by Shannon Smith  |  on March 21st, 2012  |  0 comments

Whoever said diamonds are girls’ best friend was right. A little sparkle goes a long way and the studded nails look is oh-so-hot right now. Emblazon your digits in sparkly gems in simple patterns for instant roch chick chic.

We are obsessed with Make Up Store’s Strazz ($26.00) – made from gorgeously colourful Swarovski crystal stones that are super easy to apply (just press in gently while nails are still wet with coloured polish then set with your regular clear top coat).

Go for black nails and silver or black stones for a seriously edgy look or pare it back by applying just a few carefully chosen stones to each nail with just a slick of clear polish. Experiment with different colours and patterns, a single gem on a dark nail looks chic as does a complete covering of stones.

As Just Be’s resident intern and beauty road-tester I put Makeup Store’s Strazz to the test on my mani this week, sealing my handiwork with a coat of OPI Rapidry Topcoat ($22.45). (Gosh this is a tough gig!) What do you think JB beauties?

© 2012 - Just Be Magazine www.justbemagazine.com

When Marilyn Munroe stepped out in that infamous white halter, it’s fair to say, no one noticed her nails. But times have changed and women are revving up the wow-factor on their digits with show-stopping styles that command attention and steal the show all on their own. Forget the heels, forget the dress and the hair. Just wear black and let your fingers do the talking in some of this season’s most eye-catching looks…

Marbled nails

For the crafty minded, marbled nails are al about having fun with your polish application. Drop spots of different coloured polish into a shallow bowl of water, swirl with a tooth pick then pop your nails in (just don’t forget to mask around them with tape first to avoid a mess!). It’s finger fun.

Fabric nails

We’ve all heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but how about wearing your sleeve on your nails? The fabric nail look is all about letting textured prints take centre stage. Try Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips or 1000 Hour Nail Foils in fashion inspired designs like houndstooth and tartan. No uncomfortable change room moments required.

Nail art

In case you haven’t heard, (like seriously, you needed to be in a cave to have missed this memo) nail art is the new black – and while it may look tricky to do, with the right tools, it’s easier than you think. To emblazon nails with cute heart designs or perhaps a few well-placed polkadots, try dipping a toothpick or fine tipped brush in your nail polish bottle then painting the design directly onto the nail. You can also try Migi Nail Art Pens, which make nail art a breeze and come with lots of easy tips.

© 2012 - Just Be Magazine www.justbemagazine.com

The half moon mani is so right now and so easy to achieve. Here’s how to cinch the look that’s been taking the catwalk by storm this season...

What you’ll need:

Dot stickers

Dark nail polish