Posts with tag manicure

Winter's coming, and you need to make sure you have the right tools to cope with the drop in temperature. We tend to lean toward items that, for one thing, can be worn with multiple things, and for another, can be adjusted according to temperature. These Marc by Marc Jacobs Painted Intarsia Gloves, $88 at Shopbop, do just that.

In a report released last week, the YWCA said that women and girls are way too worried about being beautiful. For example, more than 80 percent of the women polled said they were unhappy with their appearance. And our obsession with looking good isn't only costing us our happiness–it's costing us money.

Among the make-you-think statistics the report included was this tidbit: if women put the average $50 that monthly manicures and pedicures cost into a retirement account once a year, they'd save almost $10,000 in a decade. Shocking number, yes. (Personally, I'd rather give up my three-day-a-week Starbucks habit, though. It would save me about the same amount). I'm curious: which $50-a-month beauty fix could you go without for ten years...if the reward was ten grand?

We copy their hair, buy the dresses they wear, and try to match fashions with our favorite celebrities. So it only makes sense that we would identify with the way they do their nails.

From demure pinks to glittery metallics to wild patterns and colors, there are a million ways to paint your nails. Next time you're at the nail salon, when they send you to pick your shade, ask yourself, who do I feel like being today? Dark and wild, yet sophisticated, like Charlize Theron? Young and trendy, like Scarlett Johansson? Or are you Barbra, with nails like buttah?

Some people, like Victoria Beckham, just say "phooey!" to the concept of looking natural. The thinking is that you deserve credit for the time and effort you put into creating your look. If you think the worst insult is for someone to think those are your real nails, then you're in the Posh Spice fake nails club. With tips whiter than humanly possible, and so long and strong you can pick a lock, acrylics are a wonder solution for the ladies who love them. While best done professionally, you can pick up a few at home pointers here.

Once the territory of only the most hardcore punks, black nails became very mainstream for a few years. The trend is now receding, but you'll continue to see it on skater chicks like Avril Lavigne. If you love the classic, serious look, then black is your color of choice, skip the glitter and funny tips. You can find black nail polish almost anywhere these days, but for on-the-run rockers the Sally Hansen quick dry nail pen in black is convenient and inexpensive. Perfect for the low tech punk aesthetic.

With Helen Mirren, it's all about nuances. Here she matches her nails to her dress, but in a way that says "pulled together" instead of "matchy-matchy." Her secret? The color is in the same family as her dress, but it's a lighter shade, a small but important distinction. Also the sheerness keeps it from being to heavy. If you're all about the subtle details, like Helen, then Essie Sheers are your nails' best friends.

Charlize Theron is so radiant that she can make this punky purpley-black look like the classiest thing out there. On her it is couture. If you can pick up a street style and dress it up for lunch with the ladies or the red carpet, then you're in Charlize's elite league. Want to try out for the team? Practice with OPI Lincoln Park After Dark.

If you love tattoo designs, but don't necessarily want to commit to one for life, then Carmen Electra's star design manicure might be up your alley. The intricate design definitely requires a time commitment -- we're talking a couple of hours in the chair, between painting and drying time. But if you're the outgoing type, like Carmen, and want to make a statement with your nails, this is the way to go. Don't have all day? Try nail decals!

Rihanna is a rock and roll hottie who is isn't afraid to bring out the heavy metal accessories, including her nail polish. The bronzey metallic she's wearing here is much more interesting and fashion forward that the predictable black that others might have chosen. If you're a modern babe like Rihanna, then you're into surprising combinations and edgy choices, and you make it work every time. To get Rihanna's metallic tips, try CoverGirl Bronze Beauty.

For some girls, red is the only color for nails or lipstick. With a retro look like this, the details are all important -- smudges and chips are not to be tolerated. If, like Dita, you like a classic red gloss, then you probably also have several pairs of pointy heels, and are partial to false eyelashes and have several vintage cocktail dresses. Want Dita's nails at home? L'Oreal's Dozen Red Roses should do the trick.

Kate Walsh is one of those rare class acts in Hollywood. You can depend on her to show up, be well put together, have nice things to say about her colleagues. If you're like Kate, you might not wear polish every day, but when you get dressed up, you make the effort to do something a little special, a little shiny. And you can be sure it will match. For your next big event, take the high road like Kate with Laura Mercier's Daring, in rich, dark burgundy.

If you're like Scarlett Johansson, you're willing to experiment with make up and nail polish. You're not scared to try something new, like this white polish, in fact you prefer it to the boringly black or conservative french tips. Are you ready to make a Scarlett-like statement? Then go for Orly White Out.

Admit it, when Paula Abdul had to wear a sling and have surgery -- and lost her thumbnail! -- because of her wacky nail salon fungus problem, you were scared.

We all were.

Here at StyleDash, we are firm believers in the freedom to wear whatever colors suit your personal style. And, we definitely don't think finger and toenails need to be painted the same shades. Often we opt for a darker hue on our toes than on our hands, and that is for a couple of reasons:

For one, fingernail polish chips more quickly than polish on our toes, so painting our fingernails with something dark or bright all the time just isn't practical. Additionally, dark colors on our fingernails a dark or bright color attracts a lot of attention, which is fine sometimes, but not as desirable other times.

A little visual jazz on your fingers and toes can go a long way toward driving away the blues and beating the doldrums. It's cheaper than doing drugs, and also not illegal. And it can be such a creative outlet! From glitterly gold stickers to 3-D ceramic flowers you can even get a photo transfered on to your nails!

We recommend avoiding something like the screw in handcuff nail dangle pictured here (just $14.99!) if you have a court date. On the other hand, if you're feeling a little stuck in a rut this brightness at your fingertips is sure to cheer you up.