WHAT'S YOUR NAIL POLISH PERSONALITY?
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GORGEOUS GIRLY-GIRL? You can display your softer side with pink-based shades and pastels. Lavender and other shades of purple offer a fun alternative to traditional pinks this year. |
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SLEEK AND SOPHISTICATED? Try nude and sheer polishes. They’re always in style and they’ll flatter any outfit. If you’re looking with a pop of color, try a bold cherry red—or go classic with a French mani. |
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GLAMAZON TRENDSETTER? Make a bold statement by rocking metallics or prints. Go for silver, gold or copper colors—or get noticed with the new crackled and shattered look. Go glam with painted nail tips in bright hues. |
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QUIRKY AND CAREFREE Play up your sassy side with vivid, vibrant polishes like oranges, teals and sparkly blues. Want something special? Try sunshiny yellow for a bright, bold look. |
WHAT'S YOUR IDEAL NAIL SHAPE?
Whether you’re doing your nails at home or splurging on a visit to the salon, you need to know which nail shape works best for your hands and your lifestyle. While oval-shaped nails seem to be the most popular shape, it’s not always right for every woman.
Try these quick tips to determine which nail shape is right for you.
LOOK TO THE MOON
Next time you remove your polish, look at the small half-moon shape near your cuticle. If it’s curved, your nails will most likely look best with an oval shape and rounded tips. If it’s more flat, a square shape might suit you better. And if they’re somewhere in between or you just can’t be sure? Try a mix of square and oval, sometimes called "squoval."
CHECK OUT YOUR NAIL BEDS
If your nail beds are long and cover most of your fingertip, or if they’re short and wide, a square shape with rounded edges will make your nails look their best. If they’re narrow and long, a sharper-edged square shape will make them stand out. If your nail bed is a natural oval, accentuate it with an oval-shaped nail with rounded edges.
FUNCTION OVER FORM
If your nails tend to break easily, you might consider a square shape since it tends to keep nails stronger. An oval shape is more likely to break because rounded edges tend weaken nails and cause them to split on the sides. If you like the oval look but want to keep your nails strong, go for a rounded tip and square sides.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR NAILS BE?
Nail length is about personal preference and lifestyle. If you work with your hands a lot or you’re the outdoorsy type, shorter nails are a practical choice. If you opt for longer nails, consider a square or squoval shape to keep them stronger.
