Sweet

A soft peach color, like RGB Nail Color in Punch, is a refreshing departure from your standard pinks and nudes. We also happen to adore the combination of peach and gold together. For a fancy French mani, grab your favorite gold nail polish (we opted for essie Good as Gold) and add metallic tips. We did ours freehand, but if you’re feeling unsteady, lay down a piece of tape before the gold polish.

Chic

Of course you wouldn’t want a full-on glitter manicure to compete with the stunner you’re sporting. Instead, try coupling nude nails with a shimmery accent finger for the perfect compromise of subtle and sparkle. We used essie Sand Tropez and topped it off with two coats of essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlfection on the ring finger.

Timeless

A pale pink wedding day manicure will never go out of style. The look is simple yet sophisticated—plus the color camouflages chips quite nicely in the event the day gets a little crazy. We found a soft color that’s not too sheer (OPI Nail Lacquer in Don’t Burst My Bubble) and layered three coats to achieve pink perfection.

Which one of our must-see wedding day manicures is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

You’ve picked out the hair, the makeup, the dress, and the shoes…but what about the manicure!? A touch a shimmer here, a fresh twist on the classic French there—our must-see bridal manicures are far from boring. Even if a wedding isn’t in your near future, you’re sure to fall head over heels for these simply chic looks.

Sweet

A soft peach color, like RGB Nail Color in Punch, is a refreshing departure from your standard pinks and nudes. We also happen to adore the combination of peach and gold together. For a fancy French mani, grab your favorite gold nail polish (we opted for essie Good as Gold) and add metallic tips. We did ours freehand, but if you’re feeling unsteady, lay down a piece of tape before the gold polish.

Chic

Of course you wouldn’t want a full-on glitter manicure to compete with the stunner you’re sporting. Instead, try coupling nude nails with a shimmery accent finger for the perfect compromise of subtle and sparkle. We used essie Sand Tropez and topped it off with two coats of essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlfection on the ring finger.

Timeless

A pale pink wedding day manicure will never go out of style. The look is simple yet sophisticated—plus the color camouflages chips quite nicely in the event the day gets a little crazy. We found a soft color that’s not too sheer (OPI Nail Lacquer in Don’t Burst My Bubble) and layered three coats to achieve pink perfection.

Which one of our must-see wedding day manicures is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

With the Twitter moniker, RedCarpetMan, celebrity ‘MAN-icurist’ Tom Bachik is no stranger to tending to some of the most glamorous nails in the biz. Reporting from behind the scenes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Bachik shares his red-carpet secrets with Makeup.com

Are there any particular manicure colors that celebrities are gravitating towards this season on the red carpet?

For red carpet, it’s usually pretty safe: chic and elegant, so we are doing a lot of nudes. One thing that I do is to create a little bit of translucency when working with nudes so your natural skin tone shows through the polish color to create a customized shade just for you. Like how a nude pump accentuates legs and make them look long and slender, a nude polish does the same for the hands.

MDC Recommends: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings, essie Nail Color in Ballet Slippers, and LONDONTOWN Lakur in Teatime.

Is there a particular nail art trend that you see celebrities embracing or are they mostly sticking with a classic manicure?

Most of the celebrities favor a more classic, glamorous manicure—however, there are a few that are opting for a really sparkly, glittery look as well to add some more dimension to their nails.

How do you take into consideration what celebrities are wearing when you decide on their nail polish color?

For me, I like either to complement the color of the outfit or contrast it, but nothing in between. I like it to be matchy-matchy or I want it to be striking and stand out. For example, if the celebrity is wearing a green dress, I would do a rich-deep red on her nails. If she’s wearing a red dress, I might go and do a great gold shimmer.

When you’re changing up manicures frequently, what’s the best way to keep nails healthy?

The best thing you can do is to keep your nails moisturized. A great cuticle oil is a must because not only does it hydrate the skin around the nail, it will penetrate into the nail to keep it soft and flexible and prevent it from chipping and breaking.

MDC Recommends: Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

And our own pressing question: how do you save a fresh manicure that got smudged before it was dry?

One of the things I recommend is to make sure that before you apply your top coat, let your nail polish dry for a minute or two. The reason for that is because most top coats are designed to dry very quickly so if you apply it right after the polish, it’ll dry faster than the polish underneath and trap in the solvent, causing the polish underneath to dry slower.

Now let’s say you do smudge it—the easiest way to take care of that is to take your finger and dip it in a bit of polish remover, then smooth out where you smudged the polish using a small circular motion. You can actually almost blend the smudge in and it gives you a nice smooth finish. Now if you remove the color while you’re smoothing, just reapply the polish to that area, wait for it to dry and finish off with a top coat.

With the Twitter moniker, RedCarpetMan, celebrity ‘MAN-icurist’ Tom Bachik is no stranger to tending to some of the most glamorous nails in the biz. Reporting from behind the scenes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Bachik shares his red-carpet secrets with Makeup.com

Are there any particular manicure colors that celebrities are gravitating towards this season on the red carpet?

For red carpet, it’s usually pretty safe: chic and elegant, so we are doing a lot of nudes. One thing that I do is to create a little bit of translucency when working with nudes so your natural skin tone shows through the polish color to create a customized shade just for you. Like how a nude pump accentuates legs and make them look long and slender, a nude polish does the same for the hands.

MDC Recommends: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings, essie Nail Color in Ballet Slippers, and LONDONTOWN Lakur in Teatime.

Is there a particular nail art trend that you see celebrities embracing or are they mostly sticking with a classic manicure?

Most of the celebrities favor a more classic, glamorous manicure—however, there are a few that are opting for a really sparkly, glittery look as well to add some more dimension to their nails.

How do you take into consideration what celebrities are wearing when you decide on their nail polish color?

For me, I like either to complement the color of the outfit or contrast it, but nothing in between. I like it to be matchy-matchy or I want it to be striking and stand out. For example, if the celebrity is wearing a green dress, I would do a rich-deep red on her nails. If she’s wearing a red dress, I might go and do a great gold shimmer.

When you’re changing up manicures frequently, what’s the best way to keep nails healthy?

The best thing you can do is to keep your nails moisturized. A great cuticle oil is a must because not only does it hydrate the skin around the nail, it will penetrate into the nail to keep it soft and flexible and prevent it from chipping and breaking.

MDC Recommends: Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

And our own pressing question: how do you save a fresh manicure that got smudged before it was dry?

One of the things I recommend is to make sure that before you apply your top coat, let your nail polish dry for a minute or two. The reason for that is because most top coats are designed to dry very quickly so if you apply it right after the polish, it’ll dry faster than the polish underneath and trap in the solvent, causing the polish underneath to dry slower.

Now let’s say you do smudge it—the easiest way to take care of that is to take your finger and dip it in a bit of polish remover, then smooth out where you smudged the polish using a small circular motion. You can actually almost blend the smudge in and it gives you a nice smooth finish. Now if you remove the color while you’re smoothing, just reapply the polish to that area, wait for it to dry and finish off with a top coat.

Red Hot Holiday

Pay a subtle nod to the American Flag with a red and white mani. If stripes strike you as a tad time-intensive, try an easier alternative. Just place a piece of tape (keep the ridges) down the center of each white nail and paint the red on top. Product Picks: essie Really Red and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Feathered.

Blue, White & Blue 

Red, white and blue felt a little too “on-the-nose.” Instead, we’re opting for an oh-so chic ombre blue manicure to capture the patriotic spirit. Product Picks: Sephora by OPI in White Hot, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Aqua Bleu, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Plunge Pool and Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Blast of Blue.

Spring Skies

If holiday-themed really isn’t your thing, try our spring skies manicure. Your fingertips will fit in perfectly at the family picnic. To create our whimsical weekend clouds we used a dotting tool. Product Picks: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorch and essie Bikini So Teeny.

Will you rock a Memorial Day manicure this weekend? If you do, post a photo of your nail art on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

We’re counting down to Memorial Day. With summer on the horizon, your weekend calendar is probably filled with BBQs, picnics and festive gatherings of all sorts. We’re never the ones to show up to a social function without a holiday-themed (or at least seasonally appropriate) manicure to show off. Here are a few of the Memorial Day manicures Team MDC will be sporting this holiday weekend.

Red Hot Holiday

Pay a subtle nod to the American Flag with a red and white mani. If stripes strike you as a tad time-intensive, try an easier alternative. Just place a piece of tape (keep the ridges) down the center of each white nail and paint the red on top. Product Picks: essie Really Red and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Feathered.

Blue, White & Blue 

Red, white and blue felt a little too “on-the-nose.” Instead, we’re opting for an oh-so chic ombre blue manicure to capture the patriotic spirit. Product Picks: Sephora by OPI in White Hot, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Aqua Bleu, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Plunge Pool and Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Blast of Blue.

Spring Skies

If holiday-themed really isn’t your thing, try our spring skies manicure. Your fingertips will fit in perfectly at the family picnic. To create our whimsical weekend clouds we used a dotting tool. Product Picks: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorch and essie Bikini So Teeny.

Will you rock a Memorial Day manicure this weekend? If you do, post a photo of your nail art on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

We're always on the lookout for our next manicure. And our friends at PopSugar.com never fail to deliver the best nail inspiration, like this turquoise-glitter combination.

With all the new makeup launches, it's pretty clear that turquoise nail polish is the must-have shade for Spring and Summer. Not only does this blue-green color pop against springtime pastels, but also, it looks even cooler set against a golden sparkle.

Related: One Trick to Finding the Perfect Nude Nail Polish For Your Wedding Day

For this mermaid-inspired look, I used the teal-hued Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Caribbean($14), along with the gold-glittered Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow ($20). Start off with a base coat like Butter London Nail Foundation ($19), and then swipe on two coats of the turquoise polish. Next, dab the gold glitter polish on the base of the nail to create a gradient effect. Once you have your desired look, seal everything with a top coat like Essie Good to Go ($10) for fast-drying shine. Even if you're not soaking up some sun at the beach, one glance at your nails will take you there.

More From PopSugar:

DIY This Easy Gatsby-Inspired Nail Design

10 Spring Pastel Shades Under $10

The Ultimate Guide to Smoky Eyes

Photo: Courtesy of PopSugar

We're always on the lookout for our next manicure. And our friends at PopSugar.com never fail to deliver the best nail inspiration, like this turquoise-glitter combination.

With all the new makeup launches, it's pretty clear that turquoise nail polish is the must-have shade for Spring and Summer. Not only does this blue-green color pop against springtime pastels, but also, it looks even cooler set against a golden sparkle.

Related: One Trick to Finding the Perfect Nude Nail Polish For Your Wedding Day

For this mermaid-inspired look, I used the teal-hued Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Caribbean($14), along with the gold-glittered Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow ($20). Start off with a base coat like Butter London Nail Foundation ($19), and then swipe on two coats of the turquoise polish. Next, dab the gold glitter polish on the base of the nail to create a gradient effect. Once you have your desired look, seal everything with a top coat like Essie Good to Go ($10) for fast-drying shine. Even if you're not soaking up some sun at the beach, one glance at your nails will take you there.

More From PopSugar:

DIY This Easy Gatsby-Inspired Nail Design

10 Spring Pastel Shades Under $10

The Ultimate Guide to Smoky Eyes

Photo: Courtesy of PopSugar

Simple nail art may seem like a bit of an oxymoron, but today we’ll show you it’s not all tiny brushes and obscure art supplies. These manicures are easy enough for beginners, yet chic enough for nail art pros. And they can all be completed in just three steps! Because wouldn’t we all rather look like we spent hours slaving away on our masterpiece, but really finish our mani’s in minutes?

We spotted this glitter manicure on LaurenConrad.com, and just had to share it. For this simple and sparkly manicure, you can forget the nail polish all together. All you need is a base coat, top coat and the fine-grain glitter of your choice.  

Directions

1. Paint a layer of base coat on your nail.
2. While the nail is still wet, dip it into fine grain glitter.
3. Seal in the sparkle with a coat of top coat. (Quick Tip: you can use a piece of tape to clean up stubborn glitter left on your fingers.)

With a little help from your favorite loose pigment eyeshadow (we used L’Oréal Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Liquid Diamond), this fresh take on a metallic manicure will be yours.

Directions

1. Paint your nails with a base color. We’re wearing Sally Hansen Smooth Perfect Color Care in Sea.
2. Gather some loose pigment eyeshadow on a fluffy eyeshadow brush. While the polish is still wet, brush the shadow across the nail.
3. Clean up your fingers and make your manicure shine with s swipe of top coat.

We love the look of a clean stripe across the nail. Skip the stress of doing it free hand, and take scissors to your nail stickers. We snipped essie Sleek Stick in Steel the Show for our stripes.

Directions

1. Cut your nail sticker into a thin strip.
2. Lay the strip across your nail and smooth it down.
3. File off the excess sticker and finish with your favorite top coat.

Which one of these ideas are you going to try? Whichever one you choose, snap a photo on Instagram and use the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Simple nail art may seem like a bit of an oxymoron, but today we’ll show you it’s not all tiny brushes and obscure art supplies. These manicures are easy enough for beginners, yet chic enough for nail art pros. And they can all be completed in just three steps! Because wouldn’t we all rather look like we spent hours slaving away on our masterpiece, but really finish our mani’s in minutes?

We spotted this glitter manicure on LaurenConrad.com, and just had to share it. For this simple and sparkly manicure, you can forget the nail polish all together. All you need is a base coat, top coat and the fine-grain glitter of your choice.  

Directions

1. Paint a layer of base coat on your nail.
2. While the nail is still wet, dip it into fine grain glitter.
3. Seal in the sparkle with a coat of top coat. (Quick Tip: you can use a piece of tape to clean up stubborn glitter left on your fingers.)

With a little help from your favorite loose pigment eyeshadow (we used L’Oréal Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Liquid Diamond), this fresh take on a metallic manicure will be yours.

Directions

1. Paint your nails with a base color. We’re wearing Sally Hansen Smooth Perfect Color Care in Sea.
2. Gather some loose pigment eyeshadow on a fluffy eyeshadow brush. While the polish is still wet, brush the shadow across the nail.
3. Clean up your fingers and make your manicure shine with s swipe of top coat.

We love the look of a clean stripe across the nail. Skip the stress of doing it free hand, and take scissors to your nail stickers. We snipped essie Sleek Stick in Steel the Show for our stripes.

Directions

1. Cut your nail sticker into a thin strip.
2. Lay the strip across your nail and smooth it down.
3. File off the excess sticker and finish with your favorite top coat.

Which one of these ideas are you going to try? Whichever one you choose, snap a photo on Instagram and use the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Supplies

• 3 colors of nail polish
• top coat
• makeup sponge
• pointed q-tips
• nail polish remover

Directions

1. Paint nails with your lightest color, and allow to dry. We used Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua for our base.
2. Paint a generous stripe of each color, from lightest to darkest, across the end of the sponge. The sponge will soak up some of the polish so you have to add a second layer. After our base color, we used essie avenue maintain, followed by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Rx.
3. Press the sponge firmly again your nail. Color will get on your fingers, but we’ll clean that up later. Repeat on each nail twice.
4. Take a remover-soaked cotton swab (or small paint brush) and clean up the edges of each nail. Finish with a swipe of top coat, and get ready to be a source of major manicure envy!

What’s your favorite manicure du jour? If you’ve got some nail art you want to show off right now, tweet it our way @makeupdotcom using the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

Ombre is here to stay, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’ve been crushing on all things color fading for as long as we have, it’s about time for your nails to join in on the fun. Get yourself a gorgeous gradient manicure with our latest edition of Nail Files… 

Supplies

• 3 colors of nail polish
• top coat
• makeup sponge
• pointed q-tips
• nail polish remover

Directions

1. Paint nails with your lightest color, and allow to dry. We used Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua for our base.
2. Paint a generous stripe of each color, from lightest to darkest, across the end of the sponge. The sponge will soak up some of the polish so you have to add a second layer. After our base color, we used essie avenue maintain, followed by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Rx.
3. Press the sponge firmly again your nail. Color will get on your fingers, but we’ll clean that up later. Repeat on each nail twice.
4. Take a remover-soaked cotton swab (or small paint brush) and clean up the edges of each nail. Finish with a swipe of top coat, and get ready to be a source of major manicure envy!

What’s your favorite manicure du jour? If you’ve got some nail art you want to show off right now, tweet it our way @makeupdotcom using the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

Supplies

• metallic nail polish
• regular nail polish
• matte top coat
• tape

Directions

1. Paint nails with two coats of your base color. We used essie california coral.
2. Paint one coat of a clear mattifying top coat to each nail. We love essie matte about you, although NYC Matte Me Crazy works well too.
3. Allow nails to dry completely. While you wait, check out our 2-minute makeover for an instantly flawless complexion.
4. Once nails are dry, place a piece of tape over the nail bed leaving only the tip of the nail exposed. See image above.
5. Brush the exposed nail tips with your favorite metallic nail polish. We used our favorite shade from the new essie mirror metallic collection, penny talk.
6. Remove tape guides (preferably while paint is still wet), and get ready to show off your new trendy talons!

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

One of our favorite nail trends this spring is the mixed media manicure. Whether it’s a balance of matte and shiny or metallic and flat, we are loving this fresh textural spin on nail art. We particularly adore the matte and shiny French manicures spotted at Angel Sanchez so we took matters into our own hands and decided to put our own twist on the look: The Metallic & Matte French Tip Manicure. Check our tutorial below and get ready to be inspired!

Supplies

• metallic nail polish
• regular nail polish
• matte top coat
• tape

Directions

1. Paint nails with two coats of your base color. We used essie california coral.
2. Paint one coat of a clear mattifying top coat to each nail. We love essie matte about you, although NYC Matte Me Crazy works well too.
3. Allow nails to dry completely. While you wait, check out our 2-minute makeover for an instantly flawless complexion.
4. Once nails are dry, place a piece of tape over the nail bed leaving only the tip of the nail exposed. See image above.
5. Brush the exposed nail tips with your favorite metallic nail polish. We used our favorite shade from the new essie mirror metallic collection, penny talk.
6. Remove tape guides (preferably while paint is still wet), and get ready to show off your new trendy talons!

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Supplies

• tape
• 3 contrasting nail polish colors
• top coat + base coat

Directions

1. Prep nails by applying a base coat.
2. Apply a base color and allow it to dry completely. We used essie go ginza.
3. Pick accent color. We used Orange Extreme from the Maybelline Limited Edition ColorShow Nail Lacquer collection.
4. Place the tape and paint. Using a small piece of tape, create a diagonal line that bisects the nail bed leaving only a sliver of the original coat of polish exposed (as pictured above). Using your accent color, paint the exposed area of the nail.
5. Remove tape. Right after you apply the accent color, carefully (and slowly) remove the tape pieces and repeat the steps listed above until each nail has a side-slash of your accent color. (P.S. You can use this tape technique to create another one of our favorite manicures, The Mixed Media Mani.)
6. Allow nails to dry completely. Before you can complete the manicure you must wait for your nails to dry all the way.
7. Tape and repeat. Follow steps 3 through 5 with your secondary accent color. For the secondary accent shade we used Mesmerizing Magenta (another great shade from the Maybelline Limited Edition ColorShow Nail Lacquer collection).
8. Finish off with a top coat. We used our go-to, essie no chips ahead top coat.

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Looking for more makeup how-tos? Check out our 5 favorite must-see makeup tutorials!

Photos: Makeup.com

In honor of this season’s freshest blooms we’ve decided to put together a color block manicure tutorial to get you inspired to go bold and be bright this spring! Follow the steps listed below and get ready to show off your killer new manicure…

Supplies

• tape
• 3 contrasting nail polish colors
• top coat + base coat

Directions

1. Prep nails by applying a base coat.
2. Apply a base color and allow it to dry completely. We used essie go ginza.
3. Pick accent color. We used Orange Extreme from the Maybelline Limited Edition ColorShow Nail Lacquer collection.
4. Place the tape and paint. Using a small piece of tape, create a diagonal line that bisects the nail bed leaving only a sliver of the original coat of polish exposed (as pictured above). Using your accent color, paint the exposed area of the nail.
5. Remove tape. Right after you apply the accent color, carefully (and slowly) remove the tape pieces and repeat the steps listed above until each nail has a side-slash of your accent color. (P.S. You can use this tape technique to create another one of our favorite manicures, The Mixed Media Mani.)
6. Allow nails to dry completely. Before you can complete the manicure you must wait for your nails to dry all the way.
7. Tape and repeat. Follow steps 3 through 5 with your secondary accent color. For the secondary accent shade we used Mesmerizing Magenta (another great shade from the Maybelline Limited Edition ColorShow Nail Lacquer collection).
8. Finish off with a top coat. We used our go-to, essie no chips ahead top coat.

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Looking for more makeup how-tos? Check out our 5 favorite must-see makeup tutorials!

Photos: Makeup.com

Spring has sprung and with it comes an array of new nail polish colors making now the ultimate time to spring-ify your manicure (especially for those of you who will be celebrating Easter this weekend). Today we’ve put together one of our favorite nail tutorials to date featuring two of our favorite shades from the essie spring collection: go ginza (light lavender) and avenue maintain (robin egg blue). The best part about this DIY mani is all you need is two polish colors and a bobby pin!

Supplies

• 1 bobby pin
• light nail polish
• dark nail polish

Directions

1. Paint nails with two coats of your base color. We used essie go ginza, although bond with whomever would look cute too!
2. While nails dry, place a few drops of your secondary color onto a piece of paper. For the accent shade, we used essie avenue maintain.
3. Unbend your bobby pin and dip the larger ballpoint end into the secondary color.
4. Carefully dot each nail, dipping the bobby pin into the secondary color in between each dot. You can apply more or less pressure to create larger or smaller dots.
5. Finish off with a top coat. We like essie no chips ahead top coat.

And there you have it! Bet you didn’t think hair pins and nail art could get along so nicely…

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Spring has sprung and with it comes an array of new nail polish colors making now the ultimate time to spring-ify your manicure (especially for those of you who will be celebrating Easter this weekend). Today we’ve put together one of our favorite nail tutorials to date featuring two of our favorite shades from the essie spring collection: go ginza (light lavender) and avenue maintain (robin egg blue). The best part about this DIY mani is all you need is two polish colors and a bobby pin!

Supplies

• 1 bobby pin
• light nail polish
• dark nail polish

Directions

1. Paint nails with two coats of your base color. We used essie go ginza, although bond with whomever would look cute too!
2. While nails dry, place a few drops of your secondary color onto a piece of paper. For the accent shade, we used essie avenue maintain.
3. Unbend your bobby pin and dip the larger ballpoint end into the secondary color.
4. Carefully dot each nail, dipping the bobby pin into the secondary color in between each dot. You can apply more or less pressure to create larger or smaller dots.
5. Finish off with a top coat. We like essie no chips ahead top coat.

And there you have it! Bet you didn’t think hair pins and nail art could get along so nicely…

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Supplies

• tape
• light nail polish
• dark nail polish
• top coat + base coat

Directions

1. Prep nails by applying a base coat. We like essie first base coat.
2. Apply a base color and allow it to dry completely. We used essie go ginza.
3. Pick an accent color. In light of the emerald trend, we picked a metallic shade called Intense Teal from the new Maybelline Limited Edition Color Show Nail Lacquer collection.
4. Place the tape. Using two small pieces of tape, create a line at the center of your nail leaving only a sliver of the original coat of polish exposed (as pictured above).
5. Apply accent color. Once the tape has been firmly placed, brush on your accent color.
6. Remove tape.Right after you apply the accent color, carefully (and slowly) remove the tape pieces and repeat the steps listed above.
7. Finish off with a top coat. We love essie no chips ahead top coat.

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Photos: Makeup.com

Traditionally spring is a season marked by floral prints and pastels, however this year it’s all about bold stripes. From Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs to Oscar de la Renta, look-at-me lines were a key trend for this season’s fashions. But did you know that stripes made an equally important statement in the manicure scene as well? During Spring 2013 Fashion Week we spotted spangled nails everywhere from Phillip Lim to Monika Chiang and we are excited to show you how to get the look in just a few simple steps…

Supplies

• tape
• light nail polish
• dark nail polish
• top coat + base coat

Directions

1. Prep nails by applying a base coat. We like essie first base coat.
2. Apply a base color and allow it to dry completely. We used essie go ginza.
3. Pick an accent color. In light of the emerald trend, we picked a metallic shade called Intense Teal from the new Maybelline Limited Edition Color Show Nail Lacquer collection.
4. Place the tape. Using two small pieces of tape, create a line at the center of your nail leaving only a sliver of the original coat of polish exposed (as pictured above).
5. Apply accent color. Once the tape has been firmly placed, brush on your accent color.
6. Remove tape.Right after you apply the accent color, carefully (and slowly) remove the tape pieces and repeat the steps listed above.
7. Finish off with a top coat. We love essie no chips ahead top coat.

Are you going to give this manicure a try? If you do, snap a photo on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for a chance to be featured on the Makeup.com Facebook page!

Photos: Makeup.com

Tip #1

"Put aluminum foil in the freezer. Once chilled, apply cold sheets of foil to your face. The cold foil will reduce puffiness and tighten pores."

—Ramy Gafni, makeup artist, brow guru and founder of RAMY Beauty Therapy Cosmetics

Tip #2

"You can make your own concealer in a pinch by mixing a bit of translucent powder into liquid foundation to thicken it. This also works well if you do not like heavy concealer."

—Ricky Wilson, celebrity makeup artist, Dior Beauty

Tip #3

"If you have dry, sensitive or dull-looking skin, you can use raw honey as a facial mask. Raw, unpasteurized honey contains mild alpha hydroxy acids, such as gluconic acid, which can exfoliate, promote collagen renewal and increase elasticity. Not only does raw honey exfoliate, the natural sugar in it retains moisture. Slather raw honey all over your face as a mask and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry."

—Ashley Rebecca, makeup artist

Tip #4

"Eyebrows should start soft in color, become dark in the middle (arch) and then again become lighter at the end. Brows should not be the exact same color and strength through the entire brow. It’s good to use your choice of pencil or powder, and then go back with a lighter powder and sweep through on top. This will highlight the brow hair as your natural hair is highlighted by light."

—Jeffrey Tasker, makeup artist and Laura Mercier Global Artist

Tip #5

"Blondes should use a gray eye shadow to fill their brows."

—Gabriel Almodovar, celebrity makeup artist, Maybelline New York

Tip #6

"I am a huge fan of beautifully curled lashes and I have several heated eyelash curlers from ones I special order from Japan to the wonderful Dior heated curler. But if my battery wears out in these curlers and I still want the heated effect, I take my regular eyelash curler and heat it with a blow-dryer for about five seconds. Test the curler on your hand before using it on your eye. The heat acts like a curling iron on your eyelash hairs and gives even the straightest lashes staying power. But remember, use waterproof mascara first before using a heated curler of any type. This works to help keep the curl. It's like hair spraying your hair before using a curling iron."

—Cynthia Rose, makeup artist

Tip #7

"When putting mascara on, start with the bottom lashes. Most people put mascara on their top lashes first, and then tilt their head down to do the bottom ones. The problem is usually the mascara isn't quite dry yet and you end up with little black dots all over your beautifully applied eye shadow. Doing it in reverse order assures a mess-proof application."

—Raychel Wade, makeup artist and La Prairie Colour Ambassador

Tip #8

"To add extra volume and drama to eyelashes you have to start off by curling them. Then apply a coat of mascara to each eye, and add a light layer of loose powder using a brush across the entire top and bottom lashes. Give it a few seconds and apply a second layer of mascara. Repeat these steps until you achieve your desired effect."

—Niko Lopez, NARS National Makeup Stylist

Tip #9

"Powdering the eyelashes prior to applying mascara helps mascara to go on in a more feathery, nonclumpy way."

—Maureen Shields, makeup artist, Giorgio Armani Beauty 

Tip #10

"Having trouble with mascara smudging and flaking, but you don't want to damage your delicate lashes with waterproof mascara every day? Many women put a clear coat over their manicure to protect it. Why not do the same with your mascara? Let you favorite mascara dry completely, and then put a coat of clear mascara over the top. This simple extra step will eliminate flakes, and your mascara won't budge or smudge until you take it off!"

—Kevin James Bennett, makeup artist

Tip #11

"One of my personal favorites is to tint the tips of lashes with a nontoxic black Sharpie, especially in the summer when the tips of lashes seem to bleach out or fade from sun and chlorine. Gently and carefully brush over the tips of lashes to darken them without adding any bulk or stickiness. Lashes look darker and longer and super natural with no mascara!"

—Troy Surratt, makeup artist

Tip #12

"Want sky-high voluminous lashes? Here’s my insider trick. When applying mascara, I like to use a playing card as a guide. It sounds crazy. But trust me, it works! First, cut an arc in the card. Then place it against your eyelid so that the cutout portion is against your lash line and your lashes are in front of the card. This trick allows you to add some major oomph to volumize your lashes without creating a mess and getting mascara onto your lids! Next hold the wand vertically against your bottom lashes and sweep mascara onto your lower and inner lashes. Lastly, using a clean spoolie brush with soft bristles, comb through to separate the lashes without clumping your mascara, and direct those luscious lashes exactly where you want them to be."

—Mally Roncal, makeup artist and founder of Mally Beauty

Tip #13

"Put a heavy layer of Vaseline around the eyes when flying, and keep the dark sunglasses on. This will keep eyes hydrated on long flights. Just  remember to blend before landing."

—Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist and Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Designer

Tip #14

"The secret to perfectly blending eye shadows is to prep lids with loose powder first. This will allow the colors you place on top blend smoothly and flawlessly."

—Janice Daoud, NARS National Makeup Stylist 

Tip #15

"If you say smoky eyes, most people think black. But it's actually a shading technique, not a color. You can use any color combination of light to dark to achieve a smoky look once you have this sexy routine down. The first rule of thumb is to apply all shadow from bottom to top; start at the lash line and blend upward. You want to layer on the lightest shade first, from the natural crease of your eye to just under the brow bone. Then build on this base with a deeper color along your top and bottom lash lines. Finish the look by lining the inner rim of your eyes with a creamy, smudgy liner pencil, and top with a generous coat of mascara."

—Lori Taylor, makeup artist and Smashbox Pro Lead Artist

Tip #16

"I love mixing skin care into makeup, to alter the beauty looks slightly. This season, I took rejuvenating serum and rubbed it into eye shadow on eyelids for a luminous, lived-in look."

—Romy Soleimani, makeup artist and beauty director at large for Beauty.com

Tip #17

"Applying bright cream blush under tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation will give cheeks that beautiful, flushing, radiant-from-within look. I love using bright raspberry cream blush underneath liquid foundation. Go more with the blush at first, since it'll be blended down after."

—Nick Barose, celebrity makeup artist

Tip #18

"To ensure the longevity of your lipstick, apply and blot three times so the lipstick builds in layers, allowing it to adhere better to the lips."

—Alberto Espinoza-Cervantes, makeup artist, Chanel

Tip #19

"Most women line their lips by applying liner starting from one corner and going in a circle. But they don’t realize this actually makes their lips look asymmetrical. In order to properly line your lips, start by lining the very center of the top and bottom lips, and then the outer corners of the top and bottom lips. Connect the lines starting from the outer corners, and drawing in one fluid motion for each section to the center of the top and bottom lips. Finish by filling in the entire lip with liner."

—Jessie Powers, Make Up For Ever artist

Tip #20

"To prevent winter dryness and cracking skin, apply hand cream immediately after washing, to slightly damp hands. This will lock in moisture."

—Essie Weingarten, creator of Essie Nail Polishes

Tip #21

"Once a month, I leave polish off of my nails for a night (I know, it's hard!). I paint my natural nails with cuticle oil to help them stay healthy and strong. It's just like how you'd use a hair mask."

—Simcha Whitehill, nail artist and founder of Miss Pop Nails

Tip #22

"When nails are dry, they become brittle like dried wood and they break so easily. So think of your nails like furniture; when you oil them, your nails become fresh and look stronger."

—Jin Soon Choi, nail artist and founder of Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spas in New York City and JINsoon nail polishes

Tip #23

"If you want to have matte nails, but don't have the product for the look, you can put water in a pan and boil the water. After polishing your nails, while they are still wet, wave your hands over the steam and this will instantly mattify the polish."

—Carla Kay, celebrity manicurist

Tip #24

"Eye shadow can be used as a quick-fix to hide roots! This works best on dark hair with light or gray roots. Simply match your hair color to a shade of shadow, and brush it on."

—Michael Shaun Corby, hairstylist and Alterna Haircare Global Creative Director

Tip #25

"To get soft, curly waves in the morning, put your hair into two big braided pigtails the night before. Release the braids the next morning and shake it off."

—Angelo David, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in New York City

Tip #26

"To flatten flyaways, spray hair spray in your hand, and then rub your hands onto the actual can of hair spray while they are still damp. Then quickly (so it doesn’t dry) use the can as a rolling pin from the center of the head down, which will create a smoothing effect and flatten the flyaways while distributing the hair spray."

—Rodney Cutler, celebrity hairstylist and Redken Brand Ambassador

Tip #27

"To remove product buildup from your hair, mix a tablespoon of vinegar in your hand with your favorite shampoo and rub through your hair. Concentrate on applying from the ends up and leave in for three to five minutes for beautifully clean hair with amazing shine!"

—Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of Ted Gibson Salons and Ted Gibson Beauty

Tip #28

"After rubbing your favorite body lotion on your body, apply the remaining lotion that's on your hands into your hair for beachy-looking locks. Lotion also makes a great hair fix when there are no hair products about (for example, at your boyfriend's house!)."

—Chris Rios, hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles

Tip #29

"In a pinch, there have been moments when I use antiperspirant deodorant as a mattifier, instead of powder. I gently blend the application with my fingers in hot spots. The texture of the deodorant is one that has a matte quality to it, but it also helps stop or significantly reduce perspiration."

—Moani Lee, makeup artist 

Tip #30

"After securing your ponytail, squeeze a little gel on a hard toothbrush and comb it along the hairline in the same direction that the hair is pulled backed in to keep the hairline looking really clean and stay that way. The toothbrush should be cheap, as they are harder and have straight bristles."

—Jenny Balding, hairstylist and Redken Styling and Grooming Expert

Photo: Getty Images

When it comes to beauty, we all wish we had a direct line to the pros to learn the latest secrets of the trade. Well, we created our own dial-in, reaching out to dozens of experts for their insider know-how and grooming wisdom. Read on for 30 of the most unique tips we heard—and the ones you can actually use!

Tip #1

"Put aluminum foil in the freezer. Once chilled, apply cold sheets of foil to your face. The cold foil will reduce puffiness and tighten pores."

—Ramy Gafni, makeup artist, brow guru and founder of RAMY Beauty Therapy Cosmetics

Tip #2

"You can make your own concealer in a pinch by mixing a bit of translucent powder into liquid foundation to thicken it. This also works well if you do not like heavy concealer."

—Ricky Wilson, celebrity makeup artist, Dior Beauty

Tip #3

"If you have dry, sensitive or dull-looking skin, you can use raw honey as a facial mask. Raw, unpasteurized honey contains mild alpha hydroxy acids, such as gluconic acid, which can exfoliate, promote collagen renewal and increase elasticity. Not only does raw honey exfoliate, the natural sugar in it retains moisture. Slather raw honey all over your face as a mask and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry."

—Ashley Rebecca, makeup artist

Tip #4

"Eyebrows should start soft in color, become dark in the middle (arch) and then again become lighter at the end. Brows should not be the exact same color and strength through the entire brow. It’s good to use your choice of pencil or powder, and then go back with a lighter powder and sweep through on top. This will highlight the brow hair as your natural hair is highlighted by light."

—Jeffrey Tasker, makeup artist and Laura Mercier Global Artist

Tip #5

"Blondes should use a gray eye shadow to fill their brows."

—Gabriel Almodovar, celebrity makeup artist, Maybelline New York

Tip #6

"I am a huge fan of beautifully curled lashes and I have several heated eyelash curlers from ones I special order from Japan to the wonderful Dior heated curler. But if my battery wears out in these curlers and I still want the heated effect, I take my regular eyelash curler and heat it with a blow-dryer for about five seconds. Test the curler on your hand before using it on your eye. The heat acts like a curling iron on your eyelash hairs and gives even the straightest lashes staying power. But remember, use waterproof mascara first before using a heated curler of any type. This works to help keep the curl. It's like hair spraying your hair before using a curling iron."

—Cynthia Rose, makeup artist

Tip #7

"When putting mascara on, start with the bottom lashes. Most people put mascara on their top lashes first, and then tilt their head down to do the bottom ones. The problem is usually the mascara isn't quite dry yet and you end up with little black dots all over your beautifully applied eye shadow. Doing it in reverse order assures a mess-proof application."

—Raychel Wade, makeup artist and La Prairie Colour Ambassador

Tip #8

"To add extra volume and drama to eyelashes you have to start off by curling them. Then apply a coat of mascara to each eye, and add a light layer of loose powder using a brush across the entire top and bottom lashes. Give it a few seconds and apply a second layer of mascara. Repeat these steps until you achieve your desired effect."

—Niko Lopez, NARS National Makeup Stylist

Tip #9

"Powdering the eyelashes prior to applying mascara helps mascara to go on in a more feathery, nonclumpy way."

—Maureen Shields, makeup artist, Giorgio Armani Beauty 

Tip #10

"Having trouble with mascara smudging and flaking, but you don't want to damage your delicate lashes with waterproof mascara every day? Many women put a clear coat over their manicure to protect it. Why not do the same with your mascara? Let you favorite mascara dry completely, and then put a coat of clear mascara over the top. This simple extra step will eliminate flakes, and your mascara won't budge or smudge until you take it off!"

—Kevin James Bennett, makeup artist

Tip #11

"One of my personal favorites is to tint the tips of lashes with a nontoxic black Sharpie, especially in the summer when the tips of lashes seem to bleach out or fade from sun and chlorine. Gently and carefully brush over the tips of lashes to darken them without adding any bulk or stickiness. Lashes look darker and longer and super natural with no mascara!"

—Troy Surratt, makeup artist

Tip #12

"Want sky-high voluminous lashes? Here’s my insider trick. When applying mascara, I like to use a playing card as a guide. It sounds crazy. But trust me, it works! First, cut an arc in the card. Then place it against your eyelid so that the cutout portion is against your lash line and your lashes are in front of the card. This trick allows you to add some major oomph to volumize your lashes without creating a mess and getting mascara onto your lids! Next hold the wand vertically against your bottom lashes and sweep mascara onto your lower and inner lashes. Lastly, using a clean spoolie brush with soft bristles, comb through to separate the lashes without clumping your mascara, and direct those luscious lashes exactly where you want them to be."

—Mally Roncal, makeup artist and founder of Mally Beauty

Tip #13

"Put a heavy layer of Vaseline around the eyes when flying, and keep the dark sunglasses on. This will keep eyes hydrated on long flights. Just  remember to blend before landing."

—Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist and Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Designer

Tip #14

"The secret to perfectly blending eye shadows is to prep lids with loose powder first. This will allow the colors you place on top blend smoothly and flawlessly."

—Janice Daoud, NARS National Makeup Stylist 

Tip #15

"If you say smoky eyes, most people think black. But it's actually a shading technique, not a color. You can use any color combination of light to dark to achieve a smoky look once you have this sexy routine down. The first rule of thumb is to apply all shadow from bottom to top; start at the lash line and blend upward. You want to layer on the lightest shade first, from the natural crease of your eye to just under the brow bone. Then build on this base with a deeper color along your top and bottom lash lines. Finish the look by lining the inner rim of your eyes with a creamy, smudgy liner pencil, and top with a generous coat of mascara."

—Lori Taylor, makeup artist and Smashbox Pro Lead Artist

Tip #16

"I love mixing skin care into makeup, to alter the beauty looks slightly. This season, I took rejuvenating serum and rubbed it into eye shadow on eyelids for a luminous, lived-in look."

—Romy Soleimani, makeup artist and beauty director at large for Beauty.com

Tip #17

"Applying bright cream blush under tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation will give cheeks that beautiful, flushing, radiant-from-within look. I love using bright raspberry cream blush underneath liquid foundation. Go more with the blush at first, since it'll be blended down after."

—Nick Barose, celebrity makeup artist

Tip #18

"To ensure the longevity of your lipstick, apply and blot three times so the lipstick builds in layers, allowing it to adhere better to the lips."

—Alberto Espinoza-Cervantes, makeup artist, Chanel

Tip #19

"Most women line their lips by applying liner starting from one corner and going in a circle. But they don’t realize this actually makes their lips look asymmetrical. In order to properly line your lips, start by lining the very center of the top and bottom lips, and then the outer corners of the top and bottom lips. Connect the lines starting from the outer corners, and drawing in one fluid motion for each section to the center of the top and bottom lips. Finish by filling in the entire lip with liner."

—Jessie Powers, Make Up For Ever artist

Tip #20

"To prevent winter dryness and cracking skin, apply hand cream immediately after washing, to slightly damp hands. This will lock in moisture."

—Essie Weingarten, creator of Essie Nail Polishes

Tip #21

"Once a month, I leave polish off of my nails for a night (I know, it's hard!). I paint my natural nails with cuticle oil to help them stay healthy and strong. It's just like how you'd use a hair mask."

—Simcha Whitehill, nail artist and founder of Miss Pop Nails

Tip #22

"When nails are dry, they become brittle like dried wood and they break so easily. So think of your nails like furniture; when you oil them, your nails become fresh and look stronger."

—Jin Soon Choi, nail artist and founder of Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spas in New York City and JINsoon nail polishes

Tip #23

"If you want to have matte nails, but don't have the product for the look, you can put water in a pan and boil the water. After polishing your nails, while they are still wet, wave your hands over the steam and this will instantly mattify the polish."

—Carla Kay, celebrity manicurist

Tip #24

"Eye shadow can be used as a quick-fix to hide roots! This works best on dark hair with light or gray roots. Simply match your hair color to a shade of shadow, and brush it on."

—Michael Shaun Corby, hairstylist and Alterna Haircare Global Creative Director

Tip #25

"To get soft, curly waves in the morning, put your hair into two big braided pigtails the night before. Release the braids the next morning and shake it off."

—Angelo David, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon in New York City

Tip #26

"To flatten flyaways, spray hair spray in your hand, and then rub your hands onto the actual can of hair spray while they are still damp. Then quickly (so it doesn’t dry) use the can as a rolling pin from the center of the head down, which will create a smoothing effect and flatten the flyaways while distributing the hair spray."

—Rodney Cutler, celebrity hairstylist and Redken Brand Ambassador

Tip #27

"To remove product buildup from your hair, mix a tablespoon of vinegar in your hand with your favorite shampoo and rub through your hair. Concentrate on applying from the ends up and leave in for three to five minutes for beautifully clean hair with amazing shine!"

—Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of Ted Gibson Salons and Ted Gibson Beauty

Tip #28

"After rubbing your favorite body lotion on your body, apply the remaining lotion that's on your hands into your hair for beachy-looking locks. Lotion also makes a great hair fix when there are no hair products about (for example, at your boyfriend's house!)."

—Chris Rios, hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles

Tip #29

"In a pinch, there have been moments when I use antiperspirant deodorant as a mattifier, instead of powder. I gently blend the application with my fingers in hot spots. The texture of the deodorant is one that has a matte quality to it, but it also helps stop or significantly reduce perspiration."

—Moani Lee, makeup artist 

Tip #30

"After securing your ponytail, squeeze a little gel on a hard toothbrush and comb it along the hairline in the same direction that the hair is pulled backed in to keep the hairline looking really clean and stay that way. The toothbrush should be cheap, as they are harder and have straight bristles."

—Jenny Balding, hairstylist and Redken Styling and Grooming Expert

Photo: Getty Images

Take a closer look at any red carpet and you’ll see that knockout nails can be one of your best accessories. “Groomed nails give you a sense of self-confidence,” says Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of an eponymous line of nail, hand and foot-care products. “And wearing nail color can boost your mood.” But if you often spend more time nervously nibbling at your tips than pampering them with polish, here are seven tricks that will help you to kick the nail-biting habit.

Trick #1: Think of the Downsides

Beyond the superficial, “biting your nails can lead to cuts and cracks in your skin, which may allow infection-causing bacteria into your body,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. It also wears down your teeth. Last, it makes nails weaker. To get your nails back on the path to recovery, beef up their strength by cleaning and coating them every few days with fortifying products. Try: Zoya Remove+ 3-in-1 Formula Nail Polish Remover and Essie Grow Stronger Fortifying Treatment Base Coat. Also keep hands and cuticles moisturized. Try: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil.

Trick #2: Keep Your Mouth Busy

Try chewing gum. “It’s harder to bite your nails when you have a wad of gum in your mouth,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu. Other options include sucking on lollipops or hard candy. Even having a glass of water handy to sip from every time you get the chewing craving can help redirect a bad habit into a good one.

Trick #3: Paint on Anti-Biting Polish

Found at drugstores and mass merchandisers, these clear polishes are designed to put a halt to nail nibbling. “They’re bitter-tasting chemical solutions that parents use to discourage children from biting their nails or sucking their thumbs,” says Wu. But they often work for grown-ups, too.

Trick #4: Wear Gloves More Often

It may seem very Downton Abbey, but spending a few days in gloves may help you kick your urge for good. After all, you can’t gnaw on your nails through fabric! If it seems out of place when you are out and about, start by wearing gloves around the house, especially during hands-free activities like watching television when the temptation to nip could increase.

Trick #5: Squeeze a Stress Ball

With one of these pliable balls, your hands have something else to do besides head toward your mouth. And if biting your nails is a nervous habit, this can give you a different way to release that energy.

Trick #6: Have a Nail File Handy

“When you have a rough area, it’s a habit to use your teeth to smooth it,” says Lippmann, a former nail biter. “But your teeth will just make it worse.” File a rough edge the minute you notice it to help avoid the urge to chomp.

Trick #7: Get Regular Manicures

“If there are fewer hangnails and nails are kept short, there will be less temptation to chew,” Tanzi explains. “And if your nails look nice, you may be less likely to ruin them with biting,” Wu adds. One nail polish shade that we're particularly coveting right now? YSL La Laque Couture in Jade Impérial.

Photo: Thinkstock

Take a closer look at any red carpet and you’ll see that knockout nails can be one of your best accessories. “Groomed nails give you a sense of self-confidence,” says Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of an eponymous line of nail, hand and foot-care products. “And wearing nail color can boost your mood.” But if you often spend more time nervously nibbling at your tips than pampering them with polish, here are seven tricks that will help you to kick the nail-biting habit.

Trick #1: Think of the Downsides

Beyond the superficial, “biting your nails can lead to cuts and cracks in your skin, which may allow infection-causing bacteria into your body,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. It also wears down your teeth. Last, it makes nails weaker. To get your nails back on the path to recovery, beef up their strength by cleaning and coating them every few days with fortifying products. Try: Zoya Remove+ 3-in-1 Formula Nail Polish Remover and Essie Grow Stronger Fortifying Treatment Base Coat. Also keep hands and cuticles moisturized. Try: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil.

Trick #2: Keep Your Mouth Busy

Try chewing gum. “It’s harder to bite your nails when you have a wad of gum in your mouth,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu. Other options include sucking on lollipops or hard candy. Even having a glass of water handy to sip from every time you get the chewing craving can help redirect a bad habit into a good one.

Trick #3: Paint on Anti-Biting Polish

Found at drugstores and mass merchandisers, these clear polishes are designed to put a halt to nail nibbling. “They’re bitter-tasting chemical solutions that parents use to discourage children from biting their nails or sucking their thumbs,” says Wu. But they often work for grown-ups, too.

Trick #4: Wear Gloves More Often

It may seem very Downton Abbey, but spending a few days in gloves may help you kick your urge for good. After all, you can’t gnaw on your nails through fabric! If it seems out of place when you are out and about, start by wearing gloves around the house, especially during hands-free activities like watching television when the temptation to nip could increase.

Trick #5: Squeeze a Stress Ball

With one of these pliable balls, your hands have something else to do besides head toward your mouth. And if biting your nails is a nervous habit, this can give you a different way to release that energy.

Trick #6: Have a Nail File Handy

“When you have a rough area, it’s a habit to use your teeth to smooth it,” says Lippmann, a former nail biter. “But your teeth will just make it worse.” File a rough edge the minute you notice it to help avoid the urge to chomp.

Trick #7: Get Regular Manicures

“If there are fewer hangnails and nails are kept short, there will be less temptation to chew,” Tanzi explains. “And if your nails look nice, you may be less likely to ruin them with biting,” Wu adds. One nail polish shade that we're particularly coveting right now? YSL La Laque Couture in Jade Impérial.

Photo: Thinkstock

Nail strips, appliqués, stickers and decals can turn you into an artist—no paintbrush required! Nevertheless, there are a few techniques that can make the difference between dressed digits and dressed-to-the-nines digits. NCLA founder Elin Dannerstedt, who churns out fashion-forward wraps, shared these eight tips on how to get the best application for the longest-wearing nail designs.

Remove the Oil

Nails can be naturally oily, whether from wearing hand lotion or touching your face. Nail appliqués especially require that you clean the oil from your nail bed, which can be done by wiping nonacetone polish remover over your tips. Try: Cutex Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover.

Ace Your Base

It's hard to believe, but you should still apply a base coat to your nails when using appliqués. “Nail wraps adhere well to a clear base coat, which also protects the nail bed,” Dannerstedt says. Try: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail One Stop Base.

Size Them Up

Most nail appliqué sheets come with a large variety of nail sizes. “Before you jump right in, take a look at each of the sizes and shapes that come in your kit and hold them up to your nails to estimate the best size,” Dannerstedt says. This may take a little trial and error, which tends to be unavoidable.

Straight and Centered

It can be tricky to center a nail appliqué on a nail. Rather than eyeballing how to center it, ensure a side-to-side straight application by aligning the appliqué with one side of your nail (known as the “sidewall”) and then smoothing it down across the nail.

Mess Up? Peel and Reapply

What if you make a mistake? Can you start over with the same appliqué? In the case of nail strips that are made of real lacquer, they tend to be thinner and are harder to peel off and restick. With these, you may just have to start from scratch and grab a new strip. Thicker appliqués, wraps and decals usually allow you to lift and reapply, giving a little, which will eliminate imperfections.

Bubble-Free

See a bubble? Push it out! After pressing the appliqué onto your nail, yet before filing off the excess material, “just push out any air bubbles by pressing down and running your thumb over the appliqué,” Dannerstedt says. If you’re unable to eliminate all the puckers, don’t fret. Applying quick-dry top coat will help to ensure the bubble won’t cause lifting.

Refine the Edge

Naturally, nail appliqués aren’t the exact length of your nail, so you have to file away the excess. But sometimes shaping a strip can cause snags and tears. First, pull the excess nail appliqué taut, and wrap it around the tip of your nail. Then “file downward, removing the excess material while smoothing the edge of the nail,” Dannerstedt says. Use short strokes, and only file in one direction (down) rather than back and forth.

Seal Your Design

To guarantee a long-lasting appliqué, “cover it with a top coat to give it an extra shine while keeping it in place and protecting the design,” Dannerstedt says. Try: Essie Good to Go Rapid Dry Top Coat.

Photo: Courtesy of OPI, Sally Hansen, L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline

Nail strips, appliqués, stickers and decals can turn you into an artist—no paintbrush required! Nevertheless, there are a few techniques that can make the difference between dressed digits and dressed-to-the-nines digits. NCLA founder Elin Dannerstedt, who churns out fashion-forward wraps, shared these eight tips on how to get the best application for the longest-wearing nail designs.

Remove the Oil

Nails can be naturally oily, whether from wearing hand lotion or touching your face. Nail appliqués especially require that you clean the oil from your nail bed, which can be done by wiping nonacetone polish remover over your tips. Try: Cutex Non Acetone Nail Polish Remover.

Ace Your Base

It's hard to believe, but you should still apply a base coat to your nails when using appliqués. “Nail wraps adhere well to a clear base coat, which also protects the nail bed,” Dannerstedt says. Try: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail One Stop Base.

Size Them Up

Most nail appliqué sheets come with a large variety of nail sizes. “Before you jump right in, take a look at each of the sizes and shapes that come in your kit and hold them up to your nails to estimate the best size,” Dannerstedt says. This may take a little trial and error, which tends to be unavoidable.

Straight and Centered

It can be tricky to center a nail appliqué on a nail. Rather than eyeballing how to center it, ensure a side-to-side straight application by aligning the appliqué with one side of your nail (known as the “sidewall”) and then smoothing it down across the nail.

Mess Up? Peel and Reapply

What if you make a mistake? Can you start over with the same appliqué? In the case of nail strips that are made of real lacquer, they tend to be thinner and are harder to peel off and restick. With these, you may just have to start from scratch and grab a new strip. Thicker appliqués, wraps and decals usually allow you to lift and reapply, giving a little, which will eliminate imperfections.

Bubble-Free

See a bubble? Push it out! After pressing the appliqué onto your nail, yet before filing off the excess material, “just push out any air bubbles by pressing down and running your thumb over the appliqué,” Dannerstedt says. If you’re unable to eliminate all the puckers, don’t fret. Applying quick-dry top coat will help to ensure the bubble won’t cause lifting.

Refine the Edge

Naturally, nail appliqués aren’t the exact length of your nail, so you have to file away the excess. But sometimes shaping a strip can cause snags and tears. First, pull the excess nail appliqué taut, and wrap it around the tip of your nail. Then “file downward, removing the excess material while smoothing the edge of the nail,” Dannerstedt says. Use short strokes, and only file in one direction (down) rather than back and forth.

Seal Your Design

To guarantee a long-lasting appliqué, “cover it with a top coat to give it an extra shine while keeping it in place and protecting the design,” Dannerstedt says. Try: Essie Good to Go Rapid Dry Top Coat.

Photo: Courtesy of OPI, Sally Hansen, L'Oréal Paris and Maybelline

In the last two years, the nail industry’s lust for innovation mirrored that of the technology field.

Crackle was brought back in a sleeker formula. Magnetic nail lacquer, big-time glitter, velvet texture and neatly packaged “caviar” hit the shelves. Premade nail art baked into real polish strips debuted. Gel that only requires cuticle oil for removal lent a gentler alternative for this cured option. And the list goes on.

With nail product research and development at an all-time high to meet newfound consumer demand, we asked in-the-know pros what they think will be the next big thing on hand. Their answers, from nano nails to negative-space techniques, very well may lead to the tips of tomorrow.

Pattie Yankee, director of education and brand consultant for Dashing Diva nail salons

“I see nanotechnology being used for nails. My son’s friend [works in nanotechnology] and told me that the technology could be used to extend nails: The nano cells could be deposited onto the nail plate and extended beyond to create a free edge. However, this would require a certain—probably expensive—machine. But the result would be an extremely durable nail extension that would mimic the thinness of a natural nail. The process would be quick and require no filing whatsoever!”

Simcha Whitehill, creator of Get Nailed With Miss Pop and Makeup.com contributor

“The collective of women making nail art is influencing the nail brands to innovate more than the products are influencing nail art. Nail artists today are working outside of the system—they’re using different tools (for instance, makeup sponges) to create work that’s taking a fine arts direction. That being said, I think nail art’s biggest hurdle will be what drives new tools: Brands need to make applying nail art consumer-friendly for people who aren’t ambidextrous.

"Additionally, technology in polish will continue to evolve. We’ve seen a lot of innovation in the past six months in the U.S., but much has flown under the radar: hologram, mood-changing, 3D metal effects. But in the end, whatever technology we see going forward really should focus on getting simple nail art techniques to a place where everyone can do them.”

Tracylee, Sally Hansen nail ambassador  

“I think that we’ll be seeing more pro services and products being offered to the at-home market. Consumers have become quite savvy when it comes to DIY nails, and the demand for pro-quality products and tools is there. I also believe nail brands will be taking nail health into consideration in enhancement products (read: gels and acrylics), with easier application and removal processes.

"As for nail art: I've seen a huge switch from laminate film-type stickers to nail polish strips. Brands will begin packaging gel top coat with nail polish strips to increase longevity, allowing for longer wear and high shine, taking this product to another level!”

Elle, celebrity manicurist and brand consultant

“People are becoming more savvy, and I think it’s increasingly important to educate consumers about nail care. Safer technologies and chemistries—that is the wave of the future. I’m seeing nail brands formulating products to bolster the health of the nails, such as Dermelect nail polish, which incorporates anti-aging properties in its formulas.

"I also believe there will be advancements in how glitter is suspended in polishes. And, way down the road, I think it would be cool if you could go to a department store and bring a color swatch, and they mix the color for you right there on the spot, just like paint. I’m trademarking that idea!”

Tom Bachik, L’Oréal celebrity manicurist

“In the last few years alone, products have become increasingly technologically advanced. Even right now, technologies exist that can suspend nano particles that change direction based on frequency to show a particular color—though affordability is another story. I think the future for nails will continue to bring more innovation, especially in ingredient safety as well as ease of application.”

Sam Biddle, creator of Be Inspired and brand consultant

“I think we’ll see more color-changing technology, giving the user increased control and options for what they wear. Right now we’ve been working on some new collections that enhance and change color. For example, pigments that can be incorporated into a top coat, and then applied over a dark color to morph the color or create an effect or shimmer, but if you placed it over a pale color, you’d get a very different effect.”

Fleury Rose, U.S. Illamasqua nail ambassador 

“The next big thing in nail art is playing with textures and negative space. Using negative space means that portions of the natural nail are left free of polish. Try painting nails so that there are little squares left in the center of each nail, or paint micro-dots all over bare nails and seal with a top coat. For texture, I’m really loving the latex feel and look of Illamasqua’s new Rubber Bright Varnishes. I like layering them with panels of top coat to create designs that are understated, yet fashion-forward.”

Beth Fricke, celebrity nail tech for OPI

“I have to say, for me, it’s all about the appliqués. Of course I still love polish, especially when I am manicuring someone else. But for my personal application, I love the appliqué strips! They’re so easy to use—no smell, no dry time, easy to correct with an orangewood stick and come in really fun designs and colors. I know these are currently available and easy to find, but I think we will see more and more of this in the future.”

Photo: Getty Images

In the last two years, the nail industry’s lust for innovation mirrored that of the technology field.

Crackle was brought back in a sleeker formula. Magnetic nail lacquer, big-time glitter, velvet texture and neatly packaged “caviar” hit the shelves. Premade nail art baked into real polish strips debuted. Gel that only requires cuticle oil for removal lent a gentler alternative for this cured option. And the list goes on.

With nail product research and development at an all-time high to meet newfound consumer demand, we asked in-the-know pros what they think will be the next big thing on hand. Their answers, from nano nails to negative-space techniques, very well may lead to the tips of tomorrow.

Pattie Yankee, director of education and brand consultant for Dashing Diva nail salons

“I see nanotechnology being used for nails. My son’s friend [works in nanotechnology] and told me that the technology could be used to extend nails: The nano cells could be deposited onto the nail plate and extended beyond to create a free edge. However, this would require a certain—probably expensive—machine. But the result would be an extremely durable nail extension that would mimic the thinness of a natural nail. The process would be quick and require no filing whatsoever!”

Simcha Whitehill, creator of Get Nailed With Miss Pop and Makeup.com contributor

“The collective of women making nail art is influencing the nail brands to innovate more than the products are influencing nail art. Nail artists today are working outside of the system—they’re using different tools (for instance, makeup sponges) to create work that’s taking a fine arts direction. That being said, I think nail art’s biggest hurdle will be what drives new tools: Brands need to make applying nail art consumer-friendly for people who aren’t ambidextrous.

"Additionally, technology in polish will continue to evolve. We’ve seen a lot of innovation in the past six months in the U.S., but much has flown under the radar: hologram, mood-changing, 3D metal effects. But in the end, whatever technology we see going forward really should focus on getting simple nail art techniques to a place where everyone can do them.”

Tracylee, Sally Hansen nail ambassador  

“I think that we’ll be seeing more pro services and products being offered to the at-home market. Consumers have become quite savvy when it comes to DIY nails, and the demand for pro-quality products and tools is there. I also believe nail brands will be taking nail health into consideration in enhancement products (read: gels and acrylics), with easier application and removal processes.

"As for nail art: I've seen a huge switch from laminate film-type stickers to nail polish strips. Brands will begin packaging gel top coat with nail polish strips to increase longevity, allowing for longer wear and high shine, taking this product to another level!”

Elle, celebrity manicurist and brand consultant

“People are becoming more savvy, and I think it’s increasingly important to educate consumers about nail care. Safer technologies and chemistries—that is the wave of the future. I’m seeing nail brands formulating products to bolster the health of the nails, such as Dermelect nail polish, which incorporates anti-aging properties in its formulas.

"I also believe there will be advancements in how glitter is suspended in polishes. And, way down the road, I think it would be cool if you could go to a department store and bring a color swatch, and they mix the color for you right there on the spot, just like paint. I’m trademarking that idea!”

Tom Bachik, L’Oréal celebrity manicurist

“In the last few years alone, products have become increasingly technologically advanced. Even right now, technologies exist that can suspend nano particles that change direction based on frequency to show a particular color—though affordability is another story. I think the future for nails will continue to bring more innovation, especially in ingredient safety as well as ease of application.”

Sam Biddle, creator of Be Inspired and brand consultant

“I think we’ll see more color-changing technology, giving the user increased control and options for what they wear. Right now we’ve been working on some new collections that enhance and change color. For example, pigments that can be incorporated into a top coat, and then applied over a dark color to morph the color or create an effect or shimmer, but if you placed it over a pale color, you’d get a very different effect.”

Fleury Rose, U.S. Illamasqua nail ambassador 

“The next big thing in nail art is playing with textures and negative space. Using negative space means that portions of the natural nail are left free of polish. Try painting nails so that there are little squares left in the center of each nail, or paint micro-dots all over bare nails and seal with a top coat. For texture, I’m really loving the latex feel and look of Illamasqua’s new Rubber Bright Varnishes. I like layering them with panels of top coat to create designs that are understated, yet fashion-forward.”

Beth Fricke, celebrity nail tech for OPI

“I have to say, for me, it’s all about the appliqués. Of course I still love polish, especially when I am manicuring someone else. But for my personal application, I love the appliqué strips! They’re so easy to use—no smell, no dry time, easy to correct with an orangewood stick and come in really fun designs and colors. I know these are currently available and easy to find, but I think we will see more and more of this in the future.”

Photo: Getty Images

True Grit

First, get to know your grits. Grit is the measurement of coarseness on the file that facilitates refining and shaping your nails. “The higher the grit number, the softer the file,” Eppolito says. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a low number equals a coarser, more abrasive grit. Versatile files, such as the ever-popular 100/240 grit that’s considered a do-it-all workhorse for natural nails, feature two grits: one for shaping and taking down length and one for finishing and smoothing.

Nail Type

It's important to assess your nails. If they are brittle and fragile and split and break, Eppolito suggests using a crystal nail file. “Crystal files have a softness that treats the nail gently, yet will be able to quickly create the desired shape,” she says. Try: Essie Crystal Nail File. Smoother files boasting finer grits ranging from 240 to 600 are ideal for softer nails that have a tendency to peel. Try: Kiss F100U All Purpose Nail File and Smoother.

Toughen Up

Why use a coarse (80 to 100) grit? If you have acrylic nails that need shaping, their thicker makeup requires a little more muscle. Eppolito recommends a 100/180 grit file, such as Star Nail Shorty Black File, to help take down length and refine acrylic. Also, don’t forget your toenails! Their more durable structure requires a stronger grit as well.

The Finishing Touch

Shaping and refining sometimes isn’t enough. This is where super-high grits (ranging from 600 to 2400) come in handy. Nails that are ridged, dull or stained from repeated polish wear benefit from ultrafine buffing blocks, such as OPI Shiner 1000/4000, which works to erase discoloration, even out the nail bed surface and add a nice dose of shine.

What are some of your favorite nail files?

Photo: Getty Images

A nail file is a nail file is a nail file, right? Not so! In fact, a too-coarse nail file can cause damage to your natural nails. So which one best fits your needs? Celebrity manicurist Gina Eppolito shares her advice for choosing the right tool to take care of your tips.

True Grit

First, get to know your grits. Grit is the measurement of coarseness on the file that facilitates refining and shaping your nails. “The higher the grit number, the softer the file,” Eppolito says. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a low number equals a coarser, more abrasive grit. Versatile files, such as the ever-popular 100/240 grit that’s considered a do-it-all workhorse for natural nails, feature two grits: one for shaping and taking down length and one for finishing and smoothing.

Nail Type

It's important to assess your nails. If they are brittle and fragile and split and break, Eppolito suggests using a crystal nail file. “Crystal files have a softness that treats the nail gently, yet will be able to quickly create the desired shape,” she says. Try: Essie Crystal Nail File. Smoother files boasting finer grits ranging from 240 to 600 are ideal for softer nails that have a tendency to peel. Try: Kiss F100U All Purpose Nail File and Smoother.

Toughen Up

Why use a coarse (80 to 100) grit? If you have acrylic nails that need shaping, their thicker makeup requires a little more muscle. Eppolito recommends a 100/180 grit file, such as Star Nail Shorty Black File, to help take down length and refine acrylic. Also, don’t forget your toenails! Their more durable structure requires a stronger grit as well.

The Finishing Touch

Shaping and refining sometimes isn’t enough. This is where super-high grits (ranging from 600 to 2400) come in handy. Nails that are ridged, dull or stained from repeated polish wear benefit from ultrafine buffing blocks, such as OPI Shiner 1000/4000, which works to erase discoloration, even out the nail bed surface and add a nice dose of shine.

What are some of your favorite nail files?

Photo: Getty Images

We’ve all been there: Our cuticles are ragged and overgrown and we're tempted to cut them.

But Jan Arnold, who co-founded nail product brand CND and has made it her mission to help us care for our hands, warns that those snips can quickly go south. Pathogens can enter and lead to infection.

Here are her tips for caring for your cuticles so you can put that snipper away for good.

Exfoliate

Every time you bathe, Arnold suggests gently pushing back your cuticles using a moist washcloth. To rid the nail of any excess cuticle growth and clear away the buildup of dead skin that naturally clings to it as it grows, apply a light exfoliator containing alpha-hydroxy acids (like CND Cuticle Eraser). Cuticle exfoliators typically contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently dissolve excess cuticle debris. You often see results within a week of continued use.

Repair

If your cuticles are overgrown, Arnold suggests beginning a daily routine of massaging cuticle exfoliator into the entire nail "using the same method of gently pushing back overgrowth with a soft washcloth when you take a bath or shower.” You should also apply cuticle oil (like The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil) several times a day, and use a soft toothbrush to scrub under the nails and around the cuticle before applying nail polish. To quickly brighten up the appearance of your hands, try an exfoliating scrub like Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish.

Never nip

Cutting cuticles exposes them to infection, especially when you’re in the salon. Continual cutting leads to unsightly scar tissue and hangnails. “Calluses and scar-like tissue around the nail will ultimately need to be sloughed away and conditioned to rehabilitate the area,” Arnold explains. And those tricky hangnails? She adds: “The only instance that’s appropriate for nipping is if there’s a loose tag of skin."

Do you groom your own cuticles, or save it for the salon?

We’ve all been there: Our cuticles are ragged and overgrown and we're tempted to cut them.

But Jan Arnold, who co-founded nail product brand CND and has made it her mission to help us care for our hands, warns that those snips can quickly go south. Pathogens can enter and lead to infection.

Here are her tips for caring for your cuticles so you can put that snipper away for good.

Exfoliate

Every time you bathe, Arnold suggests gently pushing back your cuticles using a moist washcloth. To rid the nail of any excess cuticle growth and clear away the buildup of dead skin that naturally clings to it as it grows, apply a light exfoliator containing alpha-hydroxy acids (like CND Cuticle Eraser). Cuticle exfoliators typically contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently dissolve excess cuticle debris. You often see results within a week of continued use.

Repair

If your cuticles are overgrown, Arnold suggests beginning a daily routine of massaging cuticle exfoliator into the entire nail "using the same method of gently pushing back overgrowth with a soft washcloth when you take a bath or shower.” You should also apply cuticle oil (like The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil) several times a day, and use a soft toothbrush to scrub under the nails and around the cuticle before applying nail polish. To quickly brighten up the appearance of your hands, try an exfoliating scrub like Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish.

Never nip

Cutting cuticles exposes them to infection, especially when you’re in the salon. Continual cutting leads to unsightly scar tissue and hangnails. “Calluses and scar-like tissue around the nail will ultimately need to be sloughed away and conditioned to rehabilitate the area,” Arnold explains. And those tricky hangnails? She adds: “The only instance that’s appropriate for nipping is if there’s a loose tag of skin."

Do you groom your own cuticles, or save it for the salon?

Swiping on a new nail polish may just be the easiest way to try out a new trend. Best of all, it’s a commitment that only lasts as long as it takes you to reach for the remover. We talked to Pretty Please Polish's Sara Ricklen—whose custom bottle labels make her chic line the cutest girly gifts ever—to find out how to bring your nails into Spring.

Mix things up

Long gone are the days when your tips and toes had to match. In fact, it’s more modern to choose colors that complement each other or are in the same color family. “If I choose lavender on my nails, a neon purple on my toes is fun,” says Ricklen. “If I choose a peach for my nails, I’ll wear a bright orange on my toes.” Try Essie nail polish in A Crewed Interest on tips with Orange, It’s Obvious on tootsies.

Go from nude to new

Pastels like teals and peaches are a refreshing, yet subtle alternative to basic nude. “Choose a color that matches your skin tone and style, but most importantly, one that makes you excited every time you look at your nails,” says Ricklen.

Have fun!

Want to add some flare—like rhinestones, leopard spots, and argyle patterns—without overdoing it? We’ve got two words for you: nail art. “A statement nail is a subtle way to add something extra to your manicure,” says Ricklen. Highlight your ring fingers or thumbs with a contrasting nail color, design, or nail polish sticker. Or try a fresh, florescent spin on the French manicure (think nude nails with bright yellow tips in China Glaze's Yellow Polka Dot Bikini).

How do you like to spice up your nails?

Swiping on a new nail polish may just be the easiest way to try out a new trend. Best of all, it’s a commitment that only lasts as long as it takes you to reach for the remover. We talked to Pretty Please Polish's Sara Ricklen—whose custom bottle labels make her chic line the cutest girly gifts ever—to find out how to bring your nails into Spring.

Mix things up

Long gone are the days when your tips and toes had to match. In fact, it’s more modern to choose colors that complement each other or are in the same color family. “If I choose lavender on my nails, a neon purple on my toes is fun,” says Ricklen. “If I choose a peach for my nails, I’ll wear a bright orange on my toes.” Try Essie nail polish in A Crewed Interest on tips with Orange, It’s Obvious on tootsies.

Go from nude to new

Pastels like teals and peaches are a refreshing, yet subtle alternative to basic nude. “Choose a color that matches your skin tone and style, but most importantly, one that makes you excited every time you look at your nails,” says Ricklen.

Have fun!

Want to add some flare—like rhinestones, leopard spots, and argyle patterns—without overdoing it? We’ve got two words for you: nail art. “A statement nail is a subtle way to add something extra to your manicure,” says Ricklen. Highlight your ring fingers or thumbs with a contrasting nail color, design, or nail polish sticker. Or try a fresh, florescent spin on the French manicure (think nude nails with bright yellow tips in China Glaze's Yellow Polka Dot Bikini).

How do you like to spice up your nails?

Our experts agreed that the best way to achieve the look is by perfecting your buffing techniques. Here are a few more shine-inducing nail tips.

Be a nail buff

Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of  the eponymous luxury nail, hand and foot care company, used her 4-way nail buffer backstage at The Row this season to create a high shine look. "Buffing nails is a great quick fix if you don’t have time to polish," shares Lippmann. "My buffer has four fabrics, so you can do a little shaping, exfoliating and buffing to give the nails a beautiful shine."

Don't overdo it

Professional editorial manicurist Elisa Ferri agrees. "I recommend using a 4-way buffer; but stay away from the course side. Use the milder grade to file into shape, then buff the surface of the nail to remove any ridges or discoloration. Then, use the finest side to buff to a beautiful shine."

Quench thirsty nails

"The final step is to apply Qtica Solid Gold Anti-Bacterial Oil Gel," Ferri concludes. "This will tame and hydrate cuticles while adding moisture to nail beds." Lippmann advises that "If you’re in a bind for time, quickly buffing, shaping and hydrating will do a world of good—it’s a quick way for your hands to look and feel clean."

Do you have any polish-free mani tricks?

As much as we love experimenting with new polish colors, keeping up with a professional look by continually masking polish chips and performing nail maintenance can be a timely and costly undertaking. The solution? A natural, but shiny polish-free mani.

Our experts agreed that the best way to achieve the look is by perfecting your buffing techniques. Here are a few more shine-inducing nail tips.

Be a nail buff

Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of  the eponymous luxury nail, hand and foot care company, used her 4-way nail buffer backstage at The Row this season to create a high shine look. "Buffing nails is a great quick fix if you don’t have time to polish," shares Lippmann. "My buffer has four fabrics, so you can do a little shaping, exfoliating and buffing to give the nails a beautiful shine."

Don't overdo it

Professional editorial manicurist Elisa Ferri agrees. "I recommend using a 4-way buffer; but stay away from the course side. Use the milder grade to file into shape, then buff the surface of the nail to remove any ridges or discoloration. Then, use the finest side to buff to a beautiful shine."

Quench thirsty nails

"The final step is to apply Qtica Solid Gold Anti-Bacterial Oil Gel," Ferri concludes. "This will tame and hydrate cuticles while adding moisture to nail beds." Lippmann advises that "If you’re in a bind for time, quickly buffing, shaping and hydrating will do a world of good—it’s a quick way for your hands to look and feel clean."

Do you have any polish-free mani tricks?

GRAB: Post-it note

“Create a playful striped pattern with the help of your Post-its,” explains Arnold. Place the sticky-side against the nail to hold it in place and paint from nail to paper for the perfect line (just like painters’ tape). Then repeat as many times as you want with different colors to create a linear style. “Try color blocking with my new favorite combo: red and fuchsia,” says Arnold. (Try CND Color Raspberry Parfait with OPI Cha-Ching Cherry).

GRAB: Hole puncher

Make a bare moon manicure using a hole puncher. Snip about 5 holes along the sticky edge of a Post-it note, then cut each hole in half affixing each arc to the base of the nail. Polish that area with a vivid oxblood red, midnight blue, or any other bold hue you choose. Once dry, peel away the circle and cover the entire nail with a shiny top coat for a patent leather effect.

GRAB: Letter opener

Chips? A less-than-perfect polish job? Keep a clear sparkle polish in your desk drawer to apply over top of the old polish, then run the tip of the letter opener around the entire edge of the nail to clean stray glitter. (Try Essie’s dazzling Luxe Effects polishes such as Set In Stone.)

GRAB: White Out

Fix a French manicure that’s seen better days with a light application of White Out along the tip of the nail. Buff out the grainy texture with a buffing block. (Try CND’s Glossing Buffer.)

We know that sometimes your attention wanders away from your workload to other diversions—like how to get glammed up for drinks and dinner when stuck in at a desk. But what about those nails? That office-appropriate, pink polish is looking pretty staid for a night on the town. Luckily a party-perfect mani is as close as a raid in the office supply closet. You bring the polish and CND’s co-founder, Jan Arnold provides the tips to creating a design that is a true work of art.

GRAB: Post-it note

“Create a playful striped pattern with the help of your Post-its,” explains Arnold. Place the sticky-side against the nail to hold it in place and paint from nail to paper for the perfect line (just like painters’ tape). Then repeat as many times as you want with different colors to create a linear style. “Try color blocking with my new favorite combo: red and fuchsia,” says Arnold. (Try CND Color Raspberry Parfait with OPI Cha-Ching Cherry).

GRAB: Hole puncher

Make a bare moon manicure using a hole puncher. Snip about 5 holes along the sticky edge of a Post-it note, then cut each hole in half affixing each arc to the base of the nail. Polish that area with a vivid oxblood red, midnight blue, or any other bold hue you choose. Once dry, peel away the circle and cover the entire nail with a shiny top coat for a patent leather effect.

GRAB: Letter opener

Chips? A less-than-perfect polish job? Keep a clear sparkle polish in your desk drawer to apply over top of the old polish, then run the tip of the letter opener around the entire edge of the nail to clean stray glitter. (Try Essie’s dazzling Luxe Effects polishes such as Set In Stone.)

GRAB: White Out

Fix a French manicure that’s seen better days with a light application of White Out along the tip of the nail. Buff out the grainy texture with a buffing block. (Try CND’s Glossing Buffer.)

So why is it that some manicures go the distance while others barely make it through the day? Is it all about the application? A particular product? Or simply having some serious manicure mojo?

To nail down the answer we sought the advice of a few of our favorite beauty bloggers to get their best tips for avoiding chips. These women are pounding their keyboards putting their digital beauty expertise out there nearly every day (so just think what it’s doing to their manicures). But we didn’t stop there. To vet the advice we enlisted a second opinion from one of the biggest nail mavens in the biz: Essie Weingarten, creator of the eponymous line. The result: five tips that are sure to help your lacquer last. Now get out there and embrace one of this season’s fabulous blue hues with confidence.

Tip #1: Jeannine Morris, beautysweetspot.com

Polish shrinks when it dries, so make sure you cap the edges of each nail with a layer of polish.

Essie says: “So true. Using top coat, make a short brush stroke across the tip of the nail to help seal polish and extend the life of a manicure.”

Tip #2: Holly Baril, beautyundercover.com

If you live in a damp climate, prepare for extra drying time after a manicure.

Essie says: “It’s true. The more humid the environment, the longer nails take to dry. Give nails at least two minutes of proper drying time between each coat of polish. Then wait at least 15 minutes for hands to completely dry. I always say my manicure is my 'me time.' Relax, put down your iPhone and Blackberry and just enjoy it.”

Tip #3: Baze Mpinja, makeup.com

Wear gloves when you’re washing dishes or scrubbing the tub.

Essie says:  “Absolutely! Water and soap can wreck havoc on your manicure. Take steps to protect your hands and avoid using your nails as tools.”

Tip #4: Amber Katz, beautybloggingjunkie.com

On day 4 or 5, when your manicure starts to wilt, resuscitate it with a hint of glitter which hides chipping and gives nails a new look.

Essie says: “Glitter does hid imperfections, but I really recommend applying one coat of top coat to refresh a manicure and using a cuticle oil daily.”

Tip #5: Megan Williams, apolishproblem.com

Prep your nails properly. Start with a nail dehydrant with a sticky base coat over top.

Essie says: “A dehydrant—whether acetone or Sea Breeze—wiped on the nail bed helps remove oils. Make sure to choose an extra gentle one that won’t damage nails (like Essie Naturally Clean Purifying Polish Remover). If your nails have trouble holding on to polish, opt for an adhesive base (like Essie ‘First Base’ Base Coat).”

It’s an all too familiar scenario: The perfect red, purple, or neon pink nail marred by the inevitable nick, chip, or smudge. Can you say, “frustrating”? It’s enough to make you throw your hands up in despair—but that would only put that peeling paint job on display.

So why is it that some manicures go the distance while others barely make it through the day? Is it all about the application? A particular product? Or simply having some serious manicure mojo?

To nail down the answer we sought the advice of a few of our favorite beauty bloggers to get their best tips for avoiding chips. These women are pounding their keyboards putting their digital beauty expertise out there nearly every day (so just think what it’s doing to their manicures). But we didn’t stop there. To vet the advice we enlisted a second opinion from one of the biggest nail mavens in the biz: Essie Weingarten, creator of the eponymous line. The result: five tips that are sure to help your lacquer last. Now get out there and embrace one of this season’s fabulous blue hues with confidence.

Tip #1: Jeannine Morris, beautysweetspot.com

Polish shrinks when it dries, so make sure you cap the edges of each nail with a layer of polish.

Essie says: “So true. Using top coat, make a short brush stroke across the tip of the nail to help seal polish and extend the life of a manicure.”

Tip #2: Holly Baril, beautyundercover.com

If you live in a damp climate, prepare for extra drying time after a manicure.

Essie says: “It’s true. The more humid the environment, the longer nails take to dry. Give nails at least two minutes of proper drying time between each coat of polish. Then wait at least 15 minutes for hands to completely dry. I always say my manicure is my 'me time.' Relax, put down your iPhone and Blackberry and just enjoy it.”

Tip #3: Baze Mpinja, makeup.com

Wear gloves when you’re washing dishes or scrubbing the tub.

Essie says:  “Absolutely! Water and soap can wreck havoc on your manicure. Take steps to protect your hands and avoid using your nails as tools.”

Tip #4: Amber Katz, beautybloggingjunkie.com

On day 4 or 5, when your manicure starts to wilt, resuscitate it with a hint of glitter which hides chipping and gives nails a new look.

Essie says: “Glitter does hid imperfections, but I really recommend applying one coat of top coat to refresh a manicure and using a cuticle oil daily.”

Tip #5: Megan Williams, apolishproblem.com

Prep your nails properly. Start with a nail dehydrant with a sticky base coat over top.

Essie says: “A dehydrant—whether acetone or Sea Breeze—wiped on the nail bed helps remove oils. Make sure to choose an extra gentle one that won’t damage nails (like Essie Naturally Clean Purifying Polish Remover). If your nails have trouble holding on to polish, opt for an adhesive base (like Essie ‘First Base’ Base Coat).”