As a nail lacquer lover, I've been counting down the days to the arrival of spring to debut brightly colored fingertips. But I refuse to endure another season of swapping out the same shades of red, pink and orange. BORING! In desperate need of a mani upgrade, I decided to get MINX'd. After reading about the mirror-like applique manicures -- which are a favorite among celebrities and socialites -- in Vogue, I decided I. Had.To. Have.It.
Luckily, New York writer, Huge Lips, Skinny Hips-creator, and soon-to-be-Stylelist blogger Karen Robinovitz was organizing a MINX'd nail party at her West Village apartment. There, I got the full scoop from nail extraordinaire Honey: MINX creator Janice Jordan grew frustrated with constantly chipped nails and developed a formula that's inspired by NASCAR decal technology. These metallic, film appliques give nails a sleek, mirror-finish -- sure to zoom pass French tips as the most requested look. And celebs like Blake Lively, Zoe Kravitz, and Beyonce (who flashed 'Gold Lightning' in her "Single Ladies" video) are riding this new wave in nail trends.
To find out where you can get MINX'd ($40-$60) this spring, visit minxnails.com.
Nailed It: Springs Hottest Tip Trends
Been-there red? Played-out pink? We think not! The trendiest celebs are rocking daring hues on their digits – think inky black, sunny yellow, turquoise, and chocolate brown. "The right polish can be as transformative as a change in hair color or a new lipstick," says hair and makeup guru Robin Narvaez of Salon Eliut Rivera in New York City. But you can't be shy! These polishes are pure va-va-voom!
- Melissa Foss
FilmMagic
These days, The City star Whitney Port has become a trend-setter extraordinaire, so be on the lookout for turquoise nails. Keep your other makeup light and neutral and make sure nails are super short and square – long, turquoise talons are a definite no-no.
TRY:Essie Nail Polish in Shelter Island , $9
The Media Circuit / WENN
Shiny black polish has been around now for a few seasons, but the new twist is a girly/goth matte finish, which looks equally great on fingers and toes to toughen up a white or pastel Spring look.
TRY: KnockOut Nail Polish in Flatte Black, $22
(Polishes available through Henri Bendel Concierge)
Getty Images
Yellow? Who would have thought it could look so fierce! It's not for the faint of heart, but if you're wearing a neutral tone from head to toe a shade this vibrant acts as its own accessory.
TRY: Mattese Nail Polish in Neon Sunburst, $4.99
Getty Images
Chocolate brown nails are the height of sophistication. A little less harsh than black, they still lend any outfit an slightly edgy air and work for any age group.
TRY: Lippmann Collection Color Nail Lacquer in Maneater, $15
Wireimage
We love and covet all things Chanel. With perhaps this one exception - Heidi Montag's logo embellished finger tips. What do you think?
Pacific Coast News
Nail Art Trends
By Melissa Goldberg
Tired of your standby mani? Need a break from Ballet Slipper pink? StyleList presents the newest summer trends in nail art inspired by everything from lingerie to your local hardware store! We spotted cool Pop-Art, feathers and lace, and even chains!
Shiori Nishi
Boudoir
New York Jewelry artist Fumic who calls herself a "nailist" uses bright pinks and purples for an unabashedly feminine look. If those colors aren't girly enough for you, her feather-boa look may be just your style.
Shiori Nishi
Boudoir
Fumic experiments with black lace to create a sensual mood. Raid your local craft shop or fabric stores for remnants to recreate fun and inexpensive embellishments in your own masterpiece.
Shiori Nishi
Bedazzled Chain Gang
Fumic creates another jaw-dropping look with this pretty-meets-gritty addition of pierced and chain-like embellishments. The beauty of her work is how each nail is completely unique.
Shiori Nishi
Bedazzled Chain Gang
Nailist Fumic says contrast is what draws you to her art: the silver polish and white tips are a stunning background to the gold sequins and chain.
Shiori Nishi
Bedazzled Chain Gang
If you're clueless about where to start, Fumic says gold is a favorite base for her three-dimensional nail art.
Shiori Nishi
The New French Mani
Gone is the perfectly painted classic French manicure. Show off your individuality by using a deeper color on your tips, and try painting a different design on one of nail of each hand like they did at a recent Baby Phat fashion show (left).
Photo Courtesy of CND
The New French Mani
The black Goth nail polish of the past has been reborn as as the go-to French tip color for this season.
Photo Courtesy of CND
The New French Mani
Dress-up a classic French with a line of gold glitter and crystals for a more subtle yet stunning nail art variation.
Photo Courtesy of Kiss
The New French Mani
Nail artist and owner Patricia Amato of Ohio's Glitz & Glamour salon created this splashy standout mani that looks inspired by summer's brightest polka dot swimsuits.
