I am a huge fan of dark nails but I have been seeing a ton of nude colors for Spring 2010 – and I have to admit – I love it! Forget your powder pink French manicures. Colors that are similar to your skin tone or close (a little lighter, a little darker) make your fingers appear longer.  This has a lengthening effect on your entire arm – kind of like how a slightly pointed pump or flat makes your legs look longer, or how wearing one solid color on bottom makes you appear slimmer.

For fairer gals, one of my favorites is Allure by Essie. It’s not a super pink nude color but rather a very beautiful neutral with a seductive very sheer natural finish.

Essie nail colors run about $8.00 and you can find them at salons, beauty supply stores, and most drugstores.

If your skin tone is a little darker, you might want to lean toward a more caramel shade.  One of my faves in this family is Suede by Lancome.  I also love Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder.  The name really says it all, doesn’t it?  I really like Estee Lauder nail lacquer because it lasts a long time before chipping.  $18.00 at department stores and online.

For brown skin, I love OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques.  It goes on much deeper than it appears in the bottle (you know – like when house paint dries).  It’s a gorgeous, shiny, deep brown.   Remember – it doesn’t have to be an exact match.  Go for a shade that is close to your skin tone.  Taupes are also in this year, so ladies of any color can wear any one of these shades.  OPI nail color, You Don’t Know Jacques is available at drugstores and nail salons.

I also adore MAC’s Warm & Cozy collection’s nail colors.  Blissed Out and Dim the Lights are also great for multiple skin tons and are just beautiful.  MAC’s Nail Lacquer goes on SUPER shiny and lasts a long, long time.  $12 online, at MAC store locations, and in department stores.

We will probably see a mix of nude, taupe, and dark nails on fashionistas this season.  Dark nails are so dramatic but for Spring I will be rockin’ the nudes and taupes.  An added benefit?  Unlike dark nails, it’s hard to tell when you’ve chipped a neutral color.  This will keep you looking (pardon the pun) – polished – for much longer.