When it comes to accessorising this season, think deep berry reds, navy blue and cool neutral tones such as beige and cream. Touchable textures make for the ultimate statement, so for maximum impact, go all out with luxurious-feeling crushed velvet and matte leather.
Surprisingly, we’re not talking bags and shoes here… The accessory of choice for Autumn/Winter 2012 is nail lacquer. Guest Beauty Blogger Harriet gives you the inside scoop…
Nail Care – Preparation is key
When it comes to working a look, throwing it on when you’ve stumbled out of bed without a touch of make-up or employing the use of a hairbrush is never going to end well, that is unless you’re Miranda Kerr of course. The same goes for your talons!
1. Steer well away from metal nail files, which can cause damage and splitting. Instead, opt for a soft, straight file – Leighton Denny Crystal Denny (£12.50) makes shaping an absolute doddle and won’t cause unnecessary breakage.
2. Applying a nurturing, protein-enriched base coat like Nails inc. A&E Base Coat (£12.00) before your chosen shade, is absolutely essential for protection against colour-staining and providing extra nourishment for dry, brittle nails.
3. Don’t forget to finish with a high-gloss product such as Sally Hansen Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat (£6.39). Sealing your favourite nail colour with a slick of top coat allows maximum staying power, prevents chipping and therefore keeps your manicure in tip-top condition for longer. Amp things up with OPI The Man With The Golden Gun (£29.98) – a head-turning 18ct Gold Leaf flecked finishing formula.
The dark side
Showcased on Armani and Naheem Khan catwalks this season were wonderfully classic yet almost vampy shades of burgundy, scarlet and midnight blue. Get the look with Butter London Saucy Jack Nail Lacquer (£12.00) – a deep, blood red and the Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Blue Rebel (£18.00).
Naked
Keep things simple with pretty, pale shades. The minimalist beige, cream and lavender hues displayed at Dior and Christian Cota work well on all skin tones and give a ladylike, elegant feel. You can’t go wrong with Diego Dalla Palma Nail Polish in Beige French (£10.00) – a delicious, easy to wear latte colour and Mavala Mini Nail Polish in Nicosia which is a creamy, nude shade.
Feeling good
If you’re after something a little different, the texturised nail trends beginning to bloom this season are most certainly for you. Ciaté appear to be leading the way with their oh-so-popular Ciaté Velvet Manicure (£14.00), available in Blue Suede, Mink Cashmere and Berry Poncho however matte nail finishes are a great way to add a tough, textured feel with little effort. Rimmel Pro Matte Top Coat (£4.59) works a treat!
With the enormous selection of must-wear nail colours on the catwalks this season, there really is no excuse not to get creative… Be it a full blown, crushed velvet adorned manicure or a simple hint of nude polish.
Author Bio: Harriet Charnock-Bates, in-house writer for Mobile Beauty UK admittedly lives, sleeps and breathes cosmetics and enjoys penning entertaining articles with hot off the press beauty news. Mobile Beauty UK allows visitors to interact with beauty therapists and hairdressers in a unique way. Harriet also writes her own blog Resplendent.