Friday, March 29, 2013

WOMEN/STYLE SPECIAL... Nail That Trend!


Nail That Trend! 
 
From suede finishes, half-moon manicures to 3D stickers, nails are fashion’s most fun canvas today

W HEN 31-YEAR-old Nitya Verma spotted an ad for ready-to-use nail art stickers from L’Oreal in the pages of a fashion glossy, she was thrilled. “Having well-manicured hands with nice nail art gives me confidence,” says the PR professional. “It’s also a great talking point.”
Akansha Nanda, 23, who works in the social-media marketing sector, agrees that there’s no point being well-dressed if you have neglected your nails. And these days, it’s not enough to paint them a strong colour, not when nail art has gone from kitty-party staple to style essential.
Suede finish tips, half-moon manicures, polka dots and flag designs (female athletes at the last Olympics sported special manicures), your nails just became a fun new way to express yourself.
THAT’S A GREAT TIP
Nail art is popping up everywhere, on the hands of female celebrities like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Rihanna, and at fashion weeks worldwide. “Creative nail designs were the rage at the recent New York Fashion Week, and the stress was as much on the designs on the nails as it was on clothes,” reveals makeup artist Ishika Taneja, who has worked with several international fashion weeks. Rebecca Minkoff’s models showed off reverse French manicures backstage, and Kate Spade sent her models down the runway with polka-dot nails. “Choose from tie and dye, polka dot and newsprint to using salt for a crystallised texture,” says Taneja.
Nail art is also no longer considered to be frivolous. Instead it’s now being seen as an expression of one’s personal style. “Today, women experiment with different nail colours and textures. That’s why we introduced nail stickers. They are convenient, chic, and do not hinder a woman’s daily responsibilities,” says Manashi Guha, marketing manager at L’Oreal Paris.
Nail polish has always been the easiest way to lift your mood. And today, all you need are a few strokes to create interesting concepts on your nails without professional help. Also, “with brands paying attention towards the nourishment of nails, you can colour your nails more frequently without compromising their health,” explains Smita Baisakhia, senior brand manager at Colorbar.
PRO NAIL LACQUER:
This is long-lasting and boasts magnified shine and nourishing care. Available from Colorbar, Inglot and OPI.
NAIL CRACKLE:
This creates textured designs. Apply one thick coat of regular nail enamel and wait for it to dry. Then, apply one thick coat of Crackle Top Coat in one stroke, and avoid going backwards. Available from Oriflame and Colorbar.
METALLIC PAINT:
These give nails a metallic sheen. Available from Lakme, Tips&Toes.
GLITTER:
In the mood for bling? This formula has glints of glitter suspended inside an irresistible clear topcoat. For a subtle jewelled effect, apply one coat. For extra sparkle, apply more coats. Available from Oriflame, Inglot and Colorbar
MAGNETIC COLOUR:
Metal dust in the polish responds to a magnet and lets you create patterns on your nails easily. Available from Faces.
Nail extensions: These include acrylic, gel and even French nails. A lightweight plastic plate that follows the shape of the nail is glued to the tip of the natural nail in order to add length. Acrylic, gel, fibreglass or another mixture is then applied on top of the extension and is usually ‘cured’ in order to secure the extension and add strength and shine. Good for people with brittle nails
It’s not just nail art, exotic manicures are also the new rage in salons
Ciate Caviar Manicure:
Done in mother of pearls, black pearls and rainbow, it’s a 3D manicure with caviar-like balls stuck on a nail. It lasts for four days. At 1010 Nail Spa
Ice Cream Manicure:
After soaking hands in a scoop of chocolate fizz, skin is exfoliated with a strawberry-kiwi scrub. A mask and massage with vanilla whipped cream follows. At Nailspa Experience
Nails Inc Rock on Bling:
The Bling It On range from Nails Inc has two other sets – Bling It On hologram and Bling It On Midnight, that has different shades of glitter. These last for four days. At 1010 Nail Spa
Perfect Sense Paraffin Manicure:
A paraffin wax glove is used that provides hydration and protection from dryness and cracking. At VLCC Spa
Ciate Velvet Manicure:
The Velvet Manicure gives nails a finished effect unlike any other. Available in three colours – grey, purple and blue – and have a lasting effect of over a week. Done at 1010 Nail Spa
Reverse French Manicure:
A sought-after treatment where the tips shine in a bold colour and the base is paler in comparison. At Alps Cosmetic Clinic
Crystal Exfoliation:
Deep exfoliation is done with cooling mint crystals that heal cracks and give hands a shiny tanfree smooth texture. At L’amour Spa, Gurgaon
  • by Veenu Singh HTBR130318

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