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.
Obviously a very personal choice! I’ll add this insight. It goes back to seasonal color. Nothing is right against your skin like polish, so pick one in your seasonal palette!! This actually helped me confirm my season because I realized that all my fav polishes, the ones that looked great and people complimented were, you guessed it, square in my palette! For me it confirmed which winter I was-I’m dark winter-which always seemed counter intuitive because I’m fair skinned and green eyed. Yet, navy blue, burgundy, cool reds, fuchsias, gray, silver, always my faves. Nudes don’t do much for me and look rather sickly.
Great point. I look awful in warm peaches etc.
I enjoyed this post —– I have decent looking feet and polish my toenails myself , with good results , I think ! For anyone with ” summer ” coloring , I would recommend Essie’s Ladylike . It is a beautiful soft plum with opaque coverage . I think it would look great on you , Jennifer .
I love the sound of that color. Thank you.
Good morning & happy weekend😎, I have been using Essie & OPI for years. So many colors from both brands. On my toes I usually go with colors I don’t wear on my hands. (Always a natural or sheer on my hands). So I like having fun with colors on my toes. Yes, my toes are not nice, due to several surgery’s but, pops of color on my toes makes me feel happy. Experiment with fun luscious colors and have a very happy weekend!
PS, take a moment to pause and remember our service members whom we have lost, I was lucky, my husband made it home from Vietnam.
Your are blessed, Pat. I love your joyous zest for life. Thank you for always sharing your light with us here. Happy Friday.
I get my fingernails buffed but color on my toes – and it often changes. In summer they are often an ocean blue, wine/burgundy in fall/winter, minor deviations from time to time. My all time favorite color is an old discontinued OPI color – Root Beer (Float?) – a somewhat dark color that straddled a muted plum/ brown – it went with everything! I’d be so happy if they brought that one back!
I remember that color!
It’s March 2022 and I just found this article…and I love it! I am 62 and have been trying to find an article with hints for aging feet that are definitely not so pretty anymore. I want to keep the nails polished as they look “aged” if left uncovered…but wanted advise as to how to what colors would make them attractive but not draw attention to their “unattractive-ness”. Thank you, ladies for all you have shared!
I too have bumped into something with my toes and it has led to me losing nails, happy to say they are growing back and I can go in and have them done again. I have been getting them painted orange or purple, makes me feel good.
You go, Lana! Paint them a color that makes you happy.
Hi Jennifer
I’ve been fortunate with my feet…although orthotics are in my future.
One colour I have worn this past winter, spring & summer is Essie’s “Eternal Optimist”. I think its a neutral and goes well with many colours. Muted and not to bright. Nice on toes and fingers! Classy….my opinion. 🙂
Robin T
I’ll check that one out Robin. It sounds perfect.
I painted mine blue a couple of weeks ago, and I love it! Found a cute pair of L’Artiste sandals that have a lots of colors and they look great! I am even thinking of wearing short dresses again this summer. I will be 68 this year and these gams still look pretty good!
Good for you!! Go for it.
I always used OPI until it became harder to come by (and I still have a TON). The first times I tried Essie I found it didn’t last as long, even with base and top coats. Now I get the Essie Gel Couture in the twisted bottle, and with its corresponding top coat, find it outlasts even OPI. What products and layers do you use to make your regular Essie last long? And how often do you change your toe nail polish?
BTW, while waiting a few months to see a foot specialist, I removed all my nail polish. After a month or so, all of the yellow went away! Granted, it was winter and I didn’t mind having naked toes.
Feeling very inspired and normal for a 58 y.o.!! Thanks for this post and your responses, Jennifer!
LOL, you’re the best, Karen! I do have the Essie Gel Couture, but only in a few colors. You’re right! They do last longer than any polish I have used. Note to self…get more colors:) I will change my polish once a week if I need to (chipping) but prefer to have it last 2 weeks.
My tootsies still look pretty good…I go for various shades of pastel blue this time of year and reds into purples inFall/Winter.
Pastel blue is so pretty!
I like using neutrals on my nails – my current favorite by OPI is an Infinite Shine nail polish called “It Never Ends” I have fair skin and although I like bright colors, they are not always flattering.
It sounds pretty, I’ll take a peek at it!
I’ve often said I would love to have the job of naming nail polish colors. So fun! I’ve been attending a Pilates studio recently and all the girls/women have such pretty manicured, polished toes and feet, some with toe rings and/or ankle bracelets – a few with very understated tattoos. It’s like their feet are works of art. I sort of crept out of there the first time, aware that I’d let my feet go – no polish, not a pedicure for months, cracked heels….you get the not so pretty picture. Love the tips and colors here in your post and comments. Waiting to read what your pink color is too – it’s lovely.
The pinks are Violin and Castaway. Good for you going to Pilates!! I need to get back to the gym. I have a girlfriend who wears toe rings and I always wondered why so I asked her. She said it was because she had beautiful feet! Lucky her
I used to love brink pink or red pedicures but have settled on a pale beige/ pink color on my toes. I don’t always wear sandals so my polish tends to wear off easily and with the pale colors it doesn’t seem to look as shoddy as the days go by. I found that the brighter colors needed more maintenance.
I agree
I always go for a clear polish or a French manicure for my hands but usually go a bit mad when it comes to a pedicure. Not sure why as I have terrible feet – toes are so crooked that I was actually scheduled for surgery to have them all broken and reset – but I chickened out at the last minute.
I am thinking of toning it down a wee bit this year, perhaps a soft pink or deep beige – at least that’s what I tell myself – it will probably end up being a bright blue or purple just because they will make me smile.
I love your criteria, “it’s makes you smile”! That’s the best way to choose, don’t you think? I’m not surprised you chickened out in the surgery. I would too!
I have been wearing gold polish on my toes during the summer (and winter holidays if my toes will be exposed) for years. It has become my trademark!
Gold sounds very lucious. I love the idea of having a trademark, Elaine 🙂
Love this post! I’m 59 and have my share of broken toes, toenails, bone spurs and size 10 feet to boot. I’ve been using and loving Christian Dior Metal Montaigne later in the summer and fall. I also have Steel Grey. The first comes across as a rich, soft black and the second as a mid to light soft grey; both with some pearl or satin.
This time of year I want a more spring color but often find the corals too orange and the pinks to young. I’m more of a purple person. Thoughts? Also, what do you ladies think about the various finishes? Opaque vs satins, shimmers, metallics and glitter? I actually do like a touch of glitter around the holidays.
I for one love purples! In the winter I frequently wear a purple that is so dark it looks black. For me, I like glossy rather than a matte finish but that may be old fashioned of me :). Glitter? Why not! It’s fun
Glitter nail polish – If the glitter specks are big, it’s very hard to remove the polish. I learned that the hard way. Never again
I’m a red girl all the way! I always go to the same salon and the owner even teases me about it. I have “summer reds” and “winter reds.” Every time I try something else, I’m not happy and end up going back to my reds! I look at it differently than you…if they’re looking at my pedicure, they’re not focusing on my feet! Might be bad logic…LOL
And your logic could be exactly right, Lori! I’m a big believer in all of us doing and wearing what makes us feel confident. That’s what counts.
I also love Essie polish! My favs are blues, thru turquoise to mint green. My absolute fav is In the Cabana! So fun in the summer!
J, I love In The Cabana! One of my favorite colors.
I’m baffled by a woman I know who thinks she has pretty feet! She does not!!! Not many people–male or female–do, which makes me wonder, why call attention to them with toenail polish, toe rings or rhinestones? Until 10 years ago, I didn’t paint my toenails. When I started, the first color I chose was a goldish-pewter shade by Chanel. After they discontinued that color, its been challenging to find a shade that doesn’t have too much pink in it, or is too gold. I don’t get the grey, taupe, blue or green polish either, but I know I’m in the minority. xoxox, Brenda
I thought blue was weird when I first saw it too. I e been polishing my toenails myself since I was around 15. Habits are a funny thing. Don’t get me started on men’s feet! I have yet to see nice ones 🙂
I too have terrible bunions. AND I have hammertoes! Poor ugly feet! As I age (I’m now 62), they do get worse. But I always paint my toenails because my nails are also yellowing. I too choose lighter colors. I currently have on a pale mauve.
Pale Mauve is so pretty! I was looking st some last week. I think I’ll get one next time I’m in the beauty supply store. Yes, mine are discoloring with age too. So fun.
I like and usually get a peachy-pink polish with my pedicure. This last time however, I chose what looked like a deep rose pink in the bottle. It turned out to look like a dark red on my toes, though. I will definitely go back to a peachy-pink next time. It seems to blend better with my skin tone. I always just get a clear finish on my fingernails bc they are short. I have a very difficult time growing my nails despite taking various supplements.
I’m with you on the fingernails. They are hopeless, yet my toenails are strong! Not fair.
Jennifer, can you talk about your bunion surgery….. do you feet look better…can you wear more shoes….was it painful… was it worth it…. thank, I’m thinking about it
Mine recovery was brutally painful and I had to have the same bunion operated on 2 years later by a better Dr! The first one was a hack. Yes, that foot is much more comfy now. I suggest waiting until your bunions are so painful, the surgery will be a welcome relief. I do need to have the one on my left food done but am putting it off because I can control the discomfort with the type of shoes I wear. Good luck. Interview many Dr’s and ask for other women’s suggestion on who to use. You can meet them in shoe departments!! That’s what I did to find my good Dr.
Please research a product called “Correct Toes” and read the shoe recommendations of the Podiatrist that designed the device. I’ve found such relief from bunions on both feet by utilizing these and Soft Star Shoes.
And I wear a clear red polish in the winter and a pearl white in the Summer. I’m in Texas and we only have two seasons.
Thanks so much for sharing this Donnella. I will check it out! Comfy shoes are critical!
Regarding bunion surgery, I had it when I was 19 years old and the recovery was very long and painful. It hurt to stand or walk, and I could not wear regular shoes for months afterwards. It was hard to sleep at night because the weight of the covers hurt tremendously and it was years before I got the feeling back in the skin on the outside of my big toes. My surgery involved breaking and resetting the big toes.
I learned later, on going to massage school, that massage can fix bunions by releasing the muscles on the inside of the big toe that are pulling the toe to the opposite side. Bunions are more of a muscle issue caused by wearing tight shoes that are too small in the toe box. The muscles on the inside of the big toes shorten to allow the toe to move over in shoes, and over time, they stay shortened. I recommend getting some flat shoes with a wide enough toe box for your toes to spread out, and getting some massage from a sports massage therapist to release the muscles in your toes. I usually wear Born Julianne flats and I get them in a full size larger with a wide width from Zappos online. Local retailers in my area don’t carry wide widths.
I used to also have hammer toes, where the toes stayed bent at the joints. Just since changing the type of shoes I wear, I no longer have hammer toes, but massage can also speed up the healing process for them, too. That is a muscle tension problem as well with the muscles on the tops and bottoms of the toes staying shortened.
Sometimes the body forms calcium deposits on the outside of bunions to protect the bone. Massage will not correct that, but once the muscles are released and your big toes can go back into their normal alignment, you may not need to be concerned about any calcium deposits. Mine were surgically removed when I had the bunion surgery, but there may be better ways now— maybe ultrasound treatments or something else.
Great info to look into……muscle imbalances as a whole, are a big problem as we age.
Thanks for your feed back.
Kathy, my husband has had two bunion surgeries in the past couple of years. It was laparoscopic surgery, didn’t need crutches nor anything much in the way of pain relief. Hobbled around in a surgical shoe for a while, but his recovery seemed pretty quick
My bunion surgery was so painful and not very successful. I’m glad things have improved. It sounds like a miracle treatment now.
I had both my bunions removed about 30 years ago. I’m 78. Yes it was painful and about 6 week recovery but I never regret having it done. Feet look so much better and I can wear any kind of shoes. Good luck.