Summer nail trends are all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and opting for unpredictable, playful options to compliment the fun season of holidays, pool parties and trips to the beach. See below for the trends that lit up the spring/summer 2016 runways – and play!
1. Canary yellow
The ultimate summer shade, it’s especially pretty when used for a negative space manicure (a manicure where your un-colored nail peeps through bold lacquers like cutouts in clothes) for a graphic effect that packs a punch.
WE RECOMMEND: Yardley Gel Lac Nails in Canary Yellow, R64,95
2. Coral red
Juicy coral red is sizzling hot this summer.
WE RECOMMEND: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Kook a Mango, R99,95
3. Hot pink
An electric neon-pink is perfect for a party.
WE RECOMMEND: Smudge Nail Lacquer in Lady Bug, R39,95
4. Green
A verdant hue, from lime-green pastel to emerald, is pretty in summer – especially against sun-kissed skin. If you don’t want to go all out with green nails, try a thin stripe on your tips only for a more sophisticated look.
WE RECOMMEND: Bourjois La Laque Gel in Charmenthe, R119,95
5. Lilac
A soft, pastel purple looks gorgeous on short nails.
WE RECOMMEND: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pastel Nail Polish in 43 Endless Candyheart, R124,95
6. Bronze
This season it’s all about mixed metals, which are especially flattering on dark skin tones. Add splotches of silver or gold to your bronze mani, or cover it with a glittery top coat for maximum sparkle and shine.
WE RECOMMEND: Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Enamel in Midnight Bronze, R99,95
7. Orange
This scorching hot hue looks equally cool on hands or feet. A vibrant colour like this needs to be super shiny, so go for a gel polish that delivers more shine.
WE RECOMMEND: Essie Couture Nail Gel in Looks to Thrill, R169,95
8. Powder blue
For a modern take on the nautical trend, go for baby blue. Pair it with white, yellow or coral for a fresh look.
WE RECOMMEND: Sorbet Long Wear Nail Polish in Bubble Yum, R29,95
9. Turquoise
Channel paradise with a bright oceanic blue.
WE RECOMMEND: Essie Viva Antiqua! It’s a sparkling turquoise with iridescent micro crystals, R134,95 (available in store)
10. Nude
The trick with this trend is to find a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone for the most flattering results. This season, update your nude mani with a glittery topcoat for a dazzling effect.
WE RECOMMEND: Mavala Nail Color Cream in 93 Agadir, 95 Curitiba or 87 Havana, R84 each (available in store)
Top 5 manicure tips
- Use a base coat as well as a topcoat to make your nail polish last longer.
- Opt for a short oval nail: it’s sophisticated and elongates your fingers.
- Make your mani last longer by reapplying a layer of topcoat every three days to prevent chipping.
- Only file the tops of your nails, not the sides as it weakens them.
- If the tip of your mani has chipped, add a thin French tip in a different colour to hide it.
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images