When I was six years old, my mom gave me the big-girl privilege of choosing a color to paint my room. My younger self struggled to decide which shade of all the colors in the world (or, in this case, Home Depot) would be worthy to splash across my bedroom walls. Ultimately, I concluded, there’s no color quite as iconic as pink. And two decades later, I stand by that sentiment. I’m not the only one: “Pink can feel playful, elegant, romantic, or bold, depending on the shade,” says New York City-based nail artist Elle Gerstein. “The universality of pink means it can be worn across all seasons, occasions, and age groups, making it a comforting go-to.” This is especially true of pink nails.

If you think about your most recent nail salon visit, you probably saw more shades of pink polish on the wall than any other color. The versatility of pink can make it hard to know which bottle to reach for, but certain factors, like the season, can help you decide. Summer is great for bright pinks, such as magenta and fuchsia, while spring calls for softer shades, like baby pink, rose, and salmon.

The vibe you’re going for can also inform the shade of pink you choose. “Soft pinks feel classic, clean, and professional, which makes them perfect for everyday wear or formal settings,” says Connecticut-based nail artist Temeka Jackson. “Hot pinks give off confidence, fun, and a fashion-forward vibe, making them popular for events or vacations.”

Experts agree that getting the right look with soft, neutral pinks is dependent on skin tone, while brighter colors are more universally flattering. According to Gerstein, some very pale pinks can look chalky or stark on deeper skin tones, and dull on fairer skin tones.

Detroit-based nail artist and owner of Cure Nail House Cyndia Robinson previously told Allure that finding the perfect neutral pink polish for your skin is about “undertone, depth, and finish.” She suggested the “foundation test,” in which you hold the polish next to your fingertips and the inside of your wrist. “If it blends and enhances your skin instead of looking chalky or too stark, it’s a good match,” Robinson explained.

So, if you’re leaning toward a demure pink mani, reach for Essie Nail Polish in Ladylike, a soft, muted mauve; OPI Dulce De Leche, a light pink with caramel undertones; and Kokoist Boysen Berry Candy, a sheer rose. These hues are particularly flattering on medium to dark skin tones, according to Robinson. Gerstein loves Essie Ballet Slippers and Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in On Pointe—two sheer pink polishes—on fair skin.

If you’re a maximalist, though, bright, bubbly pink polishes were made for you. Punchy pinks that remind you of crisp watermelon, sweet guava, and poised flamingos are popular in summer, but they can bring that playful, vacation-ready feeling to any season. Gerstein recommends OPI Nail Lacquer in Strawberry Margarita, a hot pink with a sheer finish, and Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Rose Magenta, a bold, luxurious fuchsia.

Scroll on for some of our favorite ways to wear the full spectrum of pink shades on your nails.

Pink Nail Inspiration

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