7 Sexy Looks For Your Nails

Whether it’s caused by open-toed shoes or you’re trying to match your favorite outfit, nail polish has the ability to take an ensemble to the next level. We’ve dug around to find tips, tricks, and tools to create seven different looks to make your nails — and the rest of your summer — sizzle!

1. Bright Colors

We’ve mentioned this before, but we just can’t help ourselves! Then again who wouldn’t want a little sunshine on their nails if they could?

OPI’s Brights – $8.00

OPI’s Brights collection truly brings out the beauty of color by making it extra noticeable, no matter if you’re pairing it with a bikini for a day at the beach, or your sexiest dress for a dark nightclub. With over 40 shades in this collection, we’re sure you’ll find a couple of favorites instantly! Available in drugstores and online at amazon.com

2. Stick-On Polish

We’ve all become such busy little bees nowadays; who has the time to actually sit down for a manicure anymore?

OPI by Sephora’s Chic Prints – $15.00

Stick-on polish or nail designs like OPI by Sephora’s Chic Prints give you the look that you want without having to spend an eternity in the salon waiting for it all to dry. All you have to do is wipe down your nails with alcohol, stick them on, rub them in a little (so they’ll stick properly), trim off the excess (which you can save to make a French manicure extra fun), and you’re out the door! Available at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com

3. Stamped Designs

Konad Stamping Nail Art – Varying prices.

There are some pretty patterns that you can get your hands on without having to head out to the salon, as long as you have the right tools. The decadence is in the details with Konad Stamps that use plates with images etched onto them where you can place nail polish and stamp it right onto your mani/pedi to give it a more unique look. They have different sets of plates with various images and patterns that you can choose from that come with a few polishes to try them out with. Available online at konadnailart.com

4. Matte Polish

China Glaze Matte Magic Flat Finish Top Coat – $5.80

Essie’s Matte About You Matte Finisher – $10.00

With a more subtle appeal, last year’s matte polish craze has carried over into this one. With many brands releasing matte polishes in various colors, many believed they would have to buy multiple bottles to get the looks they wanted. China Glaze’s Matte Magic and Essie’s Matte About You topcoats easily turn any polish in your collection into a matte instantly, keeping you in style without having to break the bank, and finding new places to keep your new polishes. China Glaze Matte Magic Flat Finish Top Coat available online at amazon.com. Essie’s Matte About You Matte Finisher available at essieshop.com. Both also available in drugstores.

5. Glitter Polish

Zoya Sparkle Nail Collection Sampler – $36.00

Zoya Sparkle Nail Collection (individual shades) – $7.00 each

The last time we saw glittery, shimmering polishes this bold was back when we were in middle school and glitter was incorporated into everything (from nail polish, to body glitter, and even t-shirts with glittered lettering — oh my!). Polishes like Zoya’s Sparkle Nail Collection, incorporating shimmer, and many other brands’ glitter topcoats have graduated to give your color collection a sparkling update and bring back a little nostalgia. Available at zoya.com

6. 3D Nail Art

Artisan Color Acrylic Powder – $6.00

It isn’t just movies that are making the move to 3D — your manicure is too! This look is mainly created by nail salon stylists who mold acrylic powder, like Artisan Color Acrylic Powder, with brushes dipped in acrylic monomer to make 3D shapes that go on top of the nail. It may take a while to not only make sure that it’s perfect, but that it also dries that way. Any shape they can make will certainly give your nail design a whole new dimension. Available through the Nail Superstore by calling 800.669.9430 or 847.260.4000, or through use at a nail salon.

7. DIY Nail Art

Instant Artist Starter Kit by Orly – $32.00

Not everyone can afford to get a fantastic new design every week at the salon, and some have ideas that may not translate well with someone else doing the work. Orly has come up with a way for the painter in us all to spring forth with their Instant Artist Nail Kit. It comes with five colors and a dotter duo tool to help place the polish exactly where you want it to go and get those little details perfect. They even have video tutorials and instructions on their website to help give you some inspiration. Available at orlybeauty.com