Like your shoes and handbag are the accessories to outfits, nails are the accessories for makeup. And, when put all together, nails are the finishing pop to completing your individual look.
Adding colour, maybe even a little pattern and shape to your nails can be a quick and easy way to bring out more personality to your look, and the industry is growing fast.
We are seeing new trends and styles popping up daily, with many coming from beauty blogs and Instagram sites that are entirely devoted to nails and nail art.
Leading nail expert and founder of SoNailicious.com (@so_nailicious), Maria Vlezko says that despite the trend, there is a perfect nail for everyone.
‘Nude nails never go out of fashion with such a strong presence on the runway, but we are seeing trends of ‘anything metallic’, the ‘modern french’ – using all different colours and shapes, ‘negative space’ – leaving areas bare and of course ‘Geometric Patterns’ – something for everyone’
I love this Geometric Pattern tutorial.
With so many shades and combinations available for your nails, it is important to know which will work best for you.
Just like lipstick, its all comes down to your skin tone. As a guide, I like to choose the opposite shades to a skin tone for best results. Of course, this is purely a guide, but a great go-to if you’re having trouble choosing shades.
- If you are fair, with a pink base skin, try summery, warm tones
- If you are olive, with a yellow base skin, try wintery, cool tones
Here are some great nail lacquers to help you nail it every time:
Essie Powerful Peacock Teal – Fall 2015 Collection
Inspired by espionage and the thrill of the chase, Essie’s fall collection is all about living dangerously and dressing flawlessly.
Essie as a nail brand is a key player backstage at many top fashion shows around the globe. Their shades prove that colour doesn’t have to be all girly and pretty; deep, rich tones are now so on trend.
This teal shade is great for all skin tones and can compliment various shades in fashion. Be daring, be different!
There are 6 shades in the 2015 Fall Collection.
RRP $16.95
Available at essie.com.au
Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy – Pocket Aces & Diamond Top Coat
This duo is the perfect 2-step, salon quality nails at home.
Step 1 is base + colour in one for rich, saturated colour with optical brightners that stays true.
Step 2 is the protective diamond topcoat that delivers superior strength and glass-like shine.
Together they create flawless, gel envy shine, giving salon quality in 30, easy to remove shades.
I love the Pocket Aces shade as it can lift any dull day with a fun pop of colour. Warm enough for fair skin and bright enough for olive.
RRP $16.95
OPI Life Gave Me Lemons – Neon Collection
OPI is known for great colour, being the world leader in professional nail care, and this collection gives that pop every time.
Whether you wear a block colour splash, geometric pattern, or my personal fave – and great for the colour shy – using neon mixed with nudes to create the Modern French, there is a shade and design to match every personality.
I love this bright citrusy lemon-lime; it really hits the spot every time and can look great on any skin tone, but especially pops on olive skin.
RRP $19.95
Available at myer.com.au
Orly – Kiss the Bride
Whether you are getting married this spring, or just happen to love all things pretty, the wedding collection from Orly has a shade for all.
Romance is in the air with this stunning neutral shade, featuring a creamy very soft pink, which I just love for spring and especially brides. Imagine that fresh, yet elegant mani next to a blooming bouquet!
The bridal trend of creamy nudes is a big hit as it finishes the look without pulling too much focus.
RRP $18.95
Available at orlybeauty.com.au
M.A.C Studio Nail Lacquer – Nail Transformations
Ever feel you could do more with your nail shade? Add a little twist with M.A.C’s nail range designed to change it up a little.
There are six shades all designed to texturise, shadow, or highlight nails, used as a topcoat for a transformed stylish twist.
Shadow gives a smokey glow, Liquid Pigment in Pink Pearl, Gold Pearl and Green Pearl illuminate, and Texturise will create a leather effect. I think its officially nail playtime!
RRP $22
As for the shape of our nails?
‘Long coffin shaped nails, also referred to as ballerina are definitely a huge trend amongst music artist and celebrities, including Rihanna and the Kardashians, in particular Kylie Jenner who is often seen rocking this shape.’ Says Zoe Vokis, Celebrity Nail Artist.