Ombré

Ombré nails have been everywhere lately. Ombré is French and is used to describe anything such as hair, nails or fabric when the colours morph from one to another. The ombré trend has been in fashion, hair and now it's overtaking the nail world. Ombré nails were seen every where on the runway this season with designers having ombré tips and intricate colour merges. Stunning. Here ill be showing you how to create the ombré nails look at home. The first method is if you are wanting a basic one tone ombré nail an the second shows you how to create a more tonal and deep ombré nail design.

For both methods you will need a base coat, nail polish colours which will become the ombré design, a makeup sponge and a top coat. If you wanting a deeper blend of colour then use 3-4 shades of the same colour ranging from dark to light.

Firstly make sure all basic nail care is done before applying colour such as removing any polish already on the nails, pushing back the cuticles, trimming, shaping and base coat.

For the first method choose your first ombre colour and this will be the base colour for the nail. Then choose your second ombre colour and place a small amount on a make up sponge. You need to "dab" gently on your nail starting at the tip and working your way half way up the nail. Continue to do this until you are happy with the ombré effect. Finally cure the nails and apply a top coat. The top coat will also help make the nails look more blended. Then you have simple easy to do ombré effect nails.

For the second ombré nail effect use the small end of the make up sponge and paint about three or four strips of colour side be side ranging from dark to light. This will become the ombré effect. Use scotch tape around your nails to avoid getting the colours all around your fingers. Then stamp the sponge onto your nails and press it over and over moving the sponge up and down slightly to get the fading effect instead of stripes. Cure your nails and remove the tape. Then apply the top coat for added shine. Perfect and simple ombré nails.

Ombre nails can also be done by painting each nail a different shade of the same colour. These nails will be stunning all season long and will go with any outfit or event. Stunning. I'm sure you'll have a great time experimenting with different colour combinations. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Summer Fun

Usually the spring and summer season is filled with floral prints and soft tones but this season for nails is slightly different. Designers have taken a different route, they have gone graphic and dark bringing a new look to summer. Here are three of the biggest nail trends to hit spring and summer 2013.

Simple and a classic, fully black nails make a comeback for spring and summer 2013. Seen at Marchesa and Vera Wang. No fuss just black. Go with either a matt or a glossy finish and you'll be bang on trend. This trend is also easy to wear from day to night.

Go more edgy with metallic colours this season. Seen at Nicole Miller this nail look works perfect for those hot summer nights. Try gold and dark blue metallics for an amazing luxury look. Or even try both at the same time by having all your fingers dark blue metallic then having your ring fingers in a gold metallic. Stunning.

Two tone. This trend is simple and graphic. Pick one colour and then pick a contrasting colour. The perfect two tone. Seen on the runways of Vivienne Westwood this is a fun way to work colour this season.

Remember to sparkle to the tip !

Male Nail

Nowadays it's not enough to simply judge a man on how shiny his shoes are, today his nails also have to be well-attended too. The male manicure differs from the female one. The male manicure is simpler and more natural. There is also no colour applied. Men prefer to focus on the all natural look of the nail but that look cared for. They also prefer to have a low maintenance nail care regime until they next have a manicure. We all use our hands 24/7 and all want our hands and nails to look presentable and neat so here are some simple steps to creating a male manicure.

Overall men prefer to have short and rounded nails. This is because it looks cleaner, neater and more office fit. But always be sure to have a free edge on the nail for protection of the nail. Once shortened and shaped the nails then need to be buffed with or without oil. The oil helps to maintain the health of the cuticles. Many men would prefer only cutting and buffing and not have products applied to keep things simple. It is helpful, however, to use a clear base coat and top coat. It won't be obvious but can offer some protection and shine. Applying moisturiser to your cuticles will keep them soft and healthy.

A male manicure is simple and easy to do and can be done weekly so the man in your life can have great looking nails everyday just like you.

Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Wedding Bells

On your special day you want everything to be perfect. Down to the smallest detail. Each flower, the venue, the outfits and of course your nails. Delicate and beautiful. Natural.

For amazing wedding nails focus on looking natural and not over done. The most popular wedding nails are classic French tips with delicate nail art. Floral nail art designs emphasise the pretty and girly look of the bride. Try having gold highlights or glitter for added glamour and sparkle. Some brides have even had 3D acrylic flowers applied to the nails along with small pearls. You could even have lace nail art to add to the delicateness of the bridal gown.

You could use your wedding colour scheme in your nail art too. If you have purple flowers, chairs etc you could have purple nail art on your ring fingers to coordinate with the venue and emphasise the ring. Hope you get some inspiration for great bridal nails for your special day.

Remember sparkle to the tip!

Love and Care

On these bleak winter days the first thing we do is try to stay warm but our nails suffer from not being cared for properly in this weather and day to day life. Here are a few tips to helps keep your nails in tip top condition.

The first tip is simple. It's all about nutrition. Having the right nutrition will keep your nails flexible and strong, along with keeping your cuticles well conditioned. Add plenty of the following in your diet: green leafy veg, raisins, almonds and poultry; eggs, spinach, broccoli and carrots ; and Brazil nuts, steak and pumpkin seeds.

Nail care is very important because our hands are always visible and we use out hands all day. Keep the cuticles motorised throughout the day. This will prevent them from cracking and will keep them soft. A bit of Qtica Cuticle Repair on the cuticles every night will help your nails grow as well as moisturise. Also try Dadi Oil.

When filing your nails only file in one direction instead of "sawing" them. This avoids splitting the nail and the nail peeling. Moisturise your nails.
Your nails will get dehydrated just like your skin in winter weather, especially if you're using nail polish remover on them on a regular. When you're putting some moisturiser on your body or face, add a bit on to your nails to help to stop them drying out.

When your cleaning be sure to protect your hands with gloves to help stop the chemicals and soaps from weakening your nails. Also if you are wanting to remove nail varnish and have weak nails already never use nail vanish remove containing acetone this will cause the nail to weaken.

Use these simple tips and you'll have fantastic looking hands and nails in no time.

Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Playing Cupid

Love is definitely in the air this valentines day with nail brands such as Essie, Gellux, OPI and Cuccio spoiling us with a range of oh so romantic shades to get us in the loving mood. You can choose between delicate or being a seductress this February 14th.

Shades such as deep reds an pastel pinks are sure to win your crush over. A Kiss In Paris by Cuccio is a fanatic bright red that your sure to fall in love with, as will your lover. If your looking for more sparkle and glamour to your valentines day fingertips then Gellux have created a glitter gel polish in a rose pink shade called Rose Quartz. Essie have released a pale pink shade called Best Boyfriend which will give you a subtle but classic look. OPI and SpaRitual have given us a little extra with mini gift sets. With OPI's gift set including a little heart shaped key ring! What more could you want.

Remember Sparkle to the tip !

Going Nude

After having so much nail art and over the top nail colours over the past few seasons nude nails have become a trend for spring and summer 13. Nude colour nails were seen at London fashion week which helped to tone down the loud and colourful creations. Nude nails have long been a beauty staple and a classic colour. Nude never goes out of style and is a shade that suits everyone. Even on your toes.

If your wanting perfect classic and feminine looking nails then nude is the way forward. Delicate and elegant. Some designers chose to have crimson tips to add a little splash of colour and surprise to the nude nails. Perfect for summer parties or holidays you can always have simple and perfect nails. No fuss. Brands like Essie and OPI have fantastic nude nail colours.

Looks like its gonna be a nude summer. Remember to always sparkle to the tip !