The 'Halo Manicure': Why It's SO Hot/How To Get the Look
By Kerri Winick, GalTime.com
Take a look at the "halo manicure." Created by CND for the Behnaz Sarafpour Spring 2011 show, it has an understated glow to it that we are dying for! Easy, breezy and ethereal, it almost looks as though the polish on the edges is rusting or was picked at. Green Celebrity Nail Stylist Jenna Hipp fills us in on how to create this totally unique look.
1.) How do you create the halo manicure from start to finish?
Imperfection, in a sense, is the appeal of the entire look, so why not use that to your advantage? Not everyone has the time to sit down and spend 30 minutes giving themselves a manicure - and with this trendy look, you don't have to!
Related: Spring Cleaning..For Your Hair!
The halo manicure is simply a metallic or pearlescent color (Try: Butter London in Diamond Geezer or The Full Monty) topped with a bare nude (Try: RGB in Doll or Camel). Then, the top layer of the bare nude is removed around the cuticle, allowing the metallic base to shine through and giving nails a "halo" effect around the cuticle. Because layering is the key to this effect, don't worry about layering over your existing manicure. If you paint with complementary colors, it will only add to the look!
Butter London in Diamond Geezer/RGB in Doll
I use a MAC angle eyeliner brush lightly dipped in nail polish remover to create the effect. My clients think the brush feels much more luxurious than a q-tip.
HIPP TIP: Don't be afraid to play with different formulas, shades and colors to find the look that suits you best. For your own halo manicure, mix and match poppy shades as the base color and top with pearls, metallics, glitter...whatever!
Photograph Courtesy of CND
2.) How do I know what shape my nails should be?
Nails are like eyebrows in that both play a huge role in framing. Just like brows frame the face, nails frame the hands. A nail that is shaped properly can give the illusion of much longer, leaner, and younger looking hands! Each person has a unique shape that compliments them perfectly. To discover yours, follow the natural curve of your cuticle to determine how round or square the nail should be.
If your cuticles are very round, follow the natural curve of your cuticle and file nails oval. If cuticles are quite square in shape, file nails straight across to avoid the rounded corners. Length should be decided dependent on how active you are and should all be filed one length.
Related: Which 'Nude' Shade Is Right For You?
3.) What's the easiest way for me to apply the nail polish?
When applying nail polish, proper application from the get-go is key. When removing the cap from the bottle, tap the wand back and forth to remove excess polish. Next, slowly sweep the brush away from you, leaving only a small amount on the tip of the brush, but enough polish to cover the entire nail. This prevents the dreaded "drop" that we all despise.
Next, you want to find a hard, flat surface that allows the ball of your finger tips to grip. (Any hard surface will work, but be sure to tape down foil first. Nail polish and remover can damage many surfaces.) Once you have the tips of your fingers placed firmly on the table, push down and away from you. The tips of fingers should turn white. This allows for the free edge of your nail to be much more exposed. This also keeps your hand steady and firmly in place, which makes for easier painting.
Apply a basecoat (Try: Essie Sensitivity Basecoat) and top with a super shiny top coat (Try: Dior Vernis Top Coat).
Dior Vernis Top Coat
HIPP TIP: To eliminate the worst thing ever- lint or fuzz in the polish when painting- my trick is to swipe all nails with rubbing alcohol and a piece of an old, white T-shirt before you start. Works like magic. Plus, you can throw the shirt the wash and use it next time!
Now, find out how to create the "reverse" halo manicure. Miley Cyrus rocks it on the cover of Marie Claire's March issue...and Jenna Hipp created the look!
Top Photo Courtesy: CND
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