It's safe to say that when it comes to nail polish, black is the new neutral. But if glossy darkness is beginning to bore you, here's a cool way to update it. I ran into a friend the other day and loved her nail polish so much that I had to snap a picture:
She got this look by using a base coat, then slicking on two coats of Essie nail color ($8) in Licorice. After that, one coat of glitter polish (such as Essie's Golden Nugget) adds a not-too-crazy amount of sparkle. On short nails, it keeps that rocker-girl attitude in a color that's now considered a safe-bet neutral.
This 2008 Essie Bridal Collection is just the type of classical peachy, white and muted pale pink polish range that I like to see from time to time. For those of you blushing brides who are interested in attaining the quintessential French manicure, or, for the rest of you who are just looking to paint on a neutral nail, you'll be on Cloud Nine with these colors. My bets are on Happily Ever After on becoming the next cult color, but I'm partial to No Pre-Nup (wink) — how about you?
For a brief description of each of the shades
Get ready to see many more melon-colored nails this spring. Check out Kristen Bell promoting her new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. While her fingernails are a quite bright, there are tons of varying raspberry and fruit-punch colored polishes to choose from. Here are three of my favorite juicy melon-colored nail lacquers.
L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish in Mango Get Em ($4.99) is a quick-drying, toluene- and formaldehyde-free polish that claims to last seven days without chipping. It also contains a strengthening pro-keratin ingredient and results in a high-shine finish.
For two other melon-colored nail polishes,
With all the talk about trendy, dark and bright nail polishes in the spotlight these days, it's nice to keep some muted, basic shades in the mix for when you're feeling more conservative. Below are three of my favorite pale, pink polishes. Unfortunately, now that I know that Essie subscribes to the big three, I'll have to rethink my choices. Something tells me that considering all of the attention the subject of safety is getting, things in the nail biz are bound to change. Let's hope so.
OPI Sweet Heart ($7) is the deepest and most opaque pink of the bunch. In my opinion, it also lasts the longest. (Anyone care to dispute this?) Sweet Heart is my go-to color for elegant manicures and pedicures in any given season.
Essie Ballet Slippers ($8) is a classic, tame, sheer pink that doesn't contain any shimmer. It gives a high-gloss finish and happens to be one of the brand's all-time best sellers.
For one last pretty pale pink polish,
Pretty pastel nail polishes are a fun way to lighten up any warm-weather beauty look. Pale pinks, sage greens, sunny yellows and light lavenders are beautiful shades to complement a special sundress or handbag. (And if you're still stuck with winter, they're a nice way to bring Spring to you early.) The colors come in an array of opaque formulas for you fearless femmes, as well as sheer versions for those of you who are still a little bit gun-shy.
L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish, Trust Fund Baby ($3.49) is a fun color with a catchy name. The polish is formaldehyde and toluene free — and since it contains pro-keratin proteins, it also strengthens your nails. I think this shade in particular looks best when you apply two coats.
Duri Nail Polish in Pistachio ($3.75) is a light, opaque lime green polish that lasts long, dries quickly, and imparts high shine along with streak-free color.
For one more pretty pastel nail polish,
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