Do you love colour on your nails but aren't sure which nail colour suits your skin tone? With a few simple rules, you'll quickly find shades that make your hands look fresh and well-groomed. Besides how light or dark your skin is, your undertone plays the biggest role – and in the end, anything goes if you like it.

The good news: with colour gel and shellac, your favourite colour stays beautiful much longer than with classic polish. Here you'll find matching shades from the BNC range for every skin tone.

Step 1: Find your undertone

Your undertone is the colour nuance that shines through beneath the surface of your skin. It stays the same even when you tan in summer. Here's how to find it:

• Vein test: Look at the veins on your wrist in daylight. If they look bluish or purple, you probably have a cool undertone. If they look greenish, it's more likely warm. If you can't decide, your undertone is probably neutral.
• Jewellery test: If silver suits you better, that points to a cool undertone; gold suggests a warm one.
• Sun test: If you burn easily, you often have a cool undertone; if you tan easily, more likely a warm one.

Step 2: The right colours at a glance

Fair skin tones

• Soft pink and pastels: Powdery shades look elegant and understated. BNC Base One colour gel Balerina Pink is a true all-rounder, and Metallic Gel Pastel Light Pink adds a delicate shimmer. Find more ideas in Pastel nails.
• Classic red: A clear red creates a lovely contrast on fair skin. With a cool undertone, a deep, classic red like Champions Red UV colour gel no. 1 works well.
• Nude shades: Choose a nude that's slightly darker or more rosy than your skin, for example Mineral Powder colour gel “Vanilla”. A nude that's too light can look washed out.

Medium skin tones

• Coral, apricot and orange: Lively, warm colours make warm complexions in particular glow. For a shimmering touch, try Pearl Gel Apricot; in summer, colour gel Neon Orange is a great choice too.
• Berry shades: Tones like raspberry or elderberry are ideal for medium skin – for example BNC Macaron colour gel Raspberry.
• Bright pinky red: For a statement, try an intense shade like BNC Base One colour gel Sunset Red. If you prefer shellac, there's Shellac UV/LED polish Neon Pink.
• Earthy tones: A soft taupe like colour gel Trend Color 02 Mud looks modern and suits every season.

Deep skin tones

• Bold colours: Daring shades like fuchsia, yellow or cobalt look amazing on deep skin – try Base One colour gel Royal Yellow, for example.
• Deep reds: Bordeaux, burgundy and dark violet are a perfect choice, such as colour gel RAL 4004 Claret Violet or BNC Shellac UV/LED polish Dark Red.
• Warm browns: Colour gel Autumne is Coming is a warm brown with a slightly reddish undertone – elegant and understated.
• Metallic and shimmer: A dark berry shade with a metallic shimmer like BNC colour gel Fall Daffodil no. 3 purple-red metallic looks particularly luxurious.
• Light contrasts: White and pastels also look very modern on deep skin, for example the opaque Base One colour gel White Angel.

Universal favourites

• French: Suits every skin tone and always looks polished, for example with Studioline French gel soft white. You'll find tutorials in Babyboomer & French nails.
• Black: Timeless and expressive – for example with colour gel RAL 9005 Jet Black.
• Glitter: A little glitter always works – more in Glitter nails.

You'll find all colours in our categories colour gels and shellac / UV polish. For seasonal inspiration, see our nail design trends autumn/winter 2026. And to keep your favourite colour looking great for longer, read Make colour gel & shellac last longer.

FAQ: nail colour and skin tone

Which nail colour suits every skin tone?

Nude shades with a hint of rose, taupe, a classic red and French are true all-rounders.

Does my undertone change in summer?

No. Your skin gets darker, but the undertone stays the same. In summer, you can still try bolder or lighter contrasts.

Does nail length matter too?

Yes. Dark colours often make short nails look even shorter, while light and nude shades visually lengthen them.

Colour gel or shellac – which is better for my favourite colour?

Shellac is applied thinly to the natural nail and can be soaked off; colour gel is usually used on a gel set. We explain the difference in What is shellac?

Do I have to follow the rules?

No – the tips are a guide. Try out whatever makes you feel good.