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The best contrasting nail-color combos, courtesy of Hollywood’s finest nail artists.
Written By Jess Basser Sanders
— PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE STUDIO WITH VIOLET GREY
The manicurists to Hollywood’s red carpet set know their way around the art of color coding. It’s not about matching, but rather playing with palettes to come up with a look that is original and adds to, not distracts from, a statement-making dress or sky-high stiletto. Bottom line: Nails should be fun. But they should also be elegant.
In that spirit, VIOLET GREY consulted the experts entrusted with perfecting A-lister fingers and toes on—and beyond—the red carpet circuit. Herewith, the nail mavens share their favorite mani-pedi color duos for the summer season. Like antipodean film pals Thelma and Louise, these hues might look good on their own, but when they’re together, they’re positively unstoppable.
mani + pedi
pairings
1
/5
“I love coral! YSL’s Corail Colisee is universally flattering and says unequivocally that the wearer is expecting good weather. To tone it down, I like JINsoon’s Mica on the fingers—gunmetal with a little holographic shimmer. It’s as sophisticated as the coral is bright.”
- whitney gibson, nail artist
2
/5
“My only rule for mani-pedi twosomes is to wear the richer color on your toes and keep the lighter and fresher color on your fingertips. I love Tom Ford Ginger Fire as a summer pedicure color because it’s a play on your classic red, but has a vibrant coral appearance. I like to keep the look balanced with the complete opposite on the hands; RGB Doll keeps this pairing sophisticated and enhances overall beauty instead of distracting from it.”
- stephanie stone, nail artist
3
/5
“Dark on dark is one of my favorite mani-pedi duos of two different shades of vampy colors together. The darker Chanel in Blue Satin on the toes with the slightly paler Tom Ford in Black Cherry manicure creates the perfect illusion of black nail polish, but the blue and red undertones are highlighted in direct sunshine. If you love wearing dark colors this is a great way to add a bit more ‘color’ to your mani and pedi.”
-KAREN GUTIERREZ, nail artist
4
/5
“This twosome is cool and wearable, with the JINsoon Kookie White on nails and JINsoon Blue Iris on toes. If you want to venture beyond the basics, this stylish pair won’t clash with your outfit.”
- JIN SOON CHOI, nail artist
5
/5
“This combination is inspired by a bright orange-red and magenta dress Emma Stone once wore on the red carpet. I love how the Tom Ford Indian Pink and my Jenna Hipp Just One Bite look together, and they make a great transition from summer to fall.”
- JENNA HIPP, NAIL ARTIST
In polite
society
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In polite society, one should PLACE a premium on POISE, politesse, and (nail) polish.Tweet This
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