Anyone who knows me really well, knows how much I love nail polish.. So much so that I have an entire drawer in my room filled with bottles of nail polish. I know, it's a little extreme, but luckily with artists like Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and The Saturdays nail art has become much more of a fashion staple, rather than just an accessory. Even designers are getting on the nail art. For instance, at Paris Fashion Week, Chanel's Spring/ Summer 2012 campaign premiered their upcoming nail varnishes.
Chanel's upcoming Nail Varnish for their S/S 2012 Collection
I'm not the most crafty person, but I feel like when it comes to nail art, you don't need to be.. All you really need is some polish (obviously!), the right tools (e.g., cotton swabs, toothpicks, nail polish remover, q-tips), and patience.
With the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to get into the spirit of nail design! The following are some of my favourite nail designs:
1. Glitter
Also Jackie's favourite, glitter truly is the easiest way to ease into nail art. There are so many new shades and ways to wear glitter polish that the possibilities are endless.
One of the benefits of glitter polish, is that it actually protects your polish from chipping; at the same time, it can also cover up any blemishes or chips. The only downfall, is when removing polish you'll definitely need more than a few cotton balls.
Perhaps my favourite nail art design featuring glitter is replacing the traditional french manicure tips with glitter. Also, great for those of you who may not be a big fan of glitter, it's not too overpowering.
Base Colour 'light purple' (Forever 21), glitter 'It's Bouquet With Me' (Sephora by OPI)
2. Magnetic Nails
I was introduced to this nail trend by the UK-girl group The Saturdays and their joint collection with UK beauty-brand FashionistA Beauty. Unfortunately, their collection is unavailable in Canada, however Sephora has started to carry a similar collection. Unlike regular polish, magnetic nails give you a type of 3D nail art.
How does it work? After applying your base coat, apply 2-3 coats of the polish. While your nails are wet, apply the magnetic lid, slightly above your nails for about 10 seconds. Once you remove the magnet, you will see a cool, magnetic, metallic, 3D effect take place. Quickly put a top coat to prevent chipping.
The good? This is a fairly new trend, so if you are someone who likes to be unique then this is definitely something to try. Also, metallics are in this season.
The bad? It is a little time consuming. Expensive - one bottle costs $17 (yikes). Also, I found it chips after a couple days.
Nails Inc. London 'Trafalgar Square [chrome]' (Sephora)
3. Polka Dots
If you're a fan of retro inspired designs, or aren't too familiar with nail art, polka dots are another fun, easy, and creative way to switch up your nail design.
The good? You don't really need much to make this look work. All you really need are two colours and a toothpick.
The bad? Time consuming. Make sure your base nail colour has dried before creating the dots (to avoid smudging). Also, make sure there's no excess polish when going to apply your dots.
4. Ombre Nails
If like me, you have a lot of different colours of polish, and have trouble committing to a certain colour, then ombre nails are a great and fun way to wear multiple colours. Ombre nails, usually follow a certain colour scheme; for instance, start by painting the darkest colour to the lightest, or paint four of your nails one colour and then painting your fifth finger a different colour.
The good? You aren't forced to choose one colour. It's not as time consuming. Easy and fun way to show off your creativity. Also, colour blocking is another hot look this season.
The bad? If you don't like your nails being the centre of attention, then I wouldn't suggest this look.
Colours - Pink 'It's Genious' (H&M), Silver 'Positive Energy' (Nicole by OPI)
5. Shatter/ Crackle
Probably what started all the craze about nail art is shatter, or crackle nail polish. Like the name, what this type of look provides is a sort of antique/ cracked look to your nail.
The good? The shatter effect occurs just seconds after you apply it onto your nail. It's another cool way to show off your nails and can even be used as a type of statement for only one of your nails (e.g., ombre nail pattern). Also, it comes in a wide range of colours, so you don't have to commit to black.
The bad? Time consuming. Make sure that your base colour is dry before applying the shatter polish. Apply only one coat or the shatter effect won't be as obvious, and lastly make sure it's a thin coat as well.
Honourable mention: Half-Moon Manicure
The final nail design. Also retro inspired. This design was definitely a major trend this past summer. Basically, a reverse of the traditional french manicure. Instead, of painting the tips of your nails, you paint the bottom half of your nail.
What do you need? Two colours - one base and the other to create the half-moon effect. Reinforcement stickers to create the half-moon effect, and top coat of polish.
The good? It's a fresh way of wearing multiple colours. Very creative.
The bad? Probably the most time consuming of all previous nail designs. You'll need various nail design tools, and a steady hand to create the perfect half moon design. Make sure that your base nail colour has dried completely. For a easy tutorial click here.
Well, those are my top nail art designs. However, the most important thing when doing your nails, is to have fun, and be creative! Let me know what your favourite nail designs are! Leave a comment or tweet me @sinemtekin
-- Sinem Tekin
