Whether you're looking for an attention-grabbing lacquer or an updated classic color, we've found it for $10 or less. L'Oréal's Paris' international color designer, Orrea Light, explains how wear the season's hottest hues.
Shade #1: Bright Coral
"This sea-life coral shade was seen scattered throughout Versace's Spring 2012 collection," says Light. "In my opinion, there's no better toenail color-it's eye-catching and universally-flattering."
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Color in Boozy Brunch; $5.99; lorealparisusa.com. Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color in Tropicalia, $6.49; amazon.com.
Shade #2: Canary Yellow
"Think of yellow polish as jewelry for your fingers," explains Light. "So choose a real statement yellow that's very bright and emphatic, like an exclamation point." The Balm Hot Ticket Nail Polish in Hella Yella, $8.08; amazon.com. China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Sunshine Pop, $2.89; amazon.com.
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Shade #3: Mint Green
"This color comes from the floral patterns seen all over the spring runways," says Light. "The unique shade looks best on short nails that are slightly almond-shaped because of the playful quality of the trend."Avon Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel in Aqua Fantasy, $5; avon.com. Sinful Colors Professional Nail Enamel in Mint Apple, $1.99; walgreens.com.
Shade #4: Marilyn Pink
"This pastel, bubblegum hue is the quintessential pink," says Light. "The opaque, baby-pink shade will help you channel your inner Marilyn Monroe and leave you feeling both polished and girly. Plus, it goes with everything." Essie Nail Polish in Hi Maintenance, $8; nordstrom.com.Orly Nail Lacquer in Cupcake, $3.60; amazon.com.
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Shade #5: Lavender
"Pastry-like lavender hues are part of the huge pastel movement we'll be seeing this spring," notes Light. "The shade is inspired by Ladurée macaroons, a big Parisian staple. A fun way to play with this trend is to do a reverse moon manicure with white or another pastel shade. You'll get sweet candy-colored fingers!" Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color in Be-Jeweled, $6.37; drugstore.com. Pixel Nail Color in Virtual Violet, $2.49; ulta.com.
Shade #6: Peachy Nude
"Lastly, spring's new basic is a warm-peachy nude with blush tones," reveals Light. "It's a take on the coral trend, and it adds edge to today's neutral. It looks beautiful on long nails, because it elongates fingers and makes them look elegant." Joe Fresh Nail Polish in Satin, $4; joefresh.com. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in Bare Naked, $1.89; amazon.com.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
