theHword.com

This season’s hottest beauty trend is at your fingertips. Dark nails–in hues of pine, onyx, plum, brown and crimson–are gracing the well-manicured hands of Hollywood’s hottest as well and can be seen in virtually every fashion publication. The look of dark polish is fierce, but don’t let it intimidate you. It is a perfect, polished look for women of all ages, skin tones and compliments winter’s richly-colored fashions. Forget pale shades of pink and throw that vision of angst-ridden, black-fingernailed teens out the window and use these tips to ensure you get the dark trend right:

1. If you are unsure about committing to a pricey bottle of dark polish, there are many affordable options for you to experiment with. I chose Wet n’ Wild’s Nocturnal which I purchased at Walgreen’s for under $2. It is a deep, dark navy blue that appears almost black. And the bottle is so pretty I have been tempted to leave it out on my vanity. I would also suggest a trip to Sally’s Beauty Supply located adjacent to Wal-Mart in Hastings. They carry a huge selection of polish in a rainbow of colors.
2. Keep it short! Your nails, that is. When experimenting with the dark look, short, well-manicured nails look best. This will ensure your nails look pretty and polished and not 1980s vixen.
3. Use a top coat and a base coat. The base coat ensures your dark polish won’t discolor your natural nails. The top coat will prevent chipping polish and give you a shiny shellac. There are even some formulas available that can be used as a base and top. See the local drugstore for a variety of options.
4. Be sure to touch up nails when or if chips occur in the dark polish. Chipping is extremely visible when using dark polish and your hands may end up looking unpolished.

Enjoy experimenting with this beauty trend just as I have. My new dark blue fingertips were a hit with my friends at our latest get-together. And don’t forget about special occasions. The upcoming holidays are the perfect time to try the dark-polish look. Think rich, jewel-toned fabrics, shimmers and rhinestones–all topped off with a perfect, dramatic dark manicure.

About the author: Kelly Miller

Kelly is a wife, career woman and self-proclaimed fashionista who lives by the mantra, "laugh, love and live life with style." Her love affair with all things stylish began early--raiding her mother's makeup drawers as a little girl and organizing a number of well-attended Barbie fashion shows in her parents' living room. She believes that beauty is all around and enjoys helping others find their personal style. Kelly works as a marketing professional in Hastings with her husband, Scott and their tuxedo cat Dart.