Obviously nail art is awesome, but it's also work. Lots of time and effort go into not only imagining intricate designs, but executing them, and allowing them to properly dry. As a result, lately I've been suffering from what I call "nail art fatigue" and suddenly I find myself drawn to clean monochromatic tips.
Rita Remark certainly had her (perfectly manicured) hands full at World MasterCard Fashion Week. As the lead nail artist for Essie Canada, the Toronto native was responsible for creating nail looks for eight shows, including Chloe comme Parris, Pink Tartan and MIZ by Izzy Camilleri.
We caught up with Remark backstage at the tents to chat about her creative process and the nail trends we should expect for fall.
Last Thursday, we headed backstage at Andrew Richard Designs to check out Comrags' Fall 2013 collection at The shOws.
Though beauty on the runway can often be a little bit too crazy for everday, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the Comrags beauty look was something that could be worn in real-life and easily recreated at home.
"At a lot of shows, the makeup doesn't look too wearable," said Greg Wencel, celebrity makeup artist and CoverGirl makeup pro who created the look. "When we met with [Comrags designers] Judish Corish and Joyce Gunhouse, they wanted to make sure that it was something that made a statement, but something that someone wouldn't be afraid to actually try."
Wencel's inspiration? A youthful, look reminiscent of a Parisian girl or models backstage sipping wine.
"The Comrags girl has something healthy and organic about her. It's a polished look, that's super pretty and very wearable," he explained.
Wencel gave us a rundown on how to recreate the look at home, using CoverGirl cosmetics:
It's been a week after Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar win, and I'm still obsessing over her stunning red carpet look.
And while it may be difficult to snag her haute couture gown, J.Law's winning nail look won't put a dent in your wallet.
I'm super lazy when it comes to nail care, so any time a seemingly fool proof, long-lasting solution comes along, I'm game to try it. Sally Hansen recently launched a do-it-yourself gel manicure kit that claims both the fool proof and long-lasting factors. After trying it, it's safe to say that they have a sound salon alternative on their hands. All the benefits of gel - high voltage shine, up to two weeks of wear, and a safer alternative to shellac - but cheaper and more convenient.
For years I've heard rumours of men frequenting nail salons. I've never seen it with my own eyes, but given the metrosexual movement and swelling stake beauty brands are putting into the male sector, it's easy to believe that the man-mani is on the rise…although I had no idea to what extent.
Snoop Lion, formerly Dogg, debuted a fresh looking French mani on Instagram this week. Captioned as, "French tip for the french enhale" (ahem, inhale) the rapper pictured himself puffing on what I can only assume is a cigar. (Based on the other pics in his feed he doesn't seem to smoke anything else…) Anyhow, the pic has scooped up close to 30,000 likes. So are men not only willing to embrace well-kept nails, but also visibly polished ones?
If you haven't made it to the nail salon by now, then it's probably not happenin' before Christmas. So what's a bare nailed gal to do? Well Maybelline to the rescue with holiday-ready nail stickers that will not only make your look more festive, but they'll only take a sec too.
The holidays are a great time to play with nail art. I've been trying out a few looks using some of my favourite shades of red and green - snow fall with white dots, glitter fades, and festive ombrés - and thought I might share the latest. I call it: put a bow on it!
Tools: Burgundy Bordeaux, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Nail Polish, all Joe Fresh, available at Loblaws and Joe Fresh stores; Quo Detailer Brush, available at drugstores.
Headed to a Halloween party this weekend and feel like giving your nails a festive touch?
Here’s a super easy DIY Halloween nail idea. I used a
press-on nail sticker for my accent nail (Limited Edition Kiss Nail Dress Halloween
Collection in “Tights”), and 2 polishes from the Quo by ORLY Holiday Nail Set
in ‘Naughty’ (brown and gold).
CND Shellac is dressing up athletes' nails at the Olympic Villages over the next 14 days and their blinged out tips provided some inspiration for a DIY version. It's hardly as medal-worthy as the CND's style (above), but for a quick and easy ode to the Games, it'll certainly do.
What you'll need: Clear or matte white polish; red, yellow, blue, green, and black polishes; Quo by Orly Detailer Brush; and top coat.
Laura Lanktree
Laura is a writer, videographer, director, and lover of all things fashion and beauty. When she isn't busy blogging for styleswept.ca, the former flare.com editor runs her own multi-media company, LLchemy...
Joanna SinclairJoanna is an editor for MSN Lifestyle. Growing up she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but chose journalism instead. Luckily for her, she can mix writing with fashion for the best of both worlds.
Carmen CheungCarmen, an editor for MSN Lifestyle, can, in short, be described as a travel-craving, food-loving purse and shoe admirer and collector (too many pairs to count!). You can find her out and about, planning her next adventure, while ooh-ing and ah-ing over shoes, purses, scarves and other pretty things.
Madelyn ChungMadelyn Chung is a Lifestyle Editor at MSN.ca. She is a fashion, beauty and pop culture junkie, and a hopeless shopaholic. You can find her reading up on the latest fashion and celebrity gossip, live-tweeting during TV shows, and obsessing over anything Alexander McQueen and Chanel.
All stores should be size friendly not just A&F... there is no reason that someone who is plus size should have to shop at a plus size store and pay double what everyone else pays and have clothes that are not as "in" or "attractive" as the rest. It used to be sexy to have curves and not be a walking bone bag... what happened to that? Since when is it "hot" to have no curves, no shape to your body and no personality? I think women who have curves, a little meat on their bones (or a lot) are just as sexy as everyone else. It's all how you carry yourself and how you feel inside and how you want others to see you. Confidence goes a long way!!!
onThe issue is only a small part about the size of consumers. We have many plus size stores, tall stores, all type of stores who cater to different body styles, and that is great. What he said is basically if you are not a size 10 and below is that you are not or never could be "cool", Really? I know cool people from a size 2 to a size 22, and who gives a crap. I believe he thinks only small people are worthy. Well he just bent over and shot himself in hos very cool butt
on
