“What you have on your hands and feet is now just as important as your handbag or your shoes,” declares Angela Taylor, a nail designer at Nicole’s of Ladue. Traditionalists will love Tom Ford’s Indian Pink or Essie’s Private Weekend. But if you’re in the market to try something new, options like shellac, acrylic, and nail shrink-wrap are available as alternatives to traditional polish.
Select a Color
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To begin, Taylor suggests choosing a color based on skin tone.
“For people with paler skin, a true red always looks good,” she says. “Some of the lighter nudes and pinks work, too.”
Darker skin affords even more possibilities. “You can go neon, bright, or light,” she says. Popular colors that complement summer tans include white, purple, and teal.
For those who prefer at-home manicures, the beauty counters at Neiman Marcus are teaming with possibilities. Standout shades include Tom Ford’s Toasted Sugar and Indian Pink; in addition to the latest colors from Chanel, Deborah Lippman, Dior, YSL, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, and Estee Lauder.
For those who can’t decide on just one shade, Taylor insists that fingers and toenails need not match to be on-trend.
Choose a Shape
The pointed, talon-like nails of the past few seasons are on the way out. Instead, Taylor recommends requesting an oval shape or the “squoval”—a square nail with rounded edges—her personal favorite. Another option is the French manicure, which is always in style but this summer gets an update. “We’ve been doing some multi-colored French tips,” says Taylor. “We do a nice nude color for the nail base, and then a colored tip, maybe in a pastel. It’s a big trend right now.”
Dress It Up
For those who like to play, nail design is making a comeback, says Taylor. A self-proclaimed “sparkle queen,” she says shimmery topcoats are this season’s must-have. “Adding a little sparkle makes your color pop.”
To kick your manicure up a notch inquire about Minx, an adhesive nail paper that technicians shrink-wrap to nails using heat. Minx comes in a wide range of bold patterns, like cheetah print, polka dots, metallic, and hounds tooth. “People like to do them on a few nails as an accent,” Taylor says. “They’re really fun.” Because Minx lasts two weeks on fingernails and four to six weeks on toes, it’s a great option for those who love bold nails but can’t get to the salon on a regular basis.
After the Salon
Using a topcoat every two to three days after a salon appointment will help keep nails looking shiny, says Taylor. If you keep a regular appointment, she recommends applying a topcoat every two to three days.
While shellac manicures don’t require as much shine maintenance, they still need some attention. “Make sure to apply oil around your cuticles. It keeps them looking healthy.”
But perhaps most important is to remember to have express your personal style with nail color and design. From a simple nude manicure to a pedicure accented with stripes, there’s sure to be something that’s just right for you.
“For this season really anything goes!” says Taylor.
Book your nail appointment with Taylor or one of the other nail technicians at Nicole’s by calling 314-993-9797, or click here to make an appointment online.
