From high fashion to high street: nail art trends for summer

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

floralfashionspalette

 

As Seen On: Diane Von Furstenerg, Mulberry, Anna Sui, Bottega Veneta

Perfect for: Feeling like Juliet and having an Italian summer fling!

To buy: Barry M: Rose Quartz; Barry M: Pink Silver Glitter; Accessorize Intense: Peony; MUA: Purple Mist

Although you might think of glitter nail polish as last seen on your little sister at her best friend’s birthday party, it’s coming back in a big way and fits wonderfully with the super feminine trends seen on the S/S ’13 catwalks. For a demure yet feminine look, use a shimmer nail varnish that will capture the summer sun beautifully. Layer a glittery pastel colour over a classic French manicure base to allow the pale colours to shine through, but remember to avoid chunkier glitters like Barry M’s Pink Sapphire; this look is all about the suggestion of shimmer. With your nails as demure as can be, pair with ditsy florals and a romantic pink smokey eye for the ultimate in “Kiss me, you fool!” glamour.

60s MONOCROME MAMA

60smonochromepalette

As Seen On: Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren

Perfect for: Gritty city breaks, hanging around art galleries and looking intellectual

To buy: Invogue: Concrete Black Magic; Barry M: Black; Essie: Matte About You Top Coat; OPI Matte: Lincoln Park After Dark; OPI Matte: Alpine Snow 

Hitting up two trends at once is the both 60s monochrome nail, and there has never been a better time to try out matte nail polishes. More commonly seen targeted to men as ‘male polish’, matte polishes are the next big thing on the polish scene. The texture’s unusual but when you tape off a section with some traditional lacquer, a beautiful effect is created from contrasting textures. Show your fashion credentials to your new gallery-friends by doing a reverse manicure with matte white nails and black tips. Don’t be afraid to experiment with lines, the more geometric madness the better. Slick on the white eyeliner and add some classic white rimmed sunglasses to complete this summer trend.

 

MYSTERY MERMAID

aquamermaidpalette

As Seen On: Burberry, Felder Felder, Zac Posen

Perfect for: Strutting your stuff on the beach, being a bright blue beacon under your English summer-umbrella

To buy: Barry M: Aqua Glitter; Barry M: Turquoise; Rimmel Lycra: Aqua Cool; Revlon Brilliant Strength: Mesmerise

There’s only one colour to be seen in this season, and it shouldn’t leave you feeling blue (even if the English weather might!). The shade doesn’t matter so much, as long as it’s blue, blue, blue! A pastel cornflower blue nail looks lovely with summer florals, but you could also stride out into the neon trend with a bolder blue look. Save the patterns for monochrome nails, this should be all about pure, unadulterated colour.  Glam the look up with gold and white accents, but be careful to err on the side of ‘stylish’ and not ‘90s prostitute’, which means minimal jewellery and white leather is most definitely out! This is an easy look for every occasion, perfect for looking like a beautiful mermaid even if the only water you’re near is the rain…