Back in high school, I remember that wearing black nail polish was reserved for the Goth crowd a feat that the glossy-fashion-magazine-reading crowd just wouldn't try to traverse. Secretly, I yearned to wear the ultra-dark colors and not face judgment from my circle of friends. Now, my time has come...pack away your bright pinks and summertime sparkles for the newest trends this fall blacks, berries, wines and ultra-pale sheers.
According to Nail Expert Carolyn Cianciotto, the Grand Dame of Manicures and Pedicures, the luxe colors and fabrics of fall fashions are the inspiration for this fall's nail colors. Ready to try on some ultra-dark wines? Not so fast there, nail chameleon...
Founder and creator of Lippmann Collection, Deborah Lippmann predicts that even though color will be moving toward darker colors, you can't just make the jump in one step. She suggests trying to transition from your summer brights to more muted colors, like mauve and brown, to make a more gradual and less harsh transition.
You're ready to take the fall-nail plunge, now you have to pick a color that suits you best. Lippman suggests choosing colors based on whether your skin tone is warm or cool. A yellow base should use an orange-red color. A cool (blue or pink) base should wear a blue-red or a blood-red.
"Most people don't realize that everyone can wear red nail polish," explains Lippman. "It's just a matter of choosing the right one for you. The most important thing you can do is to get to know your skin tone. If you don't know what it is, go to the best department store and get a consultation with a beautician there."
No time for a trip to the mall? Cianciotto breaks down the best colors for you based on your overall tone.
Cheat Sheet:
Fair skin: pinks, burgundies and eggplants
Medium skin: reddish corals
Olive skin: strong, orange-y corals
Dark skin: bright reds, burgundy and eggplants
Transitioned from summer to fall colors? Check. Picked the best color for your skin tone? Check. Now it's time to make that stunning dark mani or pedi last longer than the first time you wash your nails.
Every good manicure encompasses not only fabulous and shiny color, but also smooth hands and "polished" cuticles.
"Since dark polish will draw attention to nails, be sure cuticles are smooth, pushed back and moisturized," offers nail expert Cianciotto
Since chips show up oh-so-easily with dark nails, make sure to use another little trip from Cianciotto. "Run the brush across the very tip of each nail so that you're almost painting the underside. After two minutes, brush on a top coat to finish the look with shine."
To fix chipped polish, trendsetter as a nail care innovator, Orly suggests taking a Q-tip dipped in polish remover and dab it over the chip to smooth the surface. Then, paint over with the original color
All the experts agree on a few tried-and-true tricks to make that trendy fall nail color last. The number one rule to wearing dark nail polish is a base coat. The base coat keeps your color smooth and your nails from staining post-polish. ("Dark colors stain your nails so be sure to apply the base coat every time before you polish," explains Cianciotto.)
Always finish off your mani with a glossy top-coat, it keeps your nails looking fresh and just painted. Then, according to Essie Nails, apply a shiny top coat every other day to make your nail polish last longer and keep that fresh polish shine.
As the mercury plunges, and the air gets dryer, your cuticles can take a beating. Cuticle products are important in the winter months because hands get so dry. Use an exfoliator and cuticle oil to keep your hands ultra touchable.
There ya' have it...now paint those nails, break out the boots, toss on your new fall coat and get out there you beauty addict!
Tips from Deborah Lippman to make your color last longer:
1. Wear gloves when doing household duties.
2. Make sure your nails are thoroughly dry before applying a base coat.
3. Apply a fresh glossy top coat every 2 to 3 days.
4. Always, with each coat, swipe the brush across the tip of the nail.
Fall/Winter Nail tips from Creative Nail Design:
1. Avoid removing polish more than once a week and always use an acetone-based removed. "Acetone-based remover works most efficiently in removing old enamel, including trace amounts of pigment that could lead to natural nail yellowing. It cuts through the color without leaving a residue on the nail and evaporates quickly, helping to prevent over drying of the nail and skin."
2. Keep your hands clean by washing with a lanolin-free soap and warm water. Make sure to use a nail brush, or an old toothbrush, once and a while to whisk away filing dust, oil and dirt that can hide in the folds around the nail (these culprits can cause polish to chip and peel.)
3. All nails benefit from:
Weekly or bi-weekly professional manicures
Daily conditioning and moisturizing
Coatings to protect layers and seal in valuable moisture to keep nails tough