From The Straits Times    |

The party season is upon us and it’s time to sort out the perfect frock and glam handbag to go with it. But don’t forget, the perfect accessory is right at your fingertips – your nails. Having immaculate nails makes any girl feel good, and Christmas parties especially cry out for a glitzy manicure.

Nails can be brittle and dry in winter, so ensure you give them a pampering session before the big do. Give your hands some TLC with a nourishing moisturiser and then concentrate on your nails with cuticle oil and coats of a strengthening nail polish. This way, when you try one of the manicures below, your nails will be in the best shape they can be.

 

Holiday manicures for ChristmasRetro half-moon (as seen on the left)
If you’re going for a Hollywood siren look at your Christmas bash, channelling the retro nail is the perfect way to finish off your look. Dita Von Teese is the queen of vintage cool and she’s teamed with Artdeco to bring you ceramic nail lacquers that make the trend easy to achieve at home. Half-moon basically means leaving a small oval shape at the nail bed a lighter colour to the rest of the nail. 

HOW TO: Take a light shade and cover the entire nail, then take a darker shade and pain from about three quarters up, leaving the half-moon shade at the bottom in the base colour. Finish off with a clear top coat for a long-lasting finish.

 

Crystal embellishments
If you only try one nail trend this Christmas, make it this one. It’s got Christmas party written all over it and is the perfect accompaniment to any fabulous frock. It’s also really easy to do, as all it takes is a quick slick of gold nail polish, or any other festive colour that takes your fancy. Barry M do a great range, so check them out for inspiration. Then apply a clear top coat and you’re ready to stick on the gems! Sparkling stones in all colours can be picked up at pretty much any beauty retailer.

TIP: If you’re feeling fancy, you can even opt for Swarovski crystals for that extra touch of luxury. Attach Blu-Tack to the end of a cuticle stick and use this to pick up the gem. Then gently press down onto the wet varnish. Don’t apply a top coat over the embellishment, as this can take some of the sparkle away from the gems.

 

Rainbow nail
Winter can be a time of drab, dreary colours – so why not use nail polish to spice things up a bit? The rainbow nail adds some fun to your everyday routine and is a playful way to inject colour into your winter wardrobe. Revlon has a great selection of fast-drying polishes which are perfect for the job.

HOW TO: Paint a base of red from the cuticle to halfway up the nail and then, as it’s drying, take a pink polish from the middle to the tip. For a rainbow effect, use a lip liner brush and dip into a new hue of varnish and make random splashes on the nails for an abstract effect.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now