The Best Pedicure Colors For Women Over 50
Who doesn’t love a classic red pedicure or manicure if you’re lucky enough to have strong fingernails? It’s timeless, ageless, goes with everything, and is so sophisticated! I’ve been thinking about contrast lately and reassessing pedicure colors for women over 50. Several readers have asked about foot care, so I’ve updated this post for any ladies with toes like mine.
When a color is a dramatic departure from the other colors around it, the eye is drawn to the contrast. Sometimes we want that to happen. Other times we don’t.
You may also enjoy- How To Find Your Personal Contrast Level And Why It Matters
I don’t know about you, but my toes have taken quite a beating over the years. Scars from bunion surgery top the list, but I’ve also broken several toes by stubbing and slamming them into things. Nobody ever “set” those broken toes, so they healed by themselves… and did a lousy job of it.
The not-so-funny thing is that the older I get, the more crooked my toes become, so wearing bright or dark-colored polish draws attention to their crookedness.
There are so many different nail polish brands out there, but Essie continues to be my favorite. The quality is great, and I find the Essie Couture Long Wear line lasts a full two+ weeks.
Pre Show Jitters has been my favorite pedicure color for several years. It’s a pale, almost white, almost nude shade with a slight touch of pink to it.
My Foot Smoothing Secret Weapon
I’ve been using this Rapid Relief Restoring Body Cream on my feet, and I am obsessed…which I don’t say lightly! It has a hefty 15% lactic acid plus ceramides, so it exfoliates and moisturizes.
I intended to buy these moisturizing heel socks to help it soak in, but I don’t have to. After three nights of slathering my feet with this cream, they are as smooth as a baby’s bottom. No cracks, no dryness, and no signs of dryness.
With the arrival of sandal season, I thought I would share some of the great pedicure colors for women over 50.
My Favorite Pedicure Colors For Women Over 50
Ballet Slippers
Pale pink is such a versatile color that I find goes with most of the clothing in my wardrobe. This shade, Ballet Slippers, is one of Essie’s most popular polish colors and is easy to get at a nail salon.
Ladylike
Nude and beige nail polishes are my favorite shade for nails these days. I think they look chic without drawing too much attention to my feet.
Go Ginza
If brightly colored toe polish brings you joy every time you see it, the options are endless. I bought a periwinkle similar to this Go Ginza this spring and loved it.
Penny Talk
If you like to choose a color, I like to pick one in the medium range, like this pretty pink. It isn’t too light and bright, but it also isn’t too dark.
Blanc
Have you ever tried painting your nails white? I know many do white tips, but a full white nail can be just as great as a neutral.
How to Give Yourself a Pedicure at Home
If you don’t like going to a salon or don’t have the time, you can give yourself a pretty great pedicure at home these days. Below, I’ve made a list of my favorite products to get your feet and nails ready.
Double Sided Callus Remover
The first step for any at-home pedicure is removing dead skin and calluses. This double-sided foot file gets great reviews and is a must-have during sandal season.
Nail Polish Remover
One of the best parts about going to a nail salon for a pedicure is that they do such a great job at removing previous nail polish. They also use the remover to touch up any spots that don’t need polish. I like that this one can remove even the darkest of polishes without drying out your cuticles.
Nail Strengthener
If you have delicate, weak, or brittle nails, I’d suggest trying a nail strengthener like this one. It’s formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium to help you grow longer, stronger nails.
Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak
An at-home pedicure can be just as relaxing as a trip to the spa or nail salon if you take a few extra steps to pamper yourself! This soothing and rejuvenating foot soak is ideal for softening tired feet. I’ve got this on order to try it out!
Pedicure Foot Rest
I know going to get a pedicure can be so much easier than bending over to reach our feet. This pedicure footrest will make it so much easier for you to position your feet so you can paint your toenails without pain.
Nail Polish Holder
While this may seem like a silly gadget to some, this nail polish holder is actually so helpful when you are in the process of doing your nails! It doesn’t tip over, so you don’t have to worry about spills!
Essie Speed Setter
Maybe I’m impatient, but I hate waiting for my toenails to dry! It seems like it can take ages before I can slip my shoes back on. This ultra-fast dry top coat dries in less than a minute, so you can quickly finish and protect your beautiful manicure or pedicure.
What’s your favorite color for pedicures during the spring and summer?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I rarely polish finger or toe nails – it just doesn’t fit my lifestyle. But on the rare occasions that I do, it’s always a “Ballet Pink” shade – second in from the left in your Essie polish bottles picture. For me, that color can’t be beat for understated elegance. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who has broken multiple toes over the years.
It’s interesting to learn how many of us have done the same thing to our toes. I thought I was the only one 🙂 Ballet Pink is so very pretty, I love it too, Julie.
I’ve been thinking of a fresh color also. I really like the way the white looks on you. I think thats what I’ll try next. I always wear red my fav is Geranium red by Essie. But next I’ll go white. I break wrists not many toes.
I hope you’re on the mend Sandra!! That was a nasty fall. xo
Our one splurge is a spa pedicure every other month. My husband has neuropathy so it feels so good to him.
Always with red toes…..
But last time I did something I wasn’t expecting such a huge bang for the buck, I had my eyebrows dyed after they waxed them…brilliant! It made such a difference.
How fun! Mine are so silver and wispy now I wonder if it would help?
On impulse I bought a new color yesterday. I would call it terra cotta but maybe more brown than red. But the name was “Vacation Time”. I’m counting days so maybe in the meantime I can just look at my toes and smile!
That’s the spirit. It sounds fun!
I, too, love Essie polish – I’m currently wearing Lounge Lover (from last year’s collection), and it looks great. You’re absolutely right about not wanting to draw attention to the crooked toes, bumps, bunions, etc. that come with 60+ year old feet – hence, the pretty coral-pink I’m loving now. I’ve also worn an Essie blue – Turquoise & Caicos – and loved it. I keep my fingernails very understated, now, too. Short (acrylic) nails with OPI Bubble Bath is what works best for me.
Bubble Bath is my absolute favorite pale beige! My fingernails are short and fragile so any other color is a waist of time.
I’ve just started wearing my skin tone — it keeps my toes pretty without drawing undo attention to them.
I do that too sometimes, Joan. They look well cared for but subtle that way.
In the colder months, I wear red/wine. But, once the warmer months or a hot clime are in the picture, I like corals or pinks. OPI is my favourite brand for lasting power.
I must compare my OPI to the Essie. I do my own pedicures and they usually last 2 weeks, but now you’ve got me curious to compare. Thanks for the tip!
Love the pink you are wearing. Can you please share the name of the Essie color?
I will post it when I get home tomorrow.
Yes I’d love to know also.
The barefoot photo is called Violin, the one wearing shoes is. Allied Castaway. Both by Essie.
Jennifer, are you still a fan of the Essie “Couture” line of polish? I got that tip from you, that the Coutur line was much longer lasting: AND: It is! Couture Essie has a swirled bottle with sharp edges, costs about $3 more than regular Essie, and is the only true, long wearing polish I have ever found. Sometimes the palate of colors of the Essie Couture line is more limited, but a few of the shades are great! I am not a fan of turquoise or black or white, but would recommend ‘Touch Up’ (#130) to anyone who would like a ‘mocha pink’…Always, always get compliments on this color and the ‘Couture’ line truly lasts 7-10 days of wear (!)
I enjoy your blog and was inspired by today’s posting to schedule a pedicure to hopefully encourage some spring weather. I would love to see a posting on self tanners. Thanks.
Awsome, Stormy! I love self tanners for summer since I never take sun and am pasty white.
I’m with you Jennifer…. i too am klutzy and have broken toes! Yes, softer toe nail colors for me. I will camouflage my feet anyway I can. For the first time in ages I’m moving away from black. I think following your blog has changed my outlook. I don’t have the same coloring as you, so I have to be careful on what pastels to select, but I’m loving the softer colors and fabrics.
Clear strong pale colors may look best on you, Linda. If they wash you out it’s not flattering. The funny thing is I put black on this morning but it felt too somber so I switched it out. That’s never happened to me before!
Hi Jennifer,
My 63 year old toes & toenails are doing all kinds of crazy things. Last summer I wore pale blues, pinks or corals on my toes & kept my fingernails very pale- just a hint of pink. I enjoyed it & felt very ‘chic’! I enjoy your blog so very much- especially your candid comments.
By the way, I loved your outfit yesterday with the flowery top & white sweater & pants. You looked stunning! You certainly achieved your goal of amping it up! No one would give your mouth issue a thought in that outfit! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Judy! It’s funny how our toes seem to take on life of their own. I felt very confident in that outfit too 🙂
I had bunectomy surgery 8 weeks ago…I had my first pedicure today and I have turquoise toes…I love them…I usually wear mauves but occasionally I like a wow.
I hope your bunionectomy went well. They can be brutal.
Great post! I love treating myself to a pedicure, they do the polish so much better than I can. My toes are straight but my feet and ankles have a lot of veins so I try to find sandals that cover the top of my foot and let my toes peek out. 🙂
YAY for summer!
I agree! Yay for summer and pretty pedicure.
I have a pedi scheduled for this Friday and I always use my classic red, year round. I don’t wear pastels in my clothing so my red seems to compliment every thing I wear. I too have had extensive right foot surgery and have a small bunion on the left. At almost 73, they don’t look too bad and besides, what the heck – go bold!
That’s the attitude! I don’t wear strong colors well, so the same holds true of polish.
I have long tried to find pedicure colors that are attractive but don’t call a lot of attention to my feet. As you say, over the years my feet have endured a lot and aren’t my best feature. But I love wearing sandals and open toed shoes, so I do keep them polished most of the time. One of my favorite colors is an OPI called Apricotcha Cheating but of course it’s no longer available as colors update. So I need some new options. I love that pink…can you share the name? Spring is calling for some new options. 🙂
I will share the name as soon as I get home. I hate when they discontinue favorites!!
The first pink is called Violin, the second one is called Castaway.
When I actaully take the time to polish my toenails, it’s always classic red. I just can’t get into the newer shades of polish that are popular right now, but that’s just me. You make a great point about using shades that don’t draw attention to feet and toes that aren’t as pretty as we’d like, but I’ve probably taken better care of my feet over the years than my face! So, they haven’t changed much in my 60 years. Thanks for the reminder that I need to polish mine today!
Paula
Lucky you! I’m fairly klutzy, or was… to break those toes. A fresh manicure feels so pretty. Enjoy!
Getting a pedicure is a treat I regularly give myself. In fact, my best girlfriends love to go as a group for a fun day out! Two bunion surgeries and a shattered heel later, I am the bionic woman with 8 screws and a titanium plate in one foot. That is even more reason to keep my feet well groomed. Yesterday I had OPI Dutch Tulips put on because I am leaving for France on Friday!!!! My favorite winter red is still the classic OPI I’m Not Really A Waitress Red.
How wonderful, have fun! I love that Red. Opi has the best names. Dutch Tulips sounds gorgeous. I’ll have a look for it. Bon voyage!
Jennifer, my feet have gone from really great-looking to not-so-great (being decades older than you) with the recent additions of bunions & two broken big toes (one broke when I tried on a pair of very high heels just for fun…stood up and heard a crack the whole store heard).
Ok, that’s a long sentence, but today is tax day & I’m rushing; yet must get myself posted to let you know that, like Roxanne, O.P.I.’s “I Am Not Really A Waitress” had been THE color for me for years & years; maybe since it came out. I am very much not a “pink” person, but for you with your new color palate, it’s perfect.
Oh no Marlene!! That sounds positively brutal. I’m Not Really A Waitress has become a cult classic because it’s such a clear, perfect red. Good luck on your taxes!
Marlene, I can relate. I broke the same toe twice! It isn’t very cute but I wear a gold toe ring on it and it helps hide part of the crookedness. 🙂
I wonder if a toe ring would hide my crooked toe:)
In early spring I stick with paler colors too, usually pink. In July or August when my legs are tan I’ll pick bright pinks or corals.
Coral is such a gorgeous color for summer! I can just picture it with tan legs. Pretty.
Coral is my favorite for spring and summer. I usually stick to the brown family (warm colors). Brown reds in Fall and Winter, Mochas and Tans in between.
Those sound pretty, Lisa. It sounds like you know your colors well!
I also had bunion surgery and also have very crooked toes. They are out in the open, though, because sandals are so comfortable. As for color, red is the classic. And it makes me happy. If somebody is going to judge my toes, they are pretty pathetic!
A lot of us are in the same boat when it comes to our toes my friend. And sadly, people will judge everything. I’m not worried about their opinion, I’m only concerned with what aesthetic appeals to my eye.
Jennifer, thank you for your real and honest blog. Yes, my toes and feet are showing their age a bit too. I’m wearing lighter color shoes & clothing and have changed to a lighter polish. Also, I have been adding self-tanner and on some days make-up to my feet and ankles for the blue veins. I just turned 70 years old, feel young most days and still care about my looks. Blessings my friend…
Thank you for being here, Cheryl. I think we all benefit by sharing our truths. I do the same thing with self tanner in the summer when my legs are bare. It’s very helpful to hide veins and just give a smoother appearance.
Hi Jennifer – I am using a pale taupe on my fingernails & toenails. I get them done since I don’t enjoy doing them myself. I only wear red on my fingernails at Christmas. Enjoy your posts!
Taupe is a pretty option! I always do red at Christmas too. It just fells so festive.