Beauty
Beauty school: How to master the nude nail
Photography by Carlyle Routh Image by: Photography by Carlyle Routh
Beauty
Beauty school: How to master the nude nail
Claim to fame: A M.A.C Cosmetics senior artist and New York City dweller, Blair is a rarity in the beauty game. Instead of sticking to one discipline—makeup—she's also a master manicurist, known for her inventive editorial and runway designs.
The look: Barely there pink, white and nude polishes emerged as the number one nail trend at the fall shows this year. Old-school neutrals were spotted at Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade, giving models' hands an uber-groomed appearance. Nude enamels have long been a manicurist's secret weapon. "When you're crafting a mood on the runway, nudes are often the right choice for creating a well-manicured look," says Blair.
Nude nails are anything but boring. But if you're worried, try highlighting the hue with a compelling shape or texture. A perfect oval will elongate fingers. For Blair, a glossy topcoat hits the sweet spot. "Glossy nails look extremely elegant and expensive." She's also a fan of sweeping on a thin layer of iridescent shine. "It's lush and makes nails look healthy and interesting."
Pro tip: Blair's one-shade-fits-all nude polish is Quiet Time ($19, maccosmetics.com). "It has a grey hue that works on almost all skin tones." If you're a real perfectionist, Blair suggests cocktailing: Her secret backstage blend is an equal-parts mixture of M.A.C's Quiet Time and Skin.
Nail art doesn't have to be difficult. Try these three quick and easy nail art designs.
The look: Barely there pink, white and nude polishes emerged as the number one nail trend at the fall shows this year. Old-school neutrals were spotted at Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade, giving models' hands an uber-groomed appearance. Nude enamels have long been a manicurist's secret weapon. "When you're crafting a mood on the runway, nudes are often the right choice for creating a well-manicured look," says Blair.
Nude nails are anything but boring. But if you're worried, try highlighting the hue with a compelling shape or texture. A perfect oval will elongate fingers. For Blair, a glossy topcoat hits the sweet spot. "Glossy nails look extremely elegant and expensive." She's also a fan of sweeping on a thin layer of iridescent shine. "It's lush and makes nails look healthy and interesting."
Pro tip: Blair's one-shade-fits-all nude polish is Quiet Time ($19, maccosmetics.com). "It has a grey hue that works on almost all skin tones." If you're a real perfectionist, Blair suggests cocktailing: Her secret backstage blend is an equal-parts mixture of M.A.C's Quiet Time and Skin.
Nail art doesn't have to be difficult. Try these three quick and easy nail art designs.
This story was originally titled "Nude Nails" in the September 2014 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue! |
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