New Nail Shades & Trends

It’s not unexpected, but this summer colourful tones will come through especially strong. The key to making them work? “If you naturally have long nails, I recommend filing them into an oval shape. It makes nails look super polished and provides the perfect backdrop for brighter hues, making them look much more flattering and cool instead of garish,” explains Loui-Marie. “And if you find bright limes or yellows are too much for your hands, ease into the trend and try it on your toes first. Generally speaking though, all these colours look great against most complexions – especially when you’ve got your vacation glow on.”

The coolest way to wear summer’s sweet, garden-inspired shades is most definitely on your fingertips. “Wearing pastels away from your face gives them an edge and stops them looking too sugary,” confirms Loui-Marie. “Plus, the best ones have a slight iridescence – we’re talking a tiny amount of shimmer here, not sparkle – which keeps them from appearing flat or chalky.”

For a sophisticated alternative to red, nothing beats hot corals. They look great with tanned skin but also make a statement against those with paler complexions. “It sounds simple, but make sure you seal bright corals with a hard-working topcoat,” says Loui-Marie. “The high shine will provide a look-at-me finish to your nails that is pretty rather than too theatrical.”

Whether you opt for a dash of peacock or a slick of aquamarine, this season blue nails are totally modern and surprisingly flattering against all skin tones. “These rich blues look especially luxe when worn in gel form as you’re less likely to get regular chipping,” says Loui-Marie. “If you get gels regularly though, it’s important to invest in a product that nourishes and keeps tips conditioned, like Nails Inc’s Gel Rehab. It’s also a really nice translucent colour, so looks great when you’re having a break from your gels.”