Image: Priti

Thakoon went nude, creating an illusion that the nails were “an extension of the skin.” They used the shade Shirley Temple Peony and a applied a matte base coat over it. I have seen several women doing this at the nail salon as of late. Instead of a traditional clear top coat, they uses a base coat to tone down the color.

Carlos Miele also used the base coat on top trick but did it over two coats of the nude color – Chilean Bamboo. Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger and Philosophy di Alberta also stuck with the nude shades. Isaac Mizrahi used an opaque violet color Susan Azalea. He layered a coat of Shirley Temple Peony on the top, which created a purplish nude result.

Rachel Roy used Snapdragon (orange-red), while Devi Kroell got bold with vibrant magenta-berry.

Basically what I learned about nails by watching the runways is that pretty much anything goes for spring. Whether you prefer the subtlety of the nude and natural shades or want to make a statement with brights, they are all on trend for the spring season.

Priti nail polishes are completely non-toxic. They do not contain toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP’s. They are safe for mothers-to-be, kids and everyone else too!

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Priti Nail Polish at Fashion Week

Image: Estee Lauder

I fell in love with this collection instantly. The colors, which come in two groups – Sensuous Gold and Sensuous Amethyst, are amazing and the packaging is top-notch. It came no surprise to me that I was a big fan of the eyeshadow quad and the lipstick, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the nail color.

The nail lacquer goes on smooth and lasts without chipping, as you might expect from Estee Lauder. Priced at $18, the two shades – Rose Gold and Black Amethyst – each come in beautiful bottle with a rose-gold toned cap. No image I could show you could do these colors justice — you really have to check them out for yourself.

I know a lot of nail color touts being “one coat” but this one really is. It features a specially-designed brush that makes painting your nails really easy. The color is rich, intense and ultra-shiny. It’s that kind of wet-shine that stays glossy. Both colors are wonderful, but I really love the Black Amethyst. It’s perfect fall but it’s going to go into my rotation for year-round color.

If you can find this collection, I highly recommend nabbing the nail lacquer quick! Many of the products are sold out online at EsteeLauder.com but you should be able to find them at your local Estee Lauder counter as well as Nordstrom.com and Macys.com.

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Estee Lauder Nail Lacquer – Black Amethyst

Image: Neiman Marcus

This brush pen delivers fluid, shiny color in a convenient applicator. You can apply the polish anytime, anywhere. The colors are limited to light sheer shades, so you can’t exactly get any color you want. But if you are looking for an easy, fast way to get shiny, beautiful nails, this is definitely it.

At just $26 from Yves Saint Laurent and department stores like Neiman Marcus, it’s affordable enough to give it a try and see if you like it. YSL Nail Touch in #6 Coral Touch was a winner in the 2009 Spring Makeup O-Awards.

Right now when your order $85 worth of cosmetics (this nail pen qualifies), you will receive a Neiman Marcus exclusive camouflage tote containing deluxes sames of some fabulous products. Check out this Camp Gorgeous offer, which runs through June 9, 2009.

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YSL Nail Touch Nail Lacquer Brush Pen

Image: ULTA

Though some other nail polish brands actually dry in 60 seconds too, the color is oftentimes flat. With this Rimmel London nail polish, the color is really rich, shiny and vibrant. With just one stroke, you get hot color that dries in 60 seconds and actually lasts.

I usually end up adding a second coat and top coat later. But when you are in a dash to get out the door, this is the best quick-dry polish that I have found.

What nail polish do you use? Leave a comment here or hop on over to the Splendicity Community to talk about it with others.

You can get Rimmel London 60 Seconds Extreme Nail Polish at most drug stores for around $3.50. If you are shopping online, it’s available at ULTA. Right now Ulta.com is offer 20% off on any one item. Just use the promo code 27164 at checkout.

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Quick-Dry Nail Polish

Image: Beauty.com

In addition to having a whole range of colors that I’m having a hard time resisting, Lippmann has also developed a line of celebrity shades – like the Zac Posen Purple Rain shown above. Other colors include Satin Doll for Mariah Carey, Hit Me With Your Best Shot for Pat Benetar, and Whatever Lola Wants created for Kelly Ripa. You can see all the celebrity shades in the Lippmann Collection on her website.

While you’re there, consider also picking up The Stripper, which isn’t your typical harsh nail polish remover. The Stripper is made with aloe vera and lavender to counterbalance the awfully dehydrating impact of alcohol on your nails. Certainly a way better option than most drugstore varieties! Just $16 for a 4 ounce bottle.

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Lippmann Nail Lacquer Collection

Nic's Sticks

Nic's Sticks

Nic’s Sticks is from Nicole by OPI. They’re nail polishes shaped like a marker that you pump, apply on your nails, and you’re done. Those words are music to my ears. Anything that doesn’t make me wait for a long time to dry is very much appreciated in my life. Since my daughter loves getting her nails done too but hate sitting still since she’s only 2, a pump and go nail polish would be so FANTASTIC.

Nic’s Sticks come in 24 different long-lasting, and fast drying shades. They’re available at Wal-Mart, Target, Harmon, Meijer, and DR. They’re also available in Canada stores like Walmart, Jean Cotu, and Shoppers Drugmart. They’re $7 each from Amazon.com.

(Images : Nicole by OPI)

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Nic’s Sticks : Paint & Go Nail Lacquer

Their polishes contain no Formaldehyde, no Toluene, and no DBP.  My girls and I tried three colors: Chancer, Saucy Jack, and La Moss.

La Moss is the color that Amy Adams is wearing on her recent Vanity Fair cover. It’s a rich and sexy shade, looks great for Amy Adams’s pin-up type covershot. I’ve got it on my toes. It’s very dark in the bottle, but is a nice deep wine color when it’s applied. Saucy Jack is a pink-red and Chancer is a bright with glitter. Bay, my teen, likes to do a glitter french tip nail. The Chancer looks very festive for the holidays and the glitter is much smoother than most glitter lacquers I’ve tried. 

It dries fast, seems faster than other brands. When I did my toes, I had to put my socks and shoes on right away, because I had to go to work (I work part time as a school aide).  I took my shoes off after work (I’m happier barefoot) and my nails were fine. Phew!

We’ve been wearing butter LONDON 3 Free for three days and there are no chips. This is some great polish. I highly recommend it.

butter LONDON has given me a Cuticle Miracle Kit and one red polish to giveaway. Yay!

If you would like to enter, please visit the butter LONDON site, and leave me a comment telling me who is wearing at crown at the top of their home page.  I’ll get back to you with a random winner early next week.

Good luck!!

Image credit: butter LONDON.com

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Product Review and Giveaway: butter LONDON Nail Lacquer