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Back in high school, I remember that wearing black nail polish was reserved for the Goth crowd a feat that the glossy-fashion-magazine-readin g crowd just wouldn't try to traverse. Secretly, I yearned to wear the ultra-dark colors and not face judgment from my circle of friends. Now, my time has come...pack away your bright pinks and summertime sparkles for the newest trends this fall blacks, berries, wines and ultra-pale sheers.

According to Nail Expert Carolyn Cianciotto, the Grand Dame of Manicures and Pedicures, the luxe colors and fabrics of fall fashions are the inspiration for this fall's nail colors. Ready to try on some ultra-dark wines? Not so fast there, nail chameleon...

Founder and creator of Lippmann Collection, Deborah Lippmann predicts that even though color will be moving toward darker colors, you can't just make the jump in one step. She suggests trying to transition from your summer brights to more muted colors, like mauve and brown, to make a more gradual and less harsh transition.

You're ready to take the fall-nail plunge, now you have to pick a color that suits you best. Lippman suggests choosing colors based on whether your skin tone is warm or cool. A yellow base should use an orange-red color. A cool (blue or pink) base should wear a blue-red or a blood-red.

"Most people don't realize that everyone can wear red nail polish," explains Lippman. "It's just a matter of choosing the right one for you. The most important thing you can do is to get to know your skin tone. If you don't know what it is, go to the best department store and get a consultation with a beautician there."

No time for a trip to the mall? Cianciotto breaks down the best colors for you based on your overall tone.

Cheat Sheet:
Fair skin: pinks, burgundies and eggplants
Medium skin: reddish corals
Olive skin: strong, orange-y corals
Dark skin: bright reds, burgundy and eggplants

Transitioned from summer to fall colors? Check. Picked the best color for your skin tone? Check. Now it's time to make that stunning dark mani or pedi last longer than the first time you wash your nails.

Every good manicure encompasses not only fabulous and shiny color, but also smooth hands and "polished" cuticles.

"Since dark polish will draw attention to nails, be sure cuticles are smooth, pushed back and moisturized," offers nail expert Cianciotto

Since chips show up oh-so-easily with dark nails, make sure to use another little trip from Cianciotto. "Run the brush across the very tip of each nail so that

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