We reveal the hottest nail trends for Summer with nail expert to the stars Sophy Robson. By Shevelle Rhule
Animal Print
Since the start of the nail art explosion – it became official – you’re never fully dressed without a little design adorning your fingers. A look popular with women of all ages and backgrounds, this style can look funky-fresh or simply add a little personality, without being too obvious. “Nails are such an accessible way of accessorising yourself without making a heavy investment like you would with hair and clothes. The dalmatian and leopard print tips I created for the Henry Holland SS12 show has remained popular this year,” explains Sophy, who has manicured the models’ talons for major fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Celine. While the professionals at places like Wah Nails can whip up a neon zebra print creation at the drop of a hat, you may need a little practice and the aid of YouTube to achieve this look at home. Models Own Nail Art Pens (£6) are the perfect product to use if you want to get those creative juices flowing and create something unique. If that sounds like too much hard work, why not get the design done for you in the form of nail transfers? Our pick of the bunch is Elegant Touch Envy Wraps Bling in Gone Wild (£7.10). Either stick on all nails or create an accessory nail where you apply to just your ring finger and pair with matching varnish.
Colour Change Manicure
The hottest way to wear your hair is dyed a hip two-toned hue and now this has translated to nails, with ombre graduation fast becoming the coolest way to paint your nails. “The easiest way to create this look on a single nail is to merge the polishes. Take three shades of the same colour or similar shades and blend them together quickly while the polish is still wet. Start with the darkest colour and use two lighter shades towards the tip of the nail.” The effect is a stylish tie-dye look that, once mastered, will make your nail look salon-professional. A simpler way to get this look is by fading across all the nails. “Choose five colours that are similar and, again, start with the darkest.” A cost-effective way to get two-tone nails is by buying a collection of colours, such as Nails Inc Colour Collection (£25) or, if you’re looking for a wider selection of hues, try Zoya nail polishes (£11).
3D Nails
While this look doesn’t require 3D glasses, it does require nail accessories that virtually lift off the nail. From Chanel logos to coloured gem stones, talons now look good from every angle. “Embellishments and 3D nails are becoming more mainstream, with studs and pearls being embedded into the nail for a cool look.” Every celebrity worth their salt has been seen rocking this trend. Admittedly, they are a little ghetto-fab and probably wouldn’t be appropriate for high-flying professionals, but they are great fun. Nazila Love Glamour’s Nail Glitz (from £9.99) are the most decadent looking 3D nails around – you’re bound to fall truly, madly, deeply in love with these innovative designs. If you fancy a go yourself, try using Matalan 3D Nail Art Pack (£2) for a totally individual and personalised finish.
Stiletto Nail
Forget square or oval, the most fashionable nail shape of the season is the pointed nail, a.k.a the Stiletto. “Nearly everyone who is fashion conscious is crossing over to the new point shape. It elongates the finger and makes hands looks more elegant.” Jessie J, Kelis, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Solange all favour this nail shape over more traditional styles and we can see why: it instantly makes nails look more fashion-savvy. To get this look, shape nails with Urbanista Neon Nail File (£3.99) filing nails in one direction. Alternatively, you can cheat with Kiss Full Cover Nails (£6.49), that already come in this pointed shape which you can then exaggerate yourself.
Special Effect Polish
“Magnetic, shatter or matte: take your pick this season. The great thing about this trend is that it’s brought out the artistic and expressive side of people.” Whether your having a fat day or bad hair day, one thing is for certain – your nails won’t let you down. Magnetic nail varnish contains iron powder that helps forms dark and wavy shapes when affected by a magnet and, depending on how you hold the magnetic over wet paint, you can determine the design. Check out Barry M’s Magnetic Nail Effect (£4.49) to get this look. Shatter nail varnish can also be worn to create a chic cracked nail polish effect. We love Rimmel Crack Your Colour (£3.99) when applied over a bold nail colour for the best effects. Rather than reaching for the typical shiny top coat, why not swap it for a matte one like Butter London Matte Finish Top Coat (£13) instead? Its cool, unique and incredibly now!
