vintage manicure DIY + the perfect nail colour

Joan Crawford had the prettiest manicure and was one of the main trendsetters in the 40's-60's for longer, sharper nails. More recently, Rihanna posed for her latest album LOUD while sporting the vintage style herself, and I am dying to try it myself. Being that I can't grown my own nails that long without breaking, I am using press-on nails. I think I like the option of the faux nails for this look because the manicure can be perfected and (if cared for properly) reused. Perfect little investment for a big night out.

What you'll need:
Press On Nails*
Emery Board
Nude/Pink Toned Nail Colour
Top Coat
*optional

If you're using press on faux nails, begin by washing your hands and drying them. you'll want to buff the top of your nail beds with an emery board so the faux nail and nail adhesive have a more textured surface to attach to. Select faux nails that will fit your full nail bed. If you are an in-between size, select the larger nail size and file nail down to a custom fit. Using one to two drops of nail adhesive, attach press on nails to your buffed nail beds and hold in place till dry.

Once faux nails are attached, use your emery board to file an exaggerated almond shape onto each nail. If you are going for the Rihanna, be careful to leave nails long and wide, like a candy corn. If you're attempting to recreated Joan's nails, you will need to file nails much shorter and have a very sharp, with an exaggerated point on each tip. Once filed into shape, wash hands. Apply two coats of nail colour and top coat after that. With this, your nails will be complete!
While the catwalks may show these vintage manicures in blues and purple, I find it too bold and almost scary for the day to day. Instead of choosing bold colors for your manicure, focus on the sweet and feminine neutral shades of beige, pink, and opal and pearl metallics. Your manicure will be subtle and when noticed by others, be very alluring instead of intimidating. Below are my some of my favorite neutral shades of nail colour in varying price ranges. Can't go wrong by picking up a bottle or two on your next trip to the drug or department store.

The Best Beige:
Sally Hanson - Glazed Sand, $4
American Apparel - Mannequin, $6
Essie - Allure, $8 OPI - At First Sight, $9
Butter London - Tea With The Queen, $14
Chanel - Inattendu, $23

The Perfect Pinks:
Sally Hanson - Sweet Pea, $4
American Apparel - Coney Island , $6
Essie - Fed Up, $8
OPI - Second Honeymoon, $9
Butter London - Hoorah Henri, $14
Chanel - Jade Rose, $23

The Opals:
Sally Hanson - Ice, $4
American Apparel - California Trooper, $6
Essie - Cloud Nine, $8
OPI - Pearl of Wisdom, $9
Butter London - Frilly Knickers, $14
Chanel - Allegoria, $23

I am absolutely in love with the nude nail trend, but it sure doesn't have to be boring! Try a two-toned manicure with a pearl/metallic arch at the root of your nail and apply a pink or nude tone to finish it off. The vintage nail look can be so fun and really complete an outfit. Be bold, try it yourself! Xxoo Chelsea