Nail It...
Sunday 13th July 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 The versatile gladiator sandal is the fashionista’s footwear of choice this summer so whether you’re opting for a traditional tan or a bronze or gold metallic, a perfect pedi is the obvious accessory. Nails in good condition look great left naked – simply buff to a glossy finish and keep cuticles neat and tidy – but otherwise, it’s time to prepare for sandal season with the hottest colours and sweetest shades to hit the shelves this summer.
Barely-there nudes and shimmery pinks remain the safe but stylish choice and are great for home application as smudges and chips don’t draw attention. If you have the time for a more high maintenance look, bold blocks of colour are a top choice this season with vibrant purples, flashes of hot pink and juicy fruity shades seen everywhere from catwalk to high street.
For those braver still, the neon brights are still going strong; for the most flattering results pink and purple shades give a dazzling yet age-appropriate pop of colour and suit most skin tones. NB. Don’t forget a base coat to protect against the staining caused by strong colours.
Leighton Denny Nail Colour in Glamour Puss, £9.50
Created by one of the UK’s most respected nail technicians, this stylish shade looks fabulous on summer toes and with its high shine shimmer-free finish is the perfect pink for those who usually baulk at colour. A brilliant buy with a smooth easy-on texture.
Available at www.GlossOnline.co.uk 
Essie Nail Colour in Bahama Mama, £8.50
Slide the glam factor up a notch with this deeply sophisticated purple polish which works as well during the day as it does at night. Snags and scratches will show so neatly trimmed nails are a must and as soon as chips appear, whip it off and start again.
Available at www.NailsByMail.co.uk
Butter London 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Jaffa, £10
For a high score in the style stakes, flash this juicy orange shade – fast becoming a cult product for summer 2008. And because the revolutionary 3 Free range contains noen of the toxic ingredients found in most similar products – formaldehyde, toluene and DBP – this is the healthy solution for nails.
Available at www.ButterLondon.com
OPI Nail Lacquer in Pompeii Purple, £9.75
A fabulous hot pink with a splash of vibrant purple, give nails the edge with this bold colour from one of our leading professional salon brands. The flat two-dimensional brush gives a faster and more accurate application of polish making this a superb choice for those with wobbly hands.
Available at www.LenaWhite.co.uk
Ruby & Millie Nail Colour in Pink, £9
Fall in love all over again with this sweeter than sweet pink with its on-trend shimmer-free finish and eye-catching appeal. The brush is easy to handle and just the right size with two coats giving a smooth and polished look even on ridged nails. Brilliant for a quick burst of colour with minimal maintenance required.
Available at www.Boots.com
Nails Inc Mini Catwalk Collection, £15
When choosing from the famous Nails Inc range proves impossible, plump for this seasonal catwalk selection of mini nail colours in five super-flattering easy to wear shades. With one neutral, one coral, a vibrant pink, a barbie pink and a sweet orange, it’ll get you through all those summer occasions and, with its quick drying formula, promises a fast turnaround.
Available at www.NailsInc.com
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