Beauty

Beauty school: How to master the nude nail

Beauty school: How to master the nude nail

Photography by Carlyle Routh Image by: Photography by Carlyle Routh Author: Canadian Living

Beauty

Beauty school: How to master the nude nail

Claim to fame: A M.A.C Cosmetics senior artist and New York City dweller, Blair is a rarity in the beauty game. Instead of sticking to one discipline—makeup—she's also a master manicurist, known for her inventive editorial and runway designs.

The look: Barely there pink, white and nude polishes emerged as the number one nail trend at the fall shows this year. Old-school neutrals were spotted at Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade, giving models' hands an uber-groomed appearance. Nude enamels have long been a manicurist's secret weapon. "When you're crafting a mood on the runway, nudes are often the right choice for creating a well-manicured look," says Blair.

Nude nails are anything but boring. But if you're worried, try highlighting the hue with a compelling shape or texture. A perfect oval will elongate fingers. For Blair, a glossy topcoat hits the sweet spot. "Glossy nails look extremely elegant and expensive." She's also a fan of sweeping on a thin layer of iridescent shine. "It's lush and makes nails look healthy and interesting."

Pro tip: Blair's one-shade-fits-all nude polish is Quiet Time ($19, maccosmetics.com). "It has a grey hue that works on almost all skin tones." If you're a real perfectionist, Blair suggests cocktailing: Her secret backstage blend is an equal-parts mixture of M.A.C's Quiet Time and Skin.

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The most flattering nude nail polish for your skin tone

Fair skin

Look for a pink hue—it enhances the pink and blue undertones common in pale skin. Rimmel London Salon Pro Nail Polish in Chic Chick, $6, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Revlon Sheer Translucent Nail Enamel in Sheer Petal, $6, revlon.ca.

Image by: Canadian Living By: Julia McEwen Source: shoppersdrugmart.ca and revlon.ca

The most flattering nude nail polish for your skin tone

Medium skin

Go a touch darker than your skin tone with a peachy or pinky beige to brighten your natural complexion. M.A.C Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Skin, $19, maccosmetics.com.

Image by: Canadian Living By: Julia McEwen Source: maccosmetics.com

The most flattering nude nail polish for your skin tone

Olive skin

Avoid yellows, as they'll make skin look sallow. Try cool, creamy beige tones. Nicole by OPI Nail Polish in That's Putting It Mild, $11, opi.com. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Truffle Shuffle, $11, shoppers drugmart.ca.

Image by: Canadian Living By: Julia McEwen Source: opi.com and shoppers drugmart.ca.

The most flattering nude nail polish for your skin tone

Dark skin

Look for coffee-coloured hues ranging from a rich, dark brew to chocolate mocha. Essie Nail Polish in Mink Muffs, $10, essie.ca. From nude and glossy to red and matte, here are our top five must-try nail trends for fall.

Image by: Canadian Living By: Julia McEwen Source: essie.ca


Nail art doesn't have to be difficult. Try these three quick and easy nail art designs.

This story was originally titled "Nude Nails" in the September 2014 issue.
           
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Beauty school: How to master the nude nail

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