The step-by-step on how to achieve quick  lasting nails.

The products: Orly Bonder Base coat $10, Chanel Jade Rose Nail Polish $27 (alternative nude: OPI Samoan Sand $8), Butter London Hardwear Quick Top Coat $16 (similar shine: Wet’N’Wild Shine coat $1)

One can never go wrong with subtle color on the nail – easy to match with any outfit and perfect for a soft transition from Winter to Spring. Even in the most recent Chanel Spring 2013 Runway show nude nail polish made an appearance. Many models wore  a soft pinky beige polish that was very sleek, yet it compliment their intricate couture outfit at the same time. Therefore, you can make this look work for all your outfits of the week without the need to worry if it would match your nails. What make this even better is the way to get the manicure. By providing an excellent adhesive base coat, a Chanel nude polish, and a quick-drying top coat, you can make your whole week less stress free.

Start off with Orly Bonder Base Coat – I swear by this! It is the best canvas for your nails. Its adhesive properties allows the nail polish to bond to the nail much longer without chips or pealing (approx. 5 days lasting power). Second, apply two thin coat of Chanel Jade Rose (the one used in the Chanel runway is called Emprise). Chanel nail polishes are great because they are very easy to apply due to their not too thick and not too thin consistency. Great for polish newbies! Lastly, apply Butter London: Hardwear topcoat. I love the long handle brush which allows greater control and precision.

In all this manicure should take no longer than 10 minutes!

The post Q tips : The Quick and Lasting Nude Manicure appeared first on Q the Stylist.

My nails are terrible.   They are paper thin and split even when well maintained.   I carry around  a crystal file in my purse at all times to help manage my 10 little frenemies so I don’t have to hurry home when I rip or snag a nail.   There was a time when I didn’t do this and I (more than once!) was forced to make hurried goodbyes at parties because my nail caught on someone’s sweater and not only was the whole thing was an unsightly mess, but the worst part was that it HURT!   I was in pain…. my finger would throb and get an immediate fever from ripping too low.  Boo!  Hiss!

Anyway, I am past that for the most part.   But only because I have tried an unbelievable amount of solutions: nail hardeners, natural nail strengtheners, nail masks, cuticle oil, lotions, vitamins, etc. etc. etc.   I have a formula that works pretty well now – but the thing that keeps them from ruining my social life is keeping them polished.  The clear strengthener on their own don’t work (at least not for me).   I use a magical combination that keeps the polish on which though it doesn’t strengthen the nail-  it makes it more impermeable to frightening things like mohair sweaters and car keys… (egad!)  I don’t mind keeping them polished because polish adds 10 tiny little accessories to my outfit.  Touché!

So without further ado, I  swear by these colors:

1. OPI You don’t know Jacques! -A deep gray.  Occasionally brownish, sometimes purplish.  Sophisticated and versatile. Looks great on everyone!
2. OPI Kangarooby -The perfect red for ME!  If I had a dime for every time someone complimented me on the color of my nails when wearing this,  I’d at least have $5.  (What? That’s a lot of compliments!) My favorite one was a Golden Gate tollbooth attendant saying, “That nail polish is gorgeous.  What color it is?”
3. Butter Teddy Boy -I bought it thinking it’d be a deep mauve and it is.  Sometimes.  But I swear it changes colors as the week goes by and mainly revolves around a subdued reddish purple… almost the color of a bruise. But it looks good. I swear.
4. OPI My Private Jet -For when you need to look down at see 10 tiny disco balls on the ends of your fingers.  This is a party for your nails.  It’s very glam, very fun.  It is a dark purpley grey color with teeny tiny silver and gold glitters.  If it sounds bad! You’re wrong!  I’ve also gotten complements on this color… like the jealous kind. Give it a chance and try it on your toes!
5. GREAT COLOR COMBO Essie Princess Pink + Vanity Fairest = A very fresh petal pink with a slight shimmer.  Just right for baby showers, high tea with grandma, or keeping a low profile.  (Why would anyone ever want to do that???  Oh right baby showers and high tea with grandma…)

Happy painting!!

The post Top 5 Nail Polish Colors Right Now appeared first on Q the Stylist.