Make sure your DIY manicure is not just a one trick pony for racing season; from longer lasting colour, the chicest shape and the best new spring shades we’ve got all your base (coats) covered to master your at-home mani, now – and long after the punters are gone.
Prep
Frances Catsaros, YSL Nail Ambassador, worked with busy mum and actress Angelina Jolie during her time in Australia. “If I feel that the nail is weak I will not soak the nail at all. For Angelina, her nails were beautiful nails in very good condition, so I soaked the nails after I filed them,” she said.
Rescu. recommends: The Micro Nail is your one-stop nail salon shop to gently buffs and smooth in seconds. It’s ideal for ready to wear, healthy nails or as a primer for your favourite shade.
RRP: $59.95
Know Your Nudes
Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse has the authority on how to matching your nails with your outfit. “Always think of the occasion and opt for a colour that goes with the theme of the day. Make sure your colour goes with your outfit. When in doubt, always opt for a nude shade.”
Rescu. Recommends: Our pick of the new nudes is from Kester Black’s collab with Original&Mineral. The opaque blush nail polish, Know Knott is en point for polished perfection and ethically manufactured to boot.
RRP: $20 www.kesterblack.com
See our edit of best new nudes.
Shape Up
A nude shade is also an apparent Angelina Jolie favourite. Catsaros, filed, or filled, us in: “She prefers neutral, beige or pink tones so we did a sheer-pink on her toes and a sheer nude on her fingernails,” she says.
“She prefers the nice, clean, natural look with one coat. She likes them quite short and I worked with her existing square-oval shape; square on top with slight kicks at the corners, which seems to be the most favoured nail-shape that we do,” Catsaros added.
Read more celeb tips and tricks.
Kate agrees, “I always ask for “short square-rounded” shape.”
Rescu. Recommends: Manicare Crystal Nail File made from hand cut crystal glass, smooths and shapes nails with a glossy finish.
RRP: $16.95
Shady Lady
Care, tick. Nail shape, tick. Now to choose from the full spectrum:
Kate’s Picks: “Melbourne Cup is all about having fun with colour so maybe Watercolour (a bold turquoise also from the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure range. This is in contrast for Oaks Day which is Ladies Day – so something like Sheer Ecstasy or Pink-A-Card.”
RRP: Kate Waterhouse x Sally Hansen $9.95 available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Coles and select pharmacies nationally.
Best Shimmer: If shimmer is synonymous with your year 12 formal it’s time to remedy that thought. ModelCo have teamed up with Tony Bianco for a limited edition polish range and Shimmer Me Timbers is our pick for full coverage and sophisticated shine.
RRP: $15.00 available from modelcocosmetics.com.au
Best Red: A little luxury comes in the form of Burberry’s six-piece nail collection featuring shades from the 2014 runway. Oxblood is the sultry shade pic from the bunch with its signature long-lasting high-gloss finish and accelerated drying time.
RRP: $29 available from Myer and David Jones
Best Pink: YSL’s best seller from the collection of La Laque Couture nail shades comes in the form of the super sweet Rose Romantique. While you’re horse may not cross the line first, at least you know your nail shade’s a winner.
RRP: $42 available from selected Myer nationally
Best Pastel: Maybelline Color Show Bleach Neon collection is Pastel nail colour with an edge. The electric pop of colour will set your digits apart on race day and beyond. Turn up your floral shades or offset black with Coral Heat from the range.
RRP: $5.95 from selected pharmacies, department stores, variety stores and supermarkets nationwide
Best in Blue: Your very best blue will come from Essie’s extensive range of chic shades for spirit and sophistication on race day. From coveted cornflower blues, to turquoise navy and every aquatic shade in-between, look no further.
RRP: $16.95 available from Priceline and selected pharmacies.
The Finish Line:
Rescu. Recommends: Revitanail’s Instant Dry Drops are ideal for when you need to get hot on the hop. The formula will turn those babies to stone in a matter of seconds and will also protect nicks from the clutch plunge or key grab.
RRP: $19.95 Myer, Priceline and all good pharmacies nationally
So, now that you’re mani-pedi is sorted, Kate’s the go-to-girl for knowing exactly the best way to make the most of it, “Its a long day on your feet so make sure you are comfortable in your shoes. If it’s raining opt for a thicker heel or wedge so your heels don’t sink into the grass. Try and find a bags with a shoulder strap so you have your hands free to juggle your race book and champagne!”