Nail polish, like lipstick, eye shadow, and blush, is a must have in a woman's makeup bag. Do you want to know the timeless colors, be at the forefront of the trend? Follow the guide, our advice and our selection of favorite products …
" Generally speaking, we naturally go for darker colors in winter, then pastel in spring, neon colors in summer and earth tones in fall. But there are no rules for the nails. We wear the color we like, whatever the season! », Launches This Is Venice, alias Lili Nguyen, influencer with 103,000 subscribers on Instagram.
You will understand that when it comes to nail polish, it is above all a matter of taste, habits and desires. Some women like to change shades every week, others prefer to bet on timeless colors. Some are followers of french manicure, while others find it far too classic. So it's up to you to pick some ideas from our selection …
What are the timeless colors?
- The Red is THE color of varnish par excellence. It adapts to all outfits and is suitable for all circumstances. It is no coincidence that there are a multitude of shades ranging from dark red to raspberry red, through orange red or cherry red. Our advice: To bring a little fun to your manicure, you can apply a top coat – which serves, at the same time, to protect the varnish and to bring shine – mat effect or version top coat glittery.
Product favorite: Chanel long-lasting nail polish
Color: 500 / essential red.
Average price: € 27.
Capacity 13 ml.
Our opinion: Ultra resistant application and irreproachable quality.
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- Nude colors like beige, powder pink, brown or white are among the eternal basics to have in your vanity. These shades also have the advantage of being used to create a french manicure. Our advice: For an even more chic effect, consider choosing the shade closest to your skin tone. Also bet on an application in several layers, three ideally.
Product favorite: Kure Bazaar nail polish
Color: Essenziale.
Average price: 16 €.
Our opinion: An excellent ecological and ethical alternative, of very good quality. Rendering ? A rosy nude covering infinitely natural.
In stock at: Mademoiselle Bio
Product favorite: Mini color candy floss by Mavala
Shade 180 / Candy Floss (Pale pink varnish).
Capacity 5 ml.
Our opinion: an ultra long hold and a good quality product at a low price.
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- Gold, silver, glitter varnish or sequined top coat is also a must-have, especially during the holiday season or on special occasions. It has the merit of adding pep’s to your manicure.
Product favorite: Colorshow nail polish by Maybelline New York
Shade 90: crystal rocks – silver glitter.
Capacity: 7 ml.
Average price: € 4.68.
Our opinion: We love the shine provided by top coat glittery, guaranteed long-lasting effect and nail protection!
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Product favorite: Natural soul gold varnish
Color: gold.
Capacity: 5 ml.
Our opinion: a composition clean and a festive color that clashes with the nails.
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- Pastel colors. These shades bring softness to your nails. Pink, sea green, sky blue or turquoise blue… there is something for everyone.
Product favorite: Long-lasting nail polish by Chanel
Shade: 753 / Melody.
Capacity: 13 ml.
Our opinion: A blue full of pep's and originality.
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Product favorite: Dior glow vibes collection nail polish (limited edition)
Color: color games.
Capacity: 10 ml.
Our opinion: a vitamin color that sublimates any tan.
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- Neon colors. Yellow, pink, orange, green … These shades add a bit of pep to your manicure during the summer. Do not hesitate to change the color regularly to match your outfits.
Product favorite: Givenchy collector's edition nail polish
Tint: 15 / vivid orange.
Capacity: 10 ml.
Average price: € 26.
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Product favorite: Color Hit nail polish from Sephora Collection
Shade 115 / mama's angry.
Capacity: 5 ml.
Average price: € 3.99.
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- The black is also one of the essentials. It adds elegance to your manicure, especially in the evenings.
Product favorite: Nail Lacquer Noir from O.P.I
Color: lady in Black.
Capacity: 15 ml.
Average price: 15 €.
Our opinion: the O.P.I nail polish testers are delighted with its hold (read the reviews on Beauté Test).
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What are the trends to watch?
The trend is for cold colors such as khaki-inspired green, intense blue such as emerald or duck blue, warm taupe gray as well as tones of Tan / Terracotta or burnt orange. " These modern variations of vintage-inspired hues »Give a delightfully retro look to the look, " while classic denim blues are reimagined with shades ranging from ice blue to peacock blue. Industrial gray and shiny steel unite to inspire shades of bronze with or without reflections. Floral tones in dark and rich variations of iris, lilac, heather and blackberry complete this avant-garde collection. »Explains the O.P.I.
" Pastel and nude remain unbeatable », Assures This Is Venice, as classic and timeless nuances. On the grounds side? " Colorful French, flames, multicolored nails, graphic patterns are all trendy nail art in 2020! "
Product favorites: Essie Worth The Tassel Collection
Five shades of nail polish: red, purple, orange, brown, green
Capacity: 14 ml.
Our opinion: we love their very fine brush, which greatly facilitates application, and its long-lasting shiny effect.
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Essie Metallic Nail Polish
Color: metallic silver.
Capacity: 14 ml.
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How to apply your varnish and take care of your nails?
" For a longer hold, it is important to clean the nails well with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or acetone before applying the base, this will allow it to adhere well to the nail », Explains the specialist. So how do you apply your nail polish properly? To get a nice manicure, place a small drop of varnish at the base of your nail, at the level of the cuticle. Using the brush, draw a straight line down the center of your nail. To avoid clumps, apply a thin layer of varnish. Then put a layer of varnish on each end of your nail. To take care of her nails and protect them from dehydration and varnish pigments, " above all, do not forget the top coat! »Adds the pro.
Good to know: colored or semi-permanent gel, try it or not?
To gain hold, capsules can be artificially attached to your nails. This technique is used less and less because it appears unnatural, with the exception of french manicure during major events.
More trendy, the gel provides a perfect hold for several weeks, whether you want to strengthen your natural nails or achieve more length. Several coats are necessary to obtain a gel manicure: a base, one or two coats of varnish and a coat of top coat which serves as a finish. The catalysis of each of the different layers is done under a UV or LED lamp. These varnishes are now available in different shades. You will thus find your favorite red, pink or black… You can also give free rein to your imagination by choosing patterns of nail art which will be applied before top coat.
The technique of semi-permanent varnish is a little different from that of gel, in particular because its application is done directly on natural nails. The semi-permanent requires four coats: a base, two coats of varnish and a top coat. Between each step, passing under a UV or Led lamp also catalyzes the product and hardens the nail. Again, there is a wide choice of colors and effects depending on the nail polish brands.
Thanks to these different techniques, the nails are ultra resistant. But it is important to take special care of them after applying a gel or semi-permanent varnish to prevent them from drying out. You can then massage your nails with a vegetable oil, such as jojoba, argan or castor oil, or a cream rich in nourishing ingredients such as shea butter …
Product favorite: The 1944 Paris gel varnish range
Our opinion: This range of varnishes, made in France, is a vegan semi-permanent gel intended for professional use. In stock at the 1944 Paris site.
Product favorite: Base Coat Vernis Semi-Permanent Hybrid UV by Mollon Pro
Capacity: 15ml.
Our opinion: This base allows the semi-permanent varnish to adhere to the natural nail. Led / UV compatible.
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To read also on Aufeminin:
– 10 tips to make your nail polish last longer
– How to choose a nail polish?
– How to remove a semi permanent nail polish?
– How to wear white varnish?