Category: ‘Nail Care’

The Right Color Nail Polish Is This Year’s Status Symbol, Just Like In Middle School

Nail polish is shaping up to be the recession’s answer to the “It” handbag. It’s kind of like 7th grade again, where everyone is obsessed with the shade of the season. Remember Chanel jade nail polish? If you are wearing the on trend shade, everybody notices, and unlike a luxury handbag, a bottle of the stuff costs about the same as a pair of tights–and lasts longer. (Unless they’re Wolford tights.) Let us guide you through the new nail polishes of 2010 so you’re way ahead of the game.

1. Nude is a big spring fashion trend, and this Chanel Inattendu Nail Polish ($23) is one of their three new spring nail colors. It’s nude with a slight peachy tint that will complement any summer dress.

2. If you’re the noncommittal type, get in on the purple trend with this Nars Purple Rain Nail Polish ($16) without going overboard.

3. At the Oscars, lilac was king, and this OPI Nail Polish Done Out in Deco ($8) is a pretty pastel option that will soften up your look.

4. Mushrooom-greige-taupe is still on everyone’s radar, and Essie’s Mink Muffs ($8) nail polish is more affordable than Chanel.

5. Turquoise is Pantone’s 2010 color of the year, and while we usually like the color for jewelry, we are not opposed to trying out this Pop Beauty Nail Glam Turquoise Nail Polish ($14).

See more posts about nail polish, then check our roundup of the best heavy moisturizers and the best eyeliners.

March 9th, 2010 2:00 pm

1 Comment »

Beauty Trend Alert: Taupe Nail Polish Wins A Round Of Applause

The newest nail color trend has arrived: a purple-mushroom-taupe color we spotted at Chanel. Not only was it all over the spring runways, but it was spotted at the Golden Globes (ahem, Sandra Bullock), too. It sounds weird, but somehow, it works with my winter-pale skin. It’s a totally natural look that stands out from the classic red, back again purply black or the simple nude and always draws a compliment.

OPI Over the Taupe ($5.25) has a warm caramel hint, which is good for warmer skin tones.

Deborah Lippman nail polish ($16) is always on trend (she is the hand expert, after all) so we love this khaki shade for spring.

Classic Nicole Cosmopoli-TAN ($8) shimmers softly, making it universally flattering.

If you’re not ready to embrace the taupe trend completely, we recommend dabbling in this pinky-tan nail polish by Spa Ritual ($10). It gets major bonus points for being vegan-friendly.

See more nail colors to try, plus get instant gratification with a brand new tube of the best mascara, and see if a $15 nail lacquer is worth the splurge.

January 21st, 2010 2:18 pm

5 Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care
nail polish

Freebie Friday: Win A Beauty Basket Full Of Kiss, ModelCo, & Dashing Diva

What: A $100 basket of beauty products from Kiss, ModelCo and Dashing Diva, including:

ModelCo Skin Drink Airbrush Moisturizer
ModelCo Lip Lights in Indian Summer
Kiss Manicure Salon Kit
Kiss Pedicure Salon Kit
Kiss Everlasting French Nails
Kiss Everlasting French Toenails
Dashing Diva Polish in Summer Fling

Why: These beauty accessories will keep you hydrated, glossy, and perfectly pedicured for the rest of the summer.

We’re particularly fond of the lip gloss, which has a built-in mirror and lights so you can touch up anywhere, and the manicure kit, because it’s exceedingly packable for vacations (if you’re checking your bags).

How: In honor of the fabulous nail products in this prize, we want to know what nail color you’re wearing right now. Pale pink? Bright blue? French? Comment below to enter.

1. Post a comment about what polish color you’re wearing this summer.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our
server no later than Friday, August 7th, 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing and will be
announced in the August 11th SheFinds newsletter. The winner must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click here for the full rules.

July 24th, 2009 1:00 pm

320 Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Freebie Friday
lip gloss
Nail Care

OPI Matte Polishes For Those Who Don’t Like To Reflect Light

What: OPI Matte Nail Lacquers ($6.20 – $9.50)

Why: OPI Matte is a collection of six matte versions of their most popular colors (Alpine Snow and Lincoln Park After Dark among them). I especially dig Russian Navy, a moody navy blue. Because the lacquer dries almost on contact, I find myself painting on coats as quickly as possible. The result: a blue-black mani that looks punkish-cool.

FYI: Because I can’t apply a glossy top coat to seal in the color (that would be defeating the purpose), the polish job chips within a few days. Best used for one night’s wear.

Get Yours: amazon.com

If bright is more your thing when it comes to nails, try out some neon or blue and get noticed right away.

July 22nd, 2009 1:00 pm

2 Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

A DIY Manicure Doesn’t Have To Look The Part Thanks To Sephora’s Easy French

What: Sephora Easy French Manicure Duo ($8)

Why: I travel for work. A lot. That means a weekly mani pedi appointment is out of the question. But I’m not complaining because even in the most cramped hotel room, I’ve mastered the D.I.Y. version thanks to the Sephora Manicure Duo. It’s convenient, easy to use, and TSA approved, which means this tiny bottle will never leave my overnight bag.

And to fix up mistakes, take along polish remover pads from e.l.f. ($1) – also quite travel-friendly.

Get Yours: sephora.com

For the best summer beauty products, shop our guides to waterproof makeup, self-tanners, and hair removal.

July 20th, 2009 1:00 pm

1 Comment »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

Neon Nails Remain An 80s Trend We Support, Unlike Frosted Tips

The sound of “neon nails” may leave you skeptical- or nostalgic for the 80’s – but either way, they can also work right here and now. We noticed the super-bright polish has been a growing summer trend, so we tested a few shades and rounded up the best ones.

While some of us liked bright orange, a hot pink is always safe bet. Girly but assertive, it’s an eye-catching color that’s a classic in its own right.

If neon nails are old hat to you, maybe it’s time to consider Japanese nail art in all its various forms. It may sound like a look solely meant for Gwen Stefani on tour, but summer’s the time to try outlandish things.. so go for it.

July 13th, 2009 5:39 pm

No Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

Sure, Pink Polish Is Safe…But Blue Is A Whole Lot More Fun

Blue nails are back (again) for summer, but this go-round there are more shades than ever before. Never felt the urge to stray from standard red or pink? This summer’s seaside resort-inspired palette, along with our tips for doing blue right, might have you changing your tune.

Tip 1: Keep things short and sweet.

There’s definitely such a thing as too much blue, so keep your nails filed short and squared off. Complete the clean look with a pretty, professional navy like Chanel’s iconic Blue Satin ($50) or Cover Girl’s Boundless Color in Blue You ($3.50).

Tip 2: Don’t shy away from opaque color.

Traditionally, blue polishes have been heavy on the silver sparkles. If glittery polish brings back memories of junior high, opt for a more grown-up blue sans sparkle like OPI’s Dating a Royal ($2.30) or Essie’s Shelter Island ($8).

Tip 3: Think outside the typical spectrum.

If you’re looking to go for the completely unexpected, look for blues that aren’t necessarily found in nature, like Orly’s Cashmere Cardigan ($3) or dusky denim 2NITE from China Glaze ($3).

June 22nd, 2009 10:00 am

1 Comment »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care
solutions

Yes, Your Nails Get Old Too. But There’s Something You Can Do About It

What: Dermelect Anti-Aging Nail Treatments, $16-$18

Why: When I first heard about Dermelect ’s new line of anti-aging nail treatments, I thought, “Oh wonderful. Another body part to age-obsess about.” Then I thought, “Wait—our nails age?” Prior to learning of these treatments, I never really focused my anti-aging efforts toward my nails.

I am now. As we age, keratin diminishes in our nails, which lessens the nail bed’s strength and moisture. Touted as the first nail treatments to stymie aging, Dermelect’s High-Maintenance Instant Nail Thickener , Launchpad Nail Strengthener and Makeover Ridge Filler all help restore lost keratin proteins in nails, in turn slowing the aging process.

I’m personally digging High-Maintenance , which purports to instantly thicken my nails by up to 50%. I can’t tell if that’s the case, but my naturally weak nails feel stronger and harder than ever. I’ll report back in 20 years to let you know how fit-as-a-fiddle my nail beds are.

Get Yours: skinstore.com

June 17th, 2009 12:01 pm

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Categories:
beauty care
Nail Care

Essie Mademoiselle #384: The Perfect No- Fuss Summer Shade

What: Essie Mademoiselle #384, $5

Why: Several of my friends believe manicures are a weekly necessity. For me, they’re more of a bi-monthly luxury. And that means in between pampering times, I’m my own manicurist. My summer secret is Essie’s Mademoiselle #384, a sheer pink polish that is chip-resistant and always goes with everything. It makes your nails look clean without being prissy, and the hint of pink is just a little better than clear polish.

And when it does chip, the color is so sheer, you won’t need to hide your nails under your office desk until that next manicure appointment.

Get Yours: amazon.com

June 10th, 2009 6:00 pm

No Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

Neon Nails: Finally, A Shade That Will Help You Navigate Your Way Through A Dark Room

Maybe it’s because I’m a child of the 80s, but I’m getting George
Michael flashbacks every time I see a neon mani. And you know… that’s not
so bad. The trend,
which started up last summer, is a fresh change from the classic red or
goth-like shades we’ve grown used to. And those bright
oranges and pinks look amazing with a little bit of a tan.

Mattése makes a line of blinding shades for those who are not kidding around. Our editor Bryn tried out the orange Explosive hue, but we also think Caution would look great with a summer LBD ($5 each).

If you’re not quite ready to revisit your electric youth, OPI makes a line of toned down brights. Two we like: Atomic Orange and That’s Berry Daring ($8.50 each).

Be sure to check out a tamer manicure option if that’s more your speed, find a little help with summer beauty, and score some cool new jewelry to go with your new nails.

April 13th, 2009 12:00 am

1 Comment »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

Beauty Find: Precious Metals For Your Fingers And Toes

Friday is a good day to buy yourself a gift. Maybe not an all-in, blow-the-week’s-paycheck gift…maybe just something that mimics real bling. These precious polishes are the perfect stand-in: Splurge on the set, and wear a different one every day this weekend.

Steel-ing the Scene by Essie ($7) is a dark silvery-gray color that – even though, we know, pale winter toes aren’t the ideal state of affairs – looks pretty good on pale winter toes.

A great shade if you’ve only got ten minutes to self-manicure, Lippmann Collection Nail Color in Diamonds and Pearls ($15) is tough to make look messy. A sheer, shiny topcoat-like polish flecked with iridescent bits of sparkle, it’s a glamorous but low-maintenance alternative to naked nails.

Buy Me a Cameo by Essie ($8) has been my standard vacation shade since I’ve been getting pre-vacation pedicures; it looks equally chic with floaty florals and severe stilettos, on tanned and on woefully un-tanned skin.

March 7th, 2008 12:00 am

No Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care

Japanese Nail Art: Trendy or Tacky?

According to GrooveEffect, a Japanese nail art company is leading a trend that’s starting to trickle stateside. You might have seen nail art popping up on big celebrities like Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Lindsay Lohan and even Paris Hilton, but Japanese nail art has a bit more to it than ultra-long claws painted in pretty colors.

These increasingly popular Japanese manicures actually involve the application of 3D flowers, anime figures and other designs that wind up resembling a work of art more than actual nails. Something so elaborate and intricate may look pretty in pictures, but I also think it might be borderline tacky. Nonetheless, salons, like this one in California, are starting to offer Japanese nail art as one of their manicure services and it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a full blown trend.

For me, a girl who mainly sticks to subtle polish, I’m truly not a fan — at least on my own nails. What do you think? Is it wearable in a pretty, unique way? Or is it really just a tacky nail trend that you’d rather see get buried like over-sized shoulder pads from the ’80s?

May 21st, 2007 12:00 am

40 Comments »

Categories:
beauty
Nail Care
rant and rave

Category: ‘Nail Care’

The Right Color Nail Polish Is This Year’s Status Symbol, Just Like In Middle School

Beauty Trend Alert: Taupe Nail Polish Wins A Round Of Applause

Freebie Friday: Win A Beauty Basket Full Of Kiss, ModelCo, & Dashing Diva

OPI Matte Polishes For Those Who Don’t Like To Reflect Light

A DIY Manicure Doesn’t Have To Look The Part Thanks To Sephora’s Easy French

Neon Nails Remain An 80s Trend We Support, Unlike Frosted Tips

Sure, Pink Polish Is Safe…But Blue Is A Whole Lot More Fun

Yes, Your Nails Get Old Too. But There’s Something You Can Do About It

Essie Mademoiselle #384: The Perfect No- Fuss Summer Shade

Neon Nails: Finally, A Shade That Will Help You Navigate Your Way Through A Dark Room

Beauty Find: Precious Metals For Your Fingers And Toes

Japanese Nail Art: Trendy or Tacky?

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