After spending the holidays at home, I’m convinced that Greenwich, Connecticut has the best nail salons. Ever. Perhaps it’s the deep and free massages that win me over but whatever it is, I made three excuses to visit the following salons below.

1. Hill Top Nails: 235 Glenville Road. Go for the spa pedicure and the best chair massage of your life, if you can take a little pain.
2. Avenue Nails: 375 Greenwich Avenue. Cheap, clean and low- key. Get the paraffin manicure. The shoulder massage is included during your treatment and while your polish is drying.
3. Cozy Nail & Spa: 103 Greenwich Avenue. While this salon can be a little busy at times, they always offer the latest OPI & Essie colors. Deep shoulder rubs are part of the package deal while your nails dry.

While I’m a fan of bold and bright-colored nails, I opted for understated manicures this time around. There was something about minimalist/ subtle nails that felt refreshing over the holidays. For neutral nails, I typically favor Essie but have also included other favorites below.

Sand Tropez for a soft, sandy beige.

Sandy Beach for a sheer nude.

Master Plan for a soft grey.

Starter Wife for a sheer pastel pink.

Mademoiselle is a classic (get three coats).

[And of course, we can’t forget that “all the girls at Vogue wear one coat of Marshmallow and one coat of Ballet Slippers” according to The Devil Wears Prada]. 

Other contenders:

OPI Samoan Sand

OPI Bubble Bath– I wore this on my wedding day.

Tory Burch is the queen of neutral nails and opts for Deborah Lippmann’s Tiny Dancer.

Butter London All Hail the Queen: the perfect beige that will last.

Butter London Yummy Mummy: one of their best sellers with a slight shimmer that flatters every skin color.