Top 5 nail polish colours and trends for SS16

In need of some inspiration before you hit the shops to top up on talon supplies?

Here’s our guide to spring’s finger fashion fundamentals:

BEYOND THE PALE

Forget OTT artsy nails this spring and hit refresh with an understated, buffed nude shade.

Not only will natural hues, as seen at the Holly Fulton show, elongate talons, they’ll give a clean, feminine finish too.

Chanel’s couture show was all about the putty pinks, while Stella McCartney toned it down with sheer nude-pink tones.

If you fancy changing it up entirely, embrace the all-white look and opt for a bright white in matte, like Emilio de la Morena’s models.

* Ciate London Paint Pot in Sugared Almonds, main picture, €11.88, plus p&p ( www.feelunique.com )

* Nailed London Gel Colour Polish in Chica Bonita, €9.23 plus p&p ( www.feelunique.com )

INTO THE BLUE

Blue is having a moment: pale, cobalt, chrome, navy, royal — it’s all there, and we can’t get enough of it.

Match your nails to your eyeshadow for a pop-bright look, as seen at Jeremy Scott’s SS16 ready-to-wear show, or plump for a striking navy manicure in matte like Thierry Mugler.

Fancy getting crafty with an old pair of jeans?

Follow on from MAC’s senior artist Keri B, who shook things up with custom denim-wrapped talons on the Desigual runway.

Alternatively, grab a bottle of Nails inc’s Denim Effect polish, which will give you the textured indigo shade you’re after with minimal fuss.

* Nails inc Bermondsey Denim Effect Nail Polish, €18 ( www.debenhams.ie )

* Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Sunrise Trip, €23.50 ( www.boots.ie )

* Nars Nail Polish in Ikiru, €19 ( www.brownthomas.com )

SEEING RED

A timeless beauty staple, red nails make an appearance year after year — and it’s a winner every time.

This season, forget mahogany hues and go for a classic bold red, doubling up with a lippy to match, as seen at Zac Posen.

Or if you’re after full-on glamour, take a leaf out of Gareth Pugh’s book and dazzle with textured, sparkling red.

Get the glitterati look by building up two to three layers of Mac’s Pigment and finish with a glossy top coat.

* Mac Pigment in Red Electric, €22 ( www.brownthomas.com )

* Mac Charlotte Olympia Nail Lacquer in Old Fashioned, €12 (Brown Thomas, Grafon Street, Dublin)

* Dior Vernis Nail Polish The It-Shades in Pandore 754, €25.50 ( www.brownthomas.com )

TIPPED OFF

The French manicure was revived on the SS16 catwalks — but with a twist, and luckily for us, the DIY trend has ramped up off-stage too.

Giving the classic look a youthful new edge, nail artists have been replicating half-moon statements, punchy stripes and colourful tips for a unique contrast.

At Ryan Lo, nails were vibrant and feminine, featuring clean lines and poppy colours.

To recreate the look, file nails into a rounded shape and paint on a base coat (try Kiko in 03 Vintage Rose).

Once dry, next paint a V shape from the centre of the nail (using Kiko in 17 Lilac), curving the brush to form a petal shape, and then create a final layer, in the same shape but smaller (with Kiko 13 Red).

* Kiko Power Pro Nail Lacquer in 13 Red, €4.90, plus p&p ( www.kikocosmetics.com )

* Kiko Power Pro Nail Lacquer in 03 Vintage Rose, €4.90, plus p&p ( www.kikocosmetics.com )

* Burberry Nail Polish in Black Cherry No.304, €19, free p&p ( www.burberry.com )

PEDAL TO THE METAL

If there’s one thing this season is not, it’s low-key.

Metallic and high-shine chrome effects are key trends and rank highly on the nail hit list.

Make a statement with sheer gold or rose gold hues, as seen at both Alberta Ferretti and Mary Katrantzou, or go trash-tastic with silver foil mosaics or cracked metal strips.

The trick, cite the experts, is to layer and cover with clear gloss to create a 3D effect.

* Nars Nail Polish in Amarapura, €19 ( www.brownthomas.com )

* Mac Studio Nail Lacquer in Fabulous Fete, €10- €12 ( www.brownthomas.com )