The new "it" colour for nails is anything but dreary.
Much as we hate to rain on your parade, bright days will soon seem so last season. The new look for nails is undoubtedly cool and it is heading your way as fast as a southerly change on a holiday weekend.
Grey is definitely the next big thing for nails.
Why? Well, it's versatile and, in the right shade, elegant. We've had the darks, the brights, the nudes, and the murky, so now the spotlight turns on the mid tones, with pretty much all the fashion-forward makeup brands and specialist nail companies bringing out greys in their autumn-winter ranges.
There's everything from oil-slick dark (Chanel) through pewter (Estee Lauder) and dove (Revlon) to silver (Orly) and glitter (Butter London et al).
One of my favourite shades is Dior's Gris Montaigne. No surprise they've done it well because grey is practically the house colour: Christian Dior called it "the most convenient, useful and elegant neutral". Those with olive skin tones might find a beige cast to their greys most flattering (try Essie and O.P.I), but fair-skinned types should explore greys with a newer bluish or mauve tinge.
Lavender is a fresh, girlish alternative (it underscores Lancome's new cosmetics collection due out in late February and entitled Ultra Lavande). Other upcoming examples include O.P.I's shimmery grey-lavender called It's Totally Fort Worth It and Zoya's cool purple-grey Kelly.
A good manicurist should be able to advise on the shade that would best suit your skin tone, though a client's personality also comes into play in what they can carry off, says Amber McIver of Verdo Nails in Parnell. She recommends keeping nails a uniform, shorter length to guard against breakage and also lavishing on plenty of cuticle oil to help them recover from the dehydrating effects of summer.
If you're tempted by glitter shades, then try them over another colour for effect and because a good base also makes removal of grainy textured polishes easier.
Verdo's clients have definitely been in high-summer mood lately, with hot orange and pink shades much requested, but as soon as the weather takes a turn for the worse McIver says this is reflected in darker or cooler toned choices for nails.
If the new grey trend simply doesn't appeal, pearlescent pales and rich nudes make a safe trans-seasonal selection, or try a shot of silver.
For those who continue to favour darker statement shades, chutneys and cherries will tempt again come winter, but the newest edgy urban look will be greenish dark, described by American company Creative Nails as a "steampunk" expression. Green-grey also brings us back to the polish du jour from Chanel, which cites black pearls as an inspiration - surely a modern classic then.
1. Chanel Nail Colour in Black Pearl $47
If you love the real thing, then you'll be intrigued by how well this replicates the greenish-grey of some black pearls. Needs a good base and top coat for longevity. (On counters from February 8.)
2. Estee Lauder Pure Colour Nail Lacquer in Wild Storm $38
Charcoal-pewter colour with a slight shot effect and a new longer-wearing formula. Worth a whirl in winter, but it and the other darks seem a bit overcast for now. (On counters from February 28.)
3. Dior Nail Lacquer in Gris Montaigne $47
My pick of the true greys, this is a mid to dark solid colour made easier to apply by Dior's wide flat brush. Wears well, looks swell.
4. Revlon Nail Enamel in Silver $16.50
More a bluish dove grey than an actual silver, despite the name. Revlon's strong-wearing formula makes it a winner.
5. Orly Nail Lacquer in Shine $22.99
True silver with a shimmer foil finish that looks and feels smooth once carefully layered. Classier than full-on glitter for every day.
6. Lancome Le Vernis Disco Silver mini $31
This silver glitter is recommended applied French manicure style over Lancome's signature lavender shade of the new season, but it can be worn alone disco-diva style. (On counters from February 21.)
7. Zoya Professional Lacquer in Harley $21
Concrete grey with a hint of silvery shimmer. Elegant change for pale pearly tips and one of a healthy selection of greys from Zoya.
Stockists: Polishes available now, unless otherwise stated, from selected department stores and pharmacies. O.P.I (ph 0800 144 562), Orly (ph 0800 883 434). Zoya from the Department Store, Takapuna, or online at zoyabeauty.co.nz.