So far 2012 has been an unparalleled year in terms of nail art, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down — with many of the latest innovations highlighting the prevalence of the textured talons.
A report earlier this year by the NPD Group revealed the nail category grew by 67% in the US alone in 2011, and while innovations such as crackle polish and magnet polish have caused a sensation, 2012’s must have manicure has been of a more textured variety.
British nail brand Ciaté has been at the forefront of the luxe nails trend with its caviar and velvet manicure kits. Back in March the former was announced, offering a beaded ‘caviar’ effect echoing the 3D looks that dominated the runways at shows including Cushnie et Ochs.
For Ciaté’s kit, tiny caviar-like pearls can be applied over a Ciaté Paint Pot coluor for a 3D beaded effect, giving the illusion that nails have been dipped in the luxury delicacy.
Meanwhile, the recently announced velvet manicure kit, which features a paint pot, crushed velvet and a dusting brush accessory, adds a matte, textured appearance to give nails the velvet touch. Luxe manis were also popular at the Ruffian runway Fall/Winter 2012 show, where MAC Cosmetics senior artist Keri Blair came up with three stunning velvet nail looks.
Textured innovations from other brands include Illamasqua‘s highly pigmented matte nail varnish which contains the finest high-grade color suspension materials for creating a waxy rubber finish and is available in shades such as candy pink and deep cerise.
Meanwhile, beauty blogger The Nailasaurus has been impressing her readers with textured creations including a studded jeans mani made using products by Gosh cosmetics, and jewellery couturier Azature has sent shockwaves through the industry with its Black Diamond polish, which contains 267 carats of black diamonds and has a hefty US$250,000 price tag.
There is a lower priced version available, however, at US retailer Fred Segal. For more details visit: www.azature.com/. –AFP RELAXNEWS
