Spring/Summer 2011 Nail Trends


I’m not hugely adventurous when it comes to beauty trends. I’d never, for example, feel confident enough to wear neon blue eyeshadow on a trip to the supermarket. I’d never visit a salon and ask them to dip-dye my hair in shades of primary colours. And I’d never wear feather faux eyelashes and flutter away on a night out. The truth is that I write about a lot of trends that I would never dare to try out myself.

My nails, however, are a different story… Kept safely away from the realms of my complexion (which is, after all, the first thing people see when they meet you), I have the guts to be far more creative. And that’s why one of my favourite things about the coming of a new season is the chance to play around with new nail trends.

Inspired? Here are four of my favourite nail trends for Spring/Summer 2011…

1. BLUE – Make a splash with talons in any shade of blue – from the brightest azures to the palest hues of ice. The trend was seen at Giorgio Armani and Nicholas K. Nail brands are launching blue shades to satisfy demand – and shelves are clearing as quickly as they are filled. I love: Nailgirls Classic Colour in Teal 1, Blue 4, or Blue 6, all £9.95.

2. ICE CREAM PASTELS – Whether it’s a pale lilac, icy mint, soft pink, or creamy vanilla – there are few more fashionable ways to wear nails for Spring Summer 2011 than dipped in good-enough-to eat ice cream shades. The look was seen at Isaac Mizrahi, Monique Lhuillier, and Dsquared2. I love: Clarins Glossy Nail Colour in Soft Pink or Soft Peach, both £10.61.

3. CHARCOAL SHADES – From metallic charcoal, to pale grey, to deep black – smoky shades are bang on trend for the season ahead, with Chanel and Burberry setting the trend. It may not seem suited to the warmer months of the year, but this is the perfect way to toughen up a pretty floral dress. I love: Nailgirls Classic Colour in Matte Grey, Matte Black 1, or Black 1, all £9.95.

4. ORANGE – Quite the opposite to the brooding trend above, orange couldn’t be more bright or summery – and we have full permission from the style gods to paint our nails in its cheery hues all summer long. Who were those style gods, you ask? Christian Dior and Gucci, of course. I love: Dior Vernis Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer in Mandarin Orange or Psychedelic Orange, both £16.50.

And to make sure that your on-trend manicure lasts? Always finish with a topcoat. Dior Top Coat 10ml, £12.75 is perfect for the job.

Enjoy painting!

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