TREND WATCH: Hot Nail Hues

Lipstick move over because there’s a new diva on the scene and her name is nail polish!

According to the consumer market research firm NPD, sales of nail polish are up 54% versus the previous go-to beauty product, lipstick which is only up 14% in 2011. Lipstick has long been the barometer of our country’s economy according to Leonard Lauder of the Estee Lauder Companies.

Coined by Leonard 10 years ago, the “Lipstick Index,” explores what beauty products female consumers buy when money’s tight or when tragedy hits - until now it’s been lipsticks - translation: we buy affordable products that make us feel good in the short term and doesn’t involve an expensive procedure like a full face lift to shift our moods in a positive way.

So what gives? The up tick in nail polish sales could be that borderline schizophrenic chicks like us like cool nail polishes and don’t want to feel guilty for indulging in what appears to be the trend explosion of the year. You could easily buy two or three nail polishes for the price of one quality lipstick - you do the math. Or maybe that buying a nail polish doesn’t require a ton of thought because you see it, you like it, you buy it. Or the reason could be that a nail shade could turn your frown into a smile - that’s powerful stuff ladies.

But enough analyzing why nail polish is the new “It” product and let’s get on with exploring some of the nail shades HKI thinks you should consider for your next shopping trip…

Although jewel tone nails are all the rage which is acknowledged by including the very rich, shimmery shade of Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish, Brilliant Blue ($17, remedynails.com) in this entry, this polish had more going for it than just being a polish. It’s a nail polish created by doctor’s which is free of harmful toxins (Toluene and Formaldehyde) usually found in other nail polishes. Dr.’s REMEDY nail products are great for people who are allergic to the chemicals found in traditional nail polish, for pregnant women, if you have brittle nails or nail fungus. This brand even says that it’s safe for kids…hhmmm, makeup and kids, but that’s a whole different discussion. NOTE: shimmer gives color texture as opposed to a creamy color.

So, yes, jewel tone shades are all the rage and are super sexy, but HKI is desperate to lighten the mood of Fall’s dreary weather with bright, fun shades of yellow & orange brought to you respectively by Butter London’s Cheeky Pops ($14, butterlondon.com) & Nails Inc’s, Porchester Place (sephora stores).

Other media outlets say that the ‘It” purchase are jewel tone shades of nail polish and HKI agrees that they are beautiful, but before you fork over your hard earned money, answer these questions. Do you follow trends? Do you set the trends? Or do you just do you? There’s no right answer, just what you’re comfortable with. HKI only asks that whatever you invest in brings out the best in you and truly highlights your best attributes even it’s only a nail polish. And just for fun, here are my answers: no, sometimes and all of the time!

Hue Knew It? I did.  

  

Disclaimer: Some products featured have been provided by the brands and/or public relations agencies.

TREND WATCH: Hot Nail Hues

Comments

[Kristina Pittinato]

You know I love the Tarte line, and Philosophy skin care. The tones in the PASSION Purple and ESSENTIAL Emerald from the holiday 2011 JOLLY & JOY Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish look Fabulous.♥ This is the one category where i have not found my signature shade or absolute favorite brand YET - @KrissyMP

[Gregorie, Beauty & Skin Expert]

I know. It'll take some time to figure what works for since there are SO many choices. I'm fickle as hell, some days I'm loving dark & sexy and then I want to wear something bright in the middle of winter...go figure.