Leave it to Us

We are always offering ideas for colouring your nails (and the rest of you for that matter) and thought if we broke them down by season it might be more useful to our readers. Summer is not too far off, so while this page is slim now, it will continue to grow as we add ideas and posts. We only have a few seasons warm enough to bare our toes, so we’ve always got catching up to do!

Finding nail colour has never been made easier, unless of course, you have a hard time with decisions…

Summer Nails

Summertime is the toes time to shine and that means paying attention to more than just fingernail colours. It’s also a good time to let your freak flag fly and enjoy being you. Here are some sinfully summery tutorial collections to help you get thing started.

Choosing Varnish Shades for Summer

We’ve been offering tips for choosing nail colours since last summer and are quickly coming back around to another summer of shades. We’ve provided a great selection of ideas to help you choose summer nail shades for a variety of summer situations with links to the perfect colours in our store.

Planning for Spring/ Summer 2012 Nail Trends

Speaking of fashion, we love to cover as many fashion events as we can and in doing that we’ve learned a thing or two about colour trends for the coming year. Our summer planning guide combines elements from each designer at the recent fashion weeks around the globe for some serious fashion colour sense.

Varnish Colours for Summer Skin Tones

Summer tones tend to be a combination of cool and muted and they generally have pink undertones to their skin. Hair ranges from ash blonde to deep ginger and eyes are usually blue or green. If you are a summer tone, we’ve got a fab list of colours for summers to choose from, whatever the time of year you are looking.

Choosing Varnish Shades for Life

Things just come back to life in the summertime and as winter falls into distant memory things start to move again. Life gets moving and you find yourself showing more and more bare skin – but we expect no bare nails! We’ve got some timeless ideas to help you choose nail shades to get you through daily life.

Sweetly Summer Nail Art Tutorials

We’ve collected a huge selection of tutorials with ideas for fun summer nail art. From colours to patterns, we love to give you as many ideas as possible. Here is a fabulous list of summer nail art tutorials that cover everything from bold fashion inspired ideas to fruity FIMO to tropical themes and motifs.

If Only

It’s not warm yet, but we’re tropical dreaming. Be sure to take a look at some advice for selecting spring shades and stay tuned for plenty more ideas to come.

Fashion Report

The idea is to stay up on the latest trends on the catwalk and apply that knowledge to your nails, cosmetics and wardrobe. We’ve got a chart of fashion weeks to drool over and will provide our readers with a quick guide for putting the latest fashion trends on their nails. We’ve already given you some tips for spring/ summer 2012 colour trends and followed up on Paris haute couture fashion week – we can’t wait to see what walks down the catwalk next!

We believe in preparation, and what better time to prepare for the new year ahead than when it’s too cold to outside?

Stockholm Fashion Week 2012

Here we will share a few of the designers whose fashions made their way down the catwalk this year. For each one we’ll provide you a boiled down version of their overall looks and links to corresponding items in our store.

Get the Look
This line seems appropriate given the weather outside, it makes us want to snuggle up in something warm. The simplicity of the look is easy to achieve on nails using strong colours in keeping with deep winter hues.

Get the Look
This is a fun, girly look for winter and we love its youthful glow. Even better, re-creating it with cosmetics is super easy and can almost be done with your eyes closed. Think brash colour mixes and sexy shapes.

Get the Look
While it’s not our favourite look, it has a strange charm to it. Sort of like a chemical factory and a fashion warehouse collided. Simple industrial ideas are updated with feminine colours and softer lines.

Get the Look
The look of this collection is as understated as it is feminine. We love the clinging lines and sensuous fabrics as well as the deeper, more intense use of colour. This line definitely has some grown up sex appeal.

Get the Look
This look screams a weekend on the slopes to us and we appreciate it’s casual vibe. We like swanky nails no matter what we are wearing and this casual line is an easy one to both re-create and enhance on your nails.

Get the Look
This line has a decidedly urban chic feel to it and the pieces are simple yet somewhat timeless. The colours flow together making the line incredibly wearable and fun to mix and match. We like the idea of carrying that over onto nails. Why not try one coloured nail on a field of deep grey?

More Fashion Weeks = More Advice

If you haven’t already be sure to check out advice from last week’s Paris Fashion Week (we featured new colour’s from the a-england collection – win one today!). Next week we’ll share a quick fashion events calendar to help you plan ahead.

Trust in Fashion

We are always offering colour advice, for all different types of events and seasons. In doing that we’ve collected quite a body of colour information and options so we thought we’d put them all in one place. It’s not spring yet, but we can’t help but be excited about it. We’ve got a few ideas to share here, but this page will grow as we uncover even more ways to decide.

We happen to think that fashion is a big key to uncovering colour trends for any season, so we are watching the catwalks closely.

Spring Nails

Springtime is when toenails come out to play again and that means twice as many nails to look after. It’s also a good time to reinvent yourself, so a new way of looking at things is always helpful. Here are a few fun ways to colour your spring and get you started.

Pantone Dance into Spring 2012

Every year pro colour experts Pantone come up with a colour palette for the artistically inclined. This chart is compiled after a careful consideration of fashion weeks around the world to determine popular colours that work together. Pantone’s Spring Colour Report features 10 amazingly nail smacking colours. We’ve got polish to match.

Planning for Spring/ Summer 2012 Nail Trends

Speaking of fashion, we love to cover as many fashion events as we can and in doing that we’ve learned a thing or two about colour trends for the coming year. Our summer planning guide combines elements from each designer at the recent fashion weeks around the globe for some serious fashion colour sense.

Varnish Colours for Spring Skin Tones

Spring tones tend to have warmer skin with golden, peachy or creamy undertones, often with rosy cheeks or freckling. Hair ranges from light blonde to black and eyes are generally light and clear. If you are a spring tone, we’ve got a fab list of colours for springs to choose from, whatever the time of year.

Nail Colours for Different Occasions

As the weather grows steadily warmer, many of us start to come to life again. As the holidays fade into distant memory, people need a good reason to party so often events are planned during the lovely, fragrant springtime days. We’ve got some timeless colour advice for different types of occasions and events.

So Spring Nail Tutorials

We’ve collected a huge selection of tutorials with ideas for fun spring nail art. From colours to patterns, we love to give you as many ideas as possible. Here is a fabulous list of spring nail art tutorials that cover everything from soft and sexy pastels to perfectly tiny dried flowers – and everything in between.

Love the Advice

We’ve got plenty more colour advice to offer, but until then check out tips for finding greener nail products and tips for healthy hands and feet. Next week we’ll start talking about summer.

Fashion Report

The idea is to stay up on couture trends and apply them directly to your nails. We’ve charted all of the upcoming fashion weeks across the globe and will be sharing what we’ve learned about fashion and colour trends with our readers. We’ve already given you some tips for spring/ summer 2012 colour trends and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

It’s never too early to start planning for next season. Besides, it’s cold outside, almost every season is better than this one!

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2012

Here we will share a few of the top designers whose fashions waltzed down the catwalk and provide you a boiled down version of their overall looks. This information can be used for fashion, cosmetics or nails – we’ve also linked to corresponding items in our store to get you started.

Get the Look
Versace is returning to the Haute Couture catwalk after an 8 year hiatus. His 2012 couture line is as playful as it is futuristic. We love the use of texture and the unexpected splashes of colour, which is a fun way to recreate this look on your nails.

Get the Look
The boldly retro looks in this collection had us wanting one of each. Huge dresses with full skirts make us think of princess gown and we’d love to take one dancing. This collection screams polished glam and that means keeping cosmetics clean and simple.

Get the Look
The whole show was quite a production, with a runway set like an airplane. The fashion did the setting justice and found a sweet balance between retro chic and playful modern. This is an easy look to achieve on your nails as well.

Get the Look
This line has a blatantly come hither look to it that encompasses a unique combination of ethnic details with slightly seventies glam. The looks are highly monochromatic, but the colours are so fabulous who cares!

Get the Look
This look has futuristic written all over it, he has gone into the future rather than into the past. We like the bold styling and structured details. The colour scheme is simple, but that allows you to personalise it on your nails.

Get the Look
This is perhaps Inspirationail’s favourite collections of PFW. The colours are feminine but super simple leaving the shapes, textures and fabrics to speak for themselves. Queen dresses are much hotter than princess dresses in our book!

More Fashion Weeks = More Advice

If you haven’t already be sure to check out advice from last autumn’s fashion weeks for this coming spring/ summer season and stay tuned, next time it’s Stockholm Fashion Week.

What to Wear

During cold months we have to enjoy simple pleasures and the importance of a warm meal, a roaring fire and thick woolen sweaters is undeniable. Generally our nail colour advice is based on trends & fashion – however sometimes it’s simply about lifting your spirits and current fashion be damned. Frankly if you are stylish enough, you can pull of almost any colour almost any time of the year, (just use your colour intelligently).

Think beyond seasonal trends and fashion week runways – we say if it makes you smile in the dead of winter you should do it!

The Daily Grind

Let’s face it, we spend more time at work than anyplace else so it’s important to have something on your nails that keeps your spirits high during long commutes and endless paperwork. While red is a power colour, it’s not necessarily a mood lifter, so to lift spirits we prefer softer, warm hues in creamy or pearly formulas. Try soft apricots, peachy pinks and if you want a power colour try a very warm orange red.

Try a-england’s Iseult , Del Sol’s Peek a Boo, Mavala’s Amber, Nubar’s Red Sea Coral, SolarActive’s Pink Rose to Violet or Suncoat’s Sunset.

Sunday Hangover

We’ve all had them and some of us even make them a Sunday ritual. This isn’t an enjoyable experience no matter what the weather is like, but at least when it’s cold you have a good excuse to stay in bed and paint your nails. For these days we definitely recommend softer colours, nothing too bright or loud can be involved. During cold months, warmer colours often give us a lift, try warm peaches, intense coffee browns and soft purples for relaxing and uplifting colour therapy.

Try a-england’s Guinevere, Del Sol’s First Kiss, Mavala’s Rose Dust, Nubar’s Earthen, SolarActive’s Apricot to Red Apple or Suncoat’s Cinnamon.

High Street Shopping

We add this activity to all of these colour posts because it’s a pastime that most women can appreciate, regardless of the weather outside. Cold weather simply gives us an excuse to purchase more fab stuff. For shopping we can always recommend red, it’s a classic – however we like warm reds with a touch of orange. We also like warm glittering jewell tones (they always make us feel glamorous), glowing pearly whites and sensually sheer nudes.

Try a-england’s Perceval, Del Sol’s Reckless, Mavala’s Jazz Club, Nubar’s Sheer Bliss, SolarActive’s White Cloud to Red Horizon or Suncoat’s Pearl White.

Afternoon Tea With Friends

This is a ritual that persists whatever the weather, however on cold winter days a warm cup (of whatever) is a nice way to take a break. Whether you prefer to serve at home or visit your favourite local spot, you use your hands to drink so your nails need to look divine. For a grey afternoon we like warm sunny yellows (yes, yellow), fruity shades like peach and plum and shimmering neutrals.

Try a-england’s Holy Grail, Del Sol’s Sun Kissed, Mavala’s Vanilla, Nubar’s Yellow Primrose, SolarActive’s Red to Blackberry or Suncoat’s Almond Nude.

Night Out On The Town

Another activity likely to be enjoyed even in the freezing cold, getting out in the evenings keeps us all from going stir-crazy inside. This is hardly a time when we need a mood booster, getting out is elation enough. However after a long work week sometimes we need something to shock us back awake so we can enjoy the evening. For a sassy night out we will always tell you to go extreme, think super glitter, bold brights and brash metallics.

Try a-england’s Excalibur, Del Sol’s Island Fever, Niyot’s CEO Blood, Mavala’s Pure Diamond Glitters, Nubar’s Valentine Pink, SolarActive’s Flashing Lights to Razzle Red or Suncoat’s Princess Purple.

Afternoon at the Museum

Although any time is a great time to take in some culture, a cold winter afternoon makes a great excuse to lock yourself away with a bit of history. While we are here to recommend happy inducing colours we also think that in a museum, the exhibits should take the spotlight. We like muted warm colours, soft oranges, feminine warm pinks and sheer neutrals to keep you feeling warm and the art on display.

Try a-england’s Iseult, Del Sol’s Calypso, Mavala’s Tangerine, Nubar’s Belize Coral, SolarActive’s Canary Yellow to Red Robin or Suncoat’s Beige.

Date Night

Date night is a good night all year round, however with winter skin growing paler it’s important to select your feel-good colours carefully. Your cosmetics will largely depend on your wardrobe, but in mid-winter we hope you’ll opt for luxuriously soft fabrics, shimmering warm neutrals and soft candlelight. For a romantic evening at home, keep it simple – we like sweet pastels tinged with gold, soft pearly shades and sexy shimmers.

Try a-england’s Morgan Le Fay, Del Sol’s Pretty in Pink, Mavala’s Agate, Nubar’s Opulent Pearl, SolarActive’s Pinkalicious to Sugar Plum or Suncoat’s French Pink.

Feeling Cozy?

We hope so because the long winter months are a great time to practice your nail art skills. Whether you are a pro honing your skills or a novice practicing with your off hand, we hope you’ll check out our store to stock up on supplies.

Weekly Report

The idea is to stay up on the designer trends and the latest in ethical and safe cosmetics. Combine the two and you have some seriously guilt-free colour that you can be proud of. We’ll offer weekly tips and info about the latest in fashionable nail shades.

We’ll be keep an eye on spring and summer colour trends for the 2012 seasons and share them with you as early as possible – so you can plan accordingly.

Getting Started

We’ve already shared Pantone’s Spring 2012 Report with corresponding options from our store. Not to mention the many runway shows that have been featuring nail coverings like Minx as part of their look.

Spring/ Summer 2012 Fashion

We’ve covered a wide variety of fashion events and not only do they offer us some amazing pictures, but they also help us see trends emerge for 2012. Here we’ve broken down underlying themes we see in each designers Spring/ Summer line and offer some polishes that fit the look. Luckily the nail fashion pros have given us some pretty amazing ideas to work with.

Get the Look
We love bold bright colours on a field of crisp black or white – they have done a lovely job updating an almost exclusively 80′s look. Although much of their line relies on pattern and mixed colours, it’s easy to fix that – make your nails the splash of perfect colour.

Get the Look
This is another line that takes a strong late 20th century influence and modernizes it with softer fabrics and a heightened sense of glam. Their colours are vibrant enough to hurt the eyes, or softly feminine and we love the amazing textures.

Get the Look
This line is intensely feminine and sexy, using the corset as lacy inspiration for figure hugging dresses that make us feel the need to go work out. The colours take a backseat to the luxurious textures and slightly bare-it-all fabrics.

Get the Look
We like the casual chic of this collection, the pieces are soft and sensuous without looking messy. Colours are soft and often monochromatic with a splash of something unexpected. Let your nails make a splash!

Get the Look
This collection uses metallics as a staple rather than an accessory, most of the line glitters to some degree. Highly glamourous ensembles look surprisingly easy to actually wear and the soft colours are perfectly for spring and summer.

Get the Look
Vivienne knows how to use colour and she’s varied from the norm this season, to create highly monochromatic looks with different shades of the same colour, alongside vibrant, random splashes of colour. We think the bold, colourful look is perfect for summertime and super easy to wear.

Get the Look
This a look that isn’t easy to replicate at home when it comes to the clothing, but an easy one to use on your nails. Simple and clean, we like the structure of this collection, it’s geometrical while staying sexy and feminine.

Get the Look
This is a rather unique collection for the season, moving away from crisper, preppier looks to something softer and more bohemian. Bold colours paired with deep browns, soft creams and light golden neutrals. The overall look is charming and wholly feminine – we love the unexpected use of brown in warm months.

Get the Look
This collection combines a number of elements we’ve seen throughout, bold geometric patterns, clean neutral backgrounds and soft, feminine accents that pull together the structured textures and fabrics. One of the more wearable lines, we like the interesting shapes and bright colourful focal points.

Get the Look
This is the quintessential summertime collection, relying on luxurious fabrics and clean colour choices to dress it up. Simple and flowing, we really like the nautical/ tennis whites look of the collection – now if only we weren’t allergic to white…

Get the Look
This collection relies heavily on a holiday feel, featuring bold, island-inspired patterns offset by structured black and white geometrical prints. We love the whimsical, embellished quality of this line and it’s sure to make you dream of warmer temperatures and lazy afternoons.

So Inspired

Just creating this post has inspired us to look deeper into fashion for our nail colour needs. We’ll be reporting back to you so you’ll know exactly what to put on your nails this coming spring and summer months.

Colour Therapy

Colour Therapy (or chromotherapy) is based on the colours of the 7 chakras located in the body. When the chakras get out of whack from illness or stress, a good dose of the correct colour can help to rebalance the chakras and keep the body healthy. For the sake of argument we’ll use these 7 colours, (it’s the rainbow, after all) explain what each one represents and provide you some brilliant colours you can use on your nails to help balance your own chakras.

While we may not buy into the whole idea, we think colour does affect mood and we’re happy to test that theory.

Red

The first chakra is red and it’s located at the base of the spine. This is the chakra of grounding & survival and it’s associated with sexual organs, kidneys, the spine and olfactory senses. In general terms, red is a powerful colour and one that in nature often signifies danger – it is also the colour of blood. For over a millennia red nails have been a fashionable symbol of power. We love all reds and each brand in our store has one to be proud of.

Try a-england’s Perceval, Del Sol’s Flirt, Mavala’s Satin, Niyot’s Lost Red, Nubar’s Risque Red, SolarActive’s Red to Blackberry or Suncoat’s Strawberry Delight.

Orange

The second chakra is orange and it’s located in the lower abdomen. This is the chakra of emotions & sexuality and it’s associated with the urinary tract, circulation system and the reproduction system. Orange itself is usually thought of as a bold warm colour that must be used sparingly not to be overpowering. A sensuous, calming shade we think it’s quite fitting that it’s associated with sexuality.

Try Del Sol’s Surfer Girl, Mavala’s Volcanic Orange, Nubar’s Hot Orange, SolarActive’s White Cloud to Red Horizon or Suncoat’s Tangerine.

Yellow

The third chakra is yellow and it’s located in the solar plexus. This is the chakra of power & ego and it’s associated with the stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Yellow is often associated with sunlight and is a warm, shimmering colour that has been known to lift spirits & enhance moods. This is another shade that needs to be used wisely, but you have to appreciate its bold, bright attitude.

Try a-england’s Holy Grail, Mavala’s Acid Yellow, Nubar’s Yellow Primrose, SolarActive’s Wild Pineapple to Dark Forest or Suncoat’s Gold.

Green

The fourth chakra is green and it’s located in the heart. This is the chakra of love & sense of responsibility and it’s associated with the heart, lungs and thymus. Green is a colour that makes most of us think of nature, it’s cool and calming and comes in a variety of organic shades. It’s not always easy to use on nails, but it’s certainly a shade we use anyway.

Try Del Sol’s Spike, Mavala’s Electric Green, Nubar’s Hot Green, SolarActive’s Spiced Lime to Blackberry or Suncoat’s Gorgeous Green.

Blue

The fifth chakra is blue and it’s located in the throat. This is the chakra of physical & spiritual communication and it’s associated with the throat, ears, mouth and hands. The colour blue has long been associated with tranquility and calmness – it’s a cool shade that makes most think of water. Not always easy to wear on nails, we think it’s worth it for a calming presence.

Try a-england’s Galahad, Del Sol’s Electrik, Mavala’s Paradise Blue, Nubar’s Navy Blue, SolarActive’s Smurf Blue to Purple or Suncoat’s Mermaid Blue.

Purple

The sixth chakra is purple and it’s located just above the brow line in the center of the forehead. This is the chakra of forgiveness, compassion & understanding and it’s associated with the eyes and pineal glands. Purple has been used as a power colour since the days of the great Egyptian Pharaohs. It’s one of our favourite colours here at Inspirationail and it makes a great strong alternative to power red.

Try a-england’s Avalon, Del Sol’s Calypso, Mavala’s Milano, Nubar’s Passionate Purple, SolarActive’s Ocean Blue to Midnight Purple or Suncoat’s Purple Haze.

Violet – We’ll Call it Pink

The seventh chakra is pink and it’s located on the crown of the head. This is the chakra of energy connection & transmission of ideas and it’s associated with the pituitary gland, central nervous system and cerebral cortex. Although we are cheating a little using pink, they are similar enough to suit the warm, spirit of this happy shade.

Try a-england’s Iseult, Del Sol’s Sassy, Mavala’s Ruby, Nubar’s Geisha Blaze, SolarActive’s Pinkalicious to Sugar Plum or Suncoat’s Rose.

How’s Your Balance?

Think this bit of colour therapy will help, we hope so. While we don’t recommend this in any way as medically valid, we do find it quite interesting. Be sure to head to our store for some colour shopping therapy.

A Long Story

This series has gotten incredibly long so we thought we would organize the timeline and make it easy to skip from time to time. Here we tell the whole story… well, most of it anyway and we’ll add the rest as it publishes.

We’ll start at the beginning and give you a brief rundown of the times. Click through to read more in-depth information about each era.

Once Upon a time in India

Although there are conflicting theories about who actually invented the idea of colouring nails, we happen to think it was probably Bronze Age India. Henna was used to paint hands for festivals & weddings, it makes sense that the decoration would eventually extend to nails.

Manly Babylonians

The trend quickly spread to ancient Babylonia where it was generally reserved for the men. The manicure was invented here and warriors often had their nails done before going into battle. In Babylon kohl was used in place of henna and different colours began to signify social status.

Creative Chinese

Around the same time the idea spread east to creative China where they came up with a lacquer formula that included crushed flower petals for a wider variety of colours. Although red was becoming popular, (it was the Chinese that started that trend) black remained one of higher status even in China.

Egyptian Trend Setters

The queens of glorious Egypt were known for their fine cosmetics and continued the trend towards bright red shades on nails. Red indicated royalty and both Nefertiti & Cleopatra were each known for their characteristic red nail colour. Although Nefertiti favored blood red – literally.

1910′s Functional Nails

During the 1910′s war time necessity left women with little time for themselves. Cosmetics reflected the difficult times and nails were likely left natural, or perhaps buffed to shine. Manicures were a luxury few could afford and many didn’t possess the tools to do at home.

1920′s Roaring Fashion

The 1920′s were characteristic for their fine costumes and freedom of expression. This was a pivotal decade for nails as technicolor was invented and the Silver Screen started created fashion trends. Colours were classically feminine, bold and demure at the same time.

Changing the Cosmetics World

During the 20′s high gloss car paint was invented. This led makeup artist Michelle Manard to wonder if it could work for nails and modern nail polish was born. Around the same time technicolor changed all of cosmetics forever by bringing colour to the movies.

1930′s Feeling Blue

The depressing 1930′s weren’t as grey as they sound. During the 30′s the use of cosmetics as an affordable way to accessorize became commonplace as women wanted to maintain their femininity on a strict budget. Matching nails and lips provided a bit of fem that was easy to apply and looked good on everyone.

1940′s Workable Glam

Known for it’s dramatic glamour the 1940′s was a wartime era with style, modern polish formulas made it easy to keep a little colour on. Women refused to give up their feminine side and similar to the 30′s, cosmetics were an inexpensive way to remain a woman – no matter how hard they had to work.

1950′s One Colour to Rule Them All

In the 1950′s Hollywood was in full effect and the sirens of the Silver Screen commanded everyone’s attention. Fashion was super feminine and so was makeup, however nail colour became rather standardized during this decade…nails were supposed to be red.

1960′s Youthful Trends

As the war receded into history, the fashion & cosmetic industries of the 1960′s began to look towards young people for ideas. Breaking from the standardized nails of the 50′s, girls opted for softer more subtle shades for nails. Post-war times allowed women time to be women again and cosmetics reflected their return home.

1970′s Au Natural

During the 1970′s there was a movement back towards natural nails as fabrics & patterns became bolder & shinier. However it was an experimental time and often the fashion was anti-tradition. Those who did wear polish choose deeper more ethnic shades but kept it basic in burgundies, brick reds and rusty oranges.

1980′s Colourfully Awful

The 1980′s was a time many of us remember fondly as the ‘Time that fashion forgot’. This was a decade of personal experimentation and personal liberation, during this decade with the help of MTV youth culture took over the runways and became the trendsetters. Cosmetics went blindingly bright and nail varnishes came in every colour imaginable.

The Rest

We’ll add more soon.

As we’ve gone through our history of nail polish we skipped a few decades of the 20th century (just checking to see who’s been paying attention ). The 1940′s fill the gap and catch us up on the 20th Century.

Ancient Timeline Rundown

The colouring of nails began in India during the Bronze Age where nails were stained with henna. The idea quickly spread to Babylonia where different colours indicated social status. Around the same time in China people began to crush flower petals and create a wider range of colours. Later, the fashionable women of Egypt made red nails famous forever.

The 1940′s was largely shaped by the war. Fashion and cosmetics stayed feminine but a need for practicality left women juggling their femininity with daily responsibility.

From Ancient to Modern Days

From the time of ancient Egypt, nails fell onto the back burner until the 20th century when during one pivotal decade the creation of glossy car paint and the newfound use of technicolor in the film industry changed the way women looked at nails.

Wartime Fashion

The invention and mass marketing of nail polish formulas kept this war time era more colourful. All available resources were used for the war, so fashion had to follow function. Although dresses stayed super feminine, during work hours women wore trousers or overalls – a comfort they soon learned to appreciate. A strong duality existed in the modern woman of the 40′s, the need to remain feminine often battled with the toll of the daily grind.

The affordability of cosmetics allowed women to feel attractive – even when working heavy machinery.

The Future of Nails

Looking towards nail trends of the future, in the 50′s they’ll fall in love with red, in the 60′s pastels came into vogue, in the 70′s nails got super deep and in the 80′s things went neon. In the 40′s it was popular to match nail colour with that of clothing or accessories and a much wider variety of colours were used.

Inspirationail Recommends

The 40′s was a time of cosmetic experimentation – this was an affordable way to remain a woman under any circumstances. We recommend bold shades and matching colours to get the ‘you can do it’ attitude of the time. Try Lady of the Lake, Sassy, Red Crystal, Lost Red, Navy Blue, Gunmetal Silver to Red or Rose. Be sure to also check out nail looks from other decades of the 20th century.