10 Nail Colors Celebrities Over 40 Are Obsessed With

When I ask celebrity nail artist Mazz Hanna to name the nail colors that help make your hands look more youthful, she quips: “I would like to take a moment to quote Aaliyah and say, ‘Age ain’t nothing but a number.’” But ever since I read in some magazine in high school that you can always tell someone’s age by their hands, I have obsessed over how much more wrinkly and sun-damaged my hands look than my face. However, I know I’m not the only one experiencing this anxiety: Google “how to make your hands look younger” and the internet yields almost 200,000 results.

Since nail polish is essentially makeup for your hands, I decided to reach out to the most seasoned “hand makeup artist” I know, Mazz, whose clientele includes Julia Roberts, Selma Blair, Idina Menzel and so many other stunning actresses over 40. “Which colors do your clients over 40 request the most?” I ask her urgently.

Mazz quickly put my age-related consternation into perspective with the sentiment that young-looking hands are really never top-of-mind for her… or her clients. “When it comes to nail polish, the options are truly endless regardless of age,” she tells me. If you want to make your hands look healthy and moisturized, that is cool. “Hydrated, nourished cuticles are super flattering to the hand,” Mazz says, recommending the Amethyst Infusion Cuticle Oil from her (celebrity beloved) crystal-infused skincare line. But when it comes to nail polish, there are no rules about which shades age you and which make you look 10 years younger. But where nail color is concerned, “It is all about what makes you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin,” says Mazz.

All that said, Mazz still has a few choice colors that her clients over 40 always ask for — from subtle nudes to whimsical blues to versatile metallics. Want to know the go-to nail shades of stars like Julia Roberts and Selma Blair? Read on for 10 nail products celebs over 40 can’t stop requesting.

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Emilie Heathe

The Perfect Red

$28.00

Out of all the hundreds of red shades on the market, this is the one Mazz uses on her celeb clients the most. “The name says it all,” Mazz says of the luxuriously packaged 10-free hue. “This is the perfect timeless red that looks amazing on everyone, no matter nail length, age or skin tone.”

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Target

Orly

Kiss Me, I’m Kind

$8.99

Mazz swears by this “perfect nude for lighter skin tones.” (She used it on Minnie Driver for the Emmy’s pre-party this year.) The formula is clean and natural and contains a built-in treatment featuring argan oil, vitamin B5, and vitamin C, so it works especially well for those whose nails tend to peel and split.

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Veque

Bare

$18.00

For deeper skin tones, this long-lasting polish is Mazz’s holy grail nude. “Its creamy finish and incredible brush make application a breeze, even for the at-home manicurist,” she says.

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Chanel

Canotier

$28.00

One of Mazz’s most frequently requested metallics is this versatile pick from Chanel. “It is a cross between gold and silver, so it is great for those who like to mix up their jewelry,” she explains.

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Veque

Sea Cliff

$18.00

A more casual shade (better suited for brunch than the Oscars red carpet), this denim-esque blue is what Mazz calls “the perfect color for someone who typically wears nudes, but wants to venture out.”

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Target

Essie

Chinchilly

$8.99

Here we have a non-boring neutral that somehow flatters every skin tone. “Not quite grey, not quite mauve, but the perfect neutral that goes with everything,” says Mazz, who adds that this shade is ideal for those whose nails chip easily since it is not as noticeable.

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Target

OPI

Lincoln Park After Dark

$8.69

Mazz’s single most requested dark shade for fall is this midnight purple. “It is dark and moody without being black, and can easily be dressed up or down,” says Mazz. “Looks especially chic on super short nails.”

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Target

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Midnight Mod

$7.49

Sally Hansen’s affordable Miracle Gel polishes are a best-kept secret. “I especially love this one because it is super easy to apply, lasts for up to 10 days, and dries super fast! Perfect for those who are pressed for time,” says Mazz. This navy color, in particular, is always requested by celebs.

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Sephora

Nails Inc.

Nailkale Superfood

$15.00

A nourishing base coat so unmatched, clients have come to ask for it. “It is packed with antioxidants and kale extract to strengthen weak and brittle nails,” says Mazz.

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Ulta

Seche Vive

Gel Effect Instant Topcoat

$11.90

And last, we have Mazz’s “ride or die topcoat.” The product has a blindingly shiny finish and dries painted nails completely in less than 10 minutes. “Need I say more?” says Mazz, who swears this topcoat is the only one she ever uses.

Beauty Nails

10 Nail Colors Celebrities Over 40 Are Obsessed With