When it comes to skin- and body-care, it’s all too easy to overlook the hands. As we age, skin naturally loses elasticity—becoming drier, thinner, and more prone to discoloration and scarring. We put our hands through a lot, it’s no wonder they’re often quickest to show signs of dehydration.

A good hand-care routine–quality hand cream, using exfoliators designed to improve skin texture (such as glycolic and lactic acid), and taking care to always wear gloves when washing up or gardening–can make a big difference. So too can the right shade of nail polish.

“The right color can really do a lot,” nail expert Ambra Toccacieli explains. “It brightens the hand, evens out the complexion, and immediately restores that fresh, taken-care-of look.” While nail shade is always a matter of personal choice and skin tone, Toccacieli shares her advice on flattering colors to keep in mind.

For Minimizing Marks

“When there are spots or dyschromia (color changes in the skin or nails), I would stay away from nail polish with yellow or orange undertones, because they tend to amplify contrast,” Toccacieli says. Pinky nudes, cool beiges, delicate mauves, and milky shades are more harmonious, and can make the skin look brighter and more even as a result.

For Blurring the Skin

A high-shine or very matte finish can emphasize skin’s laxity. Instead, pick creamy, opaque colors and finish with a top coat.

For Thin Hands

“For very slim hands, the goal is to give a softer, fuller effect by way of the nail polish,” says Toccacieli. That means picking milky shades, delicate nudes, and semi-transparent colors to help create the illusion of plumper nail beds and fuller cuticles. Dark shades can actually make hands look thinner, as they’re in such stark contrast to the surrounding skin.

For Color Correction

If the skin is quite thin or translucent, with visible veins, Toccacieli recommends picking warm or neutral peach, hot pink or a soft coral color, because “they balance blueish undertones”. Interestingly, colors that are overly cool can emphasize the appearance of veins.

What’s the best nail shape for mature hands?

A truly rejuvenated look comes from the right balance between shape, length, and color. In general, Toccacieli says, medium and short nails are the most flattering because they keep the hand looking visually “light”.

Similarly, she says that nail shapes with sharp free edges–like coffin, almond, long square or stiletto shaped nails–can harden the overall look. Instead, look for “soft, squoval (square oval) nails”, which echo the natural line of the nail bed and nails without making the hand look unbalanced or heavy.

Which finish is best for mature nails?

A glossy finish remains the most elegant, the nail expert asserts. “It reflects the light, enhances the color beneath and immediately gives the hands a polished look. A matte top coat can be chic but should be chosen carefully because it can tend to highlight the texture of the surrounding skin,” she explains. “Combine a matte finish with soft shades to create lightness.”