MANICURE MODES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1938, Page 8

MANICURE MODES

LATEST FROM OVERSEAS. INTRICATE PATTERNS. Manicuring is such an everyday occurrence that some people do not give it the attention that it deserves. But beautiful finger tips can speak just as eloquently as a beautiful face. Nails have become fashionable. Two tone varnishes, crescents, and initials are worked in intricate patterns, .and for evening wear they are covered with gold or silver dust. Instead of doing your nails in the old stereotyped manner, try some of these new, distinctive designs, and notice how they will slenderise your fingers. Two-colour effects are used. Instead of varnishing the nails as you have done in the past, you will use two separate colours, and these can be used in any manner of design which your imagination can evolve. Cover the body of the nail with a .deeper shade than that which is used for the edges and trimmings. You can vary the colourings used so that they will tone with your frocks, but always remember that the two colours used on the nails must form a soft combination. New Colours for Occasions. Many of the new colours in varnish are extremely intriguing. There are cyclamen, thistle, sundown, and purple. Purple nails are extremely fashionable on the Continent, but it is doubtful whether’ /the craze will ever spread to Australia. Pearl and opalescent are also beautiful shades, and their delicateness is extremely suitable for evening wear. Gold and silver nails are quite the mode for ballroom and theatre. If you cannot procure a gold or silver dust from your hairdresser or store, you can procure it from, any artists’ supply house. First paint the entire nail with cream varnish, and, whilst it is still wet, dust the sparkling powder on to the nail. When it is dry, you will have a nail which is the envy of your friends. Naturally, you will require brushes for carrying out these new nail styles, and for this purpose you had better procure three very fine paint-brushes, and also a very fine stick. In fact, a small packet of tooth-picks will serve the purpose. Use Your Initials.

Another fashion overseas is to have your initials worked on one nail of each hand. If you do this you will have to use a dark colour such as purple for the actual nail colouring, and then, with a tooth-pick, trace your initials with a very contrasting shade. An excellent finger on which to work the initial is the left hand index finger. This finger is always on show, and is much easier to work upon, as it allows free play with the right hand. Of course, before attempting to apply one coat of colour on to the previous one, you must first make sure that the base colour is perfectly dry, otherwise the colours will mix together and clog, and the whole manicure will then be spoilt. ' All designs must be clear cut, and you will be foolish to attempt anything intricate. The same applies to your initials. One or two are ample. Also make sure that the design you choose will enhance your nails and not make them ridiculous. New Moons. One very definite advantage, with this new fashion is that you no longer have to worry because you have not any “moon.” It will now be covered, with lacquer, and you will paint your own moon in its place. If your hands are over-large, with somewhat knotty fingers, try and slenderise them by filing away the nails from the sides, in as perfect a shape as possible, and use a liquid polish of a delicate shade of pearl pink.

The Application. Some women still find difficulty in: applying nail varnish. When they are careful, so that the varnish does not geton to the skin, they then often make ridges and show where the brushmarks Join. This is usually caused through lack of method. First you must have a brush which is perfectly clean and not too soft, and there should not be any ragged hairs. Remove all excess polish from the brush. Then rest your left hand on a table, and with your right hand apply the polish with the brush held flat and almost parallel with the nail. The first mark should be made in the centre of the nail and carried to wherever you require the polish to finish. Then each alternate marking should be placed on each side of the centre stroke. Any excess liquid can be removed with a small square of absorbent gauze, and a perfectly clean finish will then be achieved. Another tip worth trying is first to polish the nails with a powder and buffer before applying your nail varnish. This will heighten the finished effect. A Cure for Blues. An excellent plan is to cut some small strips of gauze, wrap around your toothpick, and lay them to one side so that they are ready for immediate use when required. This is essential if you try one of the new distinctive' designs, because you are sure to make some false moves on your first attempt. Next time you feel blue, instead of rushing out and buying new shoes or dresses, try one of these distinctive nail treatments, and you will then feel as if you are ready to conquer the world.