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Get the perfect 10 with our guide to the season’s prettiest polish shades, most dazzling designs and top treatments.
As swoon-worthy as the “it” handbag or trendy new shoes, nail polish is the one accessory you don’t want to be without this season. From low-key neutrals to bold special effects, there’s a finish to suit every taste and budget. No matter which trend you try, keep your nails on the rounder side – not sharp or pointy. “Soft, rounded, oval nails are the new look,” says Sephora pro makeup artist Sara Biria.
2012 NAIL COLOURS
While rainbow brights are still going strong, understated hues are making a comeback. “Soft neutrals, iridescent pastels and sheer colours were all over the runways for spring/summer 2012,” says Biria. “Go for unexpected shades in a sheer wash like mint green or tangerine.”
Natural instinct: Pastel pinks will always be in style, but for a new twist on neutral nails, look for shades that are closer to your skin tone. Think milky beiges, creamy nudes and soft lattes.
Green light: While last season was all about deep, dark hunter green, this year the palette is lightening up. Pale pistachio, mint and lime-green shades deliver a hit of colour without the intensity.
Orange crush: According to the forecasters at Pantone, Tangerine Tango – a punchy orange – is the shade of the year, and nails are the easiest place to wear this bold hue. But the season also brings an array of pretty peaches for those less daring.
2012 NAIL DESIGNS
“Nail art is staying strong on the beauty scene for spring,” says Biria. “It’s all about self-expression.”
Magnetic attraction: The newest innovation in nail design is the Magnetic Polish from Nails Inc. When a magnet (contained in the cap) is held over the nail, the polish, which is formulated with special metallic particles, morphs into a textured pattern. “It comes in five different colours and can be used on top of any polish colour to create a 3D effect,” says Biria.
Top gear: Another way to add instant texture to a solid-colour manicure is with a sparkling topcoat. With effects ranging from pearl to shimmer to glitter, they’re a fast way to score a luxe look.
Sticky fingers: Love the nail-art look but don’t have time for a salon session? Get a patterned mani in minutes with one of the new nail polish strip kits. Applied on bare nails, the strips adhere to nails for up to 14 days and come in an array of designs, including florals, leopard and snakeskin.
Quick draw: If you’ve got an artistic side, express your creativity by creating a design of your own. Suitable for natural or artificial nails, fine-tipped nail art pens come in a variety of shades and can be applied over any base coat or polish colour.
NEW NAIL TREATMENTS
What’s even better than the perfect manicure? One that lasts.
At the salon: The newest no-chip nails advancement is OPI’s GelColor Manicure, which takes only 30 seconds to cure under LED light (four times faster than standard gels) and lasts up to three weeks.
At home: Inspired by salon treatments, Revlon’s new ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel is a UV-sensitive formula that, when exposed to natural light, cures the polish for a stronger, harder finish. You can also nab a longer-lasting mani with the new imPress Press-On Manicure. Each kit contains 24 artificial nails in 12 sizes, which stick on (and simply peel off) for a high-shine look that lasts up to one week.