Summer 2013: What’s New in Nails?

Ever since smart phones replaced handbags as the “It” accessory, nails have gotten their fair share of the limelight. (Chalk it up to all the texting, tweeting and Instagram-ing they’re now busily engaged in.) So why not try a statement-making manicure worthy of its own hashtag? New technology allows for more creativity than ever. Here, eight photo-ready trends that will have you garnering followers on all your feeds.

Foil manicure

Like confetti for your nails, this metallic, multi-colored manicure screams “party.” Inspired by London’s Fashion Week runways and edgy street style, Ciaté’s Very Colourfoil Manicure kit, $19, gives nails a mirror-like shine with tiny glints of rainbow-hued foil. First, apply one of three creamy polishes to create a solid base. Next, use the Foil Fix Glue to adhere tiny pieces of Colourfoil paper to tips. (The set includes 30 sheets, so you can try different styles, from color-blocked Mondrians to French nails.) Finish with a clear topcoat, then sit back and enjoy your handiwork for up to two weeks.

Holograph Nails
For sure Jerrica Benton and her alter-ego Jem would have rocked SuperBlack’s Holographic manicure, $12. The handmade batches, formulated and bottled by creator Natalie Dee in Columbus, Ohio, come in five holographic shades ranging from a galactic black (Whip) to an oceanic blue (Torque). And, amazingly, they are 4-free (with no Formaldehyde, dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, or Formaldehyde resin), so you can apply them without worrying about your health or the environment.

Glow-in-the-dark nails
Illamasqua’s limited edition Paranormal UV Nail Varnish, $17, will have you clamoring for black lights like a co-ed in a club. That’s because the three vibrant shades, which appear neon green, violet and pink in daylight, glow in the dark. Even the clear shade takes on an eerie iridescence at night, so get ready to surprise unsuspecting after-dinner companions. Inspired by the unknown—with spooky names like Omen, Séance, Ouija and Geist—this lacquer collection will take you from summer soiree to All Hallow’s Eve in style.

Chalkboard polish
If you’re on Pinterest, you’ve seen chalkboard paint updating everything from refrigerator doors to Mason jars. Now the quirky, retro-classroom surface is appearing on nails—just waiting for your own doodles and personalized messages. The Ciaté Chalkboard Manicure Nail Set, $25, includes a black matte polish, four water-soluble colored chalk pens (nostalgically named Teacher’s Pet, Satchel, Jump Rope and Recess), and a special topcoat to seal your artwork, while delighting your inner child.

Polka Dots
Black and white look anything but basic in the form of Maybelline Colour Show Polka Dot in Chalk Dust, $6 in drugstores. The granulated polish, suspended in a clear base, gives your nails a chic Dalmatian finish. Try it on short, slightly rounded nails for an evening out. They’ll instantly dress up an LBD—just leave the cocktail rings at home.

Glittery nails
Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? But if major chunks of glitter on your nails make you feel like you raided your toddler’s art supply cabinet, try Orly’s MegaPixel FX collection, $9 each, instead. The formula’s ultrafine particles have a multidimensional, textured effect when painted onto tips. For a smoother, glossier, sophisticated finish, just apply a clear topcoat. In six hues, ranging from silver to aqua to black, this is one polish you’ll have to hide from the kids.

Press-On Gel Manicure
If you’d rather DIY, try a press on. New formulas, like the ones from Broadway Nail imPress Press-On Manicure, $8 for 24, come in dozens of professional designs (marblized, animal print, ombré, florals, to name a few), are as easy to apply as a sticker, and can last up to a week. Bonus? No drying time, and the ability to mix-and-match styles. If hot pink leopard is too much for you, just try two on either ring finger and paint the rest a complementing shade of magenta.

How to Keep My Fingernails From Flaking Off

Skip the manicure and go natural for healthy, flake-free fingernails.

Your fingernail is composed of layers of keratin. For some people, the keratin is so thick and tightly packed that it is difficult to cut or file their nails. Other people have thin, brittle nails that break and peel. Fingernails that flake usually do so at the tips, forming bubbles where a layer of keratin scales has lifted free and peels backward. Flaking fingernails have both environmental and physical causes. You can keep your fingernails from flaking, but you may have to give up your nail polish to do it 

Instructions

Check your toenails. If they are strong and do not flake, the problem with your fingernails is external. If you have the same problem with your toenails, make an appointment with your general physician or dermatologist. Flaking nails may indicate an iron or other vitamin deficiency. 

Begin taking a multi-vitamin containing biotin, which helps strength nails and speed their growth. You can find a hair, skin and nails vitamin at most drug stores. If you have any questions regarding a particular brand, ask your physician or pharmacist. 

Stop polishing your fingernails. Some people’s nails do not react well to nail polish remover, even the acetone-free variety, which can cause the upper layers of your fingernail to dry, separate and peel. It will take at least six months for the damaged nails to grow out. 

Buff your nails once a week. Buffing removes a small layer of your nail keratin. Over several weeks, you will remove the damaged layer and reduce the appearance of flakes. Continue the habit even after flakes have disappeared to maintain a healthy shine. 

Leave the flakes alone. It is tempting to peel back the exposed flakes at the tips of your nails. However, you will only weaken your nail, increasing the chances you will break or tear it beyond the nail bed. If the bubbled appearance of flakes bothers you, keep your nails trimmed short while the damaged nail grows out. 

Moisturize your cuticles with a cuticle oil or cream. Moisturized nails are stronger and less prone to flaking and breakage.

Bold Nail Design Pictures

Nail designs don't have to be complicated or intricate to be stunning. 

Simple stripes in two or three shades offer a contemporary look.

An added bonus is that this is one design that is fairly easy to achieve at home; 

a steady head and nail art pens are all you need.
Fantastic Fruit
Fun fruit slices are cute, playful, and original. The bright colors and fruity design are especially appropriate for wearing in spring or summer. 

Glitter and small crystal details add an extra pretty touch to this nail design.

Pretty Plaid Inspiration

A pretty design inspired by plaid adorns these nails. 

When considering a multi-colored design like this, keep your outfit simple 

to allow your nails to shine.
Inspired by Nature

The beauty of nature offers plenty of inspiration for beautiful and unique 

nail designs. This look showcases gorgeous greenery. A clear base really 

allows the design to pop and intricate details to show.

Simple Stripes
Nail designs don't have to be complicated or intricate to be stunning. 

Simple stripes in two or three shades offer a contemporary look. 

An added bonus is that this is one design that is fairly easy to achieve at home; 

a steady head and nail art pens are all you need.

Multi-Colored Impressionism
Multiple colors and soft edges contrast beautifully with the fresh 

black background of this dreamy, impressionistic, water-color-inspired design. 

If you're attempting a look like this at home, use a light hand to prevent polish from overloading the nail.

Sharp Contrast
Another unique nail idea is to use contrasting elements in your nail design. 

The bright red tips in this design, for example, contrast sharply with the delicate 

flowers and glittering crystal emebellishments. The result? A look that is at once 

powerful and feminine.



Like a mini canvas, your nails allow you to really express yourself, and nail art design ideas are truly limitless. Simple looks like stripes are perfect for everyday, while more complex designs are prime 

Dark Nail Polish Trend

Subtle and mysterious manicure designs mesmerized the public who is eager to try our all the must have patterns and shades. The dark nail polish trend allows us to explore the benefits of these profound and eerie shades that create a classy and fascinating effect. Opt for this style wave if you're ready to tint your nails with glam dark colors in their utmost beauty and versatile shades. Indeed in the past dark tones were often associated with Goth and Punk style fans. However nowadays the profound and eerie shades managed to fight their way through the multitude of pastel and light colors and dominate the nail polish trends all throughout the series of seasons. More, celebrities were also charmed by the visual effect a similar manicure can have therefore they often popularize it even on the red velvet carpet. If you are eager to try your hand at the faddish dark nail polish trend make sure you skim through the infinite hue palette rather than limiting yourself to classy black. 

The dramatic style statement it creates would also turn the dark nails into dapper accessories paired both with formal as well as casual chic outfits. In order to master the proper application as well as basics of color selection take a closer look at these runway nails that offer the ideal inspiration for everyone. These examples illustrate how mesmerizing and catchy can these shades be. If you're more into the statement manicure designs it is must to include the dark nails into your nail art alternatives. These shades work fabulously both when paired with short and also longer nails.

Some of the ace nail polish designers and creators would furnish you with a large selection of the must have dark tones. These might include chocolate as well as other deeper shades of brown as well as the classy black and also the glittery glam metallic hues. Electric blue as well as blood red and wine are also additional colors to experiment with if you're looking for the perfect detail to top your appearance.

The runway nail color trends should serve as one of the basic points of departure when you wish to upgrade your manicure designs. Those who wish to stay versed with the latest nail art tendencies will be thrilled to take a closer look at these spectacular and remarkable nail colors that make a drop-dead-gorgeous effect when paired with all skin tone. Undoubtedly one of the main condition to rock the trend is to pair the right shade to our complexion tone.

However one of the greatest advantages of the dark nail polish trend is that it would flatter or skin colors, still creating a unique effect in combination with all these. Those who long for a more eerie and fascinating effect should pair their fair skin with the deep tones for a Goth-inspired and more eye-popping manicure. On the other hand those who were blessed with a dark toned complexion will have the chance to try out all the nail polish collections from the extremely profound ones to the in-between hues.

Cuticle Care Tips

Cuticles contribute greatly to nail health as well as to their tidy appearance. Keeping your cuticles healthy means healthy, strong nails.

How to Take Care of Your Cuticles
Actually, cuticles act like a barrier protecting us from pathogens that can enter and lead to infections. That is why nipping them is an absolute no-no if you want to maintain healthy nails. Well, put aside your nippers (or better throw away) and learn our tips on how to take proper care of your cuticles.

Moisturize

Your cuticles require good hydration. The matter is that cuticles are exposed to harsh chemicals much more than your hand skin or nails because of their extreme sensitiveness that can’t but lead them to be dried. That is why make it a habit to moisturize your cuticles using any high-quality hand moisturizer. Rub it into your cuticles at least twice a day.

Never Nip

As we’ve already mentioned above, cutting your cuticles can lead to infection. Thus never nip your cuticles, instead push them back using orange or rosewood stick. But keep in mind that it is NOT advisable to push back dry cuticles, as it can lead to damage. It is better to soak your fingers in lukewarm water for several minutes, apply a bit of cuticle remover and only after do the push-back.

Use Cuticle Oils/Creams

Apply cuticle oil or cream several times a day to make them softer. Besides it is recommended to massage cuticle exfoliator into the entire nail on a daily basis.

5 Easy Tricks on Strengthening Nails

Nails can tell a lot about a person, thus it is important to keep nails clean, well-groomed and surely healthy. Healthy in the first turn means strong, and if your fingernails are brittle and constantly split then you can’t do without our 5 easy tricks on.
Well, if you want to make your nails stronger then you’ve come to the right shop as here you can find 5 easy tricks on strengthening nails.

Drink Water
Our nails as well as skin need hydration therefore it is important to drink not less than 2 liters of water every day. Properly hydrated nails would never split that no doubt make them stronger and healthier.

Eat Vegetable Protein

Strengthen your nails by eating vegetable protein that is contained in beans. Try to eat a lot of beans and watch your nails become stronger; moreover vegetable protein is a great remedy for glossy hair as well as for general well-being.

Moisturize your Nails
Besides hydrating your nails ‘on the inside’, it is essential to use moisturizing creams or lotions. Rub it into your nails several times per day to give them proper hydration. The cheapest and therewith one of the most efficient remedy for nails moisturizing is Vaseline. Try to apply it every time after washing your hands.

Give your Nails Respite from Nail Polish

It is better to keep a nail polish applied to your nails no more than for 7 days running. After wearing a nail polish it is necessary to give your nails a respite for a week or so.

Apply Nail Strengtheners

Don’t neglect applying nail strengthening. Moreover it is better to apply nail strengthener before painting your nails. 

Nail Art

Those who flirt with the idea of starting their nail artist career and are in need of cool ideas to try their hand at the easy DIY nail art designs will have the chance to do it with the following chic manicure ideas. These refined looking patterns can be created with a few basic nail art tools as well as with some handiness. If you have an inclination towards handcraft, then nail painting is the most creative beauty domain to show your skills in. Learn how to handle the various tools that will help you draw the finest lines and fabulous images. Start with the simple floral and abstract designs if you wish to take the various challenges step by step. Find out which are some of the most simple designs to experiment with at the beginning of your road to become a nail pro.

Floral nail art is the best idea to start with as it will help you learn how to draw the fine lines and play with proportions. The simple as well as the more complex flower images look fabulous paired with long and short nails. Those who would like to surprise their friends with a stylish manicure should ask their help to practice the various techniques. Create simple patterns until you'll learn to handle the manicure tools with mastery and ease. Use more shades in order to make things more versatile and take a glimpse at the designs above that are perfect to polish your handiness and also challenge your creativity to pull off memorable and worth-admiring nail designs .

Abstract nail patterns will also serve as the best blueprint to copycat. These simple patterns created without any difficulties will help you practice the tiny lines, spots and cute designs as well as the basic shapes to be able to handle the more complex designs with mastery. Mix/match the different shades from a wider nail color palette in order to see the perfect combos to create various nail art trends. The designs showed above are some of the basic patterns to exercise with, therefore have them at hand when you start your manicure sessions. The more you practice, the better your techniques will become paving your way to success.

If you wish to step to the next level, make sure you include in your mani session the use of various  nail art accessories as the glittery stick ons as well as rhinestones. These will offer you the privilege to sport glam nail designs created with great care and precision. After dealing with the practice of various shapes and fine lines make sure you also try your hand at the more complex and creative patterns. The examples above will arm you up with revolutionary ideas on how to turn your nails into a real masterpiece of modern nail art. Take a closer look at the designs and find out the best methods to pull off the look using your skills and the must have manicure tools.

 

What Your Nail Polish Says About You

They say that what you eat is what you are but, in fashion, what you wear is who you are. Sometimes it's easy to identify a person's demeanor simply by observing what they are wearing. Even more so, the colors which we choose to wear can be a direct insight into our own personalities. The same goes for nail color. Ever wonder why your sweet and coy co-worker always wears pink nail polish? Or why your early-twenty-something-year-old niece insists on having black nails? Find out why and what your nail polish color says about you in this guide.

Red

Red has long been the symbolic color of love, passion and power. It's also a bright and racy color which, when worn on the nails, can signify that you are bold, sassy and not afraid to be noticed. You're confident about yourself and what you do – no matter what anyone says. You're a go-getter and like to take the lead in situations and, are usually looked to for advice. Red is also sexy, which means you are comfortable with your innate sensuality and not afraid to show a man who's in charge.

Light Pink

Pink is gentle, feminine and innocent. Like the color, you are very lady-like in your ways – from the clothes you wear to the way you carry yourself. You have a coy demeanor and are very mindful of your surroundings. You also have a youthful side – little things like flowers and adorable kittens make your heart melt with the excitement of a child. You may come off as submissive and shy to many, but your child-like exquisiteness always stops you from taking the back seat and being quiet (but you always remain calm and friendly).

Bright Pink

Bright pink colors like hot pink and fuchsia indicate a feminine, but more outward personality. Not quite as loud and aggressive as your red-nail wearing friends, you are self-confident and don't mind standing out from the rest. You have a flirty sense of style, as well as personality, and love to make new friends wherever you go. You are also youthful and playful – like the color of your nails. Being a girly-girl is your favorite things and you love a good laugh with your best friends over a long retail therapy session or Saturday evening cocktails.

Rich/Deep Purple

Purples in rich and deep tones are colors which symbolize regality and confidence. Similarly, purple nails show you are self-confident and hold a high self-esteem. You are trustworthy and loyal to those close to your heart and go through far measures in order to ensure their well-being. Just as the color, you are also serious and mysterious, and like to keep your personal life, well, personal. Although self-assured and confident, you are not one to flaunt your successes in a boastful manner.

Light Purple

Light shades of purple such as lavender and lilac indicate a graceful, light-hearted personality. Unlike your deep-purple-wearing friends, you have a brighter way of looking at things and tend to be more open about your personal life and concerns. You make friends easily and have a remarkable way of making people feel at ease and content. You are also a giver and love to lend a helping hand when the moment arises. Not one to shy away from a good conversation, you love spending hours talking to friends, co-workers and relatives, as long as they are up for it.

Orange

Orange is a warm, cheerful color and, just like this hue, orange nails entail a personality to match. You are as spontaneous as you are outgoing and love the spotlight. You embrace new friends with open arms and are quick to break the ice. Your cheerful and playful spirit it contagious and envied (in an admirable way) by many.

Blue and/or Green

These cool and nature-inspired colors are indicative of a laid back personality. You are very confident and nonchalant about what anyone thinks of you. You have a unique style that is solely your own and tend to gravitate to the arts and nature. You love the outdoors and appreciate great music and travel. You're a cultured personality with a free-spirit which enlightens and inspires those around you.

Nude/Natural

Nude nail color or natural, bare nails are defining of an easy personality. You like to keep things simple and uncomplicated, much like your nail color. While you like to take care of the way you look, you prefer natural beauty over anything else and embrace the way you are, naturally. You also have a straightforward way of approaching things and don't like to be given the run-around. You are easy to get along with, yet appreciate any moment you can have to yourself.

Black

Deep. Mysterious. Rebellious. While black nails have long been associated with dark, apathetic characters, it may not necessarily be so for all. While it's the go-to color for many Halloween costumes and Gothic fashion, black has made its way onto the fingernails of the most unexpected person. Black nails can signify a rebellious, nonconforming personality, yet this does not mean you're out to set the world in a revolt. You like to upkeep your style and look, yet you do it in a non-traditional way. Unlike your lighter-color wearing friends, you are attracted by what's different and unconventional.