If you've ever taken a picture of your hands, whether after a manicure or while eating a large donut at brunch (opens in new tab), you know how ugly they can look in bad lighting, bad polish, or bad donuts. (That's why we're big on the idea of nail polish contouring. No, we are not saying that this is an essential step for humans. Because hands are just hands.

To decipher your fingers, we asked the very talented manicurist Jin Sun Choi (opens in new tab) to tell us your skin tone and the best shade for your ideal hand. Because this is a "thing".

When looking for your next shade, look for a color that isn't too bright and makes your hands stand out. Choose colors that aren't "too immature or neon. They should be more elegant and have sharp color pigmentation to make your skin look vibrant," says Choi."

Pale skin: try a soft, reddish pink, like Bubble Bath (opens in new tab).

Medium skin: look for a bright coral orange, like Enflammee (opens in new tab).

Olive skin: Look for peachy pinks like Got Myself Into a Jam-balaya (opens in new tab).

Dark skin: look for a bright violet, like Bold & Unshaken (opens in a new tab).

Regardless of your skin color, we can all appreciate a bronzy glow. Try using colors that make your hands look a little more bronzed," says Choi, "like orange, yellow, green, or opaque pastels.

Pale skin: try a subtle orange, like Check In to Check Out (opens in new tab).

Medium skin: try a bright yellow like Check Your Baggage (opens in new tab).

Olive skin: try a bright, rich orange like Sweet & Glacial (opens in a new tab).

Dark skin: true yellow, like Bright & Focused (opens in new tab).

It is important to choose colors that make the nail bed stand out, especially if you like short nails. Says Choi, "Opaque whites and pastel shades will make the nail beds look bigger, as opposed to your skin."

Pale skin: go for blush pinks, like ballerinas (open in new tab).

Medium skin: Try off-white shades with a hint of blue, such as Cookey White (opens in new tab).

Olive skin: try a light lavender shade, like TT (opens in new tab).

Dark skin: Try a crisp white, like HD (opens in new tab).

Deep colors are perfect for the colder months and are the perfect approach to a toned-down, neutral manicure. She says, "Darker shades tend to make nail beds look smaller, so be sure to choose deep colors that complement your skin tone naturally, especially in the winter."

Pale skin: look for oxblood red, like Single Ladies (opens in new tab).

Medium skin: go for a mauve like Love Hangover (opens in new tab).

Olive skin: try a burgundy like Complimentary Wine (opens in new tab).

Dark skin: try a deep navy like HJ (opens in new tab).

"Use more natural, subtle colors that don't draw attention to the nail, so that the nail becomes an extension of the finger," Choi explains.

Pale skin: look for a very sheer pink, like Muse (opens in new tab).

Medium skin: look for a subtle, sheer tan like Tulle (opens in new tab).

Olive skin: try a pinkish beige like Nostalgia (opens in new tab).

Dark skin: opt for milky toffee shades like Dulcet (open in new tab).