Waves, red white and blue stripes, monochrome with glitter and dazzling metallics adorned with safety pins were just some of the ways that nails stood out this season on the runway. The key? Accentuating details through colour.
1/ NOTICE ME NAILS
Make the effort! Notice-me nails compliment any outfit. Take a bit of time to create these looks inspired by the runway that are intricate not garish. Opt for bold colour and simple patterns like waves or stripes. For a completely modern look apply nail art glimmer down each finger. Want to go all out? Apply two coats of colour. Then apply nail art over top like at Libertine (safety pins are optional).
YOUR NAIL TOOLKIT CND Shellac, Blue Rapture. essie No Place Like Chrome.
2/ NUDE NAILS
At Alexander Wang, nail artists touted the chameleon nude which reads soft pink on some and ivory on others. This goes-with-everything-shade looks best with a high shine finish. One trick? Avoid stark white and go for a shade that is off-white, it’s much more flattering.
3/ RUNWAY METALLICS
Metallics never looked so good! Runways this season featured several iterations – gold, amethyst and silver – which work well on most skintones because they are a modern neutral. If applying polish like at Rebecca Minkoff and Oscar de la Renta keep nails short and just past the tips of your fingers. Look for shades with little particles of sparkle which help the polish adhere to your nails. If you want more drama take a cue from the Blonds with nail art that features longer lengths, high gloss shine and studded designs.
4/ DARK OMBRE
Remember ombre hair? Well, the gradual change in colour is here for nails. Unlike many looks that go on in just a few strokes the trick here is something you may not have considered for your nails – a makeup sponge. “The inspiration was Japanese supermodel Sayoko Yamaguchi – She was a model actress in the 70’s and 80’s, and she was also Kenzo Takada’s muse. Her look was very unique, she was known for her beautiful black hair and red lips.” says Naomi Yasuda, lead nail artist sponsored by Inglot.
GET THE LOOK Start with a base coat. To create the intriguing progression of colour, apply four shades that fade from red to black (or shades of your choice) directly onto a makeup sponge. Stamp the sponge onto nails positioning it with red at the cuticle and black at the fingertips. Let dry and repeat 2-3 times. Finish with a top coat.
This original beauty article first appeared in the Spring 2018 issue of City Style and Living Magazine
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