I’m not one for high-maintenance beauty routines like manicures. I’m not going to guard my nails. I’m going to type. I’m going to pick that weird label off of a bottle. I’m going to wash my hands a million times to avoid the stomach flu raging through my house.
Sometimes I’ll get a pedicure as sandals weather approaches, so my feet look a little less sad-sasquatch and more petal-soft. I did get a mani-pedi last September before my wedding. It seemed like the kind of things brides do, and it was a rare chance to while away an afternoon sipping mimosas with my mom.
But in general, when I’m not gearing up for a heavily photographed rite of passage, isn’t a manicure a futile errand, an impossible dream?
I don’t know if it’s the funk I’ve been in, or the prolonged winter dreariness, or what, but I’ve had a nail polish renaissance. It’s my latest retail therapy delight (good thing it’s generally a small investment for so much color.)
I was idling at the mall the other day, and found myself buoyed among the nail polish islands at Sephora. From their Formula X, I chose Gray Matter, dark and matte, one of their New Classics. I’m also intrigued by their New Neutrals line. According to Sephora, the line “embraces the art of minimalism.” I’m not sure about all of that, but I know I do love any universe in which Powerhouse Pink can be considered a neutral. Neutrals have come a long way from sleepy beige and dusty 80s mauve.
I’m still playing the field when it comes to nail polish brands. I’ve had a flirtation with Essie as well. Their web site offers tabs like “Hot Now” in case you, like me, need a cheat sheet for spring nail polish trends. I’m definitely warming to their Resort (shown below) and Spring 2014 collections, including such shades as Hide & Go Chic, a rich, bold blue fit for a peacock, and Fashion Playground, pitched as a “plucky pistachio shimmer.”
Essie even has something called Caviar Nails in their Belugaria collection; this requires more investigation. I’m currently sporting their Trophy Wife, a metallic dark sapphire. Soon I’ll swap that out for Berry Naughty, a sultry, smoky cranberry. (There are plenty of single entendre nail shades, too.) Both of the shades are on the wintry side, but don’t worry. When the sun comes out, I’ll be ready to switch to the season’s Easter egg pastels.
Photo Credits:
Cinya Burton’s article at TotalBeauty.com
Essie.com