Break out of your go-to matte black or classic red nails that you live in every other season of the year and opt for something a bit more festive. Summer 2016 is the summer of sleek neutrals, posh pastels, punchy neons, glorious gel dips and so much more. The time is now to mix up your look with one of our favorite style trends.
1. Natural Shaping
Photo courtesy of imabeautygeek.com
During the sweaty, frizzy summer months, most people try to give their hair and skin a break from extra products and styling. Why not give your nails a break, too? Step away from the temptation of acrylics and stiletto-square nails and embrace your natural shape. Keep the edges rounded and only file your nails for maintenance, not to force your oval nails into rectangular shapes. Plus, when people ask where you got your fake nails done, you’ll have the satisfaction of telling them they’re real.
2. Warm Beiges
Photo courtesy of MochaFleur.com, China Glaze polish in Sunset Sail
After watching the recent runway fashion shows, most notably Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 3, it is undeniable that nude is in. If you tend to play it safe with pale pinks and soft tones, you’ll be excited to try on complimenting varieties of beiges, peaches, mochas and bronzes to elongate and flatter your nails and skin tone.
3. Chic Charcoal Grays
Photo courtesy of refinery29.com
If nudes and beiges are too boring for you but you still favor neutral shades, a smooth charcoal grey is a great option. Both low key and on trend, this color is chic and versatile enough to get you through every season of the year without being mundane. Try the cool toned bottle above, Formula X Nail Polish in Gray Matter, $10.50, available at Sephora.
4. Pretty Pastels
Photo courtesy of Buzznet.com
Light, feminine pastels have been spotted all over the runways from delicate heels to floaty off-the-shoulder maxi dresses to soft-hued handbags. Nail polish allows you to reflect fashion’s current trends in a subtle yet impactful way, so why not give one of the season’s more surprising creamy shades a shot? Try a soothing seafoam green or an alluring lavender.
5. Bold Neons
Photo courtesy of KISS Products Inc.
Get spunky this summer with bright, eye catching neons. Nothing can spice up an all black ensemble or bring out your hard-earned tan quite like a punch of neon pink or oceanic blue. To prevent your bottled color from looking like a diluted version on your nails, try painting on a pure white base coat first. Once dry, layer on your neon to get the impact you’re really going for.
6. Day-glo Gel Dips
Photo courtesy of Xoxo Sue
Dip Gel Powder could be the newest craze in the nail industry. As a healthy alternative to damaging acrylics and smelly gels, dip gel has no odor, is time efficient, does not require a UV light, is lighter in feel than acrylics and does not harm your natural nail bed. In addition, the powder-dipping technique makes your nails look natural and allegedly promotes nail health and longevity. Most salons already offer the service for reasonable prices so go ahead, take a dip!
7. Citrus Shades
Photo courtesy of HarpersBazaar.com
Match your nails to this season’s tropical cocktails and juicy fruits to add some flavor to your outfits. Make a subtle statement in fresh orange shades and rich golden paints that liven up monotone getups with ease. One of our favorite new colors this season is Tom Ford’s Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire, $35, tomford.com.
8. Spunky Nail-Art Topcoats
Photo courtesy of refinery29.com
To top off your new trendy tips, swipe on a topcoat of easy nail art. These nail polishes are quick, time efficient alternatives to tedious manicures. From chunky glitter to lace finishes, to splatter paint to metallic studs, these final touches will turn your look up a few notches in no time. Check out Nailing Hollywood’s Nail Lacquer in Splatter, above, $9.99, available at Beauty.com.
