Nails are beauty's hot ticket item, and there's a lot to look forward to this year. 2011 was a huge year, dominated by crackle coat, polish strips, and Lady Gaga talons, but 2012 is shaping up to be just as innovative (if not more so). From the fake nail look you won't believe to what's in store with mix and match Minx patterns, these are the looks you'll be lusting after.
Photo: Becky Maynes
Source: 5 Nail Trends to Look Out For in 2012
The holiday season is rife with glitter nail polish of all sorts, from flakies to hexagon shapes to everything in between. And while this variety of lacquer is festive and fun, the removal process isn't always quite as joyous. You don't have to use mountains of cotton pads and gallons of polish remover to get the shimmery stuff off, however. Just follow these simple tips below to make it easy on yourself.
Alternative: in lieu of foil and cotton balls, use white felt with acetone nail polish remover to get the glitter off. What are your tips for wiping away glitter lacquer? Share them with us in the comments now.
Source: Flickr User oxcnpxo
Source: How to Remove Glitter Nail Polish
The great thing about nail art is that there is no right or wrong way to do it, and the marble manicure is the perfect example of creativity unleashed. While this type of polishing technique takes some time and patience, the results are well worth it in the end.
Important prep information: Start by painting your nails white as a base coat. Once dry, apply transparent tape on the skin surrounding each of the nails. These will act as shields, keeping the polish from adhering to the skin. Ready? Then follow the step-by-step instructions now.
Source: How to Do a Holiday Marble Manicure
The controversy is over. After weeks of back and forth about whether the collection would ever see the light of day, fans of The Hunger Games can rest assured that they will be able to cover their digits in the gold of Cinna's eyeliner. The nail polish collection is, once and for all, confirmed. China Glaze will be debuting the official line on March 1, 2012, to coincide with the film's March 23 US premiere date. Although shade previews found their way onto the internet earlier this year, China Glaze says that polish colors are still in development, although they'll all be inspired by Panem. So look for lots of decadent effects, cool color, and maybe a slightly sinister vibe, too.
The year may be coming to a close, but the new season of nail shades and textures is just hitting its stride. In December, matte makes its return, we get some amazing gift sets, and two of the prettiest top coats you'll ever see make their debut. When it comes to your digits, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Source: Flickr User Jesse757
Source: Deck Your Nails: December's 10 Prettiest New Polishes
Magnetic nail polish is a growing trend, but did you know you can make it at home in about a minute? Yep. Plus, you can use colors you already have. You won't believe how simple it is, but you do need to know a few things to get it right. So read this carefully before you do it, and happy painting!
Source: How to Make Your Own Magnetic Nail Polish
The holidays are here again, and it's time to get festive. You don't have to break out the red lipstick and green eye shadow to show that you've got the spirit of the season, though. These 16 nail stick-on nail polish strips are cute, easy to apply, and packed with plenty of holiday mirth.
Source: Flickr User Shandi-lee
Source: 16 of the Season's Most Fun, Most Festive Nail Decals
Gel manicures have been all the rage these days, with countless brands coming out with their own versions of the long-lasting polish. But, just like any other salon service, it's always good to do your research before paying a visit to the nail salon. Cleveland's 5 On Your Side news team recently went undercover, sending 10 women with hidden cameras to get gel manicures, specifically CND's Shellac. They found that not all of the salons followed the manufacturers' recommended procedures correctly.
For instance, two women observed that different brands other than CND were also used in their manicures, and others saw an inconsistency in number of layers put on as well as technique. "Application is paramount to get the polish to stay on," explained Barbara Brussee, a licensed cosmetology instructor. (Note: We tried the service and loved it.) But to see how you can establish safeguards, just keep reading.
November is that rare cool-toned month. Unlike its neighbors, October and December, it eschews Halloween brights and Santa shades in favor of moody aubergine, glacial azures, and greens that are a far cry from their pastel April counterparts. From the gorgeous, new flaked polish you won't want to pass up to the amazingly affordable iridescent polish for $3, November is about to get truly cool.
Source: Flickr User Gibson Claire McGuire Regester
Source: November's 10 Nicest New Nail Polishes
Nothing says Halloween quite like candy corn, but, in lieu of loading up on the sugary treats, save your gastronomic health with this fun, impressive candy corn manicure. The best part about it is that there's no right or wrong way to achieve it. Experiment with color placement (I made mine gradiate from orange to yellow to white instead of the traditional yellow to orange to white) or thickness of layers (try tapering each color for a more realistic effect). Want to get your candy (corn) on? Learn how to nail it now.
