In need of some of-the-moment mani inspiration? Check out the super-chic looks editors Lindsey Unterberger, Nikki Ogunnaike, and Julianne Carell from Lipstick.com — Glamour’s new beauty site — created exclusively for Gilt using Essie’s Summer Collection, which can be yours free when you spend $50 or more on Gilt. They’ve also provided easy-to-follow steps, so you can recreate their looks at home. Free polishes and expert how-tos? Now you have zero excuses to not having fab nails at all times.
[From left:
Nikki Ogunnaike, Julianne Carell, and Lindsey Unterberger]
Lindsey Unterberger, Executive Editor
“Summer nails usually scream bright colors—as they should!—but sometimes a pop of bold orange or blue can be too much next to a statement outfit for me. I love the sophistication this twist on a reverse French manicure brings to my hot pink dress!”
Recreate her look:1. Apply base coat.
2. Turn your left hand to the side so your thumb is pointing toward you, and using the thinnest nail art or paint brush you can find, draw a C-shape as close to the cuticle as possible. I used Urban Jungle here. Repeat on the right hand by making backward C-shapes on each nail.
3. Apply a coat of Fierce No Fear to the rest of each nail, getting it as close as possible to the C-shapes you drew.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Apply top coat and let dry. So cute!
Nikki Ogunnaike, Online Style Editor
“ I chose these colors because they pop against my skin and scream summer! It’s also an inconspicuous and mature way to do nail art.”
Recreate her look:1. Apply base coat.
2. Apply two coats of Strut Your Stuff, and let semi-dry.
3. Dip a dotting tool (or bobby pin) into Haute in the Heat and apply sporadic dots on desired nails.
4. Apply top coat and you’re done!
Julianne Carell, Assistant Online Beauty Editor
“I chose a simple off-white for my manicure because whites are SO in for summer. To add something minimal but chic (I’m just not into crazy, chaotic nail art), I opted for straight lines. I love how the vertical ones elongate my fingers.”
Recreate her look:
1. Apply base coat.
2. Apply two coats of Urban Jungle and let dry.
3. With a skinny nail or paint brush, draw horizontal or vertical stripes down each nail with Ruffles & Feathers.
4. Apply top coat. Done!