Triona’s Beauty

Novel nails

I’m a bit of a basic b when it comes to my nails, alternating between an orangey-red shade in summer and a deep Rouge Noir in winter. I’ve never really been a fan of nail art, thinking it looked a little cheap. However, lately I’ve noticed a lot of cool gals sporting some seriously chic nails with a touch of — you guessed it — nail art. I fell in love with this novel nail look when I spotted it up close at New York Fashion Week, at the Cushnie et Ochs fashion show. The models’ talons sparkled as they walked the runway, so I had to get a closer look. Inspired by the work of architect Zaha Hadid, Julie Kandalec created the ‘shattered metallic ombre’ design for essie. It’s like a glittering update on the French manicure, and is perfectly achievable at home. First, apply essie First Base Base Coat, €10.99, followed by two coats of Skinny Dip or Mademoiselle — whatever your colour preference, both €9.99 — making sure to let the polish dry between applications. When it’s dry, lightly dab Summit of Style, pictured above, across the tips. And now for the trick that makes this look so gorgeous. Turn the brush, so the handle is pointing toward your wrist. Drag the brush towards the nail’s cuticle; the leftover glittery polish on the brush will give a nice graduated (‘shattered’) effect. For extra glitter, add a second coat of Summit of Style to the tips. Finish with Speed Setter Top Coat, below, €10.99, to seal in the artistry.