With a beach trip coming up very soon, I realized that between my son’s school trips and concerts, being sick, etc., I never did get my spring pedicure — horror of horrors! – so now I’d better get on the stick to get my toes ready for those summer sandals.
So off I went on my nail polish scouting, to see what new shades I could see. It’s always fun to take a peek at what OPI is doing, also Essie, Chanel, Nicole by OPI and others.
From OPI I saw lots of cool hues, but Ink, a gorgeous deep blue grabbed me, but it’s SO not me – with my pale feet a hue like this would make my toes look heavily bruised. Maybe one day when I’m feeling extremely bold?
Continuing my love affair with lilac-lavender lipstick shades from spring, Nicole by OPI’s Get a Mauve On and Play Fair caught my eye. As did Sephora’s Formula X in a gorgeous deep lilac pink called Harmonics.
And for a chilly, frosty look, I love the elegant, icy Chanel pastels Atmosphere and Paradisio.
But in all likelihood, I’ll probably get my toes done in my fave from last year: Sally Hansen’s Pool Party (at left) topped by a coat of their Hypnautical glitter polish.
And that’s actually pretty daring for me, as I tend to think of glitter as more for younger folks. But last summer this combo made for a pretty look without being as dramatic as some of the deeper turquoises and teals can be, and it made me feel like I had cool feet – in both senses of the word. It really did help — on a 90-plus degree day it was refreshing to look down and see soothing aqua toes peeking out of my sandals.
So do share: What are your tootsies sporting this time of year? And what are your favorite pedicure shades? Do you do your own toes or do you spring for a pedicure? I know Portia has talked about having a pedicure party at a salon with friends, which sounds like a blast.
As for me, I could probably do my right foot, but a wonky back and left leg prevent me from doing that one. And I figure the nail tech wouldn’t be too amused if I went in and asked her to do just one foot, for half the price, right? 🙂
I like to get a mani/pedi once in a while, but I’ll probably be doing it myself at least for a while to save money. I actually stopped getting manicures because it seemed like my nails were ending up in worse shape for it. When I go for pedicures, I usually go for metallic colors, usually some variant of red, purple or turquoise. I also like the warmer, cobalt-ier blues. Other cooler shades sometimes make my skin look kind of gray and weird.
Hey, Jennifer — nice to see you! I don’t blame you for wanting to save money, because they do get pricey, and then you add in the tip and yikes! I think metallic colors are so cool on toes, too, and make you feel fun and summer-y.
I love deep blue, and I think if you find the “right” one it would be splendid on you. Ink is lovely but I’d recommend something lighter (it can look black in the wrong light) with no shimmer. Do you have Sinful Colors in your drugstore? Check out Endless Blue.
Hiya, dear! I think you are right. I just looked up that Endless Blue and it is so lovely — thanks! Maybe on a brave day I could pull it off. And maybe one of the periwinkle or silvery blues might work. What other blues do you wear?
lol if you saw my polish collection you would laugh. Five tubs, sorted by color. I love all colors, really. And I find deep blues incredibly chic with pale skin, particularly on the older women I see at Saks. Again, try to find a Walgreens or someone near you who stocks Sinful. They rated highest on the Consumer reports test and they’re dirt cheap, especially on sale. They make some lovely murky blues, and pretty light blues. I’m not a fan of frosts, or very pale blues (which look best with a tan) but love all others.
Ooh — would love to see your collection — it’d be like a kid in a candy store! Thanks for the info on Sinful. My hands are not too pale and have a slight tan so I might have to look into some of those silvery and light blues as well; they might work. Thanks!
I do get semi-regular pedicures. I live in San Diego and wear flip flops or sandals for 3/4 of the year, but those pesky children keep me busy, so it’s harder to get time to actually go and get the pedicure. I am not good at doing them myself, always end up smudging them, and miss the whole soaking and callus removing at the salon! I am very boring with my color – I almost always get the same OPI, used to be called Russian to a Party – but Romeo & Joliet and a few others are similar – metallic dark burgundy. Once and a while in the summer, I will get a more “summery” color – last year I did a tangerine/coral type thing, so will probably do something like that again at my next one. No blues or greens or art or glitter or anything too crazy for me!
Oooh, lucky you to live in San Diego AND to be able to wear those luscious deep red-burgandies! I know what you mean about smudging your DIY pedicures — I used to do that a long time ago and despaired of my shaky hands. BTW, I love a good coral for summer, too!
I’m not the type to fuss around with my feet besides washing them in the shower. But my finger nails are entirely different. I did do the gels for a while but it got too expensive after a while but I’ve started back up with polishing my nails again. My ultimate favorite red is OPI’s An Affair in Red Square. But I do like Skating on Thin Iceland and Do You Lilac It.
Hi, lady! I remember from a previous post that you were a fan of that wonderful OPI red. Can you still buy it? Must look up those other shades as that lilac one is calling my name. Thanks!
I know that you can still buy it at Amazon or Ulta. Regular grocery stores seem to just carry the most recent collections.
I stubbed the big toe on my right foot really hard getting into the car yesterday and cracked the toenail. Then, after that, I bumped it against the side of the couch and it pretty much ripped off, (but not down too far and no blood or pain), so that means no cute toes for me for a while. I am working on tanning my legs, though, a little bit at a time when I’m outdoors, as I am quite fair and need to get a little color on them, and that’s coming along well.
Oh, no, Mary! So, so sorry to hear this (I’m cringing for and with you). Hope it heals quickly. But glad you’re getting your legs tan in the meantime — a good idea to get that started before summer hits full swing.
Heya Ann,
We usually go pedicure as a crew. Sometimes as many as 8 of us descend on the nail place, men and women. Currently I have deep shimmer blood red with white and silver glitter over the top. Very festive.
We all try to out OTT each other with our choices of colour and overlays. Pure selfish pleasure for most people because their feet are locked away in shoes for work. After hours though we wear flip flops to show off.
Afterwards we go for food and laughs, it’s a fun cheap Saturday morning out and leaves the day for partners and families.
Portia xx
Howdy, Portia! Your toes sound like quite a celebration! Must borrow your idea of a crew pedicure party — what fun! And I bet the nail techs enjoy it, too, having a fun and cheery group all together.
Ann,
I love doing pedicures on my feet during sandal weather. I keep my toenails polished all spring, summer and fall. My favorite colors are reds, magenta, hot pinks, burgundy, and purple or silver when I’m feeling crazy.
Oooh, Dina, you are a pedicure diehard (and your feet look amazing, I know)! I think purple and/or silver would be very fun to try. I saw a polish online the other day (can’t think of the name) but it reminded me of almost-matte stainless steel and looked very interesting.
And lucky you, that you can do the pedicures yourself! Lots of $$$ saved to buy even more polishes 😉
Hi Ann! I got my first pedicure of the season last night (and I needed it badly!). My husband does gel nails and he did my toenails in a burgundy shade called “Rendezvous” by Gelish (that’s the brand name). I think the “Pool Party” color that you went with for your pedicure last year is summery-pretty and would look great with black sandals.
Howdy, dear! I love it that your hubby does gel nails — wowza! how cool is that? That burgandy sounds pretty and very elegant. And you’re right, “Pool Party” does look great with black. I should try something different but I like it so much, so go with what makes you happy, right?
I have a few fungus toenails 🙁
For years I try to get rid of them (tea tree, and everything else you can think of), so nail polish is in order but I am always afraid it makes it worse. If anyone has a suggestion that really helps I would grant them a perfume wish!
Hi! I’ve seen several brands of anti-fungal nail polish (DaniPro and Nourish come to mind), so Google them and see if either of those or others might work for you.
You’ve probably tried all the usual home remedies but in case you missed one of these I’ve heard some people swear by apple cider vinegar soaks. I’ve also heard people use Vicks VapoRub. Another was coconut oil. I can’t vouch for any of those. I did have some nail fungus issues pre-Internet years and didn’t know of those remedies. I think there are a few OTC remedies on the market now which might be worth trying. I ended up getting a prescription from the doctor. I heard an ad on the radio recently for laser treatment of nail fungus. Whatever the solution it’s hard to see any results quickly because the affected nail needs to grow out completely.
Thank you Ann and Poodle for your suggestions. I found indeed some fungus (un)friendly nail polish, I don’t think it will cure but at least not make it worse. I tried many things, but not yet apple vinegar. I have to gather courage, I am afraid it involves daily soaking for a year or 2 😉
Laser sounds good, hopefully it will be offered here.
I read that the prescription cure is hard on the liver, and all kinds of unwanted effects. But good to read it works. Thank you again, still hope to find a not cumbersome and non poisonous solution for my poor nail.
I did apple cider vinegar (I’d essentially lost 2/3 of my entire big toenail to fungus) and it worked!!! Put it in a small travel atomizer, undiluted. Spray it twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Soak that nail, particularly where it grows out from the bottom. It does NOT kill/remove the already-infected nail, but it prevents the fungus from creeping down into the new growth. Yes, it took 3 – 4 months while the nail grew out, but it was absolutely worth it.
Fantastic March, thank you so much for clarifying about preventing rather than curing! Great idea to use a travel atomizer, and 3- 4 months is more than doable. I will try and report back, and grant a perfume wish if I can! You made my day.
I have never had a pedicure… let alone painted my nails. Years of martial arts (scars, callouses that I do not want removed), stumpy toes and rheumatoid arthritis does not really encourage me to celebrate my feet beyond being grateful they still work… and I am. I like looking at polish bottles though and they are lovely colours.
Anne, it sounds like your feet have served you well, and that’s great! I second you on being grateful that they work –me, too!
Anne – I say, “GO FOR IT!” People with all manner of bad foot issues and fears come into salons and are welcomed and pampered. And you will be amazed at how good your feet and toes will look with a good going over by the technician. Your feet will STILL work, you will be grateful and your feet will look beautiful.
Hi, normally I like my nails in all shades of red, but that’s the “summer in the city” variation. As soon as I go to the coastside, the must have color is blue – mostly turquoise, but a darker cobalt blue is also very nice…maybe with some nail art in white…
Neva, I like your “city” and “coast” nail style! I wish I were brave enough to do nail art — I bet it looks very cool on you.
Deborah Lippman Dark Side of the Moon. Like OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark only with more purple, instead of brow. Deep and dark and shiny and pretty.
Mmmm … those sound gorgeous! I have not tried a Deborah Lippman polish — guess I’d better get hopping and try some!
I’m a huge Zoya fan-girl! My pedis are usually burgundy, black or bronze/orange. I love having it done but always feel a bit uncomfortable, so I take a GF for distraction, LOL! Bring on Summer Toes!!
Hey, Rina! I agree — Zoya has some great shades, don’t they? I need to find a nice deep red/burgandy to replace an old Chanel I have that’s on its last legs. Thanks!
Love almost all shades of blue, but I too am very fair–afraid I’d look like someone took a hammer to my toes if I sported blue polish. This year I got Chanel’s no 19 (either a limited ed or an online exclusive), and I’m wearing it now– it’s a bit darker of a berry shade than I expected. Also picked up Nars Jungle Red and Guerlain #263.
Pretty soon I’ll commence with self tanning my legs; once a week suffices and I finally found a tanner I like: L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze gelee, which has neither glitter nor an obnoxious odor.
Hi, Caroline! You said it exactly — “a hammer to my toes”! Your Chanel, Nars and Guerlain sound lovely. I envy you being able to wear that bright red Guerlain; I’ve always got to have some blue in my reds. And very cool that you found a great self-tanner. Maybe I’ll give that one a try if it works well for fairer skins. Thanks!
P.S. Which color do you get in the L’Oreal — light, medium or deep? Thanks!
purchase at my local Ulta, and medium is the only choice…suits my pale legs just fine.
Good to know — thanks!!