Top nail art trends for 2013
Our beauty experts give you a sneak peak at next year's nail trends and essential buys
All that glitters
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but if your other half can't quite stretch to that Tiffany ring just yet, never fear — you can sparkle up your nails for far less. "Candy jewels tones will be hot to trot in 2013," says celerity nail technician Andrea Fulerton. "We'll see gentle shimmering candy shades of ruby, emerald, pink sapphire, peridot and aquamarine - just think of any stone in jewellery."
Maybelline's new Winter Jewels collection of nail polishes is perfect to get ahead of the trend for party season - the emerald-hued Green Miracle is our favourite. £4.09, Boots
Be a square
Celebrity nail technician, Rebecca-Jade Wilson also thinks that 2013 will see a wide range of different nail shapes. "I think we'll more square nails - Rita Ora and Rihanna have been wearing this shape a lot," she says. "However the classic oval/almond shape will reign supreme - it's such an elegant shape and can transform hands!"
The Body Shop's super-sized nail file is the perfect tool for the job when it comes to creating any nail shape. £2, www.thebodyshop.co.uk
French fancy
Nail files at the ready! Chase Aston, international makeup artist at The Body Shop believes talons will rule in 2013. "Next year will be all about long and thin nails - think Elvira with a twist of chic," says Chase. "Also stiletto tips and reverse French manicures in matte, gloss, and contrasting textures. We'll also see different textures and tips layered and applied side by side. Look out for cream and butter hues, blushy pinks, beiges and caramels."
Essie's Ballet Slippers nail polish is a fabulously wearable blush pink and is out now, £7.99, www.boots.com
Metal mania
In contrast to the pink, red and caramel tones putting in appearances in 2013, darker hues of grey, green and blue will also prove popular. "We'll see lots of moody greys, greens and blues, bronzes and metallic silvers along with high shine gloss finishes and metallic lustres and textures," predicts Chase.
Fans of metallics should opt for OPI's The World Is Not Enough nail polish - a gorgeous, rose-tinted silver. £11, www.lookfantastic.com
3D thrills
If you're new to the 3D nail trend, there'll be plenty of opportunities to try it out in 2013. "I think 3D nails will continue to be popular - we'll also see lots of embellishments and different textures," predicts Rebecca-Jade. "If you're a little afraid of this trend, try being more adventurous with just one of your fingers - maybe try it on your ring finger manicure or bling out your pinky!"
Nails Inc's glittery Maida Vale nail polish combines the trend for 3D nails with the growing popularity of darker shades. £11, www.lookfantastic.com
Red alert
If you simply can't wait until next year to crack open the red nail polish, the good news that it's also a shade that's perfect for winter. "Try wearing a deep red polish - nothing says winter quite like a berry manicure," says Rebecca-Jade. "Illamasqua in Unnatural is always a winner or for a more edgy look try Scarab - a deep metallic red."
Go gothic with Illamasqua's Scarab or go over to the dark side with Unnatural. £13.50, www.illamasqua.com
Catwalk cool
The SS'13 fashion shows are always a great indicator of the trends we'll see over the coming months. So what were Rebecca-Jade's favourite looks?
"Nail Rock created some custom nail wraps for the Vivienne Westwood show - they were an oval shape with half moon details," she recalls. "The colours were so beautiful: peaches, creams and a rustic orange. These looks were definitely favourites of mine!"
NARS' highly anticipated Andy Warhol range of nail polishes includes a beautiful orange shade which is perfect for those looking to copy the nails seen at Vivienne Westwood. NARS TV Party nail polish, £14, www.narscosmetics.co.uk
Cuticle crisis
The must-have accessory for 2013? Cuticle oil! Bold colours can be less than forgiving if your talons aren't in perfect condition, and a cuticle oil will help to seal in moisture while smoothing cuticles and strengthening nails. "Cuticle oil is a must have all year round - particularly in winter," says celebrity nail technician, Rebecca-Jade Wilson. "It keeps the skin around your nails supple and encourages healthy nail growth."
Keep a bottle of The Body Shop's Almond Nail and Cuticle Oil to hand - the pen-style applicator makes it a handbag essential. £7, www.thebodyshop.co.uk
