The art of nail painting has reached new heights – as opposed to new lengths – and at last anyone can do it.
We’ve seen all kinds of special effects nails in recent years and, thankfully, not all of them require skilled brushwork, fiddly transfers or special tools. (I mean, seriously, who has the time?)
Some are simply nail polishes with unusual finishes, ranging from all kinds of glitter and shimmer to elegant two-tone lacquers such as Chanel’s Le Vernis in Troublante, a pinky-red that shimmers with subtle highlights. There are also fashion-forward effects from brands such as Nails Inc. For example, their Alexa Leather, resembles black leather, while Westminster Bridge Matte Top Coat, and gives a matte finish to any polish.
Truthfully though, attempting DIY nail art is far easier than it sounds. If you can do a standard French manicure (which, for anyone who’s been living in a cave for the last age, comprises a nude pink or peach all-over nail colour with an exaggerated white-painted tip), you have all the technique you need. You can then create a reverse French, i.e. a pure white nail with a pink tip, or funkier variations such as bright red nails with contrasting black tips (very vampy), black nails with white tips (dramatic but chic) or vice versa – or you can try subtle pastels such as sky blue with shell pink, or furious clashes using fuchsia with orange.
You can even create Halloween nails using just two colours – a bright orange over the whole nail (try Barry M’s Gelly Nail Paint in Mango) plus a few splodges of black (their Nail Art Pen in Black) and you have devilish pumpkins. Or you can use the nail pen over pure white nails for nifty skeleton
However, even if you’re usually too hamfisted to get a decent finish with a single colour, the latest nail polish technology can help. Orly’s new Color Amp’d range features special polymers that autocorrect any post-paint dents, nicks or smears. It’s the Seal Coat that makes the biggest difference by ‘setting’ your colour rather like a gel-manicure light, which explains why it lasts particularly well, too. Six to 10 days is usual, although it still comes off like normal varnish. Colours cost £15 each, or £28 for a duo that includes the Seal Coat. It’s in Boots stores now and will also be available online from mid-November.
If it’s a particular shade you’re after, new Palette London has just launched a new bespoke nail colour service (at www.PaletteLondon.com/bespoke) that enables you to colour-match anything from a much loved discontinued favourite to your new designer shoes. It’s not cheap at £50 but ideal for special events such as weddings. Alternatively, their DIY kit features two empty bottles, pipettes, five base colours of black, white, blue, yellow and red so you can handblend your own nail varnish. Their Custom Blend Nail Paint Collection costs £25 from Boots stores only.
Finally, if you’re thinking ahead to spring, Stella McCartney’s spring/summer show runway models wore a modern nude effect on their nails, thanks to two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Arm Candy, a sheer pale pink that suits any shape and length of nail – not to mention any time of year. Since its formulation includes a built-in base and top coat, it’s as easy to use – and far away from artsy-fartsy special effects – as you can get.
Have you created your own nail art? Let us know by commenting below or send us pictures of your work of art on Facebook! We love to hear from you…
[su_button url=”http://www.sosensational.co.uk/shop/nails-hands/” target=”blank” background=”#6c20b1″ size=”7″ center=”yes” icon=”icon: arrow-right”]Shop Nail Care[/su_button]
Leave A Reply