Evoke thoughts of sparkling blue seas this summer with teal nails, on track with the latest runway trends. Tommy Hilfiger’s spring 2014 New York show was true-blue, with a new collection inspired by the surf culture calling on shades of teal for skirts, pantsuits, shorts and purses. Think Deborah Lippmann’s shimmery I’ll Take Manhattan, Essie’s peacock Ruffles & Feathers and OPI’s sultry AmazON…AmazOFF. deborahlippmann.com; essie.com; opi.com —C.R.
Deborah Lippmann I'll Take Manhattan, Essie Ruffles & Feathers, OPI AmazON...AmazOFF
Hands of Time
The manicure as we know it has been around for less than a century but has become an integral part of fashion culture. From the red carpet to the runway to the streets, nail trends are ever evolving. Nails: The Story of the Modern Manicure (Prestel, April) by Suzanne E. Shapiro traces the manicure from its beginning as a revolutionary gesture to today, when nail salons and edgy nail art are cultural staples. An incredible array of images and photo essays connect the polished nail to individual expression and the evolution of beauty. —L.B.
Digital Asset
The brainchild of former beauty editor Eleanor Langston, Paintbox nail studio takes the manicure—created with polish or gel and with or without a design—to a new level. Situated in New York City’s trendy Soho neighborhood, the 1,500-square-foot sophisticated nail haven boasts 18 manicure stations that afford patrons everything from routine polish changes with top-drawer seasonal options curated by Langston to mild-to-wild designs by celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. Paintbox takes star treatment a step further with a special mani-cam that enables patrons to snap pictures of their ultrahip nails and send it to their email and social media accounts. No wonder clients are giving it a 10 out of 10. —K.D.
Package Deal
Give manicures a playful twist with the new 4-in-1 File Catty from Flowery. Rich with vibrant, creative designs and featuring fun mantras that capture each collection’s theme, the files are sure to boost clients’ days with their energetic vibe. Use the Cuticle Push to perfectly polish and maintain cuticles, and keep things clean and neat with the Under Nail Clean-Sweep. The innovative Nail Tip-Touch can be used without opening the File Catty Case, which protects the one-of-a-kind, all-in-one filing tool. spilo.com —E.G.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GREG MARINO