Nail it! The Hottest Nail Trends for Spring 2009

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Spring is in the air..... that means it is time to say good-bye to the dark colors of winter and hello to the dreamy, romantic spring colors. The theme on the Spring 2009 runways was fresh and contemporary. With lots of floral patterns, bright neon hues and neutral tones, there is something in store for every fashionista this season.

1. Pretty in White

White enamel was a hugh hit on the runway for spring and summer. This mod look, looks great when paired with stripey natical outfits and '50s-inspired silhouettes. To get the look, shape the nail to a mid-length almond shape. Apply a base coat, two coats of white enamel and a shiny topcoat to seal. To acheive this look, use a high-quality, creamy-textured white color such as essie's below the belt to achieve an even, smooth texture.

2. In the Buff
For this season, clean looking make-up was a major hit therefore, it was no wonder that opaque fleash tone was the favorite of the designers. The one must have color for the season is CND's Cocoa. The color was seen at Giambattista Valli, Nina Ricci, Araks, Max Azria, Halston, Jason Wu, Ashley Isham, Karen Walker, Felder Felder, Graeme Black, Thakoon, Peter Som just to name a few. Nude shades are great because they elongate hands and are easy to wear with all of the season's hottest trends.

3. High Gloss
Patent leather accessories isn't the only thing on the "it" list this season, a high-shine finish for nails is the perfect fashion complement. Pair a super shiny topcoat with matte enamel in white, red or purple shades. The key to achiving this look is to skip the base coat and apply a topcoat instead. Apply two coats of your chosen color to short, shaped nails and apply another coat of OPI top coat for major shine factor.

4. Rainbow Bright

If you aren't afraid to live on the edge,then opt for this season's eye-popping blue, orange, yellow, pink or purple. We saw lots of bright colors on the Spring 2009 Fashion Week runways, so it's no surprise that nail polish manufacturers have followed suite. The difference between this years's bights and last year's neo colors according to Danelle Barr, Creative Nail Design education manager and nail pro is that you want to look for a true primary and secondary colors and steer away from the fluorescent shades. This look works on long or short nails and looks great with this season's floral and tribal-inspired outfits. Smooth on a thin layer of base coat, two coats of bright enamel and topcoat.

5. Get Minxed

If you are a trendsetter who only goes by one name like Beyonce, Solange, or Rihanna, minx nails are for you. This solid nail coating which is applied through a heat technique, means no drying time, no mess and no chipping.
Chrome Minx - If you are a fan of chrome/metallic nail polish, chrome minx is for you. Minx Silver and Golden Lightening gives your nails a true chrome look. To date there isn't a polish on the market that is able to create the same chrome effect.
Custom/Patterned Minx - Forget about airbrush desgins! If you are a lover of nail art or a true fashionista, designer minx is the way to go. With over 100 different patterns to choose from, there is a minx for every occasion but for a very specific look, minx can create custom designs. You can even have your favorite photos turned into a minx nail coating. For more info go to www.minxnails.com

This season you can truly give your hands the white glove treatment with one or all five of spring's hottest trends.

As always, keeping you looking your best....

Ciao Bella,
N.A. Andrews

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