Nailing seasonal shades a/w nail colours

A CHANGE OF SEASON MEANS A CHANGE OF PALETTE. ANNETTE HANFORD FINDS OUT WHAT'S NEW IN NAIL COLOURS. As autumn moves in and winter waits around the corner, it’s not just heavier clothes that we’re reaching for. While summer brights are fading fast, an army of rich, deep and dark shades is moving in on fingers and toes for the coming seasons. Essie's Turning Heads Red For those seeking subtlety and sophistication, last season’s pretty pastels have evolved into rich and creamy shades – ranging from creamy coffees and caramels to pudding-like plums and earthy pinks. Summer’s hot pinks and neon oranges are now replaced with deep purples, aubergines and fiery reds, and a host of food-inspired tones including winter berries and dark chocolates. Metallics are also making their mark – from the barely-there shiny shimmers, to the powerful pigments found in the rich copper and gold shades and dense darks – such as greens, greys, blues, and blacks. So whether you’re more Snow White than the Ice Queen, there’s something for everyone in this winter wonderland. ROYAL APPROVAL Jessica’s Royal Collection has an opulent feel, combining rich pigments with regal-inspired berry and plum hues. * Majestic Plum (rich, pink berry); Imperial Rouge (luscious metallic plum); Blushing Princess (bright pink); Cinderella Red (metallic magenta); Windsor Castle (regal purple); and Queen’s Red (royal red). NEUTRAL GROUND Daring and dramatic, Orly’s Neue Neutrals palette of berry and classic shades is divided into sophisticated metallics and elegant creams. * Too Much Bubbly (silvery Champagne); Not So Dusty Rose (pink with silver shimmer); Quite Contrary Berry (bright red creme); Not Your Mama’s Mauve (orchid crème); Vanguard Violet (shimmer); and Plum Noir (classic plum crème). UPTOWN GIRL Zoya’s gone all Jekyl and Hyde with its latest collections, offering sumptious shades for two different looks. * Uptown: a sophisticated palette of luscious berries and sensuous reds, including scarlet, burgundy, and plum, that ooze old-fashioned glamour. n Downtown: an urban and edgy collection featuring gunmetal grey, midnight blue, metallic teal, damson, shimmering amethyst, and emerald green. OPERA DIVA Toma promises an ensemble of colour, a rhapsody of winter tones and a symphony of shades in A Night at the Opera. * Prima Donna (deepest, darkest red with a glitter hue); Carmen (red with gold flecks); Bravo (shimmering purple); Encore (pearlescent lavender); La Boheme (inky blue black); and Phantom (soft caramel). FASCINATION STREET Keep feeling Fascination with LCN’s latest lacquers and matching lipsticks. * Independent (plum); Faithful (dusky rose); Glamorous (mink); and True (ruby). RUSSIAN DOLL OPI’s Russian Collection features jewel-like reds and luscious dark tones, along with pale, shimmery metallics. The 12-strong line is inspired by modern opulence, assumed elegance, and an instinct for the finer things in life. * St Petersburgundy (claret); An Affair In Red Square (shimmery red); Vodka & Caviar (crimson); Russian Navy (indigo); Catherine The Grape (wine); Siberian Nights (onyx); Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey (pale gold); Ruble for your Thoughts (copper shimmer); Kreme de la Kremlin (terracotta pink); Suzi Says Da! (dark chocolate); Midnight in Moscow (charcoal with maroon glimmer); and Boris & Natasha (raisin). GLAMOUR Essie’s Glamour Girl collection is all about tailored classics and structured silhouettes. Get ready for the return of the suit, shift dresses, short-sleeved jackets, and pencil skirts for polished elegance. * Alligator Purse (creamy, burnt orange); Bags to Riches (caramel taupe); Decadent Diva (shimmering cocoa); Handle with Flair (Dark merlot); Material Girl (blackest purple); and Turning Heads Red (striking rouge). GELS WORLD Complement your winter wardrobe with a BioSculpture’s coloured gel palette of grey, navy, brown and black, lifted by cherry-reds and flashes of electric brights. * Dessert Sunrise (golden metallic orange); Warm Winter (vibrant orange/red); Copper (rich metallic); Albany Indulgence (dark chocolate); Mulberry (very berry); and Denim (dark blue). DATE TO REMEMBER Celebrating a decade of colour, China Glaze’s Anniversary collection features new pinks, corals, purples and browns, along with two signature reds. Identified by Roman numerals – so no clever names – check out the range of earthy, natural shades, which also includes aubergine and dark chocolate browns, through to creamy caramel, and warm orange.