Colour Me Happy

The hottest nail trends of the season

Monday, 27 Feb 2012

Colour Me Happy
Remember when you were twelve and painting your nails a riot of colours? It seems you had style but didn’t know it (… you thought so too, right?).

This season has a rainbow of amazing colours, some even techno coloured – so channel your inner Cyndi Lauper and be brave with those digits.

Fastest fingers first!

Bring on Neon
Time to party like it’s the ‘80s! Neon’s not a newbie to the scene anymore, but this season it’s been updated for a more sophisticated palate. It’s a little counter-intuitive – think bright but subdued colours, like neon shades with a creamy undertone.
Try: MAC’s Toco Toucan, butter LONDON’s Cheeky Chops

Colour of the Season
Chinese New Year may be over but Tangerine is this season’s “it” colour, and the bright hues are here to stay. So round up those oranges, or if you’re a classic red kind of girl, look for red shades with orange undertones. Bonus tip: punctuate your outfit a la Jason Wu S/S12 by coordinating your lipstick and nail colour.
Try: OPI’s Moonsooner or Later, Scotch Natural’s Troya, Orly’s Truly Tangerine

Bold Gold
We’re not talking about gold polish here. This is hardcore crafty stuff – gold-leafing your nails. The process is simple enough: simply layer gold leaf (available at craft stores) over wet polish and seal the deal with a top coat. For an extra edgy look, try French-tipping your new gold nails with black polish, or combining tangerine hued nails with gold-leaf tips.

Green with Envy
The beauty industry’s pretty nuts about pistachio – the colour, that is. Look for shades of green that are light and creamy – you want something that’s really going to pop.
Try: Essie’s Navigate Her, butter LONDON’s Bossy Boots

Natural Grace
First there were nude heels to give the illusion of longer legs. Now there’s nude nail polish to elongate those fingers. The focus isn’t so much pink, healthy nails as it is foundation shade, so look for colours that match your skin tone.
Try: RGB’s F2, MAC’s Sandpiper

Glam Slam
If you really want your nails to shine, try the latest glitter craze: 3D sequined tips (picture rhinestones on nails) and holographic polishes. But bling this serious isn’t for everyone, so for toned-down party nails, try layering a glitter polish with a pearly finish over already glammed up nails.
Try: Deborah Lippman’s Happy Birthday, China Glaze’s Techno