“Nail” the Finishing Touch on Your Holiday Style

by Jen Munoz, Regional Style Contributor – Texas | More than ever before, nails have become an important accessory. The number of Pinterest boards dedicated to amazingly creative and sometimes over-the-top designs proves it. (Search under “fancy nails” and, wow, you won’t believe all the looks that come up!) Personally, we are fans of simply pretty, polished nails and there are so many festive and sophisticated colors to choose from this holiday season. From icy silver and pale pastels to dark black and bordeaux, there’s a color for everyone and every skin tone. And, who doesn’t like a little glitter polish to create a celebratory mood? Glitter is a great way to hide chips too. So, now that the “season” is in full swing, whether you’re sipping bubbly by a cozy fire or out painting the town glittery red, you’ll want to be sure your nails are as fashionable as you are.

The first thing to keep in mind when getting or giving yourself a manicure this time of year is to add paraffin. The cold, dry weather takes a toll on our hands, even if your skin is on the oily side, and it’s important to stay hydrated inside and out. We love Bath & Body Works True Blue Super Softening Hand Lotion with Paraffin (say that fast three times), as an easy, everyday option since making time for your weekly mani gets more difficult.

Next, be sure and add a good sticky base coat – Zoya Anchor is our fav – to help adhere the colored lacquer to your nails. This will extend the life of your manicure – we promise. If you’re at the salon and they don’t use one automatically, ask for it.

Then, on to the important part – choosing the look you want. There is no shortage of holiday-inspired polish.

1 | The Essie Winter 2014 Collection Cube is a good starter kit for getting in the spirit of the season. Free of yucky additives (like toluene, formaldehyde and DBP), it has four holiday colors with fun names (how do they keep coming up with new ones??), including: Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Low (aluminum); Jump in my Jumpsuit (salmon pink); Double-Breasted Jacket (berry mauve); and Tuck it in My Tux (sheer ivory).

2| OPI’s Winter Nordic Collection is full of fun colors that are spot-on for the holidays. We especially love My Voice is a Little Norse, How Great is Your Dane?, Viking in a Vinter Vonderland, and of course, Thank Glogg It’s Friday!

3| If you’re a gel girl, try the NAILS INC. Be Gelous Collection. It may be the only time it’s okay to “be jealous.” This six-piece, winter gel-effect collection offers the ultra-glossy finish of a gel mani, without the UV lamp. The best thing about this polish is that you get the look of a professional gel manicure and the plumping gel effect gives the nail a smooth finish. Oh, and it doesn’t contain any parabens. The colors range from metallic red to multicolored glitter.

4 | Multicolored glitter polish from JINsoon is ideal for a cork-popping party on New Year’s Eve. This trio is free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin and camphor. Mah-velous!

5 | You can’t go wrong with a sexy dark polish like Belugaria by Essie, which has extra sparkle added, and for only $8.50 you have a new look.

6 | Lastly, the favorite brand of shoe aficionados, Christian Louboutin’s classic red, luxe nail color is always a can’t-miss hit. It really is glossier than your average polish and doesn’t contain toluene, formaldehyde or DBP, which is always a plus.

And for the finishing touches…

7 | Dior’s Diorific Golden Shock glitter top coat will make plain nails party-ready in a flash! Use by itself or try over the top of your favorite solid color, such as bordeaux or black.

In a hurry to get to a party? Julep Ta-Da! Quick Dry Polish Drops will get you on your way quickly without a smudge. Simply party perfect.