Everyone knows it’s a struggle to keep those nails on point. With the onset of chilly fall temperatures, it is still essential to keep your nails in tip-top shape. One way is to put away neon bright polishes and start gearing towards more neutral shades. The flesh-toned look is easy to maintain and sure to keep your nails looking neat.

Before painting your nails, make sure to buy a simple moisturizer or hand lotion like Neutrogena’s fragrance-free Norwegian formula from a local drugstore ($6). If you’re looking for lotions with autumn scents such as apple or pumpkin, opt for a $5 hand cream from Bath and Body Works. It is key to avoiding dryness because during this harsh weather nails are prone to moisture loss.

Cuticle oil is also an essential investment to keep cuticles in good condition and protect your nails. If you’re stumped on which product to use, Sally Hansen’s Cuticle Care Vitamin E Nail And Cuticle Oil ($7) or Essie’s Apricot Cuticle Oil ($8.50) will do the trick.

To avoid cracking, make sure to keep your nails short by filing them every few days. Applying clear or protective nail polish like Sally Hansen’s fortifying polish ($4) can also help prevent breakage.

Now that you know how to maintain proper nail care, the next step is choosing the right colors. Between internships, rehearsals and midterms, you’re probably too busy hitting up the books and don’t have the time to change your nail color on a daily basis. Neutral shades such as a nail-toned nude are perfect to match everything. Whether your nails need a basic coat or luxurious painting, there’s a polish for everyone.

If you’re on a budget, try Pop-Arazzi’s “Toes in the Sand” ($3) or Maybelline Color Show’s “Neutral Statement” ($4). “Mamba” by Essie is also an affordable, chic shade at $8.50 along with OPI’s “Dulce De Leche” at just under $10.

In the spirit of treating yourself, Julep’s Color Treat Nail Polish in shade “Florence” is perfect for a DIY spa night at $14 along with Marc Jacobs’ Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in shade “Funny Girl” or butter LONDON’s Patent Shine 10X™ Nail Lacquer in shade “Shop Girl” ($18 respectively). For a designer lacquer, Dior’s Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer in shade “Incognito” or YSL’s La Laque Couture Nail Lacquer in “Beige Leger” are the ultimate splurge for $27.

With so many ways to rock the nude look, no-polish nails don’t have to be boring. Whatever your shade, be sure to keep your nails looking fabulous regardless of the gloves and boots that might cover them.

Email Ashley Arnold at [email protected].