Today a regular mani is not only a practice in self-care; it helps you look polished and well put together. But before you choose a colour, know this: Some shades can draw attention to ageing hands; others have the opposite effect, making your hands look younger in seconds. Editor Trudi Brewer updates your nail shade choices and shares the best shape.

You may think delicate shades like sheer nudes or soft pinks would do the trick, but as it turns out, natural hues are so close to your skin tone, they can show up veins, wrinkles and uneven tone on your hands, which can accentuate your imperfections. Instead, try grabbing attention on your nails and not your hands. Here is a guide to the mani that will suit your nails and not your hands.

the colour Code

To help your hands look younger, orange or peach-based hues work best," says Colette Keenan, butter LONDON national field manager. "Orange is a youthful, bright and uplifting colour, and it helps draw attention away from signs of ageing hands with age spots, visible veins and wrinkling skin," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann from her eponymously named polish brand. What's more, Keenan adds polish with orange undertones, which helps bring out your skin's natural glow.

OPI Infinite Shine, Cajun Shrimp, $25 JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Pop Orange, $35.

Essie Nail Polish in Frillie Lillies, $19. Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish 151, Tan Lines & Good Times, $10.

What colour makes fingers look slimmer?

Sheer pink is best. While Lippmann says a clean beige can also slim the hands. For those with medium skin tones, Lippmann likes more opaque, full-coverage, yellow-based taupe, which works well.

CND Vinylux in Backyard Nuptials, $23. OPI Nail Lacquer Sheers Baby Take A Vow, $25. Essie Nail Polish in Muchi Muchi, $19. Sally Hansen Color Therapy My Sheer, $18

What nail Colour goes with everything?

You may not think brown is a crowd-pleaser, but it is one of the most versatile nail polish shades. From milk chocolate to mocha and coffee, this shade is versatile and flattering on most skin tones and complements many autumnal wardrobe colours.

CND Vinylux in Petal Party, $23. Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nails Lacquer in Yummy Mummy, $18. GUCCI Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Annabel Rose, $62. Essie Gel Couture, Take Me To Thread, $25.

SPF Solution

To keep your hands looking youthful even without any polish, Essie manicurist Michelle Saunders says it's always a good idea to wear sunscreen on the tops of your hands. "You wear sunscreen on your face daily for sun protection and wrinkle reduction, so why wouldn't you be doing the same for your hands." They are one of the first places sun-induced damage appears; think of driving with your hands on the car wheel - over time, it becomes noticeable.

ULTRA VIOLETTE Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+, $40. Supergoop Hand Screen, $26. Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands Hand Cream SPF30, $19. Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Correcting Hand Cream SPF30, $30.

Shape Shifting

While many of us don't give the shape of our nails a second thought, Lippmann says you should start. "An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer and, in turn, makes hands look younger," she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles and use regular cuticle oil to prevent dry skin. "Be sure to keep your fingers well-manicured," she says. "Clean and manicured nails with or without polish help your hands look more youthful."