Manicures are a booming business in today’s world, but it doesn’t matter whether you DIY manicure or go to a salon, some questions still need answering to get the perfect manicure. We tracked down manicure specialist, Karon McKendrick-Taylor, OPI Educator for Australia, to answer our questions about shape, colours and frequency.
RESCU: What are your tips when it comes to nail shape? Is oval better than square? Is one more ‘user-friendly’ than the other?
Karon McKendrick-Taylor: Oval is a shape that is very feminine and also in vogue right now. It is also very hard to do and nail artists tend to take strength away from the nail by filing the sides too much.
Square is great for shorter nails very easy to maintain and create, but can be hazardous if the corners are left too pointy.
Squoval, a rounded off square, is the easiest to do and also the easiest to wear.
RESCU: What colours are most popular for manicures? Are there any key colour trends we should keep an eye on for this later half of 2011?
Karon McKendrick-Taylor:The most popular and timeless colour for manicures is red, however nails have become a fashion statement in themselves and so we all tend to follow colour trends.
The current colour trend is neutrals, but not so much the sheer and flesh tones; more off whites, oyster, taupe and grey. The current trend is grey, all greys from a pale-cloud to the steel and metallic. Taupes and earthy tones are still on trend. Metallics are also very popular right now.
RESCU: How often should we get a manicure? How often is TOO often?
Karon McKendrick-Taylor:Most people do or have their nails done at least once a week. If doing more often, avoid over filing the nail, as this will wear them too thin. Always make sure you use a base coat to protect the natural nail and use a polish remover that is kind to the skin to avoid it drying your cuticles. Apply a little extra oils and hand lotion so the nails and skin stay in tip top condition.
Try OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil (RRP $17.95 from David Jones)
RESCU: What is your best tip for applying nail polish without going ‘outside the lines’?
Karon McKendrick-Taylor: Start with a base coat, this is the base for everything that follows. Make sure to pull back the skin at the sides of the nail (this is an art when doing it on yourself) and don’t overload the brush.
Apply two thin coats of lacquer and start applying your lacquer a little away from the cuticle area. Fan and push the brush to the cuticle then forward and off the nail.
Invest in a corrector pen. We all can make mistakes!
Rescu. Recommends:
Feeling inspired to try these new handy Manicure tips? Here are some of our favourite mani products:
OPI – Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go
A thick gel packed with vitamin E, avocado, sunflower, sesame and kukui nut oils packaged in lock-tight tube makes cuticle easy.
RRP: $17.95 from David Jones
Sally Hansen – Quick Care Clean-Up For Manicures
Correct any nail colour mistakes by simply wiping away with this chisel point pen. It even contains Glycerin so it can moisturize cuticles at the same time.
RRP: $16.95 from K-Mart, Price Attack, Priceline, Big W, Target, Woolworths, Coles, Myer and David Jones.
Manicare – Glamnails Nail Shaper
The unique design of this file allows shaping of more difficult styles, such as oval, by getting into corners easier. One side is fine grade and the other coarse, so you can adjust depending on your nail thickness.
RRP: $4.70 from Priceline, K-Mart, Myer and selected pharmacies. Phone 1800 651 146 for your nearest stockist.