Any colour but boring

QVS French Manicure Set in Beige. Photo / Babiche Martens.

It's a decade ago now since Uma Thurman's red-black nails in Pulp Fiction started a trend to dark and different colours that shows no sign of drying up.

In fact that Vamp shade looks relatively restrained compared with Chanel's purple-black Vendetta polish - and don't expect to get your hands on the French brand's latest "it" colour, Jade, a delicate mint green you may have seen popping up in European magazines. (It's exclusive in Australasia to the Chanel Makeup Studio in Myer Sydney, where it's wait-listed due to demand). Luckily there are plenty of other cool colours out there, and you needn't pay prestige prices to get a good look.

Browns, dark greens and rich claret tones are the newer dark shades, following on from blacks, purples and dark blues. But to me the freshest looking shade, especially for summer, is a blast from the past. Coral showed up on some of the most fashionable nails at Fashion Week and looks just the ticket on toes.

Statement nails are no longer just for rock chicks, teenagers or tragics. You can tell this by the way intriguing shades have made it into mainstream ranges and not just the "fashion" brands like O.P.I, Essie and Leighton Denny. Check out Revlon for a rainbow of colours, with their new hot oranges and pinks really popping.

American range Zoya is one to seek out. Once it secures a wider distribution, it will really give other lines a run for their money, with a remarkable colour selection in quality polish.

M.A.C has its limited edition Nail Trend 09 colours on counter now, and these include khaki and browns. The ickier shades work best on mid-toned or olive complexions, whereas darks and lights can suit anyone. I'm loving a dark brown shot with gold from Leighton Denny.

Come November, Lancome's blue, inspired by the Tricoleur, called "Paris", will be the craze.

A nail trend to watch for is French-style polishes, using colourful contrast shades rather than the classic nude-white combination. Ask if you nail-bar can follow the US fashion by trying out the likes of chocolate polish tipped with cream, black with electric blue or summery shades such as orange ending in pink.

If you like the idea of nail art, then some of the nicest about are from Anna Sui. Her cute floral stickers ($20) are available exclusively at DFS Galleria.

Personally I prefer naked or near-nude fingernails for everyday (mainly because of maintenance issues), but a well-applied colour on short nails is good for a few days' fun. On toes, just go to town.

O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Can You Tapas This $24.90
A deep nutty brown, part of the Barcelona collection which also includes a dark green.

Zoya Professional Lacquer in Suvi $20
Inventive colours and superior stay. A great rainbow range from this sea-green through metallic silver-greys to neon brights, lights and shimmer shades. Suitable for pregnant women, this nasties-free, award-winning American range is relatively new to New Zealand. (www.zoyabeauty.co.nz)

Chanel Nail Colour in Gondola $46
This deep wine-colour from the house's Venice collection is shot through with a metallic. It's a way of working dark without looking too noir. (Brand counters)

Mecca Nail Polish in Cleopatra $28
A hard-to-define dusky pink shade that's shot through with gold and would work with most outfits. (From Mecca Cosmetica, Ponsonby Rd, www.meccacosmetica.co.nz)

Revitanail Nail Lacquer in Coral $21.90
This polish helps strengthen nails and is fast drying. A top buy from a great everyday range. (Selected pharmacies, see www.revitanail.co.nz)

Leighton Denny Sex Kitten $29
A great silvery-blue shade that looks surprisingly elegant on. (Ph 0800 223 288 for salon stockists).

Australis Nail Colour in Clear Topaz $9.99
Budget range with quality finish and good fashion colours. The Australian company has just released creme eyeliners ($14.90) to match this polish and three others (deep opal, sapphire and emerald star) giving economical access to a makeup formula not seen in this price range before. (From Farmers and Kmart).

QVS French Manicure Set in Beige $29.99
This kit contains all you need (including tape tips and a top coat) to pull-off a French manicure. I don't have the patience, but if you do this is the economical way. (From QVS stands in pharmacies and stores)


The finishing touch

Essie Matte About You Matte Finisher $29.80
This clear gel paints on instead of a top coat and immediately makes even high-gloss polish look matte. It lets you get two looks from your polish, with matte finishes being a fashion trend, especially on darker shades, for the moment. (For salon stockists Free Ph 0508-776-232 probeauty.co.nz )

Revitanail Nourishing Oil $17.90
Keep your cuticles in good nick by rubbing in this softening oil.

Check out this range's excellent strengthening coats. A friend who had been troubled by a splitting thumbnail for years swears regular use sorted out her problem.

QVS Toe Bliss Separators $5.95 and QVS Metal Pedicure File $10.99
These ergonomic separators are cushioned for comfort and shape well to the toes compared with standard foam ones. The dual-sided metal file helps get rid of for dry edges.

Essie Spa Marine Spa Salts $41.50
A little at-home spa treatment. Essential oils, sea minerals and rock salt combine for a pedicure scrub that smells nostril-tingling eucalyptus fresh.

Dr Hauschka Limited Edition Hand and Foot Care Kit $69
Four products in their own little bag to help rejuvenate your digits, with botanically derived ingredients. A hand cream, foot balm, leg and arm toner, and a body moisturiser make up the set. (From selected department stores, pharmacies, health and natural food stores, plus Dr Hauschka estheticians.

For stockists Ph 0508 423 737 or www.drhauschka.co.nz