Red can look good on anyone, whether that be clothes, accessories, or a nice set of nails. This color symbolizes power and luxury while also being characterized with passion and love. Because of color psychology, red is associated with creating the greatest impact on people, evoking more emotion than any other color. When it comes to nails, a red mani has been considered to be timeless as it dates back to years in which Cleopatra was ruling. Speaking of the ancient queen, it is said that she wore this color to enhance her authority as she ruled her country. 

In recent times, we have seen this color appear in pop culture. From corresponding with any season of the year to being a confidence booster from its bold range of colors, red has become a staple in many lives. 

Though the color is amazing, it can be a challenge finding the right shade that correlates with your skintone. Other factors of red being a challenge with manicures is the maintenance. However, with a few tips and tricks, this color will allow your best self to shine with the simplicity of a nicely done manicure.

Shades for You

With a never-ending scale of red, it can be daunting finding the right shade for your skintone. Although this may be the case, there are ways to understand the color theory with skin tones to help navigate this trajectory. One way of doing this is identifying your vein colors. If your veins on your wrist appear more greenish, then you have warmer tones. If they look blue or purplish, you could have cooler tones. Somewhere in between or a nice combination, you likely have neutral tones. 

Regarding the skin tones, warmer tones tend to go nicely with coral or brick red colors. Cooler tones pair well with berry reds. Also look out for reds that have blue-base to them. Neutral undertones tend to be more flexible when it comes to red shades, so you can look for versatile colors.

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Take Care of Your Hands

Alongside finding the perfect shade of red for you, also consider the upkeep of your nails. Take into consideration the nail shape and the cuticle bed to make a long-lasting manicure. To maintain healthy nails, hand care is an essential, as is your overall health. Show yourself some extra treatment with a nice scrub to remove dead skin and follow up with a nice moisturizer. Other tips and tricks to help make your red mani last longer are:

• Buff and smooth out any ridges on the nail’s surface. This helps allow the nail polish adhere and last
• Use a base coat, especially for the color red. This will help protect from staining and ensure a smooth application
• Make sure your nails are in good condition to avoid further damage
• Take your time when painting your nails, especially with red, to avoid flooding the cuticles
• Refresh your manicure with a top coat every week to make your nails last longer
• Remember to opt for thinner layers of polish, rather than thick ones, to help with the drying process
• Try to avoid nail polish removers that are very drying, like acetone. This will help preserve the health of your nails

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