Gel Nail Colors by Family: A Cheat Sheet to Start Your Palette

Eight color families

WhitesSoft whites and vintage neutrals. Try Chance by Cre8tion White Vintage.PinksSheer-to-soft pinks. Try Chance by Cre8tion Pink Whisper.NudesEveryday neutrals. Try Chance by Cre8tion Nude Wardrobe.RosesRosy, petal-soft shades. Try Chance by Cre8tion Rose Petals.PurplesA full purple family. Try Chance by Cre8tion Purple Vanity.GreensEighteen greens. Try Chance by Cre8tion Green Escape.BluesCool blue shades. Try Chance by Cre8tion Blue Grace.GraysCool gray and greige. Try Chance by Cre8tion Grey Portrait.

Each collection is 18 shades in 0.5 oz soak-off gel and comes with a counter display.

Choose a shade in five steps

1. 1
   Start with the familyDecide the family first: white, pink, nude, purple, green, blue or gray. It narrows 18 shades to a handful.
2. 2
   Compare to the skin toneHold the swatch next to the hand. Warm skin often suits peach, coral and cream. Cool skin often suits blue-pink, lilac and gray.
3. 3
   Show a color boardThe collections above include a counter display, so clients can browse the shades and pick in seconds.
4. 4
   Apply thin coatsTwo thin coats, cured one at a time, give a smoother finish than one thick coat. See How Long to Cure Gel Nails.
5. 5
   Seal the colorFinish with a no wipe top coat for shine, or Super Matte Top Coat for a velvety look.

Quick rules

Single shades to start with

108 Snow WhiteMSRP from $7.25100 Sand & DesertMSRP from $7.25116 Pinky PromiseMSRP from $7.25023 CoralMSRP from $7.25286 Blue PrintMSRP from $7.25087 Green TeaMSRP from $7.25065 Grape TaffyMSRP from $7.25Super BlackMSRP from $9.00