Top Nail Polishes of 2011 (Can You Guess?)
B
y Catherine Q. O'Neill, Allure magazine
Americans talked more with their hands than their lips in 2011-at least according to the NPD Group. The market research firm reported that nail sales increased by 59 percent among US consumers this year. So what exactly were you clamoring to get your hands (and toes) on this year? We polled polish companies to find out their bestsellers (pictured above, from left to right).
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OPI Black Shatter Coat: Whether worn over lime green or classic red, the black topcoat flew off the shelves this year-and led the way for even crazier nail art trends (remember those snakeskin manicures?).
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Quartz: The silver beige polish was a fall favorite, bringing some much-needed sparkle to the nude family.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips: These stick-ons won an Allure Breakthroughs award in 2011 for their uncanny resemblance to real polish, but it was the prints that really grabbed ahold of consumers: the number one seller was Wild Child, a bold zebra stripe.
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Dior Vernis in Gris Montaigne: The edgy gray was a welcome alternative to the bland "greige" movement-and conveniently matched every item in our closet.
Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers: And in the more things change, the more they stay the same department, this sweet pink shade has been a top-seller since it was introduced in 1984 for good reason. It looks great against all skin tones and has become almost as vital to a wedding as Vera.
After a year of muted greys and soft nudes, we predict a backlash of bright pinks, greens, and oranges for spring. We're already putting money on Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colors in April, May and June-a sherbet trio that's already making beauty editors swoon. What shades are you looking forward to wearing this spring?
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Photo Credit: Courtesy of OPI, Chanel, Sally Hansen, Dior, and Essie
