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Neutral nails in for summer

By Korin Miller | korin.miller@am-ny.com

April 28, 2008

Neutral nail polishes are in this year. (R.J. Mickelson)

It's time to ditch those bold nail colors and opt for a more neutral shade. Why? 'Cause beige is big, baby.

"We've seen a resurgence in playing up the eyes and the lips," says Keri Blair, senior artist for MAC. "Using a neutral nail polish, you're able to carry that through without clashing with your makeup."

Take a peek at some of spring's big neutral polishes.

Think (light) pink

NARS' baby pink Candy Darling works for all skin tones -- which is why it's one of the brand's most popular colors. "It's the ultimate sexy nail polish," says Jenny Smith, a NARS makeup stylist. Plus, she says, "If you redo the top coat halfway through the week, it still looks fresh and sexy." What's not to love?

NARS Candy Darling polish, $16. Available at narscosmetics.com or Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave.

The pearly-pink Satin Sheets by L'Oreal Paris' is ideal for women who are rough on their nails. After all, the lighter the color, the less visible a week's worth of chipping becomes.

L'Oreal Paris Pro Manicure in Satin Sheets, $4.99. Available in drug stores.

Designer worshippers go ga-ga over Chanel's subtle pink Ballerina polish. With just a hint of color, this color looks just like your natural nail hue -- only better.

Chanel Les Vernis in Ballerina, $19. Available at the Chanel boutique, 15 E. 57th St. or 139 Spring St.

A peachy shade, like YSL's Gypsum, is ideal for olive skin tones, says Eva Finkestain, manicure specialist at the Warren-Tricomi salon in Central Park South. Finkestain also recommends lily colors for those with pale skin, and very light colors for women with darker skin tones to play up the contrasting shades.

YSL La Laque in Gypsum, $19. Available at yslbeautyus.com.

"A French manicure is a little dated," says Keri Brown, senior artist for MAC. "Neutrals are a bit of a fresher approach for spring." Want a nude shade with a lil' extra oomph? Look no further than MAC's Beiged Bliss -- a pearlescent pinkish shade of brown.

MAC nail lacquer in Beiged Bliss, $10. Available at maccosmetics.com or Macy's, 34th St., between 7th Avenue and Broadway.