Nail Trend Alert: The New Designer Accessory

By Chloe Brinklow

It is every girls dream to have a wardrobe full of designer ‘it’ bags and stunning shoes from all the top labels, but with price tags greater than your monthly pay packet, updating designer accessories regularly isn’t always an option. Never fear, Rescu. has a solution to keep you stunning, stylish and hot on the tail of all the newest trends…

Nail Polish – Straight from the runway techniques, shades and formulas are the new (and affordable) way to rock a designer look on your fingers and toes!

Rescu. caught up with extraordinarily talented nail specialist Jane Wales for her expert opinion on all things nails…

RESCU: Where/who do you look for all your nail inspiration?

Jane Wales: I look in international magazines, celebrity watch, New York runways, and Debborah Lippmans new collection.

RESCU: What ‘on trend’ shape should we be asking our manicurist for next appointment?

Jane Wales: I believe the shape should never really change – the nail shape that is the best for the nail is square edge with rounded corners. Long oval nails are on the runway but not practical for every day women, having the newest colours is the real trend.

RESCU: What colours would you suggest for short nails?

Jane Wales: The best colours for really short nails are, soft neutral pinks and creams however if a French polish is done very fine, the look of length on the nail can be achieved which is fabulous for nail bitters. Ottherwise if the nails are neat and short then any colour can look amazing.

RESCU: What colours would you suggest for long nails?

Jane Wales: Long nails are a thing of the past however the perfect length is 2mm over the edge of the skin. Any colour can look amazing if the length is perfect.

RESCU: What colour is work appropriate yet still on trend?

Jane Wales: For corporate jobs – neutral pinks and creams, then to dark colours that are sheik and sophisticated. No bright blues, greens or orange! Red and pink work also, but the condition is so important. If there are peeling flakey polishes on the nail then it is a really bad look. Its either polish to perfection or no polish at all!

RESCU: Are there any tricks of the trade to keep our nails in tip top condition at home?

Jane Wales: Regular buffing to keep the natural oils of the nail, and condition of the nail at their peak, to keep the edge filed always, to keep a strengthening base coat on always, re – apply top coat every 2 days for the perfect 7day mani, to use a hand cream to keep the cuticles in top condition.

Rescu. Top Product Picks To Get Designer Inspired Nails…

Le Vernis Nail Colour By Chanel

Its no secret that Chanel has the authoritative voice over what’s hot in the world of nails, as Global Creative Director of Make Up Mr Peter Phillips consistently sends to-die-for, of-the-minute shades down the runway.

From Cult classic to soon-to-be-released Chanel boasts two sizzling shades for the winter. Dark and mysterious, Chanel Black Pearl No 513 is a metallic, translucent style formula with a very prominent green undertone which reflects against the light. Pair with an all black outfit for a super chic, polished look.

Keep an eagle eye out for the new shade from Chanel (due out mid May) LE VERNIS (Mimosa) N°577. A pearlescent sunny yellow that’s perfect for toes and works well with a spray tan, a stilleto heel and a LBD.

Sally Hansen Real Nail Polish Strips Kit

We never thought that we would live to see the day, but nail art is officially back and better than ever before! Fun and fresh these stick on strips that come in a range of colours and designs have seen nail art ditch its ‘tacky’ reputation and gain some serious style cred.

UK label and fast fashion chain store, Topshop sent Dalmatian print fingertips down the runway at London fashion week last month and we can’t help but think of all the drying time that would have been saved back stage if they had used these little wonder strips. Super easy to apply, streak and mess free, (no more bad-hand nails) adding designer inspired attitude to your outfit has never been easier.

Available from KMart, Target, Big W, Priceline, Price Attack, Myer, David Jones, Woolworths and pharmacies ($14.95)

Rock coat from Dior

For seriously smouldering fingertips and toes this winter you can’t go past Dior’s new nail varnish that helps you channel the inner rock star. Adding a smoky layer, this transparent black, top coat is applied over the top of any dry nail polish to add depth, drama and to darken things up.

Rescu. tip: Apply your base colour first and allow to dry followed by a transparent coat of this little beauty, For best results only use Dior Rock Coat with darker shades.

Available from selected Myer and David Jones stores nationally.

Shatter Top Coat By OPI

Keeping with the nail art trend, this amazing and clever new formula, applied over the top of any colour nail polish, crackles and splits to create a leopard print effect for seriously sexy nails. Coming in a range of colours, joining the black original, silver, navy, red and more.

Rescu. tip: Avoid the ‘gothic’ look and only ever apply dark colours to short, filed and biffed nails. Colour combinations that work include black and silver, red and white, and blue and red.

Available from selected salons and David Jones 1st May ($19.95)

The Wonderful Collection by Zoya

Favouring seasonal colours is the best way to stay on trend in the nail world! As a rule (there is always exceptions) bright and bold for summer and dark and dramatic for winter. Think berry shades, reds, greys, browns and blacks, and voila, you’re already on your way to, to-die-for designer inspired nails.

At Rescu. we can’t get enough of the new Wonderful Collection that feature six divine creamy shades including Carrie, a scarlet red that embodies classic elegance and sophistication. A shade perfect for that important corporate meeting or an intimate dinner date, it can really carry from day to night.

Available from selected salons and spas or available online at www.zoya.com.au ($17each or $90 for the collection)