See these slate nails on the slinky sylphs at Peter Som’s too-cool-for-school Spring 2015 show? #NailedIt.
Calling it right now: Grey is the new nude ... or orange, or white, or whatever It-colour happens to have gained the upper hand with our capricious cosmetics chiefs.
Now, before dismissing me out of hand, hear me out. There’s a lot to love about this most sexy of shellacs. For starters, because it straddles the easy-to-use, not-quite-neutral spectrum, grey is great for greenhorns – call it the 50 shades of grey for nail novices, if you like.
The shade's anything-goes nature gives you a free hand to experiment without get your fingers burned, so to speak: Go really grungy for a tough-as-nails, biker chick vibe, or tread softly in a demure dove-grey topcoat.
Top tip for intermediate-level beauty students: Opt for an opalescent, grey-on-grey ombre– so very sublime for the most opulent of soirees.
Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Mica and Mother of Pearl, $13 each, Nails Inc Special Effect Polish in Alexa Silk, $30, Ciate Locket Paint Pot, $48 for a set of 6, and Coat Nail Lacquer in Mr C Grey, $25
Unwilling to work your fingers to the bone scouting for grey nail varnish? You’ll be pleased as punch to know that this universally flattering polish is being proffered left and right on the just about every makeup aisle.
Friendly PSA: Single out 3- or 5-free formulas so as to take the menace out of your manicure, and you’ll be in good hands.
All hands on deck? Pore over these #NailsOfInstagram swag that have earned a thumbs-up from yours truly, and get cracking on putting those talons to good use!