Bright Summer Nails

It's time for #summer and one of the things I love the most is getting creative with #colorfulnails. Don't you just feel happy when your nails are looking bright and shiny? Here is a few of my favorite nail polish shades this summer and some tips to get the #perfectmanicure at home!

Image: Corné Greeff

"Your nails are a way to speak your style without having to say a word"- Tammy Taylor

I always have either gel or acrylic on my nails, but during the December holidays I try to give my nails a bit of a breather and stick to nail varnish. It kinda makes sense if you think about it, I mean most of us go away for the holidays and it sucks if you damage your nails and you are not going to be able to get to your favorite salon to fix it!

My Favorite shades:

Bright, crayon colors are a big trend this summer, not only for fashion but also when it comes to beauty. Not everyone feels comfortable to put bright colors on their hands, but be daring and put some on your toenails if you want. I mean it's sandle-season and a fresh pedicure on your feet will finish off your look perfectly. Morgan Taylor launched their Rocketman collection in October, and I am in-love! The Rocketman collection features seven iconic shades including everything from ultra-bright pinks to rich purples and teals. Another favorite is the the Mavala Dash & Splash Collection. Daring, bold and unapologetic. This collection with a six acid-bright shades are designed to stand out and turn heads. Inspired by the ‘messy manicure’ trend that was seen all over the catwalks at London Fashion Week SS19

1. Mavala in 984 Magnetic Purple (R87)

2. Morgan Taylor in It's the Shades (R163)

3. Mavala in 987 Vibrant Turquoise (R87)

4. Mavala in 986 Versatile Red (R87)

5. Morgan Taylor in Just me & my piano (R163)

6. Morgan Taylor in Tickle my keys (R163)

7. Mavala in 985 Psychedelic Lime (R87)

8. Morgan Taylor in Sir Teal To You (R163)

With these bright colors you can be original, show off your style and nothing stops you from getting creative, paint your toes yellow and your hands purple. It's summer so have fun! If it turns out you don't like the color, simply take some nail-polish remover and put on a different color!

More summer colors:

1. OPI Nail Lacquer in I Just Can't Cope-acabana (R184 vir 15ml)

2. Morgan Taylor in Put your dancin shoe's on (R163)

3. Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Nail Enamel Full House (R135)

4. Smudge Nail Polish in It's Plastic (R29,99)

5. Yardley Stayfast Nail Vinyl in Coral Confession (R49,95)

6. Essie Nail Lacquer Watermelon (R99,95)

7. Sorbet Pro Gel Effect Nail Polish Rock On Rolla (R115 vir 15ml)

Stick-on nails

If you have short nails, or just want a easier manicure, try some of the awesome stick-on nails that is currently for sale. Some of them even have some pretty cool nail-art designs!

1. Clicks Professional Nail Kit 24 Nails (R49,99)

2. Clicks Proffesional Nail kit in Pretty in Pink (R49,99)

3. Impress Gel Accents Bells & Whistles (R145)

Tips to get the perfect home manicure or pedicure:

1. Make sure you remove any old nail polish form your nails

2. Give those nails some TLC, make sure you clip, buff and file them.

3. Exfoliate your hands & feet

4. Take some Vaseline and apply it on the edges of your nails, so it prevents the color of the nail varnish to get onto your skin.

5. Always apply a base coat, especially before using bright colors. Wait before it dries before moving on to the next step.

6. Apply the first coat of nail varnish, reapply 2-3 times, but wait till it dries before applying a new coat.

7. Remove the Vaseline.

8. Apply a topcoat.

9. When the topcoat is dry you can take some cuticle serum and apply it on your cuticles.

10. Add some moisturizer to your hands and feet.