2012’s MegaHot Mani
Like camelcoloured pumps, the nude-nail craze is perfect for day or night, adds tonnes of chic appeal, and goes with everything! Go on...be a nudist!
THE PRO Celebrity nail artist Jenna Hipp.
THE PREP Remove polish, then swipe bare nails with alcohol to nix any oils that could prevent polish from sticking.
THE TECHNIQUE
1File nails in one direction (this season’s ‘It’ shape: round and just past fingertips). Sawing back and forth splits the delicate nail layers, which can peel polish.
2A neat, perfect paint job is key to this look. If you’re not skilled at staying inside the lines, protect your cuticles with pieces of clear tape.
3Following a base coat, apply two coats of nude polish, first running the brush up the centre of the nails, then working outwards. Seal colour with top coat.
4Aim a blow-dryer towards nails at a 45-degree angle, using the cool setting (hot air prevents solvents from evaporating, so polish won’t set). When nails dry, remove tape from Step 2.
5Dip a foundation brush into olive oil, and lightly sweep it from knuckle to cuticle for a glowy finish—rubbing in a thick lotion with hands can smudge your work.