NYFW Nail Trend: Negative Space

Backstage at the Spring 2015 shows last week, there wasn't a finger unpainted since you know by now, that the nail look has become much more than the icing on the cake for designers. While there were definitely some elaborate looks like this one at Libertine, my go-to manicurist, Jin Soon Choi claims, “This season is all about simple nail art and negative space.”  All in all, the shows proved that minimalist, negative space will be a huge spring nail trend and the best part, it's one you can begin wearing now. Take a look and fall in love.

Prabal Gurung, Jin Soon Choi used the Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Collection, which will be available next Spring, to create this stripy look.  She even left some nails untouched!

Creatures of Comfort, Alicia Torello used different shades of Zoya polish and left an unpainted stripe inbetween.

Nonoo, Tracylee Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let it Snow to create this minimalistic look.

What do you think of the negative space nail trend?  Hit or miss?

Why Nail Art Will Never Die

Something different was happening with nail art this season during New York Fashion Week and I'm not talking about innovative looks.  The tables have turned.  Instead of manicurists trying to sell their art to designers during beauty tests before the runway shows, designers were requesting specific types of nail art to manicurists.  They were asking for classic styles like half moon manicures and 3D textures, which can only prove one thing.  Nail art is not a trend, but a style that's here to stay.  

Backstage I grabbed Michelle Saunders, a Lead Manicurist for Essie who was responsible for 11 of the 27 shows Essie sponsored this season to chat about how nail art has changed.  "This season it's all about the sophisticated and modern nail and when it comes to nail art, Essie stays fresh by just using polish to create different effects and textures," she commented.

Keeping the nails classic, using just polish definitely makes for a sophisticated aesthetic.  "We don't need to explain the looks anymore," she says.  "Designers get it."  From a reverse French to a French, mixing shades to create a customized color and creating effects through polish is chic and timeless.

"It's more of a look than a trend, like red lipstick," she concludes.

For the ultimate NYFW nail art photo gallery, check out PopSugarBeauty.

DIY Super Bowl Nail Art

Guess who's going to the Super Bowl?  How crazy is that?  I'm beyond excited to feel the energy of the stadium and experience the game right here in NJ/NYC (whatever). But I'm stuck with a bit of a debate.  I grew up a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan, so I'm still undecided on who to cheer for.  However, Eric Decker's looking pretty good. Going to a Super Bowl party today?  Forget the jersey and rock some nail art.

CoverGirl coined the term "fanicure" and feature nail art designs with their Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses on CoverGirl.com/NFL for each team.  The designs for the Broncos and Seahawks are edgy and you can easily do them this morning.  I promise my fanicure won't be that fancy today, as I don't want to go all out for one team or another, but I will be nailgating. Check out my Instagram to see what I do! Want more ideas? Check out the BeautySweetSpot Pinterest board for some more NFL inspired nail art.

Spotlight on Katy Perry's AMA Nail Art

While I wasn't a huge fan of Katy Perry opening the American Music Awards as if she was in Japan last night, I was a fan of her polka dot manicure.  Did you catch that?  Her manicurist, Kimmie Kyees, created the look to compliment her black tulle and white sequin polka dot Oscar de la Renta gown.  Here's how to recreate perfect polka dots. Kimmie painted press on nails prior to meeting with Katy.  After all, they don't have much time to get ready for red carpet events and this takes precision and some serious dry time. Here, she tweeted that she used two coats of Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Color in Slick Black as a base color and Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in White On to create the dots.  First, make sure your base coat if full dry, then, dip a tooth pick into the white polish and add little dots on top.  Allow them to fully dry before applying a shiny base coat.

Marchesa for Revlon: Nail Art as Intricately Designed as Their Coveted Gowns

The invite read: Comes see the inspiration behind the first Revlon by Marchesa collections and speak with the designers, get fitted for a bespoke 3D Jewel Appliqué nail art design, and earn more about the future of the collaboration over champagne cocktails and elegant bites.  I died.     

It was just about a month ago I was trying on Marchesa wedding gowns after swooning over their collections from season to season.  To have cocktails at The Plaza with the designers, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig was, after all, just another day in the life.  Only this time, I was a bit more excited than usual.  I couldn't wait to see what they were doing with Revlon.

"Marchesa and Revlon are both about empowering women through beauty and making them feel happy about themselves, so it was a perfect fit," Georgina explained.  "Nail art's been such an exciting entrance for us and now we're a bit addicted to it."

Let's just say that my nails are now coated with the most intricate, texturized detail inspired by an actual Marchesa gown from their fall 2013 collection.  Throughout the Plaza's Oak Room, all of the gowns were on display next to photos of their coordinating Revlon nail wraps.  Stunning!  The stickers just launched in drugstores.

Emmy Beauty Predictions from the Best in the Biz

Sunday is Emmy Day, one of my favorite awards shows!  Not only is Homeland nominated for 'Best Drama Series', but so are Claire Danes and Damian Lewis for 'Best Actress & Best Actor in a Drama.'  Imagining a sweep.  You with me?  Either way, I know one things for sure, your eyes will be glued to the red carpet!  Here are some beauty predictions for TV's biggest night from yours truly and some of my friends, the best on the web. I think we'll see a combination of wine stained matte and nude glossy lips complimenting  "undone, done hair."  Nail art will still be in play for some of the younger actresses, but for the most part, nude nails will take center stage.

I predict we'll see toned-down glamour: fewer big barrel curls and more undone waves. And I'll be shocked if there's nail art — or much nail color at all, actually.  - Annie Tomlin, Beauty Director of Refinery 29

I'm predicting a lot of half-up 'dos. I think the long, side-parted waved look is finally played out (since it's been officially A Thing since 2003) and updos are typically more common at the Oscars for a more formal feel. I think we'll see some straight half-up looks with height. Of which, I'm a fan. - Amber Katz, Founder of Beauty Blogging Junkie

If the runways at NYFW were any indication, we'll see lots of off-white and nude nails - although I wouldn't write off nail art just yet, just expect it to be toned down (like rhinestones and appliqués on nude nails!). I also expect at least one celeb to debut a new "lob" (aka long bob!) and at least some plum lips! - Alexis Wolfer, Founder of The Beauty Bean

I'm predicting a lot of jewel tone dresses (royal blue, deep purple, etc) and I agree with Alexis, there will definitely be a few "lobs"! - Jamie Stone, Founder of Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis

I think we'll be seeing more relaxed, soft waves than usual—the world of hair is all about what's touchable right now. - Beth Shapouri, Blogger for Glamour's Girls in the Beauty Department

I'm predicting we'll see some gorgeous red and berry lips in both matte and glossy textures, as well as more subdued nail art. I think we're past the stages of crazy nails, so we'll see things like nude with a small gold stone or an inverted French. And of course, fingers are crossed for someone to debut a fabulous new haircut, but you can hardly predict that one... - Rachel Adler, Beauty Director of Beauty High

I'm predicting a move away from all the romantic curls we saw in the past and a lot more sleek straight looks.  I love the Emmys, beause I feel like they are a little less HUGE in the glamour.  The stars look more like "people" -- while the mermaid curls may come out for the oscars!  Also, I'm assuming there'll be a chance in the nail art we see - nail art was SO big last year, but now post-runways, we seem to be seeing more subtle (classic, actually) looks.  Also there was a lot of pretty bold lips on the NYFW runways this year. I hope it stays! - Aly Walansky, Founder of A Little Aly Tude

I'm expecting that the Emmy celebs will take a cue from the New York runways, and we'll see a few bold orange lips, hair down and in messy waves (glam post-grunge), and nude nails in tones of peach, beige and cream. - Nadine Jolie - Founder of Nadine Jolie

Nail Art Inspired by DKNY Be Delicious

What do you think of my green half moon mani?  It was definitely a conversation starter! Since the new DKNY Be Delicious ad just came out (behind the scenes images from the photo shoot here), I was inspired by the fragrance and celebrated with nail art.  Think I captured it?  It's really easy to do at-home and check out my step-by-step photo tutorial. Step 1: Choose your base color.  Opt for a shade that matches your skin tone so it doesn't compete with your accent color.  Apply two coats.

Step 2: Using a thin brush, paint a half moon near your cuticle with your accent color.

Don't forget your bottom and top coat!  It's that easy though. Of course, I went and got it done because I always do, but can definitely see myself DIYing it next time.  Like what you see?  Check out the DKNY Facebook page for more of my nail art projects that were inspired by their fragrances.

The Best Manicures of the Met Gala from Punk Chaos to Couture

This years Met Gala revealed the exhibit, "PUNK: from Chaos to Couture," which allowed our favorite celebs to donned punk-inspired beauty and fashion looks and some of them really went all out.  Of course, Nicole Richie killed it with gray hair, a burgendy lip shade and a manicure to-die-for.  Other celebs like Blake Lively and Emmy Russom had nail art worth coveting.

5 Spring Nail Trends to Try on PIX 11 Morning News

This morning I visited PIX 11 Morning News to talk about Spring Nail Trends and brought along two of my best friends to help demonstrate the looks.  Check out the segment above.  I also listed the trends and my favorite polish picks for each below.

Trend: Brightly Colored French Manicures

Try: Jin Soon Botanical Flowers Collection, $18 each at jinsoon.com

Trend: Grey Polish

Try: Top Shop Nails in Threadbare and Rainy Day, $10 each at Top Shop or Nordstrom

Trend: Speckled Textures 

Try: Deborah Lippmann Staccato Collection, $19 each at Nordstrom

Trend: Matching Lip & Tips

Try: DKNY Lip & Nail Set, $45 at dkny.com

Trend: Coral Shades

Try: Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Hot Coral, $20 at department stores

Rose Petal Nail Art Inspired by DKNY pureDKNY a drop of rose

With the launch of pureDKNY a drop of rose, my mission was to seek out nail art inspired by the new fragrance.  The first time I partnered with DKNY to interpret fragrance through nail art it was for the holidays so the theme was intensity through glitter (see here).  This time, it's much different.  Dare I say more wearable?  You tell me. When I was first introduced to pureDKNY a drop of rose back in October (see post here) I fell in love and it quickly became my new daytime scent.  To replicate the softness of the pure pink rose petals, I chose to have my nails marbled through a combination of pinks and whites of various intensities.  What do you think?

Check out the DKNY Fragrances Facebook page for an easy step-by-step guide on how to recreate my look at home or try interpreting the fragrance your way and post on their wall.  Can't wait to see what you come up with!

You can purchase pureDKNY a drop of rose at DKNY.com or Ulta.com for $45.

Holiday Nail Art Inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense

Happy Holidays BeautySweetSpot readers!  Since my latest project with DKNY left my nails appropriately sparkling for the season, I thought it was a good time to fill you in on what I've been up to with the brand (see post on partnership).  My mission: to interpret their latest fragrances through nail art.  In honor of the holidays, I experimented with green first inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense.  Here's a look at the scent and how I captured it on my tips!

You may be familiar with DKNY Be Delicious, as it's been out for years and has a cult following thanks to the refreshing apple accord.  This newer fragrance that launched this summer, DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense, ups the ante as it's even juicier.  The apple note is simply intoxicating and is layered on top of other fresh notes like grapefruit and florals while dried down by woody notes like sandal wood.

When I spritz the fragrance I automatically receive an intense splash of energy.  Playing off of the apple accord and green packaging, green was the only color that could capture the freshness and vibrancy.  I decided to use sparkles instead of flat polish to up the intensity and created an ombre effect to showcase how a fragrance wears.

Want to replicate my look?  Check out the DKNY Fragrances Facebook page for an easy step-by-step guide.  Interested in creating your own version of nail art inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense?  We can't wait to see what you come up with!  Post your versions on their Facebook wall as well!

3 Hot Luxury Items for Less: Diamonds, Gold & The Most Expensive Perfume in the World

When it comes to shopping for clothes and home goods, I'm a Maxxinista, but there's nothing like scoring a gorgeous pair of Louboutins or an ornate Alexis Bittar cocktail ring at sample sales.  There's something to be said about luxury.  We all want it, but have to be strategic in the ways we obtain it.  Retailers are now finding ways to bring their luxe items to the masses and I, for one, couldn't be happier.  Here are some covetable beauty buys that you may rethink purchasing. Perfume

Deemed the most expensive perfume in the world, Clive Christian No. 1 will have you smelling close to a million dollars.  The original retails for $865, but it's made with the rarest ingredients, of course.  This fall, V Perfumes was launched for half the price at $405.  Not bad considering.  The scent contains notes of honey and sandalwood on top of jasmine, orange blossom, rose and chamomile.

Manicure

How much would you actually spend on your nails?  When it comes to nail art some go to extremes.  Take Kelly Osbourne for example.  At this year's Emmy's she flaunted a $250K black diamond manicure by the jeweler, Azature.  The most expensive nail polish in the world has 267 carats of diamonds in it.  What happened to the diamonds when she took the polish off?  Crazy!  The company created a bottle of the sparkle for only $25 so you can DIY.

Gold Accents

This fall, ornate gold accents are in.  Whether it be in head pieces, makeup or jewelry.  A Dior cuff would run you about $500, but the brand just came out with these Golden Tattoos made out of 24K gold leafing.  From charms and rings to cuffs, the delicate tattoo jewelry is a true form of luxe for less, but less meaning $120.  Would you spend that much on a tattoo just to have something Dior?

6 Chic DIY Halloween Nail Art Ideas

Personally, I think holiday nail art can get really cheesy.  If you take a look around the web you'll see countless ideas for Halloween inspired nail art, but are you really going to paint a pumpkin on your ring finger?  Let's be serious.  We're not all 50 year old third grade teachers.  The candy corn nail art above?  Yea, I let that one slide because I thought it was so well done and super easy to do, but below I rounded up the chicest Halloween nail art that excuses you from wearing a costume at all.

 Which one do you like best?

5 Glam Celebrity Manicures for Much, Much Less

When on Pinterest, the one thing I find myself getting lost looking at for hours is nail art and I have to think that celeb manicurists and even celebs themselves are with me on this one... and as are you, of course.  From Rihanna's liquid gold to Zooey Deschanel's swarvoski crystals and of course, who can forget Kelly Osbourne's $250,000 black diamond manicure from the Emmys, A-listers have been dropping major cash on their tips in order to make a statement and showcase their personal style.  I rounded up my top five of the year along with DIY ways to get the look.

At this year's Grammys, Rihanna rocked a $5,000 liquid gold manicure.  By Amor 24, each bottle contains an ounce of 24K gold.  Fancy!  Red Carpet Manicure came out with one for less., but I'm a huge fan of this Sephora by OPI top coat with 18 K gold flecks.  You can get it at Sephora for $30.

To promote her upcoming movie, Part of Me, Katy Perry was in Tokyo worked with the manicurists of ES Nails Tokyo to have each of the characters of Daria painted on her nails.  Yes, Daria!  Each nail costs her about $120, which makes the total about $1,200.  She tweeted this pic.  For this kind of skill, I recommend using decals!  There are a ton of cartoon character ones on Amazon, eBay and beauty boutiques like NailDelights.com for under $10.

Rihanna Instagramed this pic saying, "Rubies in my damn gel polish!" from the iHeartRadio show in Vegas this year.  Manicurist to the stars, Kimmie Kyees painted the songstresses tallons with Red Carpet Manicure in Your Fortune Awaits, which contains 4 carats of ruby dust.  The cost? $5,000.  Red Carpet Manicure is coming out this fall with a version called Draped in Rubies at Ulta for $24.

Kelly Osborne wore a $250K mani by the jeweler, Azature to the Emmys this fall.  Her polish has 267 carats of black diamonds throughout it.  Imagine it chipped!?  Now, you can get a bottle of Azature nail polish with a glittery sheen for just $25.

Zooey Deschanel is known for award winning manicures and this year at the Emmys she donned a mini TV on her thumb and had her manicurist, Tom Bachik, use Swarovski crystals on her other fingers to create a peach galaxy.  A full manicure with Swarovski crystals can cost up to $300.  Try adding these Kiss Nail Art Stones for only $2.99 and a hint of glamour.

Fall Nail Trend Predictions: Metallics, Shimmer & Texture... Oh My!

Last spring I covered backstage during New York Fashion Week as I do every season and of course, the nails blew my mind.  Designers Rebecca Minkoff, Pamela Love, Alice & Olivia and Nicole Miller all had their models sporting nail art to compliment their collections.  While nail art is here to stay, there's a lot more to look out for.  L'Oreal's Celebrity Manicurist, Tom Bachik, filled me in on the top four trends for fall and they're all easy enough to do at home! Trend 1: Mixing Texture & Dimension

“I think mixing texture and dimension is important. If you're going with a chunky metallic on toes, go with a rich deep ‘creamy’ color on your fingers – and vice versa. If you're wearing a full-coverage nude on toes, then pair with a rich deep shimmer shade with dimension to the fingers.”

Trend 2: Antique Metallics & Full-Coverage Nudes on Toes

“I love antique metallics and full-coverage nudes on toes, so there’s no competition with all the great shoe colors for fall. Keep color on the fingers to play off lips and eyes.”

Trend 3: Classic Looks in Deep Rich Tones like Burgundy & Eggplant

He recommends L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche nail in Haute Couture Red (Burgundy) and Breaking Curfew (Eggplant).

Trend 4: Sheer Shimmery Lace

“Sheer shimmery lace is a big fall trend. A great look I've started to do as summer wraps up is to use a single coat of a shimmery metallic on nails, so the color stays sheer but sparkly. It’s a great modern take on nudes that stays sophisticate and chic.” 

New Trend: Album Cover Nail Art, Something I Should Have Thought About in 2001

I'm completely obsessed with nail art for more than one reason.  While Japanese nail art has been around forev, I can't believe how mainstream it's become and all of the different trends that are coming out within the genre.  Last week I was in the DBA offices (my management co.) and Karen Robinovitz's nail art was inspired by a dress from Prabal Gurung's Spring/Summer 2012 collection (pic).  Amazing.  The latest in nail art is rocker chic – album cover, which as a former Dave Matthews Band "groupie" I wish I thought of earlier... Here's why... My nails chip after about two days so when I do nail art or anything fancy I have to resort to gels.  However, there's a slew of nail bloggers who primp their nails daily and have been showcasing some of their favorite album covers painted across five fingers.  Really impressive.  MTV reported on the trend highlighting six of them.

When thinking of my favorite band, DMB, I wish I thought of nail art back in 2001 when I had the "Stand Up" album cover tattooed on my lower back.  (The album came out in 2005, but the symbols been around forev, so yea, technically it was on my back before the album release - go me)!  Nail polish remover is much cheaper (and less painful) than laser treatments.

What album cover would you like to see as a mani?

Golden Globes Beauty: Zooey Deschanel's Tuxedo Mani, Hit or Miss?

Zooey Deschanel hit the Golden Globes red carpet in a green and black silk Prada gown that was very, well, very Zooey, but what really caught my attention was her tuxedo mani. While it is expected for men to wear tuxedos to awards ceremonies, I have to admit, I didn't really like the look on Zooey's nails.  Even though nail art was a huge trend backstage during fashion week for Spring 2012, I think it should be kept off of the red carpet.

Her dress on the other hand, I loved.  I thought it was elegant and expressed her personality. What do you think of nail art on the red carpet?