Listen up all you non-"nail people" -- all of you crackled, decaled, intricate design- resisting holdouts -- now's the time to polish up your act. The shades and creations I saw on the spring 2012 runways will miraculously transform your nails into your new favorite accessory -- even if you keep everything else quiet and reserved.
Repeat after me: you do not have to go all Nicki Minaj to have awesome nails this season. There's truly something beautiful and creative for everyone.
Before we get to the big reveal, I have a confession to make: Sure, I'm a beauty pro and all of that but while some of you might know your way around a bottlebrush and a toothpick, I'm totally inept in the art of at-home manicuring. So when it comes to executing these beautiful trends on myself, I'll be using advice from a pro -- green celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp. (She does practically every "It" girl in Hollywood's nails, from Anna Paquin to Zoe Saldana.) Check out my favorite trends, each with their own little "Hipp tip" to help you nail the look.
Bold, creamy colors of the rainbow are a must for anyone looking to make a big statement in a small space. (Try your pick of American Apparel Neon Nail Lacquer, $6.)
Hipp tip: Bronzed-skin ladies, this trend is perfect for you! Your skin tone looks best with neon colors or anything bright.
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New nudes
Clear and nude nail polishes are always in style, but this season, expect to see a modern twist with lots of pale, glossy, and sparkly shades that look fit for a ballerina. Think light grays, sheer whites, pale pinks, and creamy soft beiges. (Try Zoya Nail Polish in Minka or Dove, $8.)
Hipp tip: Keep light polishes from spreading unevenly by using a base coat, which creates a guide for the polish and grips the lacquer to the nail.
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The garden variety
From satiny rose to the darkest green, prepare to slick on colors you'd find in a garden. (Try Essie's A Spring to Invest In collection, $8 per polish.)
Hipp tip: Chartreuse and mustard are heavy hitters this spring, as well as shades that have an organic, earthy feel.
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Faux bling
Remember the crazy $51,000 10-Carat Diamond Manicure? Use that as your inspiration. From glitter and sequins to rhinestones and pearly finishes, anything bright and shiny is fair game.
Hipp tip: If you have fair skin, your blue undertones will go best with sheer base colors in light pinks and ivories.
Listen up all you non-"nail people" -- all of you crackled, decaled, intricate design- resisting holdouts -- now's the time to polish up your act. The shades and creations I saw on the spring 2012 runways will miraculously transform your nails into your new favorite accessory -- even if you keep everything else quiet and reserved.
Repeat after me: you do not have to go all Nicki Minaj to have awesome nails this season. There's truly something beautiful and creative for everyone.
Before we get to the big reveal, I have a confession to make: Sure, I'm a beauty pro and all of that but while some of you might know your way around a bottlebrush and a toothpick, I'm totally inept in the art of at-home manicuring. So when it comes to executing these beautiful trends on myself, I'll be using advice from a pro -- green celebrity manicurist Jenna Hipp. (She does practically every "It" girl in Hollywood's nails, from Anna Paquin to Zoe Saldana.) Check out my favorite trends, each with their own little "Hipp tip" to help you nail the look.
