Glam-Up Your Nails: The Manicure That Goes With Everything
There’s a special kind of confidence that comes from looking down at your hands and loving what you see. The combination of well manicured nails and stylish jewellery are details that make beautiful hands.
I personally like to wear my nails almond-shaped, which flatters most hands because it adds length to fingers without looking too sharp or dramatic. It’s the kind of shape and length that feels feminine and sophisticated but still practical for everyday life - from typing on a phone to doing tasks around the home.
When it comes to beautiful, long-lasting nails, Shellac CND is always my go-to. It keeps my nails looking neat and sophisticated far longer than a regular manicure. Plus, unlike many other semi-permanent polishes, it’s much easier to remove without harsh soaking or scraping, so I can enjoy salon-quality nails at home whenever I want. It delivers a glossy, salon-quality finish that resists chipping, so my hands stay polished and put-together even on my busiest days.
The colour I mostly like to wear is Coquette – a delicate shade of cool pink which looks fantastic in the summer sun as well as in the cool light of winter. On fair skin it gives that soft, porcelain doll effect; on tanned or olive skin it pops beautifully and makes the nail bed look brighter and healthier. Not to mention that it’s discreet enough to wear it at work without worrying that it’s too much but also fun in the evening. It’s very versatile!
A summer favourite is Sangria at Sunset - a glossy, vibrant pink with a hint of raspberry. It’s both vibrant and classic enough to pair with almost any outfit and setting. Plus it looks fabulous in the sun. Paired with gold jewellery, Sangria At Sunset has become my summer signature colour for carefree holidays – the ultimate colour of freedom for my nails.
Bacause the cold season is already here, my go-to autumn colour is Fedora - an opaque, velvety rich, deep plum brown. Fedora is the nail colour perfect for all skin tone in the cold season. It has that cosy, fireside feel echoing long evenings and rich dark chocolate deserts. The glossy cream finish adds instant polish to soft cashmere knits, wool coats or evening outfits. It suits the ladies who like classic style with a modern shade. It’s the kind of colour that feels understatedly elegant, moody with a hint of femme fatale.
Last but not least, Denim Patch – an understated yet elegant shade of grey-blue, is my absolute winter favourite because it compliments my skin colour and also my eyes, creating a subtle, pulled-together look without shouting for attention; cooler than a classic navy, but more interesting than a plain grey. On the nails it reads modern chic, the colour that will elevate all the muted shades in your wardrobe, whether, grey, blue or browns,
Regardless of the season, a neat manicure and the right polish feel so chic and can go a long way. No theatrical or stuffy nail art, no seasonal gimmick - just clean cuticles, an elegant nail shape and a high-shine finish.
How to create the look at home
File nails into a soft almond shape, following the natural curve of your fingertip.
Push back cuticles gently and buff lightly for a smooth surface.
Apply the Base coat, essential for preventing staining and helping polish last longer - then cure;
Apply two thin coats of a Shellac semi-permanent nail polish, letting each layer dry, and cure again after each application;
Seal everything with a glossy top coat for that gel-like shine and cure again. And you’re ready.
I always like to finish my manicure routine with CND’s Cuticle Eraser to nourish the skin around my nails and keep it smooth. Between manicures, I use Rescue Rxx Daily Keratin Treatment to keep my nails healthy and strong.
In the end, a beautiful manicure doesn’t have to scream for attention, it’s an discreet yet important addition to your personal style, a touch of sophisticated colour. A polished hand, a favourite piece of jewellery and a moment to yourself - sometimes, that’s all the luxury you need.