Done well, monochrome nails are
the ultimate statement manicure.
Here’s what you need to knowThe dark side
A black manicure looks
super chic, but it needs to
be flawless. “Black polish
is unforgiving and must
be chip free and perfectly
applied to keep it looking
sophisticated,” says Petroni.
Here’s how to nail the look.KEEP STEADY “Rest the
inner wrists of both hands
on a steady surface to
stabilise your hands and
steady your painting,”
suggests Petroni.
REAPPLY “Always apply
two coats of colour,” she
says. “This way you can
fix any stand-out errors
with the second coat.”
RETOUCH “Touch up
around the cuticle using
a polish-remover-soaked
cotton tip,” says Petroni.
TOPCOAT “A pply a
topcoat to smooth down
lumps and bumps in the
polish,” she adds. “It gives
a smooth, gel-like finish.”THE CLASSICS
Just like old Hollywood, black and
white nails hark back to old-world
glamour. “I love classic nail colours,
and black and white are perfect
monochromatic classics,” says
Jocelyn Petroni, Chanel manicurist.
“Both colours are pigment rich so
they stand out on the nail plate to
make a beautiful, bold statement.”GREAT SHAPE
To keep white nails looking modern,
a blunt manicure is key. “A short,
natural nail shape will wear white
polish best,” advises Petroni. “It
complements the hands without
becoming too stark or heavy set.” It’s a
similar story when going dark. “Black
nails must be short and neat to keep
this colour elegant and sophisticated.”DO THIS
Go for white: if you have a medium
or warm skin tone. “Its neutral and
clean finish complements the nails
and makes them look healthy,”
explains Petroni.
Steer clear of white: if you are very
fair or have blueish undertones.
“Avoid white if your skin tone is
cool and super pale,” she says.
Go for black: this inky shade works on
all skin types. “Black has depth and
warmth that works against all skin
tones and age groups,” adds Petroni.UPKEEP
Maintenance is key with monochrome.
Petroni recommends applying a daily
topcoat to keep nails looking fresh
for longer. “Wash and dry your hands
before applying the topcoat, to wash
away surface oil and debris,” she says.
“Do this every day and your polish will
remain chip resistant and glossy.”IN BLACK
& WHITE
CHANEL
Le Vernis
nail polish in
Pure Black and
Pure White,
$41 eachmarieclaire.com.au (^) | 163
BEAUTY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD URRUTIA; COURTESY OF CHANEL. TEXT BY SALLY HUNWICK.