Matte Nail Colors for the Nail Neanderthal

During my first year of teaching, several of my student's parents decided to give some of the female teachers a nail care gift certificate for Christmas. Many of the other ladies I worked with were completely thrilled with this present. I, however, had never once in high school or college had my nails done. I tend to be a ridiculously practical person, and I thought there would never be a need for me to pay someone else to file or paint my nails. I threw the certificate in a drawer in my house, thinking I would never use it. That same spring, I was supposed to chaperon the school's one and only formal event. One of my students suggested that I find a fabulous dress and round off some of the rough edges of my nails. "Perhaps this would be the perfect time to use that gift certificate that has been collecting dust in my drawer," I mused. Armed with my certificate, I walked through the nail shop door, and as the little bell behind me chimed, a kind lady approached me and asked, "What can I do for you today?" "I'm kind of a nail Neanderthal," I explained. "I don't know what I want." "Ah-huh." Came the lady's all-to-knowing smile. "I don't really want something too fancy," I managed to mutter. "You'll probably want an American or maybe a color with a matte finish," she said. I must have looked at her like she was speaking Chinese because a huge smile spread over her face, and she quickly explained that an "American" was like a French manicure but with some slightly more pink tints, and a "matte finish" was a type of polish color that was not quite as shiny, bright, or flashy as most other nail polish finishes. Not too flashy, eh? Now that was something I could like! I scanned the palette of colors offered and soon found just the right one to match my dress for the upcoming event. I was blessed to have a wonderful nail technician who despite my lack of nail knowledge was able to assist me in choosing the perfect color and style to suit my needs. Now whenever a practical friend of mine asks what to do with her nails, I have an actual response and not just a vacant expression. "Go with a matte color," I reply, "You'll love it!" Past Nail Neanderthal;) Sydney