The thing about beauty is that it doesn’t have to be, well, beautiful. Sometimes, unexpected choices that deviate from conventional standards are striking in their own right, catching eyes and compliments wherever you wander. It’s why intentionally smudged smokey eyes look so good, or why pairing a satin-y slip dress with chunky combat boots somehow just works. This concept applies to manis, too. Sometimes, it’s the ugly nail colors that make the biggest impact. We asked professional nail artists about their faves that somehow look so good.
Mustard Yellow
You could go for the trendy butter yellow popping up everywhere right now, but if you’re looking for a contrarian twist then mustard yellow is your girl. “While mustard yellow might seem dull or outdated, it actually has a rich, retro charm that pairs beautifully with warm skin tones,” says Lily Nguyen, celebrity manicurist and founder of Labo Beauté Salon. “It gives a vintage-chic aesthetic and works especially well in fall and earthy-toned outfits.”
Creamy Brown
Mocha Mousse was a surprising pick for Pantone’s 2025 color of the year. Everyone said “Brown? Really?” but it works. “This warm brown hue deserves a spot in your rotation of nude shades,” says Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio. “What makes this color unique is its depth and warmth. For a bold take, try this shade on long stiletto or coffin nails and finish with a matte top coat.”
Slate Gray
Is there anything more chic than a slate gray manicure? This hue, which feels devoid of color, is especially eye-catching and serves as a great alternative to the neutrals we usually see—like beige, cream, or sheer pink. Try it with a super glossy topcoat, or lean into the “voidness” with a matte finish.
Cabbage Green
This murky, sickly green shade might sound unappealing, but on nails it transforms into an avant-garde, edgy statement. “It works surprisingly well with minimalist and neutral outfits and has a grunge meets high fashion vibe,” says Nguyen. “It’s bold yet a bit sophisticated when worn with confidence.”
Greige
Greige is the mashup of two less-than-pretty hues—gray and beige—that somehow looks so sophisticated as a manicure. It gives off effortless, Parisian-cool energy and complements both warm and cool skin tones. Perfect for days when you want something understated but elevated.
Mauve
Mauve is another mashup hue, this time combining muted pink and soft purple with a touch of gray. This “ugly” nail polish color doesn’t always get the love it deserves; it can seem too muted, too old-fashioned, or just…mid. But on nails, it looks low-key chic and is super versatile.
Burnt Orange
This “overdone” orange hue is an “ugly” nail color that looks gorgeous on fingertips. Nguyen says, “Shades of rust, terracotta, and deep brown can seem too muted or old-fashioned at first, but they actually bring a sense of warmth and richness to nails. They work particularly well in a glossy finish, offering a cozy yet modern look.”
Moss Green
Another green hue that just works is a mossy hue, so consider bypassing the bright verdant green in favor of this less traditional hue. “Mossy green is an earthy, grungy hue that feels fresh for spring,” Lim says. “It offers a unique alternative to pastel shades. While it’s not as bright as yellow or purple, it complements the season beautifully.”
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