Trends
Let’s Talk Soak-off Gel Nail Polish
Last February I had my first experience with what is now becoming a major trend in nails; Soak-off UV Gel Nail Polish. You see my pal Heather Park from SeoulDiva had been raving for months about this NYC salon Sakura and showing off her wicked cool nail art designs using the CalGel brand of soak-off polish. Heather has managed to get more than a few of her friends hooked on Sakura including MAC Artist Keri B. who has posted some her designs on Twitter. You can read about my experience and see some more CalGel designs HERE.
Since that time Fanatics have emailed asking about CalGel and the other brands of soak-off polish on the market, including OPI’s new Axxium product so I’m giving you the 411 on the whole soak-off phenomenon after the jump. |
A Lace Nail Tutorial
I’m sure you remember seeing these amazing lace nails created by Celebrity Manicurist Elle. I posted about the lace nail trend back in September when Blake Lively and Jennifer Lopez were spotted wearing the look. Scratch Magazine loved it so much, they featured it on their December cover.
Since then I’ve seen various tutorials pop up on YouTube but none of them have looked as good or been as detailed as this one by LovelyInstinct so I thought I’d share. She uses a different method than Elle in that she applies a base coat of color underneath the lace and a lot more products. Those of you that aren’t a fan of seeing your natural nail through the lace, this is a great alternative. To recap, these are Elle’s instructions: |
Have any of you tried lace nails yet? Do you have any application tricks or tips? If you’re not a DIY gal, would you request this look from your manicurist?
Lace Nails – The Next Big Nail Trend?
 With the Konad nail art stamper fad still going strong (who would have guessed?) and Minx becoming a strong celeb nail presence where do we go from here? Well if Celebrity Manicurist Elle has anything to say about it we’ll be heading to the fabric store. You see Elle has taken nail art to a whole new level with the latest celeb trend, lace nails.
See who she’s been lacing and vote yay or nay on the look after the jump! |
A week or so ago I received an email from a reader asking about Blake Lively‘s nails from a Fashion’s Night Out event. I immediately scoured the web to get a peek and as soon as I saw the intricate lace pattern I knew my gal Elle was involved.
You see that’s her handiwork in the shot above. She created the look during an editorial shoot using our All Lacquered Up collection colors. Since she regularly works with Blake, I knew she’d have the scoop.
For the looks below on Blake and Jennifer Lopez (for the VMAs) Elle used Parisian lace. She brushes on a nail adhesive, lays down the lace, applies another coat of adhesive and then trims off the excess. For added strength you can add a layer of clear gel but she didn’t do that here.
Now I know that there are Konad wheels that have lace patterns but can it really mimic the look of real lace? I’d love to hear from my Konad loving Fanatics. Is this something you’d attempt to do at home or is it best left to the pros for special events? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this fun and funky new nail look.
image credit: Barielle and Celebutopia
So Fresh and So Clean – The White Nail Trend
 This past weekend P. Diddy hosted his annual 4th of July fete, The White Party. It’s always great for celeb watching as the Hollywood set gather to celebrate Independence Day and support a cause decked out in their finest white garb. This year Diddy co-hosted with Ashton Kutcher to benefit Malaria No More.
With a strict “white only” dress code I knew there would be some fab white nails on parade like the ones on my fave Kardashian sister Khloe. I just LOVE her. Khloe, as Chelsea Handler so eloquently put it, “you’re a real bitch and I like it!” But Khloe isn’t the only celeb who’s been sporting bright, white tips, the trend has been spreading like wildfire. Over the past couple weeks I’ve tested a whole mess of shades so if you’re looking for suggestions on the best whites to buy for summer, read on. |
Take Gwen and Lea Michele, star of my new fave fall show Glee. On Gwen white tips look rocker and edgy. On Lea the color adds a girly, upscale feel.
1. Thick, chalky and streaky So you’re either putting on three coats to get the thick lumpiness even or you’re applying four coats to get the polish opaque. Even my all time favorite, China Glaze White Kwik Silvr (below), needs three coats and it’s the BEST white I’ve ever used. Yellows have the same problems so I believe it’s just a side effect of trying to make light colors opaque. So what can you do to wear white tips with ease? My best suggestion is to wear a shimmery/glittery hues because they hide flaws better than cremes. White Kwik Silvr and Orly Gogo are hands down my favorites in the shimmer/glitter category. WKS brings on the bling so if you want to kept it subtle, opt for the Orly.
Even style icon Gwen Stefani who’s known for her retro chic makeup & hair has ditched her signature red nails in favor of white and I’m liking it. Like black, white goes with everything and it can accent a look by making it more mod, fresh, funky, etc. It’s a statement color in spite of its neutrality.
Though one thing plagues most white polishes… application. I’ve found that all white polishes I’ve tried have one of two major issues:
2. Thin, milky and semi-sheer
If sparkle isn’t your thing, look for a softer white. Yes, you need multiple coats to get it opaque but the formulas on these are easier to control and even with 3-4 coats they don’t look thick. My faves are Essie Marshmallow and OPI Peace Baby!. Peace Baby! doesn’t offer as much coverage but it’s workable.
If you’re dead set on the stark, creamy look then go for it full-on. You need a Wite-Out shade that isn’t overly chalky. It has to have major shine or else you may as well just paint your tips with correction fluid or, you know, OPI Alpine Snow Matte. Of all the truly opaque whites I tested these three are your best bets for decent application that won’t make you want to throw the bottle against the wall.
What do you think of this trend? Are you on board or jumping ship?
Do you have a favorite white that I didn’t mention? Have you found one with perfect application that’s still in production? I’d love to hear which ones tickle your fancy.
Joey McIntyre Rocks the Multi-Colored Nail Trend
I’m not gonna lie, I love me some Joey McIntyre. As a teen, Joey and Donnie were my fave New Kids and somewhere in my basement I still have my Step By Step VHS concert tape. Wow I’m old! I even started watching Boston Public, when it was still on, just because my adorable Joey joined the cast. His crystal blue eyes and curly mop top still get me!
Anywho, I’ve been following Joey and the rest of the NKOTB on Twitter as they tour the country and tonight they made their way to the CLE. I couldn’t make it to the show but I did check out Joey’s pre-concert vlog on the Let’s Get This foundation website where he revealed a set of multi-colored tips.
We’ve debated men wearing polish and we’ve discussed multi-colored nails but how do we feel about a combination of the two? I think it’s fun and applaud his bold combo though he could use a proper filing and neater paint job. Fanatics?
Lisa N.
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