The best mani-pedi colour combos
There are two types of women in this world; those who wear a matching mani-pedi and those who don't.
Neither is right nor wrong, but there's something special about those bold and brave enough to pick not just one colour, but two.
RELATED: The new nail app that makes choosing a polish colour easy
Sally Hansen's Nail Expert, Alison Bowhill-Hayes, is a traditionalist herself who says 'nothing beats a pop of true red' on both the fingers and toes. However, if you're someone who likes to throw caution to the wind, and contrast between your mani and your pedi, we've prepared some tip top pairings for you to consider the next time you hit the salon...
(P.S. It's never too late for a matchy-matchy to switch sides.)
MANI-PEDI COMBO #1: NUDE + RED
A classic for a reason, this combination works for both the office and the playground. The angel and devil of combos if you will. And the perfect introduction to mis-matched mani-pedis if you'd prefer to be eased in.
TRY:
- Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in Let's Get Nude & A Spritzzz
- CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in 'Powder My Nose' & Long-Wear Polish in 'First Love' (cndshop.com.au)
RELATED: A twist on the classic French mani
MANI-PEDI COMBO #2: PASTELS + MINIMAL
With spring just around the corner, pastels are set to rule once more, only this time it's all about the pedi. "Pretty, classic and creamy, [pastels] are the perfect compliment to a chic minimalist mani", says Alison. Think French tips with baby blue toes or nude nails with a millenial pink pedi. Fressssh.
TRY:
- OPI in Natural Base Coat & Gelato On My Mind
- Revlon ColorStay™ Gel Envy™ Longwear Nail Enamel in Cha-Ching & Up In Charms
MANI-PEDI COMBO #3: OPPOSITES ATTRACT

If 'subtle' isn't your style, this pairing is anything but. "I'm loving brights right now and particularly, the yellow mani is my fave", says Alison. "I would pair this with a black pedi for total contrast." The same method works with most trending shades, eg. neon green and white.
TRY:
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Hard As Nails in Mellow Yellow & Black Out
- Color Club Nail Lacquer in Just Dew It ($15, glamaco.com.au) & Essie Nail Polish in Blanc ($14.95, Priceline)
RELATED: Match your nail colour to your star sign
MANI-PEDI COMBO #4: HOLIDAY HEROES

If you're heading on vacay, boy have we got the combo for you. "Holiday manis need to be low-maintenance, long-wearing, and versatile so it goes with various wardrobe choices.", says Alison. Nude is a no-brainer. For the pedi, it's time to party. "My go-to colour is coral", says Alison. "Get those toes on fire!" A mango shade will particularly make your spray-tan pop, or if you're a fair-skinned beach beauty, you might find your match in a hot pink.
TRY:
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Birthday Suit & Pretty Piggy
- OPI Infinite Shine in Baby, Take A Vow & Girl About Town
Do you pick different shades for your manicure and pedicure? Which shades do you pick for your manicure and pedicure?
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262 Member Comments
The OPI base coat looks super good though
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Oh I need to do a mani, my toes I am trying to be nail polish free just for the winter
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Ugh these colours are sooo beautiful definitely love the first two absolutely gorgeous combos
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I love the nail colours under ‘holiday heroes’! And opposites do attract!
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love nudes and pastel colours they look good on the nails.
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I will have to give this water marble colour for my nails a go. Looks easy & a nice finish.
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I am in love with the sally hansen ones
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It's always so hard for me to choose nail colours!
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Definitely getting a nude mani and coral pedi Tuesday for Bali on the weekend
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I've tried warm-toned nail polishes for manicures, but cool-toned nail polishes look better on me. I prefer pastel to mid-toned shades.
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I like the pink shades
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I do pick different shades; thanks for the great colour combo suggestions and the video was wonderful.
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Lots of lovely combos but I prefer the pastels, however I hardly ever wear nail polish.
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cool colour combinations
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Loving some of these colours!
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I love pastel colours. So dainty.
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Occasionally will paint my toenails in summer but not that often, if I paint my fingernails they just chip or flake so I don't bother.
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I've never painted my toenails and I'm not likely to start now.
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love that Bright green
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I like the holiday heroes they are they kind of colours I would go for.
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I'm liking the pastels.
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For me having both mani and pedi at the same time is too much. It's kind of like wearing too much jewellery.
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I love mixing ups the colors and really like my pedi to be bright.
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very pretty
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As long as the two colours look good together, without clashing with what I'm going to be wearing, then it's all good!
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