Nail Trends, Fall 08

Posted by Molly Hutchins

Posted: September 18, 2008 - 10:23 am

OPI Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not

Nail colors are a relatively new obsession of mine, but it's struck me full force. I didn't realize that they have their own trends that follow the seasons just as makeup and clothes do. I've learned a lot about nail polish over the past few months, and have gotten great help from a few blogs and websites such as www.alllacqueredup.com and www.makeupalley.com.

Nail colors are an inexpensive way to keep your fall looks cohesive. You can pick up a new bottle of polish for sometimes under $1- a beauty splurge just about anyone can afford.

This fall, the nail trends have the same underlying theme as what we saw on the runways for fashion week- structured classics twined gracefully with feminine mystique. Office-ready blazers meets lace and cable tights. This fall, nails are dark, short and well manicured.

Dark purple has been touted as this fall's "IT" color. It's universally flattering and loaded with vampy glamour. My favorite shade has been OPI's "Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not", from their new France collection. It's dark enough to fit the bill, but light enough to see that it's a deep brooding magenta, not black. Metallic flecks add sparkle and depth.

Next in line is an affordable pick called 'Speed' by Wet n' Wild in their Flash Dry collection. I found this one at Fred Meyer, but it's hard to come by and is selling out quickly. It's a gorgeous navy blue loaded to the max with purple micro-glitter. This has incredible depth, and the color is mesmerizing, especially in natural light. My only complaint was some bubbling that occurred, but that can be expected for a polish that costs $1.99.

MAC has been helping drive this trend with two limited releases of gorgeous, dark purple hues. The first was from their launch of the Lustre Twins line called 'Perplexing', described on their website as a deep blue purple frost. In the release of 'Cult of Cherry' we found a creamy blackened eggplant color called 'Illegal Purple'. Unfortunately, both of these shades are sold out on www.maccosmetics.com but keep an eye out on ebay if you have your heart set on these limited release polishes.

When wearing dark shades, never skip the base coat. Some of the deeper shades can stain unprotected nails. Also, be prepared with remover on hand in case of any chips, they will be painfully obvious with these sultry fall shades.

I tend to change my nail colors about two or three times per week, or as the mood strikes with a new shade or wanting to coordinate with an outfit. The top coat called 'Seche Vite' has been revolutionary for my at-home polish changes. It literally dries hard in about two minutes, and imparts a gorgeous glassy shine. It can be put over nail color when it's still damp, and it speeds the entire drying process. It's about $10 a bottle and can be found at most stores in the nail care aisle.

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