Nails

Luxury nail polish: colour selection and application

Red, nude and plum nail polishes with a lacquer-coated brush on green marble.
Unbranded bottles and colour swatches illustrate the choices involved in a personal manicure.

Judging colour on the nail

A translucent polish reveals more of the nail than a strongly pigmented lacquer, even when their bottles look similar. Compare the result after the manufacturer’s recommended number of coats. Brush shape, fluidity and the time available for application influence an even-looking finish just as much as the shade itself.

Keeping the manicure system consistent

Base and top coats have different purposes, and their compatibility with a colour should be checked in the brand’s instructions. Wear also depends on daily activities and the condition of the nails. Descriptions such as natural or plant-based do not mean that a formula can be used without following its application guidance.

Resources to explore further

  1. CHANEL

    CHANEL’s nail colour collection identifies shades and the finish characteristics associated with products in the Le Vernis range.
  2. Manucurist

    Manucurist groups colour, base and finishing products to explain the suggested sequence within its Green manicure system.
  3. CHANEL

    CHANEL’s manicure selection adds preparation and finishing products that can be considered alongside the house’s coloured nail lacquers.