The Bold And The Beautiful

Calling all naked nails, lips and eyes. Think you having nothing new to wear this season? Think again! We’ve got the looks you’ll want in ocean blue, juicy citrus, hot fuchsia, jungle green and more.

- Ingrie Williams

NAILS

PAINT JOB

Choosing a vibrant nail polish shade is equal parts artistry and intuition. “Certain bright shades are easier to carry off than others,” says Tamara Di Lullo, a CND Education Ambassador, nail artist and owner of Candy Nail Bar in Montreal. “If you’re reluctant about yellow or green, try warmer shades, like coral and pink, which are universally flattering.” Regardless of hue, flawless application involves adding thin layers and creating a beautiful shape with the first coat. “You only need to have one side of the brush wet,” she says. “Put it on a 45-degree angle to control the excess so it won’t pool into cuticles or side walls of nails.” For the second coat and optional third, Di Lullo lays the brush nearly flat to glide polish over nails. To avoid indentations and light patches near cuticles, adjust the angle of your brush, she says.

ART LESSON

Nail art takes bright colours to the next level. “Colour blocking, or using negative space, is really easy to handle,” she says. “You could do one nail or part of a nail – you don’t have to do all of them.” Substituting colours, like pink and red, in a classic white-tipped French manicure is popular. Di Lullo’s only rule is with regard to proportions. “Always consider the way that the colours are positioned and create an effect that elongates nails,” she says. “A light pink nail with a red stripe across it visually shortens the nail. Instead, you want something that will make the nail look longer, like red at the tip.”

IN THE BUFF