BellaSugar

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark . . . Polish, That Is

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:00:00 PDT

If you're going to try a really dark, bold color like Christina Applegate here, nails are always the easiest place to do it. But getting a shade that flatters isn't always easy, and although basic black looks fine on everyone, it may not send the message you want. So to help you pick out a shade that'll fulfill your dark desires and look trendy and cool instead of harsh at the same time, get my quick tips when you read more.

Crazy New Nail Polish Look: Wax Finish

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:00:22 PDT

Just when you thought all the polish textures possible already existed, along comes wax finish. Somewhere between a cream texture and a matte, wax finish makes it look like you've been dipping your nails in the candles at an old-fashioned Italian restaurant. (This looks nicer than it sounds.)

I tried Royal Flush Wax Coat Polish ($12) from cult brand Ginger and Liz, a gorgeous deep merlot shade, and was delighted with the results. It's a semisheer shade that becomes opaque in about three (fast-drying) coats, and it looks good on both cool and warm skin tones. I've been wearing Royal Flush for four days now without topcoat, and haven't seen much chipping so far. Just one catch: while free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde, the polish does contain phthalates. So if you're wary of them, you might want to give it a pass. Otherwise, wax on.

Guess Which Band Has Its Own Nail Polish?

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:00:45 PDT

Black nail polish and hair metal bands go hand in hand, and here's a little something to just blow you away-hey. It's Poison Nail Polish ($5), which, ahem, looks strikingly like OPI's Black Onyx ($8.50). As the product description proclaims, "If you're a fan . . . you've got to have a bottle of this!" So if you're a Poison lover looking for nothing but a good time (and who isn't really?), this black lacquer is sure to add the perfect amount of edge as you rock out. As always, the more chips you can attain, the better.

Trend Alert: Glitzy Black Nails

BellaSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:00:26 PDT

What's black, sometimes white, and glitzed all over? It's the black nail polish trend taken up a notch, that's what. I've spotted different stars putting a new spin on this trend, which - let's face it - had been getting a little stale. In lieu of a straight up manicure with black polish, these celebrities have taken it up several notches with their own unique embellishments (see them up close after the jump).

Paris Hilton has been sporting a black and white French manicure; Solange Knowles opted for some geometric gold patterns at an event last month; and singer Keri Hilson chose a black with silver stripes design at her launch party. What do you think of this look? Bring it on or not?

To see closeups,

Guess Who's Wearing Dark Nail Polish?

BellaSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:16 PST

Perhaps you've heard of that black nail polish trend. You know, the one that's been going on strong for, like, a year. Celebrities galore have been taking part in the craze, choosing not just black but some other inky colors, too. Take my quiz to see if you can guess which celeb is wearing polish in a deep, sexy hue. After you're done, tell me your favorite.

Question 1 of 6

Which singer wore a deep metallic shade on one hand and crazy jewelry on the other?

Channel Your Inner Goth With Black Rose Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:43 PDT

Earlier today, I was picking up some candy for the neighborhood kiddies, and took a little beauty pit stop down the Halloween aisle. Lo and behold, I discovered this little gem. Seeing that black roses typically have a negative connotation of hatred or death, I was kinda frightened. But, did you know this deep, dark flower also represents the completion of a long, hard journey? Not so scary after all. And in the spirit of Halloween, I think it's kind of clever and cute - er I mean Goth - to package it up into a nifty black polish. Now that I'm all tricked out with my new treat, why not pick one up for yourself at Walgreens ($2.99) - if you dare?

Black Gold! Dark Nails Get a Sparkling Update

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:49 PDT

It's safe to say that when it comes to nail polish, black is the new neutral. But if glossy darkness is beginning to bore you, here's a cool way to update it. I ran into a friend the other day and loved her nail polish so much that I had to snap a picture:

She got this look by using a base coat, then slicking on two coats of Essie nail color ($8) in Licorice. After that, one coat of glitter polish (such as Essie's Golden Nugget) adds a not-too-crazy amount of sparkle. On short nails, it keeps that rocker-girl attitude in a color that's now considered a safe-bet neutral.

Black Is Back and It's Badder Than Ever

BellaSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:00:22 PDT

Celebrities are always a season ahead of the game, so it's no wonder that we've seen some of the most gorgeous gals in young Hollywood gearing up for Autumn with black nail polish. Over the past few days, I've spotted your favorite and definitely one of my favorite Fall nail colors on Mischa Barton, Rihanna and Lauren Conrad.

I can't believe that even though it's smack in the middle of summertime, these ladies aren't afraid of crossing over to the dark side. Tell me: Are you just as excited as you were last year about the return of black nail polish?

Source and Bauer-Griffin Online

2007 Sugar Awards: Best Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:08:35 PST

I can't say that I'm shocked by the results of this year's winner for best nail polish. While one brand in particular didn't win, it looks like black stole the show with total of 19 percent of the votes. Dark purple came in second place, and navy, and other inky blue hues came in at close third. Looks like goth-colored nails rocked 2007.

My personal black fave is OPI's nail lacquer in Black Onyx. It's a really shiny and opaque shade, and the formula can last up to eight days on my nails - which is a record high for a manicure for me! Now that we know that black polish rules, do you have a favorite brand, too?

Trend Alert: Black Nails on the Red Carpet

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:00:13 PDT

Looking back at the Teen Choice Awards, I was surprised to see a trio of black-nailed ladies. Lauren Conrad, Avril Lavigne and Sophia Bush all sported this shade, which I think should be saved for fall and winter-lighten up, ladies! And considering last fall's run on Chanel's Black Satin polish, I'm surprised that this trend is staying around. But if you're going to go dark, here are a few inexpensive choices.

Zoya Nail Polish in Raven ($6) is the perfect long-wearing creamy looking black shade that you've been searching for. For a trendy "It Girl" look, shape nails so that they are short and square. On long nails, black can be a little too Elvira.

For two more trendy black nail polishes,

read more It doesn't get anymore basic than OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx ($7.50). This true black is from one of my favorite chip-resistant and long-wearing brands; OPI's polish stays shiny for up to ten days!
Duri Cosmetics Nail Enamel in Black Caviar ($5) is a jet black shade with a hint of dark purple iridescent sparkle for a little added oomph. If you like a little nuance with your color, go for this one, which feels a little more special than matte black shades.
Source