Nail Envy: Newspaper Type Manicure

Tutorial here

Nail Envy: Nail Shapes

"Men will never know the agony of childbirth, menstrual cramps or taking off glitter nail polish"

--Anonymous

The art to shaping, polishing and decorating nails has exploded over the last half decade or so. The foundation of great nail art is the shape and just like fashion, nail shapes go in and out of style. I absolutely adore this handy-dandy chart of the history of nail shapes. Paying attention to nail grooming is a chic and cheap way to update and express your style. My advice is to choose a shape that not only fits your personality but your lifestyle as well, then just have fun with all the colors and embellishments on the market.

Nail Envy: The Black French Manicure

The height of nail fashion right now seems to be the talon shape.  It's quite striking but not feasible if your job, lifestyle, or personal style prohibits rocking this look.  I for one am a fan of the square nail.  It looks very clean and polished yet with the right manicure it can still be quite edgy.  Case in point the black french manicure.  Start by painting your nail all over with the matte black polish.  When dried, tape off the nail bed leaving the tips exposed.  Add a shiny black polish on the tips then remove the tape.  Voila!  You're welcome.

OPI Nail Polish, Black Onyx
Scotch Masking Tape
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear, Black Out