9 Sparkling Spring Manicures
Adding rhinestones, and maybe a little glitter, too, to manicures is a super easy, yet effective, way to bump it up to a sparkling new level. But beware-- sparkling Spring manicures can go from delightful to garish in a matter of seconds. Here are our favorite sparkling Spring manicures that get it right.
The Devil Wears Essie
Though The Devil Wears Prada says that Essie Ballet Slippers and Marshmallow are the brand's most fashionable shades, we found Mademoiselle (three coats), Sandy Beach (two coats), and East Hampton Cottage (two coats; has shimmer) to be the true standouts. Nude Beach (three coats; has shimmer), is no exception. Add a layer of glitter at the free edge for a chic twist on the understated manicure.
The Three C's
Turquoise is perhaps the oldest stone in man's history, the talisman of kings, shamans, and warriors. It is a stone of protection, strong and opaque, yet soothing to the touch, healing to the eye, as if carved from an azure heaven and slipped to earth. Its unique shade of blue, often blue-green, lends it name, Turquoise, to all things of this tranquil hue. This gorgeous turquoise blue sparkle mani from A Polish Addict is calming, cool and collected -- perfect for Spring!
Minty Fresh
This Spring-appropriate pastel seems everywhere lately. Mint greens have been popular for the last couple of years. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, this two-toned mint and gold glitter manicure will have all Irish eyes on you. It's a great look for the changing seasons. We love China Glaze in Re-Fresh Mint.
All That Glitters
After years of sticking to subtle shimmer on our nails—more flicker than glare—we've found ourselves besotted with the new mega-size glitter polishes. A little bit rebellious and very luxurious, this trend is flashy in the best possible way. Here is our absolute favorite combination -- a slightly golden nude with a golden overlay that will help you get your shine on this Spring.
Oh Splat!
Indie brand KB Shimmer has got it going on! Oh Splat is a super fun kaleidoscope of color that's prefect for Spring. The white backdrop makes The longer your nails, the bigger the glitter can get, so you need some length when trying the confetti-size sparkle in Oh Splat.
Butter, Baby!
The simplest way to wear glitter is to pair it with an opaque polish in the same color as the glitter flecks. We're obsessed with Butter London Knackered, a rich holographic cool silver that shifts purple, blue and green with tons of sparkles that shimmers under the light in the most subtle way.
Shades of Grey
Polishes with flecks of glitter suspended in a clear base are meant to be used as topcoat. We love Essie Luxe Effects in Stroke of Brilliance (a dusty blue/gray) layered over an opaque grey, like Nars Storm Bird. That way, it won't look like you just dipped your fingers in a pot of glitter and called it a day.
Keep It Sweet + Simple
A parade of pale pink glitter, a nail lacquer that will lift your spirits AND your outfit. Two coats of Butter London Rosie Lee and your fingertips look like a pink disco ball. Keep nails neat and well manicured, at least an eighth of an inch or longer, and filed into a soft, round shape. "Glitter looks more feminine that way," says manicurist Jin Soon Choi.
Special Effects
Zoya Nail Polish in Monet can be best described as a multi-colored, cellophane holographic special effect topper. Apply as an accent or use as an overall color changer. Try Monet over any of your favorite Spring 2014 shades - the translucent cellophane flakes look different over every color!
And while we're at it --try this-- it's our best-kept secret for glitter nail polish removal, also works for shellac nails and gel. Definitely the best and easiest way to remove stubborn glitter polish.
