Your Manicure Is Worth 1,000 Words
By Olivia Jaber and Isabelle Redfield
Maintaining a polished look is less superficial than it sounds. Caring for yourself and taking pride in your appearance says a lot about how you see yourself.
An almost effortless way to look put together is a fresh manicure. While often overlooked, a manicure is an incredibly important accessory— similar to a bow on a present or thick parchment paper for your resume. There is arguably nothing worse than dawning an ultra-chic look with chipped nail polish. It feels unfinished, rushed, and a little dirty if we’re being totally honest.
Whether you’ve found Violet Grey’s tutorial on mastering the at-home manicure or have a standing appointment every couple of weeks at your favorite nail salon, we all need a little beauty pick-me-up! Check out some of our favorite colors to kick you out of your boring manicure routine!
Pro tip: Keep a nail file in your purse along with some cuticle oil.
Stand Out in Red
What better way to subliminally hint at your Republican roots than opting for OPI’s classic Big Apple Red or YSL’s 1 Rouge Pop Art? Red is a daring and confident color that conveys a strong sense of self. It’s bold, unafraid, and sends the message that you mean business.
Nothing beats nude
Live simply and save some money, energy, and maintenance by going nude. The idea is freeing! Just make sure your nails are well buffed and your cuticles are under control. We all need some time off to let our nails breathe, if your social calendar allows, rock it! Pick up some Ella Mila Nail Strengthener Polish and some First Aid Beauty Oat & Hemp Multi-Fix Salve to nurse your nails back to health!
Why Not a Light Lavender?
Think of lavender or a light lilac as a fun step sister to light pink. They’re similar in the statement they make, but lavender is a little softer and more subdued. Feminine with a bit of flare.
When in Doubt, Think Pink
Let’s be honest, ballerina pink is basically nude. Whether you're at the office or out grabbing drinks with friends, pink says you’re feminine and elegant, but not too serious. Pro tip: lighter colors always make you look tanner!
Blue Steel
We’ve been long time fans of the Canadian Tuxedo for obvious reasons. If you're a denim girl on the weekends, consider matching your nails to your denim for a spin on the very popular monochromatic look. A lighter blue screams cool girl and can still work in a professional setting. The brightest blue is a bold 80’s statement that screams “let’s party!”
Sparkle into Spring
If you are a daredevil when it comes to nail polish, picking a color with a sparkly hue is the best way to keep it interesting and a little risky. Going for a less classic look will absolutely convey your charismatic and infectious personality, not to mention everyone will be asking what your color is called because you just set a new trend. Tell them it’s 532 Canotier…
Funky and Creative
Ever wanted to surprise yourself and rock crazy mismatched nails? We’re here to say- especially in college- GO FOR IT! Why not?! Perhaps refrain from sending your mother any mirror selfies or attending family functions while you’re sporting these colorful sets, but if those events are not on the docket, paint away and let your creativity fly! Pro tip: go for shades of the same hue… i.e. stick to all pastel or neon.
Fun & Electric
If you’re in the mood to be fun and electric, you shouldn’t overlook hot pink and other bright hues. They’re the perfect blend between sporty and girly, and a statement without going too overboard!
Photos via @mytownhouseuk, @hanban3 on VSCO, @jessicaminkoff, @marianne_theodorsen, @gracecarolinelarcade, @thewebster, and Style Du Monde
