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.
San Tropez
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.
The Snuggle is Real
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.
Shop More Nail Polish Colors for Women Over 50 and Pedicure Tools:
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.
Hi Jennifer,
I cannot thank you enough for this article! I moved to a dry climate and suffer from extremely dry heels. Since the weather is always warm, I am in sandals almost everyday which contributes to the dry heels. I have tried everything including Aquaphor. The Amlactin that you recommended is the answer. As for nail polish colors, I am a 63 year old biological male that has been getting pedicures for years and taking excellent care of my feet. Like Lori mentioned in the comments I love classic red nail polish on my toenails and my favorite color for many years has been OPI Big Apple Red which happens to be OPI’s most successful color. It is my signature color that goes well with my fair skin color and it really makes me happy and I feel pretty and put together. When I am having a bad day at work, it cheers me up to look down and see ten red toenails glistening in the light. It is one of life’s simple pleasures that everyone should experience. I get a lot of compliments on my classic red pedicures from women while men just ignore and never comment. While I understand your recommendation for more muted toenail colors, I also believe that everyone should wear the toenail color that makes them feel pretty, whether that is a more muted pink or a classic bright fire engine red.
Best wishes and than you again.
Jamie
Essie is the best for finger nails. I paint my own. I use Essie’s gel polish called Fairy Taylor in the twisted bottle. The gel top coat in white twisted bottle last 2 weeks. I always get a pedicure every three weeks and take my own polish. For winter I like OPI, Just Lania-ing Around and for summer a lighter shade called Arigato from Tokyo. I have very fair skin so I don’t like too dark nor too light.
Actually I avoid colored polish on my toenails however on occasion have opted for patterned nail polish wraps, that are made for fingernails that I resize and top off with a clear coat of polish. As to the Essie brand that I’ve tried and since I have no problem in growing my fingernails, my biggest complaint is I find the brush too small requiring several coats for a smooth application regardless that I apply a clear under coat. Also on the same subject I’ve also tried Vegan products but found they just don’t last so in return demand more remover, which IMHO defeats the purpose of healthy nail maintenance. (For summer wear I prefer understated color (nude or similar) but in winter lean towards deep and rich shades.) Last but not least in regards to feet; living in Canada and having to wear socks for a good portion of the year causing dryness; at least once a week at bedtime I basically treat then with the Ped Egg Foot Grater with a follow up application of a skin moisturizer with a pair of cotton socks. Also an occasional soaking in Epsom Salts or a thin application of Vick’s Vapor Rub (of all things) does wonders for them as well.
-Brenda-