essie

nails

A Sunny Nail-Art Idea to Try Right Now

After spotting Bella Thorne's Summery nail art at the Iron Man 3 premiere, I was dying to re-create the simple design.

After spotting Bella Thorne's Summery nail art at the Iron Man 3 premiere, I was dying to re-create the simple design. What made her look stand out is the complementary colour combination of yellow and blue, but the design itself is very simple. I started off with a coat of Essie First Base ($15.95), and then I applied two coats of Chanel Le Vernis in Mimosa ($39), leaving my ring fingers bare. Next, I applied two coats of Essie Bikini So Teeny ($18.95) to my ring fingers. While the paint was still wet, I used a dotting tool to create the random white spots with Chanel Le Vernis in Eastern Light ($39). A high-shine polish, Essie Good to Go ($22.95) topped off this cheerful style. Like what you see?

Chanel stockists: 1300 242 635

makeup

We Can Be Heroes: The Most-Used Products Backstage at Fashion Week

Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia we spotted more than a few beauty trends, but we also kept a tally of the most-used products.

Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia we spotted more than a few beauty trends, but we also kept a tally of the most-used products. Session stylists and makeup artists work hard and fast behind the scenes, and it's the "heroes" that become their multi-tasking, fix-all, use everywhere and on everything products. If you're wondering what your next beauty purchase might be, step this way.

nails

Get Coachella-Cool With This Easy Nail Art Manicure

Coachella 2013 is well underway, and whether you're in Indio, CA, taking in the music or at home watching from afar, we have a manicure inspired by the festival that you'll want to try.

Coachella 2013 is well underway, and whether you're in Indio, CA, taking in the music or at home watching from afar, we have a manicure inspired by the festival that you'll want to try. This colourful nail look is a cinch to create; if you know how to draw a straight line, then you're already on your way. Complete your look! Be sure to check out some of our favourite music festival hairstyle ideas, too.

nail polish

Learn an Easy Update to the Moon Manicure

The moon manicure is a classic, but dotting a contrasting polish into a moon shape is a cool way to freshen up the traditional look.

The moon manicure is a classic, but dotting a contrasting polish into a moon shape is a cool way to freshen up the traditional look. Plus, you don't have to have much dexterity to nail this look. After applying a base coat, I polished my nails with the new By Terry Nail Laque in Vintage Coral for a warm, vibrant base. Next, I opted for a gold accent using Essie Good as Gold ($18.95) to create the spotted moon shape.

To do this, pour a little of the gold polish onto a piece of paper, and then use the tip of a pencil or bobby pin to dot the metallic hue onto your nail. You only need a small amount of polish for each dot, or else you might make them too big. Don't forget to seal the look with a high-shine top coat, like Essie Good to Go ($15.95), for a fast-drying finish.

beauty

Classic Red: 10 Polishes To Brighten Up Your Work Week

Whether you're one to follow trends or not, nails are the easiest way to jump on a new beauty look — and jump we do.

Whether you're one to follow trends or not, nails are the easiest way to jump on a new beauty look — and jump we do. But there's no denying that when all the trends (nail art, anyone?) die down, there are a few colours that every woman reverts to. Red is one of them. It's a true classic, one of those rare breeds that goes with everything and suits everyone. Here, we've pulled ten of the best red shades we could find. If you work in a conservative office environment, there's a raspberry-hued version for you. If you can go all out, why not go the sparkly crimson for a bit of fun? Or if you like to keep things simple, you can never go wrong with a bright, cherry red. Tip: keep your nails short. While we loved Ashley Madekwe's talons a few weeks ago, they might not be appreciated as much in the office. Click through for our picks!

Fashion Week

2013 Fall NYFW: Jenny Packham Modernises 17th Century Opulence

The pared down beauty was simple, but thoughtful at the Jenny Packham Fall 2013 show.

The pared down beauty was simple, but thoughtful at the Jenny Packham Fall 2013 show. Because the pieces in the collection — from the clothes to the jewelry and handbags — were so ornate, the team of hair, makeup and nail pros left the beauty look a little understated yet elegant.

The look: A loose ponytail with a ribbon, glowing skin, and a gradient glitter manicure.
The inspiration: 17th century opulence.
Trends: Nail art.

Keep reading . . .

nail polish

Perfectly Patriotic Pairs: Nail Duos to Rock During Australia Week

Australia Day doesn't have to mean Southern Cross tattoos and the Aussie flag worn as a cape — it is possible to style it up right.

Australia Day doesn't have to mean Southern Cross tattoos and the Aussie flag worn as a cape — it is possible to style it up right. Enter patriotic nail duos! If you want to keep your love for our sunburnt country a little low-key this week and right through into the weekend, why not go cobalt or navy blue with a red feature nail, or visa versa? Just remember to keep your talons short, neat and chic. Click through to see our favourite, perfect Australia Day nail polish pairs.

nail polish

A Clever Way to Fix a Smudged Manicure

I often paint my nails at night, so I've woken up plenty of times with sheet imprints on my fresh new manicure.

I often paint my nails at night, so I've woken up plenty of times with sheet imprints on my fresh new manicure. The easiest solution I've discovered is to polish on a glittering top coat. Between the texture of the sparkling flecks and their ability to obscure any smudges, a sparkling top coat pretty much works like magic. My deep plum manicure got plenty of sheet action the night before, so I reached for Essie Luxeffects in Stroke of Brilliance ($18.95) to hide my imperfections. The blue-ish glitter worked perfectly with the shimmering purple polish, but I also keep the silver Essie Luxeffects in Set in Stones ($18.95) and the gold Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow on hand, depending on my polish shade. This quick fix is quite a dazzling option.

Essie stockists: 13 33 57

nails

Essie Gets In On the Nail Appliqué Trend

Essie is starting the New Year with an exciting new launch: Sleek Stick Nail Appliqués.

Essie is starting the New Year with an exciting new launch: Sleek Stick Nail Appliqués. While nail art wraps aren't exactly new, the brand is out to set a new bar on the nail sticker category. The Sleek Stick collection features 12 different designs with many of them making a good use of metallics. UV cured, the high-shine wraps are made with a long-lasting adhesive that can stick to your nails for up to 10 days. I used the Oh My Gold! design, which features a silver and gold geometric pattern. The wrap is actually clear, so my natural nail was able to peek through; that means this would also look great over any nail colour. Learn more about the application process when you read more.