Hands | Just had to shout about: nail innovations

Just had to shout about: nail innovations

21 Dec 2011 10:37 AM | Posted by bh'sOlivia

If you know your gels from your lacquers, then odds are you’ve got a bit of nail know-how. You’ve probably kept abreast of all of the nail innovations to hit us in 2011 – and are probably very excited at the thought of what we can expect to see in 2012!

But for now, let’s take a moment to look back over the nail innovations that had our talons in a tizz in 2011:

Nail foils – Sally Hansen, OPI, Blixz, 1000 Hour and Manicare all came out with some fabulous rub on nail stickers. We were able to get ghoulishly glam on Halloween and fiercely festive at Christmas due to the holiday designs, and there was never a dull moment with a plethora of patterns to rock on our digits. (We love the leopard print – reow!)

Nail shields – brought to us by Sally Hansen, these shields aim to serve and protect your new nail colour. Simply apply them on top of your painted nails and they act as a shield, so chipping is prevented for up to 14 days.

Crackle colour – OPI, Sally Hansen, Polished London and Australis have all come out with their own versions of this one. You can apply these crackle colours over the top of your base nail colour and watch as they begins to crackle and split over your original nail hue, leaving very cool, very individual results!

What is your favourite nail innovation of 2011?

How-to: get healthier glossier nails...

Get your polka-dot nails on...

Member Comments (56)

Posted by: Evanescencessy (Australia)

These nail trends are pretty cool for those who are bored of wearing one single shade, but I personally prefer that. It's simple and more practical and because I don't think it is suitable for a formal work environment.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 12:39pm)

Posted by: Cakes232 (Australia)

YES I LOVE THE PRINTED STICK ON'S

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 12:40pm)

Posted by: Princess Perfume (Australia)

I love the spotty nails - very cute.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 12:47pm)

Posted by: jatz (Member since 2008, Australia)

I've really enjoyed all these different nail trends that have come out recently. Everyone commented on my butterflys on my nails and wanted to know where I got them done. I am loving the crackle but unfortunately when I went to buy it before xmas, there weren't any available in the colour I was after. The other one that I spied at the end of 2011 was marbling.......I am so going to try doing that.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 2:43pm)

Posted by: Neilrawson (Australia)

I think the Sally Hansen stick on nail colours are wonderful, it is amazing what they keep coming up with in regards to beauty and making life snazzier and easier.
###Sandra

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 3:05pm)

Posted by: Michelle Sweetheart (United States)

I wasn't big on nail innovations last year, however, I think that I will try some this year.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 3:20pm)

Posted by: blackmagic (Australia)

So the sheilds go over nail colour? I thought it said to clean your nail colour off first. I would like to try some nail stickers in future but for now iv been using my trusty nail polish.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 3:24pm)

Posted by: Platinum Ms (Australia)

Whats not to like, the nail innovations in 2011was fun and fantastic I can only say the crackle was my least favourite but the rest was great ( probably I didn't get the effect I wanted with the crackle).

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 3:37pm)

Posted by: softness (Member since 2007, Australia)

My fave nail innovation easily is the Sally Hansen Nail Shields - they are so great because they stay really shiny for a good couple of weeks and make holidays easier! It's certainly the longest lasting nail product I've ever used.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:03pm)

Posted by: PrettyPrincess (Member since 2008, Australia)

2011 was a great year for nail trends!
I love the prints that came out with, so much fun.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:13pm)

Posted by: Rei_ (Australia)

stick on - definitely so much more of a clean effect for someone like me with wobbly hands!

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:26pm)

Posted by: Martini lover (Australia)

Nail shields are an absolute winner and definitely last as long as they claim, can get a bit worn out at the very end but you'd never get this much wear out of standard polish

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:42pm)

Posted by: Jenniqua (Australia)

Firstly I am loving all of the fresh new colours that have come out and second I love the nail foils. We are really being spoilt with all the easy to use products that are coming about. Thanks for always keeping us informed BH.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:43pm)

Posted by: pinkheart (Australia)

Nail art has become so much funkier with the nail stickers!

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 4:44pm)

Posted by: HMad (Member since 2007, Australia)

I am big fan of the crackle/shatter polishes - they make your existing polish collection more versatile as you can create new and modern looks with old season colours.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 5:02pm)

Posted by: awesomesauce11 (Australia)

I love nail art and nail stickers (so cute!), and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the crackle nail polishes.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 5:28pm)

Posted by: Ms Jelena (Australia)

I love everything nail and nail polish related :) I haven't tried nail stickers yet :D

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 6:05pm)

Posted by: Ms Jelena (Australia)

Crackle polishes are fun! I'm trying to get my hands on some Sally Hansen ones, but they are always sold out!

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 6:06pm)

Posted by: Jhyt0914 (Australia)

love to be girlie and get my nails done, makes me feel like a princess :) The new innovations are great, more choices to be beautiful. I bought this pen is in white colour, which I love just draw on my nail anytime :)

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 6:23pm)

Posted by: MissChriss (Australia)

I love the nail effects stickers, by far my fave nail invention for 2011.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 9:28pm)

Posted by: Chicklet (Member since 2008, Australia)

I love the nails in the photo! I'm a big fan of the nail foils. I'll have to give the nail shields another go, as I didn't realise you wear them over nail polish, I thought they went on bare nails. Makes sense now. Crackle just doesn't seem to work as well as I'd like it too.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 10:18pm)

Posted by: Shonson (Australia)

Crackle nail polish. Have had a blast creating many different looks since i received some of the sally hanson polishes for Christmas. Lazy girls way of getting more fancy looking nails.

Posted on: January 13, 2012 (Jan 13, 2012 11:35pm)

Posted by: Elenaxd (Australia)

love the shatter nail polish by opi. :D

Posted on: January 14, 2012 (Jan 14, 2012 12:09am)

Posted by: Tinaaa (Australia)

i love the pint stick ons.. they last long and the patterns are gorgeous!

Posted on: January 14, 2012 (Jan 14, 2012 2:48am)

Posted by: Discomilk (Australia)

My favourite is nail stickers! I love the sally hanson ones and they are fantastic for a party!!!

Posted on: January 14, 2012 (Jan 14, 2012 8:49am)