The latest hand cream and nail colour formulas deliver your most youthful-looking hands yet. 1 / 3
1) Shape Your Nails Accordingly
“Classic nail shapes, like round and oval, are especially flattering for aging hands,” says Tom Bachik, celebrity manicurist and global nail designer for L’Oréal Paris, whose client list includes Jennifer Lopez and Julianne Moore. These shapes are more feminine and elegant than a really strong square or pointed shape, which means they won’t draw attention directly to your hands, he explains.
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2) Apply Neutral Coloured Polishes
When it comes to choosing the best shades this season, look to neutral colours. Neutral polish colours will complement your less-saturated skin tone instead of a contrasting hue like bright pink. “I love greys and taupey nudes and dirty, heathered, natural tones – from dark green to olive grey – for fall,” says Bachik. “They’re hip and modern.”
In terms of texture, stay away from light or neutral shades that have a chalky white undertone. For younger looking hands, opt for creamy, richly pigmented sheers that have more depth, such as plum and navy.
Polishes above, clockwise:
L’Oréal Paris Le Verins À L’Huile, Dimanche Apres-Midi, Greige Amourex and Greige Amourex, $10 each at mass merchandisers.
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3) Use Proper Treatments
The final step to maintaining younger looking hands is to use nail and cuticle treatments daily. Also, remember to use SPFto protect your skin from pigmentation and fine lines. Bachik’s favourite tip is to switch out standard cuticle oil for a facial formula that contains anti-aging ingredients for an extra-protective boost.
Try:
- Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream, $45 at department stores, pharmacies and clarins.com
- Ste. Anne’s Deep Hand Hydration, $28, Ste.Anne’s Spa, skinnourishment.ca
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Face, $10 at well.ca
Originally Published: September 23, 2016
You are probably (hopefully) taking proper care of your hands by pampering it with luxe hand creams and cuticle oils to make sure they look youthful and anything but wrinkly and unsightly. While that’s great, your manicure could be ruining it for you. Shocking, isn’t it?
We hate to break it to you but just like certain lip colours add or take a few years off your face, nail polish shades have the same effect on your hands. That’s why it is important to ditch the no-go nail colours and stock up with shades that actually make your hands look gorgeous. Here’s a low-down on five such nail polish shades that have a youthful vibe to them and can help you make your hands look young and absolutely stunning.
The classic red
If you think red is off-limits once you start to get wrinkles on your hands, you are wrong. Red is the most youthful colour and an anti-ageing staple to add in your arsenal. Go for orange-based reds and true tomato reds to make your hands look lively and young.
BB picks: Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Polish - Tomato Tango
White
Believe it or not, this is one nail shade you can never go wrong with. It is a great option and a trendy manicure colour that is far from boring or dull. It is chic and sophisticated and makes your striking nails the centre of attention.
BB picks: Elle 18 Nail Pops Nail Polish - 39
Powder pink
While bright pinks may look a bit OTT and draw attention to the ageing signs on your hands, lighter hues like powder pink, salmon and blush pink can take a few years off and give a youthful appeal.
This refreshingly muted colour looks best on long and almond-shaped nails.
BB picks: Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Nail Color - Blush
Lime green
What could be a better colour than green to counter the visible blue veins on your hands? Cool-toned, pastel shade like lime greens and mint greens are your best bet if you want to add a youthful vibe to your hands.
Bonus: this dreamy colour looks equally gorgeous on all skin tones.
BB picks: Lakmé 9 To 5 Primer + Gloss Nail Color - Lime Treat
Burnt orange
Painting your nails with warm and bright nail shades is a sure-shot way to make your hands look younger and beautiful. Deep orange with a tinge of brown is one such shade that looks cool and hip.
Needless to say, it adds a touch of glam to your look. Keep your nails short and paint them with this chic colour.
BB picks: Elle 18 Nail Pops Nail Polish - 70