You can always rely on a neutral for anything from weddings to work. We rounded up 20 of the coolest polishes—from light to dark, shimmery to opaque—for every skin tone, to keep your neutral nail game feeling fresh.
Simply the perfect deep cocoa brown.
There's a reason Chanel's nail colors are the stuff of legend, and this just-right taupe is no different.
Party-ready champagne is ideal for when you want a touch of shimmer, not full-on glitter.
This sandy shade is like a vacation in a bottle.
This sheer formula is like foundation for your nails: It evens out the color and adds the perfect finish.
Classic taupe is unexpected and easy to wear for all skin tones.
This pretty at-home gel formula lasts and lasts.
Luxe as they may be, Louboutin polishes have developed a following for a reason. We love this color for weddings, but it dresses up everyday outfits too.
This creamy caramel-inspired shade is a nice departure from pink.
This pale beige from the beloved nail salon's polish line is 8-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Found: your new favorite "greige" (aka gray + beige).
It's nearly impossible to make mistakes with this glossy peach from nail artist extraordinaire Jin Soon Choi's line of lacquers.
Leave it to Tom Ford to make brown nail polish one of the ultimate must-haves thanks to this multi-dimensional shade.
Can't quite do white nails? This shade is about as light as you can get without being stark white.
Not only is this grayish tan polish fun and flattering, but the formula is also Halal.
The color you'll get a million compliments on (that you don't already have in your collection).
It may not be a neutral in the classic sense, but we'll make an exception. The shimmery shade is so gorgeous, who could mind?
Brown meets mauve in this unique shade from the nontoxic brand.
A pretty go-to tan made of 85% plant-based ingredients. Win-win.
The unbeatable shine in this pinky-peach polish comes from actual diamond powder.
More nail-spiration up next: These Basic Nail Colors Look Good on Everyone.
This article as originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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