Nail Colors That Never Go Out Of Style

These nail polish colors have transcended time, generation, and trends. If you want to go back to basics or have a classy and formal event to go to, keep these nail polish colors in your nail kit for pretty hands and feet whatever color your outfit is, whatever age you are.

French Tips

Zoya Naked Manicure for the perfect French tip

French-tipped nails are a favorite of girls from the time of their junior prom up to the day they get married. It's classic and looks really clean and elegant. I like my French tips with a beige base since it looks more natural with my skin tone and semi-sheer white tips rather than full-on liquid paper white. Try Zoya Naked Manicure, which has a vegan and cruelty-free formula that's safe even for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Aside from giving your nails a flawless look with a natural finish, it also cares for your nails by restoring its natural health and beauty with continued use.


Nude

Revlon Nail Enamel in Grey Suede

Just like a nude pair of heels, nude polish looks great with any outfit and any complexion. It makes your nails look done while it's light enough that it's not too scary-looking. Choose a light taupe or beige if you want something that you can take from work to date night as well as to a Sunday brunch with the family. Try Revlon Nail Enamel in Grey Suede

Pink

Mommas who still want to have their tips in top shape can try Zoya in Tulip from the Petals collection

I'm not really a pink fan but pink, from blush pink to dusty mauve and even an occasional bright pink can be for those events that you just feel like being a girl that day. If you're having a hard time perfecting the French tips using your non-dominant hand, a coat or two of light pink polish gives the same clean, dainty effect. Try Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Cardshark for a light pastel pink or go bright with Orly Basket Case


Metallic

Revlon Brilliant Strength in Magnetize

Whether it's gold, silver, copper, or bronze, a metallic color is pretty to show off a tan or just when you want your tips to look festive for a Christmas party. I find metallics the easiest to apply too, making this something I recommend to DIY nail newbies who want less difficulty with maximum impact. Be sure to have a really sturdy topcoat with this as metallic formulas tend to chip easier. Metals to choose: Caronia Gold Rush, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Spice Age, or Revlon Brilliant Strength in Magnetize.


Coral

Bright or light? Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Pretty Piggy (left) and Caronia Pique (right) 

Another shade that compliments a summery tan, a nice coral shade looks great during summer or spring, or whatever occasion you want to bring out some happy, inner sunshine at your fingertips. Go from pretty and peachy to a bright corally-red depending on how you feel. Try Caronia Pique or Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Pretty Piggy


Red

Red for for bridal. Hairpiece and faux fur muff by Dennis Celestial. Photo by Owee Salva
On Nails: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Cherry Red 

Red is a classic color that transcends generations. There's something with the statement red finishing touch (like  red lipstick, red shoes, etc) that's sexy and classy at the same time. Brides sometimes choose red as their nail color of choice instead of pastels and nudes, and I couldn't see why not. In fact, it was my own personal choice. Red, especially those with a blue undertone, also makes the hands and feet look whiter and cleaner.  Classic reds are Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Queen of Hearts or Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish in  Red Carpet Glam


Wine

Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Polish in Ruby Fruit

For nights when you want to unleash your inner vamp and feel sexy, choose a pretty wine color that matches the beverage you're sipping. It also has the same effect of bright red nails - it makes the hands and feet look whiter and cleaner as well. Try Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Polish in Ruby Fruit or Chanel Le Vernis in Vamp.

Which among these colors are your go-to shades?

Store Directory:

Caronia
Available at all leading department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores nationwide

Chanel
Available at Rustan's and Essenses; rustans-thebeautysource.com; chanel.com; facebook.com/chanel

Max Factor
Available at all leading department stores nationwide; maxfactor.com; facebook.com/MAXFactor; facebook.com/MaxFactorPH

Orly
Available at at Purebeauty stores, Landmark TriNoma and Makati, select SM and Watsons, select Robinsons and Gaisano stores, and PCX

Revlon
Available at all leading department stores nationwide; revlon.com; facebook.com/revlon; facebook.com/RevlonPhilippines

Sally Hansen
Available at at leading department stores nationwide; sallyhansen.com; facebook,com/SallyHansen

Zoya
Available at all leading salons; beautymnl.com/brands/zoya; zoya.com; facebook.com/ZoyaNailPolish; facebook.com/ZoyaPolishPH

#GlamJan with Marilyn

Back in makeup school, part of learning how to artfully apply makeup the pro way, one of my most favorite topics is actually history of makeup. We studied the makeup styles and trends from different decades as well as getting to know the beauty icons of each era. It was the nerd in me, I guess, having fun every day travelling back in time and trying to recreate the look that was hot then. Some of these looks have had its modern-world adaptations (at this point, I remember every single Great Gatsby, Godfather, or Chicago - pegged HMU that I ever did). Although not as harsh as pencil-thin brows and droopy smokey eyes. they have that still-wearable for today's age look while still keeping tabs with its historical origins.

One of the most popular looks that has transcended time is the "flawless skin, dramatically lined eyes, and red lips" look. It may have taken a backseat during the 90s when it's all about Kate Moss and her minimalism or Jennifer Aniston as Rachel complete with layered 'do and Y-necklace but it has always been spotted in magazines or red-carpet events, weddings, or just everyday in the mall. It's classic, elegant, and not to mention takes less effort than usual. And one of the loveliest iconic ladies that have sported this look is Marilyn Monroe.

In the late 1940s, a young brunette woman named Norma Jeane entered the Blonde Room in Mr. Max Factor Junior's Hollywood makeup studio. She emerged later the red-lipped and creamy-skinned platinum blonde Marilyn Monroe we know today. Marilyn is his most iconic client and right now, she's its Global Glamour Ambassador.

Her look is actually very effortless and clean, and the go-to for any woman, as it doesn't take much effort to do. Simply conceal blemishes and set skin with Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder (also mattifies oilies), Groom and define brows, sweep some blush, Frame eyes with mascara and eyeliner, and literally let the lips do the talking - by taking the center stage with red lipstick. Now not to worry about wearing red. There is a red for every skin color and girl. Check out Ruby Tuesday, for example, a go-to red of Max Factor Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath.

Another trivia about Ruby Tuesday, this shade is inspired by Marilyn's most favorite red lipsticks. To give attention to hands, try red polish as well to match the lips. Another bonus about red polish is that it makes the hands look whiter, cleaner, and well-kept,

This clean with oomph may be taken from office setting to dinner table. There are versions as well for each girl, One may prefer thicker eyeliner or skip it altogether. Maybe smoke up the eyes during nighttime. We don't have to wear curls either. Even Thalia in her book Belleza had her modern-day version of it.

[image source]

 [image source]

And even though there is the classic formula and peg for this, we are all free to create our very own interpretations, adapting to our own facial features. So even if this is the last day for #glamjan, we can still post our classic Marilyn-inspired selfies. :) Because of course, she is a legend that lives on.

A Golden Look for Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder

Max Factor has been around for as long as I could remember. Back in the time when we were still kids and not allowed to play with makeup, we would often find ourselves sneaking to our mom's or grandma's dresser and probably seen familiar Max Factor compacts. It may have been applied to us on school presentations when our teachers would do our makeup or during flower girl days. Well I learned last Saturday when I saw the new Max Factor counter in Landmark Trinoma that this brand has actually been around for 60 years! Wow! It's practically been that long already and so well-established, generations and generations of women have been users of it.

Although the brand has been in around for quite a long time, it still continues to keep itself updated so it still has an appeal with the younger generation while keeping its classic allure that make the loyal users for decades keep sticking to it. A classic product, The Creme Puff Pressed Powder gets restaged and relaunched to fit the modern woman - packaging and all.

The Creme Puff was originally created for movie stars to hide spots and imperfections with that perfect coverage and still natural finish so it's like Hollywood skin is just gorgeous like that. Which therefore, makes it like the awesomest staple in the everyday life's makeup kit. This is the same product that has been around since 1953 but it is given a fabulous makeover in a golden case with that classic scent.


The Creme Puff (heehee I know, sounds like the dessert) is a pressed powder, which can be used over liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, and CC or BB cream to set. It can also be toted for touch-ups during the day to matt out shine, because yes, we do shine up at the middle of the day. Since this is pressed instead of loose, there's less chance of messy purses from loose powder spills.

There are 7 shades available. I swatched the product and it doesn't quite interfere with makeup color, so I can recommend for a MUA to get a few of the medium shades to use for touch ups for both bride and groom. At Php 575, it costs almost half of the more expensive touch-up powders and performs quite as well.

Although this comes with a velvety powder puff, I like using a fluffy brush in applying this for professional use. I have the Creme Puff in Translucent, which is pretty much a safe color to start of with for makeup artists. It doesn't interfere with the makeup color so it's pretty much universal. It mattifies makeup without that Happy Foundation Day look, which can make makeup less obvious for males.

The scent though, is one thing that can be a con with this product. There are some clients who may not like the perfumed scent . According to users though, it only stays for a good 10 minutes until it fades off. It may work for others, it may not for some, especially if the wearer has sensitive skin. In that case, have your regular unscented plan B powders in hand if you are a makeup artist.

Performance-wise, overall I think it's great to have in my kit as a makeup artist and I would also use this in my travel bag when I go on trips and wouldn't want to look shiny come photo-taking. For my pro bag though, I must keep a spare unscented compact in case my client is sensitive. But for the price it has, maybe I'll get another lighter shade for highlight.

Nail Test: Pole Dance. Challenge Accepted

Okay, so what was my first road test for the nail art using the new Max Factor nail polish? Hop over to the Polecats Studio for my pole workout. Yay pole!

The stag jade entails balancing, squeezing that darn pole with your hip and thighs and lots of control from the core so you don't topple over.

The upright ayesha or elbow hang has got me hanging by a thread, errr elbow I mean, with my tummy skin helping me stick and stay up there. When that elbow of mine gets stronger, I can hang by it for dear life solely.

There's this part in pole where you're focused on not falling in a trick or trying to hold that upside-down pose without dying or getting your faced smushed on the floor that you think you resemble a persian cat. You don't realize that your polish, that you thought was dry has actually got some tack in it so you're like, what are those fingerprints and skid marks when you look at your nails.

Thankfully, I had none after, and as I said, chipping started at day 3 (or was it 4) but it was so minute I hardly noticed it. The day before Stellar 3, you know what I'll be taking to the nail salon.

Fun Nail Colors That Last with Max Factor

Nail polish is a very affordable beauty indulgence. This pop of color on the hands is already a fashion statement on its own. When I was a teenager, I remember oohing and aahing on nail polish bottles in drugstores but alas, we were not allowed to wear nail polish in school back then (one of those rules in high school where we have to be "simple") and so the polish was reserved during the weekends or on toes where they were hidden by our school shoes. It was a fun way of experimenting with color without costing a lot. In a way, it's a very affordable accessory.

Somehow, ironically, when I got older, I stopped wearing polish on my hands. This was not because I lost the fondness but because since  my work involves a lot of things literally on my hands like typing (which is prone to chipping) plus chores like dishwashing, cleaning the bathroom, and taking care of the kitty's litterbox  can take a toll on my freshly-applied color. I still however, put color on my toes, as due to nail surgery a few years back from pedi boo-boos, I resolved to have my nails done outside in trusted nail salons.

On my way home from pole lunch class last week, I got a text from Aireen inviting us bloggers for a very fun and pampering afternoon at Beauty and Butter Megamall to launch the new nail colors from Max Factor.
Since I'll be meeting Iana that day at Strata to teach her makeup application for her finals, Megamall was a hop and a skip and a backflip from strata so it was absolutely yes. And hey, I never say no to pampering. I just said that I can't have lotion since I might be poleling that day (I did by the way, and I didn't slip).

Beauty and Butter is such a cute cute nail salon with an art deco theme. Their prices are also quite affordable. I think basic mani costs like Php170 and a mani-pedi package Php350. I like that they do not dig in to cuticles and have excellent service.

The best part of it all is the free and trusty WiFi. They can even lend iPads for their clients to tinker with, like checking Facebook or the news. For those working "from home", they can get their foot spa while catching up on work in their laptops, sort of a yin-yang thing.

Max Factor introduces two polish varieties, the Max Color Effect Mini Nails and Glossfinity, which are very affordable and come in a variety of shades to mix, match, and clash.

The Max Color Effect Mini Nails comes in colors that are bright, bold, and fruity that are an instant fashion statement. It's a great way to change the look. Imagine wearing just neutral classic like white shirt and jeans then a burst of lime green on the nails. Or a black dress with hot pink nails. It's like the red lipstick, but cheaper. It also comes in a tiny bottle that fits the teensiest of all purses.

Check out the color wheel swatches they showed us. As you can see, the colors are brighter and a bit more fun. This would be great to wear on weekends or like a nice party. They're also pretty affordable as a bottle costs Php 175.

For a job interview or a more serious event, Glossfinity has shades that are more classic and neutral as well as occasional navy and deep colors. They can last up to 7 days and stay shiny, from the name. They have roses, pinks, reds, beiges, and browns so if you're the girl who's till scared to go hot pink or deep vampy wine colors, they have neutrals for you.

Awesomeness too is that we could mix and match these colors for our very own fun nail art, which we got to experience thanks to the girls at Beauty and Butter. For me personally, obviously I didn't want something tame, sweet, and neutral. I wanted something fun and something with kitties. there weren't kitty print designs available on the nail art but I went for something close - leopard and tiger prints!

My nails were painted leopard-print spots after a coat of Max Color Effect in Lollipop, a sweet bright pink color. 

 I initially wanted leopard print on the nails but however, toenails were too tiny for leopard print so I settles for tiger prints. At least tigers are cats too.

My leopard nails after. As I took this photo, my nails were already surprisingly dry. I love that there's no need to wait for one million years.So super shiny! Thanks to the Glossfinity topcoat to seal it all in. Oh, by the way, Glossfinity costs Php 245, since the bottle is bigger.

I'm a Jungle Cat! Meoooowwwwrrrr!!!!!!!

Remember the reason why I stopped wearing polish on the hands is that they tend to chip considerably come day 3 even if I have it done professionally? Thankfully, this one stayed on longer. The chip came on day 4 or 5 but it was unnoticeable and day 6 was when it started to lose the shine. But of course again, I do a lot of manual labor and I swim a lot so I guess it's my lifestyle already. The chips though, were not big chunks as like other polishes where it looks like half of the polish is already gone. If you don't look close enough, the chips aren't noticeable.

After day 6, I decided to go DIY and try my hand on nail art. I used a variety of nail polish brands here. I painted my thumb orange from Max Factor's Max Color Effect in Satsuma as a base color and for the other nail, a yellow color from another brand. I personally have a hard time applying opaque colors as they don't come out even but this one was pretty easy, even comparable to a brand that costs twice its amount.

The Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nails I would recommend to a lot of people, for young girls starting out with polish on their toes hidden by school socks or school shoes, or the fickle-minded nail fanatic who changes polish every so often. It's also a great way to experiment with a new bold color as well, and since the bottle's tiny, it's like a sample size first. For those with active lifestyles or with jobs that entail more conservative color palettes and dresscodes, Glossfinity has the neutral shades and last to stay in top condition until the weekend when it's time to make a switcharoo to the fun colors. Although Glossfinity stays on its own, I'd still recommend a topcoat so it lasts shinier and longer.

Happy bloggers with the Max factor Team :) Thank you Max Factor and Beauty and Butter for that super fun afternoon. For those curious, yes, the polishes are already available. I just bought one this weekend.

An Afternoon With Bobby Carlos and Max Factor Ageless Elixir

Last Thursday, I got together with some select beauty bloggers in an intimate late lunch/early dinner with the people behind a very iconic makeup brand - Max Factor together with their Chief Makeup Artist, Mr. Bobby Carlos as they introduced to us Max Factor's newest foundation - Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation - a foundation which incorporates skin care for the very busy career woman who never seemed to have at least one hour to put on makeup.

After my doctor's appointment since I was kofkofing, I went back home, curled my hair, got my camera, and hopped over to Zuni in Greenbelt 5 where I was welcomed by Aireen where she introduced me to the people behind the Max Factor brand. Max Factor has probably been around much much longer than probably - the time I learned to walk. Remember when we were kids and we have those school plays where our mums or schoolteachers would powder our skin with Max Factor pancake foundation? Or the Max Factor lipfinity liquid lipstick that never seemed to come off? Max Factor has been present in the vanities of moms, aunties, grandmas, stage actors, tv actors, and beauty pageant contestants. If you were a kid or teenager in the 80's, Max Factor sure was one of the stuff in the makeup kit.

Bobby's epic makeup station was already set up.

Dream makeup station! White lights, big mirror, and lotsa lotsa lotsa makeup organized. *drool*

Panstick foundation! Beauty contests anyone? That's the ultimate drag queen and theater foundation makeup with full coverage at its finest. Remember what Manila Luzon said in his makeup tutorial? "If your skin could still breathe, you're not applying enough!" But seriously, if you need like full on big theater transformation coverage - get this with all your might.

A "self-portrait" of me with the star of today's event in all seven shades- the Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 foundation.

They look like bottles of liquid gold treasures, don't they?

The program started with Bobby giving us a lowdown on the product. The Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation was created for women 35 and above, which are women who are at the peak of their careers who do not have the luxury of time to put on makeup for an hour. This foundation incorporates skin care into the product so not only does it provide the coverage we need but it also protects our skin with SPF 15 plus a very potent anti-wrinkle serum that cares for our skin too. However, this doesn't mean that women at our age should steer clear away from it like the plague. Women with dry skin could still use this since it's got a lot of ingredients to help hydrate the skin. It sits on top of the skin rather sinking into the pores so we need not worry of makeup clogging our pores that they suffocate, die, and cause ugly breakouts the following day.

Bobby demonstrates to us a very quick makeup routine on Jamie, using Max Factor products. We were free to test the products too as there were also samples for us to try. This makeup look is inspired by one of Hollywood's loveliest and sexiest screen sirens - Marilyn Monroe - the classic clean eye and red lip combo that's very easy to do. Only, he uses orange lipstick instead of red, to give it a more modern, updated look.

The foundation is already good enough to be used as a concealer from his demonstraton. Actually, on "normal" days, we could just dot and blend foundation only where needed and set with powder. It's nice to show more skin rather than have what we all jokingly call a "Foundation Day", where foundation could be distinguished miles away from home. When I was trying the foundation on on myself, it was potent enough to diminish my red spots and hide my undereye circles, it's all just finding the right shade.

After the demo, Jamie looks all glammed up yet still very very fresh. Another thing about this look is that it's so easy to do with very minimal equipment. I think Bobby used only like around 7 brushes for this look - foundation brush, powder brush, 2 eyeshadow brushes, an eyeliner brush (to demonstrate liquid liner application), and a lip brush. There were only two eye colors used - a nude base color and a black contour color (which also doubled as liquid liner when applied wet). It's not only quick but money-saving too. Another money-saving tip I learned with Bobby? The only lipliner a personal makeup kit needs is one in a nude shade. Sure, I own like a lot of lipliner shades, but I do this for a living so I need a lot of shades, but if you just do makeup for yourself, nude lipliner would do.

Bobby used a flat foundation brush to apply foundation. Of course, for work purposes, we use brushes. We need not necessarily use a flat foundation brush - we could use our favorite foundation brush - a stippling brush works nicely too or the makeup tool you've had ever since you were born - your fingers! Make sure they're clean, of course.

I used my fingers to apply the foundation on me and blended with a sponge. I used Golden on me, since I'm more on the warmer yellower side of the skin tone spectrum. I was thinking Natural first, but it worked more as undereye concealer/highlighter for me. Actually, it sets in a powdery non-sticky finish so a light dusting of loose powder is okay to set this for girls with dry/combination skin (I would guess some dry-skinned girls need not set this at all).

I needed a bit of powder in me as although I'm not oily, matte skin isn't my natural bare skin and it's like a reflector of some sort, so I need something to mattify it. When I asked about staying power, it stays on quite well. A bride can wear this to a wedding and still look pretty post-reception, provided that she not get overcooked in heat or jump in the swimming pool or ocean after. It's also got a nice, fruity smell to it. If you're not a fan of fragrance, though, this may not be for you. The fragrance though, is very mild instead of heady. It actually smells quite fresh when applied.

We didn't go home empty-handed as we took home the Max Factor Ageless Elixir in our own shade in a pretty quilted traveller's kikay kit plus more sample-sized shades for me to try.

Thank you Max Factor for the invitation and Bobby Carlos for the awesome, awesome quick and effortless makeup look we learned and all the other tips we got. :)