I think we’re all relieved that winter is over and the glorious spring has officially arrived. But aside from sunshine, blooming daffodils and newborn lambs (aww!) spring also brings–and most excitingly for us beauty fanatics–a new set of nail polish colours and trends fresh from the New York runway!
There’s a good reason everyone looks to the fashion shows for the newest nail trends since designers work with top manicurists and nail brands to find colours and styles that will enhance and complement their collections. So, out with the plain reds and boring blacks of winter and in with a truly diverse selection of nail looks! Fun, flirty, classy and crazy, here is your ultimate guide to nail polish this spring!
#1 Sophisticated Sheer
Sheer nails look unquestionably sophisticated and match an outfit of any colour making them perfect for work, play and everything in between. So, if you like to keep it simple then you’ll be pleased to know that sheer nails are still very much in style, with designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Gucci pairing them with vibrant pinks, corals and even blacks!
Tip: You know a polish is sheer if you can easily see the bristles through the polish!
#2 Bright and Bold
Many a bright set of nails was paraded up and down the New York runway with everything from mustard yellow and vivid blue to neon orange included (apparently it isn’t just orange lipstick that’s in style this season).
Luckily for those wanting to give a bright shade a test run, there is a huge selection to choose from! OPI’s gorgeous new Brazil Collection for instance includes colours such as ‘Where Did Suzi’s Man-go?’ a particularly gorgeous but not too obvious mango orange shade!
Essie’s 2013 Neon Collection also has a variety of beautiful bold hues for us to choose from this spring. I recommend ‘Bouncer It’s Me’; a superbly vivid blue!
Tip: Invest in a good top coat if you want to wear a neon shade, these colours tend to chip easily!
#3 Easter Pastels
Nothing says spring better than pastel colors. This spring it’s all about the ‘Easter shades’ so think butter and newborn chick yellows, fresh lavender, robin egg blue and pistachio mint.
Our favorite pastel for this season has to be Dior’s ‘Porcelaine’, an exquisite creamy egg blue that came out as part of the 2014 ‘Trianon Collection’.
#4 Arty Nails
If the runways are anything to go by then we should ditch plain nails at some point this season and try out some patterns! We’re talking stripes, floral prints and polka dots! The particularly noteworthy windowpane look was seen at Tracey Reese whilst Tibi’s show displayed effective alternating vertical and horizontal stripes.
Depending on your artistic ability and the steadiness of your hand, arty nails can look simple or difficult to create, but don’t let that stop you trying; there’s always nail polish remover! Choose two colours: a dark and lighter one, use either one as the base colour, then get creative and paint stripes, dots or streaks.
#5 Funky French Manicure
The classic French manicure has been revamped with a variety of modern twists for 2014 and I for one am in love with all of them! Forget the traditional pink and white combination as runway models sported contrasting coloured and even diagonal tips! Think candy apple mint nails with bubblegum pink tips for instance…divine!
Another play on the French manicure is the floating half moon where nails are painted sheer with the natural half moon of the nail filled in with white or gray. I recommend OPI Alpine Snow for the crescent shape to really get the ‘floating’ effect; if you’re going to do it then do it right!
#6 Shimmering Metallic
Metallic nail polish is in very much in style again this spring and was seen in a variety of shades including metallic rose, silver and gold at designers such as Chadwick bell and Phillip Lim’s shows.
Check out Butter London‘s amazing range of metallic colours; especially ‘Trustafarian’ and ‘Lillbet’s Jubilee’.
#7 Subtle Sparkle
Nail brand Essie has shown us that glitter isn’t just for special occasions with their ‘low key sparkle’ look at Jenny Packham. Pink and silver glitter was added to the base of painted pink nails for a fun girly and very spring-like look.
Simply limit a sparkle polish to just the edges of your nail, near to the cuticle, or even just on select fingers! You can even use glitter if you’re feeling brave!
#8 Ombre
We know that ombre hair has been a huge trend for a few seasons now and it seems ombre nails are following suit. This gradual blending of dark to light was used effectively on the runway with metallic nail polish and notably at Zac Posen’s show using pale pink and purple for a beautiful romantic effect.
To create your ombre nails:
- Paint your nails with your base colour; this can be either of the 2 colours you’ve chosen.
- On a flat surface, add a good amount of both colours side by side so they are just about touching.
- Use a toothpick to lightly twirl the colours together.
- Take a sponge and dab it in to the polish.
- Dab the sponge carefully on to the top or bottom of the nail, depending on your choice of base coat, and voila!
So please don’t forget your nails this spring! Equally as important as your makeup and fashion choices, they are a representation of your personality and style! Plus, as the runway has shown, your nails can certainly be your greatest and most effective accessory.
Cover photo: weheartit.com
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