Try these delicious shades of the season …
We’re seeing some beautiful soft and light nail shades around for summer. Think of soft scoop ice cream-inspired colours, from muted pistachio to vanilla. This year, the softest, almost translucent pink topped with French white tips is being called the “ice-cream manicure”.
Nails runs 15 nail bars in Penneys stores across Ireland and the UK, and they’ve just opened a new flagship salon on O’Connell Street. Founder and director Orit Brahami says this summer is all about “glossy minimalism”. “There’s a return to soft elegance, clean shapes and polished simplicity,” she explains. “Think sheer milk pinks to barely-there nudes, delicate iridescent washes and pastel palettes for a fresh, almost skincare-inspired aesthetic. This trend is all about nails that look healthy, hydrated and subtly luminous. Short almond and soft square shapes dominate, for a refined, effortless finish that pairs perfectly with glowing summer skin and understated style. Nail art is following suit, with minimalistic and dainty designs taking centre stage. Think micro French tips, polka dots and fine metallic lines. It’s all delicate, intentional and chic, bringing quiet luxury to the fingertips.”
We always take nail trend inspiration from the brilliant Harriet Westmoreland who’s renowned for her gorgeous modern takes on the French manicure, and her chic, subtle nude finishes. Currently, she’s giving her clients glossy modern “Frenchies” as she calls them, using Cookie Cream by Glitterbels. Westmoreland is also master of the coloured tip, adding a twist to a clean French mani by adding a sliver of neon on the tips.
At the Chanel Cruise SS25/26 show, held at Lake Como, Italy, nails were cool and subtle. First, nails were prepped with La Base Camelia, then painted with Le Vernis de Chanel in 111 Ballerina, and fixed with Le Gel Coat to add shine.
And the entire new Hermès Les Mains limited-edition collection really nails it, with shades of pistachio, banana and orange sorbet (along with the season’s standout shade, the softest lilac.
MAKE OURS A DOUBLE SCOOP
1 Chanel Le Vernis in 111 Ballerina, and PIONNIÈRE (limited edition), €35 each, at counters nationwide.
2 14 Day Manicure in Butter, €11, available at Dundrum Town Centre, Co Dublin, or online.
3 Les Mains Hermès: (26) Vert Aqua and sparkling top coat with mother of pearl, (02) Blanc Orage, to wear alone or over a colour to change the look. €54 each from Cork and Dublin Duty Free.
4 We’re also wearing Essie Gel Couture in Fairy Tailor, €10.45, as recommended by Jade Parfitt.
5 Dali Artistic Cotton Candy, €11, at Nails.
SEE MORE: Our Top 5 Picks For The Perfect SPF
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