Auckland - From the international runways to the local salon, nail art has well and truly come in from the cold. No longer is it seen as some sort of trailer trash affectation.
At the recent Fashion Week in New York, creative teams beavered away backstage to come up with ever more eye-catching nail treatments.
“Nails are an extension of the concept of presenting a total beauty package that is fresh and new,” says MAC senior artist Amber D, who is a dab hand at nail art.
One new fashion obsessive trend to look out for is pattern complementing, where designs on the nail reflect the prints, patterns and even textures in the clothes. “That’s a labour of love for a show with 20+ models,” Amber says.
Another trend is for the ombre finish (a graduated colour fade). Top exponents hand-paint zebra and leopard nails.
Nail art has been making fashion news for a while now, but since products like Chanel’s modern-day paint-drip finish catapulted across the beauty blogs and spawned DIY disasters, there has been a growing appreciation of the artistry.
Even 200-plus Olympians got in on the act in London, with Usain Bolt among those sporting specially decorated fingers.
New York-based MAC senior artist Keri Blair says that thanks to YouTube, Google and a range of blogs, DIY nail art tutorials are available for every nail design under the sun.
“Using sticky tape, toothpicks, clear polish and a make-up sponge, you can create so many amazing designs. The only limit is your imagination.”
For women who don’t want to do nail art, then by all means stick with classic polish, just update your manicure with on-trend shades – deep plum tones, chocolate browns, bright pops of colour or coppery metallics.
NAIL TECHNIQUES
* Flared: One of the most popular nail art options is to create a gradient effect across all five fingers, or to give one nail special attention. Keri Blair says she often wears this herself and calls it a “flare” nail. Accenting a classic manicure with another colour – some people favour the ring finger – is a great way to be on trend without going crazy, she says. Take the flare one step further and try colour blocking. It’s a technique that can be done at the salon or at home.
* Marbled: Begin by choosing three favourite shades. First roll the polishes in between your hands to ensure the colour is well mixed. Then loosen the lids because you will need to work quickly to create this design. Apply an ample layer of clear polish to one nail then apply small drops of each colour lacquer on the nail plate. Once you have placed your drops, use a toothpick or dotting tool to swirl the colours into each other, creating a marbled texture to the nail. Clean off excess polish from cuticles and then repeat on the rest of your nails. Once all 10 nails are done apply top coat to seal your design.
* Graduated: Start with one dark shade on your thumb (try MAC Deep Sea). On a small piece of foil, drop a bit of your chosen dark polish and a bit of white polish near each other and mix together with a toothpick. Use the brush from your initial choice to paint the index finger then add a bit more white to the mix and paint the next finger. The trick is to use a small square of paper towel and nail polish remover to clean your brush before dipping back into your polish. Repeat this process until all 10 of your nails are painted.
* Textured: Combining textures is a subtle way of creating interest. Try using a creamy polish first and then use a metallic polish to create a tip or moon shape on the nail. Look to the runway, with its varying textures and layering of shapes, for inspiration. Think of your nails as another affordable accessory.
* Outlined: For a cool way to wear a nude polish, start with a great manicure, leaving nails short, round and conditioned. Apply a nude polish that suits your skin tone then, for character, add a thin line of black or taupe at the smile line. (Where your nail just leaves the nail bed.)
* Matched: Fashion-forward colour combinations recommended by Keri Blair include orange and pink, navy and fuchsia, green and copper, and taupe and nude. – New Zealand Herald