The 6 Hottest Summer 2012 Nail Polish Trends

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   I'm officially ready to ditch my almost-blacks & my deep, rich nail colors & embrace the fun & lightness of summer with some brand new shades.

   Below, I'll break down the 6 most popular nail polish trends for Summer 2012, which include yellows, metallics, classics, blues, neutrals & pistachios. Ready to see more?? Read on!!

   Bright Yellows

Chanel Nail Color in Mimosa, Cook MAC Nail Lacquer in Al Fredo, OPI Nail Polish in Need Sunglasses & Yves Saint Laurent La Laque in Electric Yellow

   Let me first just say that I'm SO EXCITED for this trend!! I've been very into yellow polishes since last spring, when Chanel released the much-talked-about shade, Mimosa. So, for this summer, I'm psyched that all types of yellow polishes're popping up everywhere.

   Shiny Metallics

Dior Nail Polish Anselm Reyle Collection in 072 Metallic Silver, Chanel Le Vernis in Quartz, MAC Jeanius Collection Nail Lacquer in Biker Blue & OPI Nail Lacquer in Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous

   It seems that the population has a ♥-hate relationship with metallic polishes; they go in & out of style very quickly & can be super cute one minute & completely shunned from a girl's polish collection the next. However, I'm happy to say that they're officially back in style right now!!

   Classic Hues

Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in My old Flame, MAC Me Over! Nail Lacquer in Quiet Time, OPI Nail Polish in NLS46 & Revlon Nail Enamel in The Classic

   Pinks & reds remain permanent warm-weather staples & always exude elegance. Go for a tomato or fire engine red & any pink ranging from pale & dusty to bold raspberry.

   The Blues

Deborah Lippmann in I Know What Boys Like, Dior Vernis in Purple mix, OPI Nail Lacquer in Road House Blues & Yves Saint Laurent La Laque in Turquoise Blue

   Blues are a staple in my nail polish collection & definitely my most-worn polish color right now. They're versatile, go with everything & are still totally trendy & fresh. I always feel great when I'm rocking a blue polish!

   Neutral Sparklers

Chanel Le Vernis in Particuliere, Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Naked, OPI Nail Lacquer in Play the Peonies & Yves Saint Laurent La Lacque in Tuxedo

   If you're usually drawn to nude-based shades, an easy way to change up your routine is with a light-reflecting neutral. Pearly periwinkles & light glimmery pinks & purples are easy on the eyes & the toes.

   Pistachio

Dior Vernis in Waterlily, OPI Nail Lacquer in Go on Green, Revlon Nail Enamel in Minted & Yves Saint Laurent Duo Manicure Couture Nail Polish set in Edition 7

   2012 is all about the color green. There's something really special about it, so you're going to see a lot of it. Unlike last season, where we saw tons of hunter hues, summer's iteration is pretty pistachio. Look for polishes that have creamy undertones & lots of opacity: you want the color to really stand out on your nails.

   Do you guys like these nail polish trends?? Have you been noticing any other ones popping out?? Which trend is your favorite???

Let it Shine: Top 7 Beauty Products for a Summer Shangri-la

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   There's something magical about the sun that just seems to make the holidays complete.

   Reading old magazines in the sun, taking photos of friends & wearing something short seems charming & sweet. But what's a girl to do when it makes more sense to stay at home than go out?? Never fear: here're 7 fabulous beauty products inspired by the sun. This way, no matter where you're, you can sing 'Let it Shine' with pride.

   1. Avon Neon Nail Enamel

   When else could you get away with painting your toes an eye-popping neon hue than the next few months??? Shown here: Avon Intense Bright Nail Enamel in Blue Shock.

   2. Blu Mediterraneo: Arancia di Capri

   Summer calls for a light & zesty scent. This breezy fragrance fits the bill with refreshing notes of bergamot, grapefruit & mandarin.

   3. Chambor Delicious Lip Gloss

   Chambor has created a line of 5 lip glosses in juicy flavors such as mint, strawberry, vanilla, peach & choco. Yum!!

   4. Clinique Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream

   A smooth, glowing bod is a must when you're showing lots of skin in a swimsuit or dress. Get soft all over with this cream. It instantly unveils silkier, more refined skin all over.

   5. Dove Beauty Bodywash

   Heavy cleansers & lotions're too much on a steamy summer day. That's why I ♥ Dove skincare products, a line of ultra-light weight body products that leave your skin really silky & not the least bit greasy. Lather up with the Beauty Bodywash post-pool since it contains moisturizing cream, making it the mildest of all.

   6. Avon Lotus Shield Frizz Control

   Use a few spritzes of this light-weight & water-resistant find at the pool to keep your hair looking radiant all summer.

   7. Mary Kay Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15

   In the mood for something stronger than regular chapstick? This luscious lip balm will keep you buzzing. And it does it all: provides color, protects & moisturizes. Warning: you'll be very tempted to lick it off.

   I hope the products in this post inspire you to enjoy the magic of the season. Even though I know it can be tough to walk in the heat, try to remember just how lovely summer can truly be! Let me know which products you use that remind you of the sun or of your favorite season & have a happy holiday!!

5 Ways to Maintain Your Manicure & Make it Last

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   Last week I let my friend borrow my coveted dupe for Chanel's Black Pearl nail polish, which she was very excited about. But she wasn't as excited when, much to her dismay, she started noticing chipping in just a few days.

   This got me thinking about how many girls're faced with this problem. I mean, how frustrating is it to spend money on an awesome manicure with a great color, only to have the polish chip off in 4 days? Not cool. So, to help you avoid this, I'm going to offer you a few of my personal tips for maintaining your manicures & keeping them chip-free for longer!!

   1. First of all start off with a good base coat.

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   I find this makes a huge difference for me, it helps the polish last longer & a good base coat is protective of the nail as well. 

   This should help with chipping by not allowing water or oils to get between the polish & your natural nail. I use the Avon Nail Experts Base Coat & I find it keeps my nails stay strong so chips don't happen as easily.

   2. I find the quality of your nail polish plays a factor into chipping as well.

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   As old nail polishes become thick & goopy, they just don't seem to adhere as well or have as much flexibility with impacted from typing or daily activities.

   3. When applying your polish, sweep a bit across the edge & under the nail tip.

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   This 'wraps' the end, minimizing the chances of chipping from the tips.

   4. Applying on a daily application of a top coat is the no.1 way to make your nails chip free.

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   It creates a protective layer for your nails.

   I start off initially with 2 coats of my favorite top coat Lakme 9-5 Long Wear Nail Color Top Coat & follow up with a daily application. I can't tell you how much I ♥ this top coat. It creates a beautiful high gloss shine & drying time is literally 2 mins. Just a warning, it is a little on the thick side, but I've learned to like the consistency because it creates a solid barrier of protection from chips!!

   5. Lastly, wear gloves for washing dishes or any kind of house work!!

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   This prevents water & dirt from getting under your nails & wearing away at your top coat.

   Also, try not to scrub your hair with your nails while you're washing it. Use your soft padded area of finger tips.

   Don't feel like doing all these things??

   If you'd rather have a lower-maintenance manicure, give shellac manicures a try! I actually have yet to try this new phenomenon, but I'm definitely excited to. Fans say that shellac manicures're drastically less prone to chipping, can last for weeks & dry immediately once they're put under UV lights.

   Of course, they're a little bit pricier at the salon than your standard manicure & require a bit of a process to remove, but it may very well be worth it if they can simplify our lives & routines. Fair warning, though: the color options're pretty limited compared to regular polish!!

   Do you currently use these techniques?? Are there other manicure-saving techniques that you use? Have you tried the shellac manicure yet??

3 Scary Ingredients Hiding in Your Nail Polish

   If you've been following me here at G&M, you probably know that nail polish isn't just a hobby for me: it's an obsession. So, years ago, when I first found out that some polishes contained some pretty nasty chemicals, I immediately began to research these ingredients & to search for safe alternatives.

   The main nasty chemicals found in nail polish??? Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate & Toluene. These ingredients can typically be found in many less expensive polishes: scary, I know. On the upside, many big name companies're realizing that their consumers won't buy polishes containing these 3 chemicals & have removed them from their ingredients.

   Below, I'll explain what these ingredients're & why you don't want them in your polish, as well as list some brands who don't include these chemicals in their products.

   Formaldehyde

   When I started researching this stuff, this was the only ingredient of the 3 that I had actually heard of before & finding that this was in my nail polish totally grossed me out!!! The reason??? Formaldehyde may cause allergic reactions & is unsafe for use by asthmatic people. It is a carcinogen.

   Though it is less commonly included in nail polish these days, formaldehyde is often added to nail hardeners & many nail companies include nail hardeners in all of their colored polishes as an added bonus. Not a great bonus in my opinion, considering that formaldehyde has been connected to lung & nasal cancer & is considered a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

   So, while you probably aren't going to develop cancer just because you painted your nails with a formaldehyde-containing polish, I'd still personally avoid any products containing this chemical: it's just not worth the risk.

   Dibutyl Phthalate

   This chemical is used to make plastics that're extra-flexible; think shower curtains, rain boots, hairspray & plastic wrap. Its goal in nail polish? To ward off cracks, chips & all those other issues that make us cringe when they happen to our freshly-painted nails.

   While DBP isn't believed to be a carcinogen, it has been linked to reproductive issues if the mother is exposed to it while pregnant. While companies're still allowed to put it into products in India, it has been banned for use in cosmetics by the European Union. That, to me, sends a clear message that this chemical is one to watch out for & even though India hasn't banned it, it's still a scary substance.

   Toluene

   Often included in polish to make it apply more smoothly, toluene is another scary chemical that can be found in many polishes. Nail polish isn't its only application, though, it's also included in petrol as an octane booster & is also used as a raw material to create TNT.

   Toluene has been known to affect the nervous system & to cause dizziness, headaches, eye irritation, nausea, birth defects, developmental abnormalities & liver & kidney damage. I don't know about you, but those potential side effects do not sound worth it to me. Again, this chemical has also been banned by the European Union, but not by India.

   Avoiding 'The Big 3': Safe Polish Recommendations

   Now that we've gone over the basic uses of these chemicals & their potential hazards, I've some good news!! In recent years, most big nail polish brands have become aware of these harmful substances & have removed them from their formulas! These days, it's easier than ever to avoid these chemicals.

   Some of my favorite brands that have eliminated these 3 nasty ingredients are: OPI, Sally Hansen Salon, MAC, Deborah Lippmann & Chanel.

   And that's just the beginning: there're many more brands out there that have gone without these 3 ingredients. In fact, going 'clean' almost appears to be the new standard in nail polish, which is very exciting! As a polish lover, I hope to someday see all brands eliminate these ingredients from their formulas.

   What do you guys think of these 3 ingredients & their inclusion in nail polish??? Do you wonder about any other polish ingredients?? Do you want to know of other brands that avoid these chemicals or some more natural brands??

New Polish Alert: Deborah Lippmann Resort Shades for Spring 2012

   As temperatures begin to rise across the country, it's clear that spring is in the air! Don't get me wrong, I ♥ the winter, but I'm ready for a change. And as a polish addict, nothing can make me more excited for a new season than a new nail polish collection from one of my favorite brands!

   Deborah Lippmann has recently released her Spring 2012 shades & I'm completely in ♥!! So far, it's my favorite of all the spring nail polish collections I've seen!!

   Wanna see more?? Check out the shades from Deborah Lippmann's Spring 2012 collection below!!!

   Mermaid's Dream

    Deborah Lippmann describes this color as a 'sea-foam splendor'. All I can say is that I'm already obsessed with this color.

   This is a sea foam, turquoise blue with a golden shimmer, a very very unique color. It's a glittered shimmer, which is a 1st in Deborah Lippmann's collection of nail polishes, which also sets it apart from the typical pastel hues of spring. Nonetheless, I think it fits perfectly with the season.

   On the Beach

   How cute is this color?? Deborah Lippmann describes it as 'rich riviera blue' & I don't think there could possibly be a better description. This shade screams spring & is totally adorable. And yes, while this color may not be completely original, it's a beautiful hue that reminds me of beautiful bodies of water!

   What do you guys think of Deborah Lippmann's new shades??? Are there any other Spring 2012 shades that you're loving? Any questions about these colors?