2011 Spring Nail Trend Report

Just like fashion, your “nail game” has to be innovative and a few steps ahead of the rest. So to stay updated on the latest I've have created this ultimate guide to spring nail trends. It’s definitely fascinating to witness nail polish evolve into an entire new element of fashion. Nail trends are constantly being talked about from the runways of your favorite designers at New York Fashion Week to the A-list celebrities that attend the most exclusive red carpet events. Nail polish has become undeniably the hottest new fashion accessory. There is an assortment of trends to choose from for everyone. Whether you go for something edgy, bold, trendy, elegant, subtle or anything in between- there’s something for you. The key to having a “Fashion Forward Mani” is to focus on either the color, texture, and/or various techniques. I will highlight my favorite brands, top 5 shades, and a few techniques which include Shellac, Crackle Polish, Minx, Junk Nails, the Lace, Moon/Reverse, and Louboutin manicures.

Nail polish is definitely the lesser expensive fashion item so I think it is safe to spend $7 to $25 on quality polish. Again, just like your clothing there are all different brands. When choosing a product, remember if it’s not a matte polish you should go for high-gloss formulas to have a perfect finish! A good topcoat is also very important for the perfect Mani! My favorite topcoat is Nailene Acrylic Strong Topcoat which is sold at most beauty supplies stores; I purchase mine from Wal-Mart. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on high end polish this will be a lifesaver to get your lesser expensive polish to lock in the color, add an amazing gloss, and last forever. However, if you don’t mind spending a bit more my top brands include China Glaze, Zoya, NARS, MAC, OPI, Essie, Dior, and Chanel. After sampling several brands these make my top 8 because of their massive color selection, application is so easy, it doesn’t chip, fade, or bubble; and they are long lasting!

Now that you have some of the top brands I need to pick the best shades for the season. There are a range of colors from neutral, bright, matte, and glossy that compliment all skin tones. I will discuss some very edgy trends and of course they aren’t for everyone. If you want something simple but fashion forward playing with unique colors will give you that edge. Neutral colors will remain very popular for spring, such as Nude, Pale Pink, and White. Although the colors lighten in the spring months darker colors are also acceptable. Grays, Chocolates, and even black with a hint of shimmer are very hawt! Pastels are the more obvious shades for the season which include pinks, pale purples and blues! The color palette for spring is very versatile- so there is definitely something for everyone.


SPRING COLORS TO BUY:

1 Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour Riva $27
2 NARS Vintage Nail Polish- Full Metal Jacket $16
4 China Glaze Audrey $4.50
5 MAC Nail Lacquer Style Clan $13
6 Dior Vernis in Pink Boa $21
7 Zoya Nail Polish Gretchen $7
9 NARS Pokerface $16
10 OPI Alpine Snow $15.60

MINX

Minx nail coverings have been around but you have to admit- they are simply amazing and the possibilities are endless! For those who are not familiar with minx- it's a flexible film nail covering that comes in all different colors and designs. It lasts typically for 8 days but there are all types of tricks for longevity; such as using a blow dryer on them every few days or holding them over steam (boiling pot of water) and then pressing the coverings to secure them.

SHELLAC
You may have seen Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Halle Berry, and many more celebs wearing it. Shellac is a mixture of nail polish and gel; which has been (pending) patented by a company called CND (Creative Nail Design). This magic potion lasts for 14 days or more with an unbelievable shine- without smudging, cracking, chipping, or disappearing like most polish does eventually! After application by a professional, a UV light is used for a few minutes and then your polish is completely dry. I know I spend most of my time waiting for my nails to dry whether it’s at the salon or at home so this part sealed the deal for me! This is a new technique and it can only be done by a licensed professional. Just like the minx nails, only licensed manicurist can even buy the products. It costs around $30 or more to have this done. And if you think about it, it's worth it. A regular polish change costs around $5-$10 and it only lasts a few days- at the most. So paying a bit more is worth it. There aren't many colors because this is still on the rise. The trick to this dilemma that most are not aware of is you can layer these colors to create new shades. Your manicurist should know this technique but if not you can see the cheat sheet by clicking here. If you already know which shade you want just remember which ones to layer and let him/her know. Here are the colors the product currently come in are Negliegee, Cream Puff, Romantique, Strawberry Smoothie, Rose Bud, Tutti Frutti, Tropix, Hot Chilis, Wildfire, Red Baroness, Fedora, Ice Cappuccino.

CRACKLE
Have you heard of crackle polish? Well let me tell you...it's a new trend that will have everyone doing a double take at your Mani! Crackle is nail polish that you layer over top of one your favorite shades. As it dries it creates a crackle design. You can also layer it over glitters for a more creative touch. I know you are wondering where you can purchase this new craze! OPI have their crackle/shatter collections that launched in January; and China Glaze will launch in February 2011! It will consist of six colors! They call the new trend, "dinosaur egg manicures".

CRACKLE APPLICATION- QUICK INSTRUCTIONS
1 Apply your base coat first.
2 Add a polish shade of your choice; and let it dry.
3 Apply your crackle polish.
4 Let it dry and watch it crack.
5 Add a top coat to seal the deal!

LOUBOUTIN MANI

Simple but definitely a fashion statement- I would like to introduce you to the Louboutin manicure! This clever design is obviously inspired by none other than, Christian Louboutin's red soles! Manicurist, Zoe Pocock came up with the design a few years ago and had everyone going crazy! And just like the pumps, this design is classic and you should definitely try it! It entails polishing the top of your nails any color- preferably black with a bright red polish on the underside. Unlike Louboutin heels this mani doesn't cost you a few stacks! The concept is definitely fashion forward- it's trendy, fun, and classy at the same time. If you want to try the classic design try using OPI Black Onyx and OPI Vodka and Caviar. And if you are ballin', pair your mani with your Red Soles & werk it! Lol.

REVERSE MANI

The reverse manicure- the name says it all. Some call it the “half moon manicure”. The key to this is to stay away from the traditional french or american manicure combinations. Choose different pairs like black and white; orange and purple; chocolate and khaki. Some of us can create this look at home but if you aren't into doing your own nails you can easily go to the salon and request this trend.

What You'll Need:
Base Coat
2 Shades of Polish
Page Reinforcers (remember those from middle school, lol)
Top Coat

JUNK NAILS

Junk nails are exactly that- nails with all types of “fabulous junk” on them- also known as “3D Nail Art”. Typically junk nails are very dramatic with various items sculpted onto your acrylic nails, glued, pierced, etc. Each nail should look different and cluttered but in a very organized way. Items that are added to your mani are fabrics, buttons, studs, piercings, rhinestones, bows, and more! If you want to tone this trend down a bit you can also stick to one item, such as rhinestones. Adding rhinestones, is very classy and a perfect idea for a night out on the town or for the holidays! Celebrities such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Willow Smith, Lady Gaga, and Cassie have rocked this trend.

LACE MANI
This season has been all about leather and lace and we’ve found that designers are channeling the same style onto their models’ nails. The name says it all- so here are instructions to complete your own at home lace mani!

Things You Will Need:
You will need black lace, scissors, toothpick(s), and a strong topcoat. Nailene Acrylic Strong topcoat is ideal because you will need something strong to hold the lace. Don’t mistake a top coat with clear polish- it’s not the same.

Step 1: With your lace- measure and cut it to fit each fingernail.
Step 2: Paint a layer of the top coat on your nails.
Step 3: While the Top Coat is still wet, apply the lace on top. The easiest method would be to paint one finger, apply the lace and then move onto the next one so the polish will not dry.
Step 4: Once you have applied the lace press it firmly with the toothpick to make sure it stays.
Step 5: Let the polish and lace dry a bit and then apply two more coats of the Nailene Acryllic Strong topcoat! And you’re done!