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Nailed It!

2011's nail polish trends that you definitely need to work into your next mani/pedi

Seriously, where can a woman have more artistic expression on her body than on her nails? (And we're talking easily changeable art here, as opposed to that possibly regrettable ankle tattoo you're considering.)

Your fingers and toes are the perfect palette on which to show off a bold expression of your personality. And forget just choosing between "Corvette Crimson" and "Saucy Scarlet" (the jig is up—they're both red). Your options for 2011 have far surpassed that limited palette. Consider these options instead:

Trend: A Shattering Success
Breaking on to the scene in 2011, quite literally, is OPI Black Shatter (found only in stores). This topcoat can be applied over any color to create a "shattered" effect. Even Katy Perry has jumped on the Shatter bandwagon, designing four shades (including "Teenage Dream," of course) to wear with Black Shatter. Also look for Serena Williams' Glam Slam duo-pack that comes with a radiant, shimmering green and the Black Shatter to apply on top.

Trend: To the Moon
The newest in mani-styles is actually a retro look with the return of eye-catching moon manicures. Start with a nude base (try ULTA Professional Nail Lacquer in It's Nude to Me) and then use a darker shade to make half-crescent moon shapes at the top and base of each nail. Try OPI Nicole Nail Lacquer in Razzle Dazzle for your moons, or, if your hand isn't quite steady enough for a brush, use Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in black for more controlled moon-making.

Trend: Steel the Show
The cool, dark shade of metal translates in a sexy way when applied to nails. This gunmetal gray can work for any age, day or night. Consider it the LBD of your nails (that's little black dress, if not familiar). Try China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Devotion or Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Give Me the First Dance (a color that, believe it or not, Justin Bieber designed for Nicole by OPI).

Trend: Nearly Naked Nails
OK, so maybe you're still on the fence about going in one of these slightly bolder directions with your nails. Fear not, the last trend for 2011 is a complete 180 from the above. We're talking super-light pastel pinks and peaches, like Butter London Pink Ribbon, a subtle hue that gives nails a clean, classy look, perfect for a romantic picnic in a field of sunflowers, but sexy enough to pair with a cocktail dress and a dirty martini. Just don't choose a shade that's exactly matchy matchy with your skin tone, lest people think you have no nails at all.

Amanda Myers

Written by Amanda Myers

Amanda is a thirty-something writer and editor based in Phoenix. This former health and lifestyle reporter was born and raised a small-town Wisconsin girl and as such, strives for a beauty regimen that's simple and budget-friendly but which also elicits a "No you aren't!" response when she divulges her age.

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Featured Products from this article, plus a few bonus items
OPI
Shatter
Reg. $8.50
In-Store Only
Find a Store
ULTA
Professional Nail Lacquer in Total Eclipse
Reg. $7.50
Buy Now
ULTA
Professional Nail Lacquer in It's Nude to Me
Reg. $7.50
Buy Now
OPI
Nicole Nail Lacquer in It's Possible
Reg. $6
Buy Now
 
Essie
Nail Polish in Jazz
Reg. $8
Buy Now
Sally Hansen's
Nail Art Pen (in Black)
Reg. $7.49
Buy Now
Butter London
Nail Lacquer in Pink Ribbon
Reg. $14
Buy Now
Essie
Nail Polish in Cool-Lots
Reg. $8
Buy Now
 
Revlon
Nail Enamel in Demure
Reg. $4.49
Buy Now
OPI
Nicole Nail Lacquer in Razzle Dazzle
Reg. $7.99
Buy Now
China
Glaze Nail Lacquer in Devotion
Reg. $6.50
Buy Now
OPI
Nicole Nail Lacquer in Give Me the First Dance
Reg. $7.99
Buy Now
 
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