The Perfect Shade of Coral

I find it so ironic. I can choose an entire color scheme for a home here in Charlotte in just a little over an hour but when it comes to picking a color for myself … not so easy.

I've been searching for the perfect shade of coral nail polish for the longest time now. It has to be years! Silly isn't it? Well the other day I decided to put an end to this search and go out and find my coral nail polish. Does it even exist? I didn’t want to run to the mall and spend countless hours at the cosmetic counter. Although that would be fun, there are so many other things that I need to do and nail polish picking was not even on my top ten list.

(love the orange red color shown here)

I then put my thinking cap on and remembered stumbling across a Youtube video called “Views on Hues” with Kate Smith by Sensational Color. This video clip was about Mary Foley, a “bodacious woman that inspires women everywhere to live like their nail color”. This caught my eye for so many reasons. First of all, I haven’t heard the word “bodacious” in eons, which made me giggle. Secondly, here's a woman who somehow incorporated nail color into a thriving business for herself. I had to hear her story. 

I watched the clip and found out she was so much more then just a nail color Queen. The next progression was to check out her website and see what she had to say about nail color. Could this possibly be the person who can help me? I then “followed” her on Twitter and became “friends” on Facebook and let it at that – until now. I guess since the nice weather will be here before you know it, manicures and pedicures were on my mind and then the vicious cycle of finding the right shade of coral reared it’s ugly head again.

My morning started as usual with checking on all my social networks. When I reached Facebook, I had the idea to message Mary and ask her if she can recommend a shade of coral nail polish. I honestly didn’t think I would get a response. Mary is an Author, Speaker and Radio Show Co-Host in Richmond, Virginia. Myself, a Color Special in Charlotte, two very different worlds and I’m pretty sure she had no inkling who I was. So as I pressed the send button, I could only hope for response by the time summer arrived. Well just about a minute later I see I have a message from Mary Foley – too funny! Now I’m thinking Facebook is pretty amazing at this point. Need help with something? Go to Facebook, there are hundreds of “friends” out there actually willing to lend a hand. Anyway, the messaging went something like this:

Donna: Mary, can you recommend a beautiful coral nail polish?

Mary: No problem, Donna, happy to help if I can. Describe to me the “perfect coral”?

Now I’m saying to myself, “yea, now I can say a line or two about color and someone will actually relate to what I’m about to describe. I was psyched!

Donna: The perfect coral will be the right blend of an orange red. No blue tones and not too “orangey”. Being a Color Specialist makes picking out the perfect nail color for myself so difficult! (As my face was turning red for using the word “orangey” I hit the send button before I was able to think up another word).

Mary: LOL - shouldn't Color Specialists just love all colors? I particularly lean towards OPI and Essie nail polish because of the quality. And, both have their colors on their site. I suggest going to OPI and click on “Try It On” then click on “oranges”. Perhaps the one called “Mod-ern Girl” is a good match.

Also, go to Essie and scroll through their color palette. Their new “Tart Deco” might be good, or perhaps “Cantaloupe.”

Whatever you choose, do one thing for sure: Choose! More important than the color is to make a choice and live with it for a bit to see how you like it. It's a fun way for any gal to get just a little more comfortable with making and taking risks!

Gotta run, have a great day!

Cheers,

Mary

Donna: Thank you so much Mary! I love going to the pros for answers!

I was impressed. In a heartbeat, Mary recommended a color name, brand and website. I couldn't wait to go to the website and see my new nail color. It's going to be a great summer because I'll be wearing the “perfect shade of coral” on my nails. Now if I only had a lipstick to match. Anyone?