everything you wanted to know about gel manis but were afraid to ask

In the midst of the chaos that is life, there is something ridiculously reassuring about having a decent manicure. If my nails look good, I feel at least something is right in the universe. And for months my nails have looked fabulous thanks to my incredible manicurist, Dawn, and the genius that is the gel manicure.

I love chatting with stylist and fashion journalist Nikki Parkinson(her site, Styling You, was named Best Australian Blog 2011) about our mutual Shellac devotion – tweeting back and forth the colors we’re wearing from opposite hemispheres. (CDN, we're ready to helm the campaign for worldwide love of Shellac!)

As Nikki told me, in more than 140 characters, “Until Shellac I found getting manicures a waste of time and money. Even doing them myself was a huge waste as I'm shocking at treating my nails with respect. They would be chipped in a day!” (Nikki has hers done every 2-3 weeks. But because my nails grow fast, I usually opt for two.)

While Nikki has used Shellac exclusively, in the last seven months I’ve tried them all: OPI Axxium, CDN’s Shellac, Nail Harmony’s Gelish. And they’re hardly the same.

(Also, with my concern about greening our beauty routines, Shellac is the only one I can confirm is free of the “toxic trio” - dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.) 

OPI has such an incredible color collection, but it’s much harder on your nails than Shellac or Gelish. When I made my first appointment with Dawn, I'd had several gel manis already - but I suddenly learned the difference, as well as the importance, in a manicurist who knows the products well.

I completely agree with Nikki’s advice to “Ask around for an experienced therapist who's done the correct training in their application. I've seen some dodgy jobs and the wrong application techniques can cause the nail color to bubble or lift.” (I love that she refers to a manicurist as a therapist. We must adopt that Stateside.)

Shellac and Gelish are more polish-like (OPI comes in pots and applies like acrylic). Each coat (base, two color, top) sets under lights. Shellac uses UV, Gelish LED. Dawn used to lather my hands in sunscreen before applying Shellac but now uses the LED light for both (Shellac stays under the LED a minute or so longer.) I find the LED has worked as well as the UV.

When it comes to removal, Shellac comes off the easiest of the three, which is crazy considering how much I abuse my nails in two weeks without a chip or lift. (I owe the staying power to my manicurist’s skill as much as the product.)

CDN makes these great removal pads, though wrapping nails in acetone-soaked cotton and then foil for about ten minutes does the trick. And my natural nails are in great shape.

The only thing Shellac lacks is the wide color range of the others. When Nikki told me she was going to try layering color, I couldn’t wait to see the results, “one coat of Black Pool with one coat of Negligee over the top. It turned the black nail finish into a midnight blue. I'm going to try more layering in the future.” (Me, too.)

I asked Nikki’s advice for the best Shellac colors of the season (while it’s summer in Los Angeles, it’s winter in Queensland). “Tropix is a gorgeous coral color that I just had on my nails to brighten up my winter. It's the perfect summer color and will get you noticed! For a classic all-year-rounder - and I get three weeks out of this one - Romantique. It's a very pale pink and makes you look very polished.”

For now, I can’t get over having great color that lasts – so I tend to wear Wildfire and Decadence (I’m currently wearing Masquerade). My days of pale pinks are currently on hold.

The best part is I leave the salon with completely dry, shiny nails. Forty minutes at the salon (including the soak) and I’m good for several weeks! xo a.

Are you a fan of gel manis? Have questions? Let me know!

CND's Fall 2011 Nail Trend Forecast

CND worked on the tips of 22 shows this past New York fashion week. What better people to ask about trends then the ones who create them?

Here, CND's official Fall Trend Forecast:

"This Fall, manicures are emerging in waves of rich jewel tones, earthy and worn shades, and comfortable colors - as cozy as a boyfriend's t-shirt," says CND Co-founder and Style Director, Jan Arnold.

Eccentric, old world charm takes center stage this season with eminent dark jewel toned nails that accessorize bold satin and chiffon, off-kilter tweeds, wild jacquards and sumptuous velvet fabrics. Prince William and Kate Middleton aren't the only royal marriage in the future - runway manicures unite lavish eggplant purple with decadent gilded gold. For opulent nails, use CND's limited edition The Look: Fall 2011, comprised of Midnight Sapphire deep cobalt blue crème, Dark Amethyst velvet aubergine crème and Sheer 24K Sparkle gold lamé effect. These brand new polishes were seen on the runway at Sachin & Babi, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jen Kao and Monique Lhuillier. 

Jen Kao

Manicures delve into the past...faded, traditional and textured in soft sandstone washes of color. A literal return to the roots. Nature takes back the urban landscape with earthen shades of muted brown, green and patina peach. Pair this grounded look with rugged leather, sediment shaded woven wear, tough denim and weathered knits. For the inky spectator nails from 3.1 Phillip Lim, use warm opaque Desert Suede and half circles of Midnight Sapphire. To get Monique Lhuillier's "Shady Lady" manicure, try Silver Chrome topped with Desert Suede, and iced with Dark Amethyst.

Phillip Lim

  Monique Lhuillier

Worn-in clothes evoke softness and worn-out colors, and provide an element of comfort and timelessness. Manicures are faded with muted iridescence blushing in vintage gold, peach, icy blue and green. Worn best with softened sateen sweaters, heirloom jacquards, Victorian buttons and pearls, and smoky sheers. Custom blended minty sage nails were sported at Costello Tagliapietra, and a hazy purple was mixed for Malandrino. For the blushing taupe nails from Jenni Kayne, use Desert Suede, layered with Copper Shimmer Effect, washed out with a coat of semi-sheer Rose Water and topped with Super Matte Top Coat. Achieve waistline-approved toffee brown nails from Isaac Mizrahi using Chocolate Milk mixed with 5 drops of Asphalt.

 Jenni Kayne

 Isaac Mizrahi

 Malandrino

*All Photography Courtesy of CND.

The Nails Of NYC Fashion Week 2011

So, we've seen an overload of the hair and makeup at this week's NYC fashion week, but what about the nail trends?

Companies like CND and Dashing Diva are all over the catwalk with Spring/ Summer's must-have creations....

Here's a look at what's to come on our tips:

At Jen Kao, CND nails by Kristina Estabrooks were inspired by organic, living things in the swampy depths of nature. Long, almond shape nails were based with Gold Chrome and Midnight Sapphire, and accented with drops of Gold Pearl, Iced Blue Shimmer, and Midnight Sapphire for a psychedelic stained glass effect. An almost aquatic quality took hold to match mind-bogglingly twisted hair, green metallic eye shadow and glittery bronze brows. 

Jason Wu's majestic, baroque nails were out in full force - Roxanne Valinoti created gilded burgundy manicures using Dark Ruby layered with Bloodline, and gilded with Gold Chrome smile lines. These manicures matched slicked back ponytails with a flash of gold leaf (CND). 

At Tibi, Pattie and her team created neon pink French manicures for models to accent the designer’s hot pink accessories (Dashing Diva).

At Imitation, Pattie used Dashing Diva’s Date Night polish for a classic red nail look, requested by the designer, Tara Subkoff.

Celebrity nail technician Pattie Yankee and the Dashing Diva nail tech team worked backstage and created glitter nails for models at the Jeremy Scott show.

SNAP, CRACKLE, AND POP!

Roughed up grunge meets gorgeous glam! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish!

The six different Crackle colors include:

Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
Black Mesh – Black Crackle
Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
Fault Line – Purple Crackle
Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle

An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Will you be CRACKLING?!

China Glaze: Spring 2011

Our first 2011 Spring Collection is debuting... and it's the new China Glaze collection is, ALL HANDS ON DECK, 12 New Glitters And Crèmes For Spring 2011.

Sail away this spring in 12 nautically-inspired colors from China Glaze. These bold and confident brights are reminiscent of a carefree natural getaway, with soft ethereal hues that inspire leisurely thoughts of sand and sea. 

Colors in this collection include:

·        Life Preserver: Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème. 
·        Hey Sailor: Vibrant crème red. 
·        Ahoy!: Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck.
·        First Mate: Sophisticated and rich navy crème.
·        Starboard: Hip and playful green crème. 
·        Lighthouse: Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck.
·        White Cap: Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white.
·        Pelican Gray: High shine, cool toned grey crème. 
·        Sea Spray: Calming pale blue crème. 
·        Below Deck: A flirty mix of taupe and violet.
·        Sunset Sail: Delightful peachy pink high shine crème. 
·        Knotty: Micro-particle beige shimmer

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

What's the nail trend for Spring 2011? 

I'm thinking bright and bold...

5 Tips For Keeping Nails Nice During Winter

Temps are dropping and while you may be abreast on how to handle your skin for winter weather, did you know that your nails need special maintenance too? 

Skyy Hadley (owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa) gives her top 5 tips for taking care of your tips:


Condition Your Cuticles
The best way to ensure hydration is to exfolliate the hands and condition the cuticles to keep them soft. I recommend softening cuticles before you get in shower: load your hands with a cuticle oil, face oil or Vaseline and then rub in when you get in to the shower. The steam will help penetrate the oil/Vaseline into dry and cracked nails and skin.  (Even lip balm works as well when you’re in a pinch). Do not use a loofah as the product will get lost within the holes, be sure to use hand-on-hand action that way you utilize the product thoroughly.  Always focus on cuticle around the nails and gently massage in – those who are in a rush for time can apply dot by dot by dot.

Give Yourself A Spa Manicure to Maintain Strength
Take one cup of regular oatmeal and ½ cup of regular milk and heat up over the stove. Stir until cooked, add sugar to thicken the mixture, and then let cool a bit.  When the mix is thickened, apply to hands and feet.  Leave on for 5-10 minutes. The oatmeal soothes dry, itchy skin, and the milk acts as an exfoliant to help get rid of dry and dead skin cells. Finish off with pure shea butter as a moisturizer or a product that contains shea butter.
 
Your Nail Splits, Cracks Or Tears On The Edge
Bitter, cold temperature makes it easy to snap a nail. If this happens, drop a small amount of nail glue on the nail where it is damaged, then lay a tiny piece of facial tissue over the nail glue.  Let the nail glue dry and gently buff to smooth.  The benefit of using tissue rather than fabric is that when the tissue dries over the glue, it will become clear.  If you use a fabric, like silk, you will see the individual stitches in fabric.

Buff Nail Beds When Necessary
Winter weather calls for dry skin and nail beds. Carry a nail buffer around with you just in case of emergencies. Keep one in your purse or at your desk. A quick buff will add shine and perfection and will give your nails that freshly-manicured look in seconds!

Keep Hands & Feet MOIST!
Products that are petroleum based counteract the drying effects on skin during cold temperatures.  For an at-home version of my special spa treatments, I suggest slathering a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline or Aquaphor on hands and feet, then covering them with a plastic baggy (use small for hands and large for feet).  Soak covered hands and feet in a comfortably moist hot towel for five minutes.  The heat will help the moisturizer penetrate the skin.  Then, simply remove the baggies, wipe off the excess product, and massage the rest into your hands and feet for soft, smooth, supple skin.

Chanel Nails

In celebration of Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out, Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has created LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL, a collection of three Le Vernis Nail Colours. Ultra sophisticated shades Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert can be worn alone or combined for an urban chic camouflage effect.

It looks like Khaki is making a comeback --- on your paws! I'm smelling a trend alert brewing....

PRICE TAG: $25.00 per bottle

Would you wear these shades?!

ESSIE FALL 2010

As summer winds down, fall is winding up! Yesterday, we brought you the Nars fall collection, today, it's Essie, Fall Into Fashion, 6 moody and brooding shades that are sure to sizzle up any outfit this fall. Straight off the runway, Essie's newest collection showcases dark velvet textures and metallic embellishments.

“This fall, designers are mixing it up, combining sheer fabric with leather along with lingerie as outer wear in  deep, muted tones and bold color palettes which is very alluring,” explains Essie Weingarten, Founder/President of Essie. “I drew inspiration from the range of elegant, sanguine hues and camouflage tones.”

 The hues are the perfect accoutrement to fall's minimalist color palette. With Velvet Voyuer you can praise your paws with an intense chocolate amethyst or try Sew Psyched, a cashmere soft sage. Personally, I'm loving Limited Addiction, a staple ruby red.

The collection is available starting September from www.essie.com.

PRICE TAG: $8.00

Lady Gaga Covers Vanity Fair, September... Grey Nails Are Hot!

Is it just me or is Lady Gaga channeling her inner Lindsay Lohan on this Vanity Fair cover? I think it's the hair, it's gotta be the hair. Very Lohan-esque --- long and layered. But Gaga is the ice princess version of Lohan's super tanned physique.

I'm shocked to see Gaga so exposed. And by exposed I mean I can actually see her features. She's not hiding behind a mask or some seriously outrageous outfit. Despite the big, dramatic, glam-slam eyes (lashes aplenty), her makeup is actually quite tepid. Everything is so grey and beige. It's like the undertone of the magazine is just.... taupe and Gaga is taupe's leading lady.

Even check out the nails - beige, too.

And here's a little 411 on the nail situation. Deborah Lippmann, manicurist to the stars, styled Lady Gaga’s nails with Waking Up In Vegas. The putty-licious gray crème is a super-sultry rendition of the popular grey-nail look and, no doubt, it blends in ever so nicely with the bland palette of colors we are exploring for Gaga on this cover.

To purchase the Deborah Lippmann shade used on Lady Gaga ($16.00), click here.

Sephora by OPI Nail Wraps

To wear or not to wear... Nail sheets with pritns on them! Would your claws approve? Sephora and OPI are hoping you say YES, as their collaboration has just launched CHIC, an innovative line, which creates customized nails, featuring a myriad of patterns and prints including anchor, stars, checkers, tiger, fishnet, chrome lace, black & gold geometric, or skulls.

My friend Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia was sporting some fierce design on her nails. She said they were some new form of manicure - not polish - but a wrap that sticks to the nail. Interest piqued, I decided to investigate online.  That's when I stumbled across Chic Print for Nails.

Personally, I'm having a flashback: colored Lee Press-On Nails. Oy.

How to use:

"One set of Chic Print for Nails contains 16 nail patches of varying widths, for a one-time application to fingers or toes. The nail patch is a solid-film material with an adhesive back that is heat activated. Applying heat creates conformability, allowing the patch to fit over the compound curves of your nails and seal onto the nail bed. The patent-pending material removes easily with heat."

As trends go, this is yet another way to accessorize the claws. But I like it... it's got pizazz. And if their number of facebook friends means anything (1,234), these nails are the new "it" manicure must-have!

PRICE TAG: $15.00 for a set.

Has anyone tried them? Do they work?

FALL NAILS FROM CHINA GLAZE

I can't believe summer isn't even officially here and we're showcasing fall collections! But, here it is, fall 2010 nails from China Glaze.

China Glaze Vintage Vixen Collection captures the vivid and saturated hues of the 1940’s with this seductively complex palette. These classic shades of the season recreate the timeless tableau of movie land mystique, perfect red pouts and steamy nights where swing was the scene!

Step out with these multi-faceted jewel tones, rich reds, titillating taupes and smoldering sands. This collection deliverers a high octane 40’s era glamour with a sophisticated edge.

The 12 colors in this collection include:

Riveter Rouge – Deep red shimmer
Foxy – Burgundy frost with shimmer
Goin’ My Way – Brown frost with copper shimmer
Classic Camel – Khaki crème with gold micro glitter
Swing Baby –  Taupe frost with silver micro glitter
Ingrid – “Greige” crème with copper micro glitter
Hey Doll – Rose frost with shimmer
Bogie – Plum frost with shimmer
First Class Tocket – Deep purple frost with shimmer
Midnight Mission – Navy blue frost with silver micro glitter
Emerald Fitzgerald – Turquoise green frost with shimmer
Jitterbug – Grey chrome with silver micro glitter

The China Glaze Vintage Vixen collection starts shipping June 6th internationally and July 6th, 2010 domestically. All 12 colors will be available as open stock, in 6 piece box collections, a 12 piece counter display and a 36 piece rack. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

Are you loving the hues?

ESSIE RESORT COLLECTION

The Resort Collection from Essie is exactly what you'd think: fun, flirty, a sorbet of vibrant hues.

The colors include: Lapis of Luxury, Splash of Grenadine, Playa del Platinum and Turquoise & Caicos.

Doesn't it just screem vacation!? Oh, do I need a vacation.  I'd wear Lapis of Luxury on my toes as I swim the high tide in St. Barths...

MULTIPURPOSE MAGIC

From a 2,000 year old formula said to be inscribed upon a pyramid in Giza, comes the top secret formula for Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream "The People's Choice." The no-frills jars hit stores 18 years ago this month and by word of mouth garnered a worldwide following, and cult status in film and fashion. I first heard about it from my friend Erin. As an Emmy-award winning makeup artist, she is always a brilliant source of info. She raved about its versatility on set as well as at home. She’s not alone. Madonna, Kate Hudson, Gucci Westman and Anya Hindmarch are just a few who adore this multipurpose cream. Now I know why.

With a consistency similar to shea butter, it melts into the skin with the faintest scent of beeswax. It feels like an oil but soaks in immediately without lingering greasiness. While it is wonderful for rough skin like elbows and heels, it’s gentle enough for my sensitive, eczema prone skin (while they make no claims to be a medical treatment, about a third of users have skin issues like eczema and psoriasis).

Massaged into my cuticles it’s like an instant manicure and I honestly think if I had one desert island pick, this would have to be it. My friend Morgan has used it for dry skin throughout her pregnancy and Erin found it to be a fantastic diaper rash ointment for her babies. It is an all-natural, all purpose product for men, women and children. Apply it as a moisturizer, an anti aging cream, salve for burns and to prevent scars from cuts and stretch marks. It’s also a hair conditioner, lip balm, insect bite ointment and post-shave soother. And the list goes on. As Real Simple magazine aptly put it, it does, “Quite possibly everything, except your taxes.”

Incredibly, this product with infinite uses is made with just seven natural ingredients: olive oil, honey, bee’s wax, royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis and divine love. A little goes a long way, so the four-ounce jar should last you some time. For more info, check out the video demos and testimonials on their website. You can purchase Egyptian Magic online here and here or closer to home by using this store locator. At under $35, it’s indulgence without a Crème de la Mer price tag. What more could you want? xo a.

MAC's NEW LAQUERS

Jin Soon Choi's (of Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spas) MAC colors for fall:

Top: Cool Reserve, Rich, Dark, Delicious, and Beyond Jealous.

Bottom: Dance All Night, Dry Martini, and For Fun

Quite dark, moody and full of attitude. I love them all but feel a special fondness toward Cool Reserve, the matte grey/ lavender hue.

Have a favorite? Let us know!

Polishes available at MAC stores on August 27th. I loathe the wait time!

*photo credit: nymag.com

QUICK ON YOUR FEET

Sometimes I wish there were 30 hours in a day. There are times that even with the best intentions the things I need to get done simply don’t. In just such a bind I found myself rushing though CVS last Friday. I was looking for a quick dry nail polish because I didn’t have time for a pedicure but needed a polish change before a party. I saw a display for Insta-Dri, a new line by Sally Hansen. They had over a dozen shades and a quick check of the label showed that the worst offenders in the polish biz were not to be found. In fact, the Sally Hansen website acknowledges concern about toluene, DBP and formaldehyde and, “As part of its Sally Cares initiative, Sally Hansen has proactively responded to these potential concerns by reformulating our products to remove these ingredients from all nail care products.”

I found a great coral shade, Sonic Bloom, very much like the Zoya color I’d been wearing (and great with a tan...real or faux). The color was bright and glossy and dried in time for me to slip into sandals and get out the door. The genius feature is the contoured Perfectionist Brush, shaped to allow for maximum coverage and no need to go over areas twice. As with most quick dries the color doesn’t last like traditional polishes but it’s perfect in a pinch. I recommend adding a topcoat for a bit more shine and staying power (I love Barielle No-Chip Speed Dry With Silk Protein). Then it’s back to the rat race. xo a.

ALEX’S STAYCATION TIP no. 2: How to have happy feet

The majority of my hair, skin and beauty products are organic or at least free of the worst offenders (such as parabens, phalates and sulfates). So, when I came across the ZOYA nail polish line a few years ago I was thrilled. The company was the first to take out the toxic ingredients found in polish, like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phalate without taking away the staying power or great shine found in the older formulas. You don’t have to suffer when you make eco-friendly beauty choices. And with hundreds of colors there’s something for everyone (including plenty of sparkles for the kids who tend to chew the polish off ingesting all sorts of chemicals).


Whether you have pedicures done year round or wait for summer, here's a polish to keep you happy and healthy. Right now I’m wearing GIA, a bright coral red but I‘m loving the new La-Di-Da Summer Collection, especially the nostalgic 80s neon pink ALI and perfect with a tan AMERICA. I’m tempted to pick up the sampler collection to try the whole group. For my hands I love a light, clean polish like SADIE.

The ZOYA site has a search engine to help you narrow down colors from their massive catalogue and rates each polish according to tone, finish, color family and color intensity (0=Very Sheer – 5=Very Opaque). Buy online or check their database for a store near you.


When hands and feet need some TLC, I am addicted to Yes To Carrots Pampering Spa Manicure scrub. This paraben and phalate free scrub is made with Dead Sea salts, oils and extracts from carrots, sweet potatoes, pomegranates and figs. It’s a one-minute mini manicure. Just massage into hands or feet and as British newspaper The Guardian wrote, "Rub this grainy liquid into your hands, rinse and you'll be left with a non-greasy coating of moisturiser. Absolute genius." xo a.

NARS Vintage Polish

Bring back the oldies!

In honor of NARS’ 15th anniversary, François Nars has resurrected some of the brand’s long-lost nail polishes from the archives. For a limited time, experience the signature high-gloss, extra durable formula in an assortment of five vibrant nail hues. It seems some shades never go out of style...

Blue Lagoon (Originally launched in 2001) – Lagoon is an iridescent powder blue that feels as fresh as an ocean breeze after months of navy tips

Cha Cha Cha (Originally launched in 2001) – A semi-sheer tangerine with gold reflections, it is as sensual and vivacious as the Cuban dance it is named after

Hunger (Originally launched in 2001) – A hot orange red that offers a summer respite for classic red devotees

Tallulah (Originally launched in 1998) Like Demi Moore's daughter! – A slightly moody and entirely elegant shade of rich grape, gives tips a taste of the good life

Zizi (Originally launched in 1999) – This clear with peach and gold glitter polish dazzles both on its own and atop of other polishes

PRICE TAG: $16.00
available now! click here.

Nicky Hilton Hosts OPI and Paige Denim Launch

Would you match your polish to your jeans?

OPI and Paige Premium Denim are hoping the answer to that question is "yes."

Nicky at the party (check out that amazing blue-faced watch!)

The two brands have joined forces to launch Bright Pair, 6 creme, bold-hued summer polish shades with matching colored skinny jeans and cut-off shorts. I attended the party at Fred Segal on Melrose where my friend Nicky Hilton (above, wearing OPI's No Room for the Blues polish with matching blue Paige skinnies), along with 90210's (2.0) Jessica Lowndes hosted a festive little fete, complete with a delicious candy bar (the multi-colored tropical Skittles were hard to resist).

Display at Fred Segal

I spoke briefly with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Artistic Director of OPI, and she explained what an honor it is to be a part of this collaboration -- mixing fashion and beauty in a way that hasn't been done. She also gushed over the fabulous fit of Paige Premium Denim and said it was a no-brainer to team up with the brand.

The Lacquer (from left):

Over The Taupe, On The Same Paige, In My Back Pocket, A Grape Fit, No Room For The Blues, Shorts Story.

I thought I'd never wear blue polish but I must admit, I'm quite impressed with No Room for the Blues, an incredibly wearable bright blue hue - up close, it has the most brilliant creme finish without bordering on overdone or neon madness. Shorts Story is rather summery as well, but then again, I'm a sucker for a good pink.

The Denim

Available NOW!

Any colors you're dying to own?

Nail Trends - Straight Off The Runway

When it comes to nails, CND (Creative Nail Design) ruled the runway. They were responsible for tending to the nails of the models at 51 shows this past Fall fashion week.

Here, CND manicurists dish on the top 5 trends:

(click on image to enlarge)

Tickle the Ivories – Glimmering ivory and buttercup blond manicures debuted on the runways of Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu and Tommy Hilfiger. The look is opaque, not sheer, with a hint of golden shimmer.

Dark is Classic – Ebonized jewel tones in sapphire and amethyst punctuated the seriously sexy styling at BCBG, Herve Leger and DKNY, while Milly and Luca Luca showed classic dark raisin manicures to complement their feminine collections. At Miss Sixty, pure black Voodoo polish was reserved for pedicures. At Diesel, a custom shade of dark chocolate enamel was mixed to match the clothes.

40s Moon Manicure – Ruffian, inspired by a vintage Vogue cover, updated the moon manicure from Vogue’s coral to a deep blood red. At Thakoon, it was a French moon mani in beige and black. At FORM, the urban black uniforms were contrasted with 40s hair and makeup and black and white moon manicures. At ThreeAsFour, the manicure was abstracted with black triangular moons on nude nails.

Greige & Dirty Pastels – The non color of choice for fall is grey. At Kai Kuhne, manis were a gradated effect with grey shades evolving from pinky to thumb. Custom shades of grey and mushroom were mixed for Karen Walker, Costello Tagliopietra, Matthew Williamson, Yigal Azrouel, and Malandrino.

Vintage Metallics – Nails are jewels not tools, treat them like the fashion accessory they are. At Marchesa, the look was a metallic charcoal veil to pick up on the delicate embroidery. Baby Phat manis were a universally flattering warm antique gold while Binetti showed distressed gold and silver on a black base.

Which trend would YOU sport?

My Spring Nail Color Is...

MAC's Hello Kitty Something About Pink!

(thumb nail pic)

Every year pink gets a face lift. It becomes brighter, bolder and more fun to wear. It's the shade that never ceases to stay relevant.

I LOVE this pick. It's like the lovechild of bubble gum and cotton candy - the perfect shade of neon pink without blinding your eyes.

What do YOU think?