Pictures
Nail Polish
From left: Ruby Wing Color-Changing Nail Polish in Electric Firefly, $10, available at Ruby Wing; Color Club Fiesta Nail Polish in Flamingo, $5.90, available at Amazon; Ruby Wing Color-Changing Nail Polish in Crowd Surf, Green Peace, and Summer Love, $10 each, available at Ruby Wing.
Tri-Hard
We love the graphic effect a two-tone mani in complementary colors creates, but we're kinda over the usual half moon and French tip iterations. Handa brought out the best in these green hues by creating sharp lines with a triangle insert at the nail bed.
"Sharp angles add surprise value to where you would normally expect to see rounded edges," says Handa. "It's a nice way to deviate from the norm and add interest where you least expect it."
Vera Meat Spine Ring, $88, available at Vera Meat; Vera Meat Starfish Ring, $128, available at Vera Meat.
We love the graphic effect a two-tone mani in complementary colors creates, but we're kinda over the usual half moon and French tip iterations. Handa brought out the best in these green hues by creating sharp lines with a triangle insert at the nail bed.
"Sharp angles add surprise value to where you would normally expect to see rounded edges," says Handa. "It's a nice way to deviate from the norm and add interest where you least expect it."
Vera Meat Spine Ring, $88, available at Vera Meat; Vera Meat Starfish Ring, $128, available at Vera Meat.
Comic Book Coloring
Rather than doing your run-of-the-mill colorblocking, Handa created even more contrast by separating these two shades with a stark black line that gave the whole nail a cool, comic-book feel.
To help perfect the line, Handa says she uses her pinky to stabilize when drawing. She also says it's easier to attempt as one quick stroke, rather than doing it piecemeal, which can wind up looking stilted and messy.
Wanderluster Selma Stacking Rings, $50 each, available at Wanderluster; Wanderluster Alpine Pearl Ring, $55, available at Wanderluster.
Rather than doing your run-of-the-mill colorblocking, Handa created even more contrast by separating these two shades with a stark black line that gave the whole nail a cool, comic-book feel.
To help perfect the line, Handa says she uses her pinky to stabilize when drawing. She also says it's easier to attempt as one quick stroke, rather than doing it piecemeal, which can wind up looking stilted and messy.
Wanderluster Selma Stacking Rings, $50 each, available at Wanderluster; Wanderluster Alpine Pearl Ring, $55, available at Wanderluster.
Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Voile, $18, available at SpaceNK; Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black, $7.99, available at Ulta; SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Optimistic, $12, available at Dermstore.
RGB Cosmetics Nail Polish in Pool, 18, available at Net-A-Porter; Color Club Nail Polish in Endless Summer, $8, available at Color Club.
From left: Sephora + Pantone Universe Spectral Nail Polish in Antique Gold and Waterfall, $10 each, available at Sephora; Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer in Vapor, $30, available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Butter London Nail Lacquer in Marbs, $15, available at B-Glowing; Bobbi Brown Shimmer Nail Polish in Pink Pearl, $18, available at Bobbi Brown.
Manicures by Eri Handa; Modeled by Hazel at Flaunt Models
Manicures by Eri Handa; Modeled by Hazel at Flaunt Models
Cobalt Eyes
Cobalt eyes might sound crazy, but the color is so beautiful that we’re sure you’ll want to dive right in. Keep your chosen shade hyper-pigmented so that the look stays graphic, clean, and modern. “Line just below your bottom lash, blending into the lashes,” Cherman says. If you're using a shadow, wet an eyeliner brush before swirling it into the color to get a deep, more opaque application. Afraid of getting your feet wet on this one? Pair the look with natural face makeup, and the result will be refreshingly minimal, yet aquatic cool.
Sephora Collection Waterproof Contour Eye Pencil in My Boyfriend's Jeans, $9, available at Sephora; Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow in Fire Sapphire, $24, available at Estée Lauder; NARS Single Eyeshadow in Outremer, $24, available at Bloomingdale's.
Cobalt eyes might sound crazy, but the color is so beautiful that we’re sure you’ll want to dive right in. Keep your chosen shade hyper-pigmented so that the look stays graphic, clean, and modern. “Line just below your bottom lash, blending into the lashes,” Cherman says. If you're using a shadow, wet an eyeliner brush before swirling it into the color to get a deep, more opaque application. Afraid of getting your feet wet on this one? Pair the look with natural face makeup, and the result will be refreshingly minimal, yet aquatic cool.
Sephora Collection Waterproof Contour Eye Pencil in My Boyfriend's Jeans, $9, available at Sephora; Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow in Fire Sapphire, $24, available at Estée Lauder; NARS Single Eyeshadow in Outremer, $24, available at Bloomingdale's.
Metallic-Violet Eyes
A wash of light violet will give your eyes soft, dreamy definition. Skip the eyeliner altogether and sweep the shade over your lid, blending into the crease, and then just below your bottom lash line. "To keep it all super-fresh," Cherman says, "accent the look with a hint of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and a pretty pink lip color to finish."
Ellis Faas Lights in Lilac, $42, available at Space NK; Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids, $4.94, available at Target; Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in Ghost, $25, available at Sephora; Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Always a Bridesmaid, $20, available at Sephora.
A wash of light violet will give your eyes soft, dreamy definition. Skip the eyeliner altogether and sweep the shade over your lid, blending into the crease, and then just below your bottom lash line. "To keep it all super-fresh," Cherman says, "accent the look with a hint of pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and a pretty pink lip color to finish."
Ellis Faas Lights in Lilac, $42, available at Space NK; Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids, $4.94, available at Target; Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in Ghost, $25, available at Sephora; Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Always a Bridesmaid, $20, available at Sephora.
Mint-Green Eyes
Try a winged eyeliner in mint for a crazy-refreshing update on a classic. Paired with clean skin and tangerine gloss, the mint-green eye is the perfect summer statement. "The color works beautifully on all skin tones," assures Cherman. "When finished with some coats of black mascara, the contrast between black lashes and mint liner is popping, but still wearable.” On a hot summer day or night, it'll be like sipping on an iced mojito (in makeup form, of course).
Sunday Riley Prismasilk Eye Color in Mint Julep, $26, available at Barneys New York; Lancome Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner in Vert Tendresse, $48, available at Sephora; Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Turquoise, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.
Try a winged eyeliner in mint for a crazy-refreshing update on a classic. Paired with clean skin and tangerine gloss, the mint-green eye is the perfect summer statement. "The color works beautifully on all skin tones," assures Cherman. "When finished with some coats of black mascara, the contrast between black lashes and mint liner is popping, but still wearable.” On a hot summer day or night, it'll be like sipping on an iced mojito (in makeup form, of course).
Sunday Riley Prismasilk Eye Color in Mint Julep, $26, available at Barneys New York; Lancome Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner in Vert Tendresse, $48, available at Sephora; Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Turquoise, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.
Coral + Orange Cheeks
Want to feel like you’ve instantly stepped onto the sandy shores of a distant island? Us too, trust. A coral cheek feels instantly vacation-inspired, is flattering on every skintone, and can be paired with just about any lip color. “If you have a lighter skin tone, choose a slightly sheer coral with pink undertones," says Cherman. For those with medium and darker skintones, she recommends choosing one with even more "orange punch.” We definitely like the sound of that.
Cargo Blush in Laguna, $29, available at Macy's; Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit, $25, available at Sephora; Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Coral Oasis, $22, available at Sephora.
Want to feel like you’ve instantly stepped onto the sandy shores of a distant island? Us too, trust. A coral cheek feels instantly vacation-inspired, is flattering on every skintone, and can be paired with just about any lip color. “If you have a lighter skin tone, choose a slightly sheer coral with pink undertones," says Cherman. For those with medium and darker skintones, she recommends choosing one with even more "orange punch.” We definitely like the sound of that.
Cargo Blush in Laguna, $29, available at Macy's; Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit, $25, available at Sephora; Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Coral Oasis, $22, available at Sephora.
Fuchsia Cheeks
We love how doll-like and graphic a fuchsia cheek can look. Applied to the apples of your cheeks, a bright pink blush is so fun (and a little unexpected) for a nighttime look. To get the appearance of a natural summertime flush, Cherman suggests “[applying] lightly to just the apples, blending outward." She says that those with darker skintones shouldn't be afraid to go ahead and layer it on.
Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance, $24, available at Sephora; Make Up For Ever Powder Blush in Neon Pink, $21, available at Sephora; Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush in Fuchsia Temptation, $21, available at Nordstrom.
We love how doll-like and graphic a fuchsia cheek can look. Applied to the apples of your cheeks, a bright pink blush is so fun (and a little unexpected) for a nighttime look. To get the appearance of a natural summertime flush, Cherman suggests “[applying] lightly to just the apples, blending outward." She says that those with darker skintones shouldn't be afraid to go ahead and layer it on.
Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance, $24, available at Sephora; Make Up For Ever Powder Blush in Neon Pink, $21, available at Sephora; Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush in Fuchsia Temptation, $21, available at Nordstrom.
Orange Lips
Maybe it’s because it looks like you’ve just slurped down a tasty ice pop, but orange lipstick just gives us those summertime vibes. And, when we say orange here, we mean orange — corals, though perfectly lovely, just don't pack the same punch. Afraid you won't find the perfect shade? Cherman says you will. “The lighter your skin tone, the lighter shade of orange you’ll want to choose," she says. "Look for a vivid tangerine if you have darker tones, or a soft cantaloupe for more fair complexions.” Extra points for going full matte with this trend.
Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Remix Loud & Clear Lip Sheer in Tangerine Trace, $15, available at Sephora; Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in True Orange, $18, available at Sephora; Clarins 'Instant Smooth' Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Mandarin, $26, available at Nordstrom.
Maybe it’s because it looks like you’ve just slurped down a tasty ice pop, but orange lipstick just gives us those summertime vibes. And, when we say orange here, we mean orange — corals, though perfectly lovely, just don't pack the same punch. Afraid you won't find the perfect shade? Cherman says you will. “The lighter your skin tone, the lighter shade of orange you’ll want to choose," she says. "Look for a vivid tangerine if you have darker tones, or a soft cantaloupe for more fair complexions.” Extra points for going full matte with this trend.
Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Remix Loud & Clear Lip Sheer in Tangerine Trace, $15, available at Sephora; Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in True Orange, $18, available at Sephora; Clarins 'Instant Smooth' Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Mandarin, $26, available at Nordstrom.
Lavender Lips
Okay, let’s get this out of the way: We are not condoning frosted lips (that time has come and gone). Instead, think of these lavender picks as punkier alterations to your go-to pink lip, with blue undertones that work to brighten your complexion like magic. Still feeling uneasy? “The key to wearing this lip," says Cherman, "is to keep the rest of your makeup super-light and minimal, and to mix the cool lip with warmer tones." Achieve this delicate balance by sweeping bronzer over your cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Medusa's Make-Up in Rumors, $8, available at Urban Outfitters; Lime Crime Lipstick in D'Lilac, $15.99, available at Lime Crime; Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling, $7.49, available at Target.
Okay, let’s get this out of the way: We are not condoning frosted lips (that time has come and gone). Instead, think of these lavender picks as punkier alterations to your go-to pink lip, with blue undertones that work to brighten your complexion like magic. Still feeling uneasy? “The key to wearing this lip," says Cherman, "is to keep the rest of your makeup super-light and minimal, and to mix the cool lip with warmer tones." Achieve this delicate balance by sweeping bronzer over your cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Medusa's Make-Up in Rumors, $8, available at Urban Outfitters; Lime Crime Lipstick in D'Lilac, $15.99, available at Lime Crime; Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling, $7.49, available at Target.
Pale Nails
Okay, pale nails are not exactly groundbreaking, but usually it’s all about brights and neons come summer. So, pale polish is actually a surprising — and surprisingly understated — choice. "While going bright with the rest of your clothing and makeup choices, keeping nails simple and natural is very chic," Cherman says. Reach for a milky white, soft pink, or pale yellow.
SpaRitual Meditate in Transcend, $12, available at Beauty.com; BP 'Perfect Polish' Nail Lacquer in Sandbar, $5, available at Nordstrom; Vapour Organic Beauty Vernissage 3-Free Nail Lacquer in Virtue, $12, available at BeautyBar; Deborah Lippmann Deborah Lippmann Celebrity Nail Lacquer in Sarah Smile, $17, available at BeautyBar; Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Nostalgia, $18, available at Sephora.
Okay, pale nails are not exactly groundbreaking, but usually it’s all about brights and neons come summer. So, pale polish is actually a surprising — and surprisingly understated — choice. "While going bright with the rest of your clothing and makeup choices, keeping nails simple and natural is very chic," Cherman says. Reach for a milky white, soft pink, or pale yellow.
SpaRitual Meditate in Transcend, $12, available at Beauty.com; BP 'Perfect Polish' Nail Lacquer in Sandbar, $5, available at Nordstrom; Vapour Organic Beauty Vernissage 3-Free Nail Lacquer in Virtue, $12, available at BeautyBar; Deborah Lippmann Deborah Lippmann Celebrity Nail Lacquer in Sarah Smile, $17, available at BeautyBar; Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Nostalgia, $18, available at Sephora.
Metallic Nails
Now, on the flip side, consider the metallic nail your lazy-girl summer accessory. "They go with everything and always catch your eye," Cherman says. A fun twist on neutral, a metallic gunmetal or shiny rose gold will look super cool at the beach or a night on the town. Don’t get bogged down being matchy-matchy with your nails and jewelry picks — just go with it.
Essie 'Mirror Metallics' Polish in Good as Gold, $8, available at Nordstrom; Chanel Nail Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite, $27, available at Nordstrom; Bobbi Brown Shimmer Nail Polish in Pink Pearl, $18, available at Macy's.
Now, on the flip side, consider the metallic nail your lazy-girl summer accessory. "They go with everything and always catch your eye," Cherman says. A fun twist on neutral, a metallic gunmetal or shiny rose gold will look super cool at the beach or a night on the town. Don’t get bogged down being matchy-matchy with your nails and jewelry picks — just go with it.
Essie 'Mirror Metallics' Polish in Good as Gold, $8, available at Nordstrom; Chanel Nail Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite, $27, available at Nordstrom; Bobbi Brown Shimmer Nail Polish in Pink Pearl, $18, available at Macy's.
Gray Gardens
In an about-face from the usual bright and cheery hues we see this time of year, subtly moody tones of gray are going to have a mini-moment this season. There was definitely an undercurrent of gothic romance at some spring shows, most notably Jason Wu. If super-dark charcoal seems like sacrilege to spring, pick a pretty dove gray or a silver polish with duo-chrome shimmer instead for a softer way to get in on the trend.
Topshop Nail Varnish in Granite, $10, 212-966-9455 for store locations; Essie Nail Polish in Maximillion Strasse Her, $8, available in March at Essie; NARS Shimmer Nail Polish in Disco Inferno, $19, available at NARS.
In an about-face from the usual bright and cheery hues we see this time of year, subtly moody tones of gray are going to have a mini-moment this season. There was definitely an undercurrent of gothic romance at some spring shows, most notably Jason Wu. If super-dark charcoal seems like sacrilege to spring, pick a pretty dove gray or a silver polish with duo-chrome shimmer instead for a softer way to get in on the trend.
Topshop Nail Varnish in Granite, $10, 212-966-9455 for store locations; Essie Nail Polish in Maximillion Strasse Her, $8, available in March at Essie; NARS Shimmer Nail Polish in Disco Inferno, $19, available at NARS.
Birds Of A Feather
Reptiles have had all the fun for way too long — this spring, nail polish is going to the birds. From their feathers to their eggs, lacquer brands are taking their cue from our fine-feathered friends for the latest effects and finishes. Illamasqua's speckled polish is also the kick-off to another trend you'll be seeing a lot more of as the year progresses: matte glitter. Expect to see brands playing with the non-sparkly confetti in a slew of different combinations in upcoming months.
Illamasqua Speckled Nail Varnish in Fragile and Mottle, $16 each, available at Sephora; Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Polish in Brighton and York, $9.50 each, available in March at Sephora.
Reptiles have had all the fun for way too long — this spring, nail polish is going to the birds. From their feathers to their eggs, lacquer brands are taking their cue from our fine-feathered friends for the latest effects and finishes. Illamasqua's speckled polish is also the kick-off to another trend you'll be seeing a lot more of as the year progresses: matte glitter. Expect to see brands playing with the non-sparkly confetti in a slew of different combinations in upcoming months.
Illamasqua Speckled Nail Varnish in Fragile and Mottle, $16 each, available at Sephora; Nails Inc. Feathers Effect Polish in Brighton and York, $9.50 each, available in March at Sephora.
Pastel Party
Sure, pastel nails for spring may be a total cliché, but know what? We don't care. Just looking at these perky polishes makes us smile. Keep an eye on mint green and canary yellow to be the sellout shades of the season. There's also an even split between creamy finishes and those with super-fine sparkle — we can't decide which one we like better.
Julep Nail Color in Leila and Simone, $14 each, available at Julep; Butter London Nail Lacquer in Fiver, $15, available at Nordstrom; Rococo Nail Apparel Varnish in Sandrine and Babette, $16.50 each, available in March at SpaceNK.
Sure, pastel nails for spring may be a total cliché, but know what? We don't care. Just looking at these perky polishes makes us smile. Keep an eye on mint green and canary yellow to be the sellout shades of the season. There's also an even split between creamy finishes and those with super-fine sparkle — we can't decide which one we like better.
Julep Nail Color in Leila and Simone, $14 each, available at Julep; Butter London Nail Lacquer in Fiver, $15, available at Nordstrom; Rococo Nail Apparel Varnish in Sandrine and Babette, $16.50 each, available in March at SpaceNK.
Lip Service
Your lips aren't the only place to rock a sexy statement hue. In a twist on last year's matchy-matchy lips and nails, skip the demure, ladylike shades and match your vibrant pout to an equally loud and daring nail hue. This in-your-face fuchsia is a great place to start.
Ginger + Liz Nail Lacquer in Bitch Fit, $12, available at Ginger + Liz.
Your lips aren't the only place to rock a sexy statement hue. In a twist on last year's matchy-matchy lips and nails, skip the demure, ladylike shades and match your vibrant pout to an equally loud and daring nail hue. This in-your-face fuchsia is a great place to start.
Ginger + Liz Nail Lacquer in Bitch Fit, $12, available at Ginger + Liz.
Milk Maids
Creamy, milky shades of cream, white, off-white, and pale pink were de rigueur backstage at the spring shows, with everyone from Rag & Bone to Chanel keeping things low-key on the digits. Great news for girls who lack the time or patience to do a perfect mani: These simple shades are practically goof-proof and way more forgiving to shaky hands than the usual bright hues of the season. They also look refined and clean, making them the perfect accent to literally any outfit.
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Peace and Harmony, $12, available at SkinStore; OPI Nail Lacquer in Don't Burst My Bubble, $9, available in March at Ulta; Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish in Bella, $20, available at Rescue Beauty Lounge.
Creamy, milky shades of cream, white, off-white, and pale pink were de rigueur backstage at the spring shows, with everyone from Rag & Bone to Chanel keeping things low-key on the digits. Great news for girls who lack the time or patience to do a perfect mani: These simple shades are practically goof-proof and way more forgiving to shaky hands than the usual bright hues of the season. They also look refined and clean, making them the perfect accent to literally any outfit.
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Peace and Harmony, $12, available at SkinStore; OPI Nail Lacquer in Don't Burst My Bubble, $9, available in March at Ulta; Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish in Bella, $20, available at Rescue Beauty Lounge.
Sherbet Scoop
Pity Emerald Green. Sure, it may have been named Pantone's color of 2013, but 2012's hue, Tangerine Tango, just isn't ready to abdicate the color crown quite yet. Expect to see plenty more bright and sunny citrus shades make the rounds this spring, from reddish-orange and neon to creamy coral and sparkly sherbet.
Dior Vernis in Délice, $24, available in March at Dior; Priti NYC Polish in Remember Me Rose, $13.50, available in March at Priti NYC; Physicians Formula Endless Color Custom Nail Trio in California Goddess, $10.95, Physicians Formula for locations; By Terry Nail Laque Terrybly in Meli-Melon, $30, available at Barneys; Ginger + Liz Nail Lacquer in Dancehall Queen, $12, available at Ginger + Liz.
Pity Emerald Green. Sure, it may have been named Pantone's color of 2013, but 2012's hue, Tangerine Tango, just isn't ready to abdicate the color crown quite yet. Expect to see plenty more bright and sunny citrus shades make the rounds this spring, from reddish-orange and neon to creamy coral and sparkly sherbet.
Dior Vernis in Délice, $24, available in March at Dior; Priti NYC Polish in Remember Me Rose, $13.50, available in March at Priti NYC; Physicians Formula Endless Color Custom Nail Trio in California Goddess, $10.95, Physicians Formula for locations; By Terry Nail Laque Terrybly in Meli-Melon, $30, available at Barneys; Ginger + Liz Nail Lacquer in Dancehall Queen, $12, available at Ginger + Liz.
Nudist Colony
We know, we know: Nude nail polish as a trend is not exactly earth-shattering news. It's been around since what feels like the dawn of time (or at least the dawn of nail polish), but what strikes us as unique this season is the way it's being used. As nail art fatigue starts to settle in, many nail artists turned to simpler nude and earthy hues for nails, throwing in some fun metallic finishes for added interest. The array of tans, browns, and cocoas hitting shelves this month is mind-boggling.
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond, $7.99, available at CVS; Urban Decay Naked Nail Set in Toasted, Sidecar, and Naked, $26, available at Sephora; Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Careless Whisper, $17, available at Deborah Lippmann; Sheswai Lacquer Nail Lacquer in For Real, $16, available at Beautyhabit; Revlon Nail Art Expressionist Nail Enamel in Silhouette, $8.99, available at Drugstore.com.
We know, we know: Nude nail polish as a trend is not exactly earth-shattering news. It's been around since what feels like the dawn of time (or at least the dawn of nail polish), but what strikes us as unique this season is the way it's being used. As nail art fatigue starts to settle in, many nail artists turned to simpler nude and earthy hues for nails, throwing in some fun metallic finishes for added interest. The array of tans, browns, and cocoas hitting shelves this month is mind-boggling.
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond, $7.99, available at CVS; Urban Decay Naked Nail Set in Toasted, Sidecar, and Naked, $26, available at Sephora; Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Careless Whisper, $17, available at Deborah Lippmann; Sheswai Lacquer Nail Lacquer in For Real, $16, available at Beautyhabit; Revlon Nail Art Expressionist Nail Enamel in Silhouette, $8.99, available at Drugstore.com.
Victoria's Secret Nail Lacquer in Do Not Disturb, $10, Victoria's Secret for store locations.
Paired with gunmetal accessories, pastels suddenly feel less precious. Here, the metallic microglitter in Topshop's Valley nail polish adds a hint of shimmer to its creamy mint base. "Green is a hard color to pull off, but this is mild," Barokas says. "Because of the silver specks, it's more interesting."
H&M Dress, $49.95, available at H&M stores; Lulu Frost Demeter Collar, $310, available at Lulu Frost; BCBGMAXAZRIA Portia Crystal-Mesh Minaudiere, $178, available at BCBG.
H&M Dress, $49.95, available at H&M stores; Lulu Frost Demeter Collar, $310, available at Lulu Frost; BCBGMAXAZRIA Portia Crystal-Mesh Minaudiere, $178, available at BCBG.
"Shimmer is always a good option for New Year's Eve," Barokas says. We couldn't agree more. Here, she created a multidimensional look by layering The New Black polish in 24 Hour Party Purple over a base of CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Vio-Last.
Capwell + Co Curb Chain and Crystal Magnetic Bracelet, $32, available at Capwell + Co; Capwell + Co Silver Rectangle Graduated Toggle Bracelet, $28, available at Capwell + Co.
Capwell + Co Curb Chain and Crystal Magnetic Bracelet, $32, available at Capwell + Co; Capwell + Co Silver Rectangle Graduated Toggle Bracelet, $28, available at Capwell + Co.
If you've avoided glitter polishes because they're a bear to remove — and they can be! — here's a solution. Finer glitters come off more easily than chunky ones do, but the key to cleaning up your nails is in the formula. "The best way is to use 100% acetone remover from a beauty supply store," Barokas says. "It removes glitter faster than what you get at the drugstore, but it can be drying to thinner nails." To avoid parched nails, she recommends soaking nails in warm olive oil for five minutes. Couldn't be easier.
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Vio-Last, $4.99, available at Drugstore.com; The New Black Nail Polish in 24 Hour Party Purple, $32 for eight-piece set, available at Sephora.
CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Vio-Last, $4.99, available at Drugstore.com; The New Black Nail Polish in 24 Hour Party Purple, $32 for eight-piece set, available at Sephora.
Late-night celebrations call for something special, and dark red nails with a champagne-colored outline are pure glamour. "The half-moon manicure, as we've seen it, is kind of done," Barokas says. "This is a little different. Regular half-moons come down the nail, cutting it off. But doing it in reverse with a lighter shade elongates the nail."
Juliet and Company Borgogne Bracelet, $59, available at Juliet and Company; H&M Bracelet, $12.95, available at H&M stores.
Juliet and Company Borgogne Bracelet, $59, available at Juliet and Company; H&M Bracelet, $12.95, available at H&M stores.
This look is more involved than others, but the payoff is, well, golden. First, apply two coats of Sonia Kashuk nail color in Golden Ticket over the entire nail, allowing the nails to dry thoroughly. If you don't have a steady hand, place round French polish guide stickers in a U shape at the nail bed, firmly pressing the sticker to the nail. Next, apply two coats of Sephora by OPI polish in Mr. Right Now to the uncovered portion of the nail. Then, wait for at least 10 minutes before slowly removing the sticker. Finish with Seche Vite top coat.
Sonia Kashuk Nail Color in Golden Ticket, $4.79, available at Target; Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Mr. Right Now Sephora.
Sonia Kashuk Nail Color in Golden Ticket, $4.79, available at Target; Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Mr. Right Now Sephora.
Glitter doesn't have to feel juvenile. Case in point: this gold-on-champagne pairing looks more luxe than little-girl. "Glitter sometimes looks young," Barokas admits. "But, because this particular glitter is multidimensional, it looks more sophisticated."
BCBGMAXAZRIA Multistone Cocktail Ring, $38, available at BCBG.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Multistone Cocktail Ring, $38, available at BCBG.
To create the confetti-strewn effect seen here, apply one coat of Essie's Good as Gold as a base. Follow with Julep's Vivien, which has hexagonal and micro-glitter shapes to add dimension. To better control the glitter coverage, choose a glitter polish with a clear base. "You can apply another layer over an area that doesn't have much, and you won't notice any streaks," Barokas says.
Essie Nail Color in Good As Gold, $8, available at Essie; Julep Nail Color in Vivien, $14, available at Julep.
Essie Nail Color in Good As Gold, $8, available at Essie; Julep Nail Color in Vivien, $14, available at Julep.
Think French manicures are cliché? Not when they're done with a pearlized finish and topped off with colorful glitter. "This iridescent color has tones of nude and lavender," Barokas says. "It still has a natural appearance, but when the light hits it, it shines."
H&M Dress, $69.95, available at H&M stores.
H&M Dress, $69.95, available at H&M stores.
Creating this look merely requires a steady hand. After applying a base coat, Barokas slicked on two coats of MAC nail lacquer in Endless Night. After the polish dried, she applied Deborah Lippmann's Happy BIrthday over the tips in a dot-and-dab motion.
MAC Nail Lacquer in Endless Night, $17.50, available at MAC; Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Color in Happy Birthday, $18, available at Nordstrom.
MAC Nail Lacquer in Endless Night, $17.50, available at MAC; Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Color in Happy Birthday, $18, available at Nordstrom.
Chelsea Hagler (A.K.A. the Public Relations Manager of Equinox Gyms) got our pulses racing with her leopard-printed paws, inspired by the recent Lanvin and Louis Vuitton collections.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
Bow wow! Kate Albrecht of Mr. Kate loves eye-catching accessories. Case in point: her rhinestone-embellished fingertips.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
Blogger Brittany Weinstein of I Wanna Be Gwyneth chose a summer-appropriate shade that accentuates her killer tan.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
Penny Chic's Shauna Miller just redesigned her site (check it out if you haven't already!) and her latest nail art was inspired by the look and feel of the blog.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
Courtney Haas of Style Haul hit up es NAIL on Melrose Avenue for this glitter-tastic design.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
Not only does this nail technician from Marie Nails walk the walk, but she talks the talk with this tie-dye and leopard-print design.
Photographed by Us
Photographed by Us
in NYC