BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
July 30, 2018
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, July 2018 | Nails That Make Skin Look Beautiful, Nails That Look Stylish
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, July 2018 | Nails That Make Skin Look Beautiful, Nails That Look Stylish
In summer, nails that make skin look beautiful,
and nails that add a stylish touch are essential.
As summer approaches, we tend to focus on our figures and our nails. While the concern about our figures is something most women can relate to, some might wonder, "Why are nails particularly on my mind in the summer?" The reason is the same as for our figures: as clothing takes up less space, more skin is exposed. When we have nail polish on our hands and feet, which are more visible, our skin appears more beautiful and the nails become a focal point. Alternatively, with fewer clothing items to wear, nails become a precious fashion accessory. Thus, in summer, nails become an even more indispensable item for making the skin on our hands and feet look beautiful and for creating a stylish impression.
Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko
My Personal Standards for Everyday Nail Choices
These days, many people use gel nails, and I often see them enjoying colorful shades like light blue and orange. As for me, due to my profession, I am frequently photographed while doing makeup on models. Therefore, my nails cannot have a flashy appearance that might distract from the model's face or makeup. Also, my hands are often photographed up close during makeup application, so I use a nude-ish pink-white shade to make the skin on my hands look as beautiful as possible (!). This color brightens my tanned hands instantly and makes them look lovely.
While my preferred color palette is thus somewhat limited to meet my conditions, I have further criteria. Even when choosing a brightening color, it should not stand out too much from my skin tone, nor should it blend in too much. For instance, even a nude shade in a beige tone can blend too much with my tanned hands, making my skin appear duller. Furthermore, without a glossy finish or a subtle pearl sheen, my skin lacks a sense of transparency, and my nails don't look beautifully shaped. Finding a nail color that meets all these conditions is surprisingly difficult, even though it seems like it should be readily available. However, these UKA Color Base Coat ZERO 6/0 Milky Pink (left) and 7/0 Milky White (right) not only meet my criteria but are also formulated with serum, making them gentle on the nails!
6/0 is a soft, milky pink with a hint of gray. It's not overtly "made up" but has a translucent quality, imparting a subtle hue. Applying a second coat creates a delicate milky finish that brightens and beautifies adult hands, lending a sophisticated, stylish impression.
7/0 is a soft, transparent white base. It's a delicate white that allows the nail's natural pink to show through. A second coat gives the impression of a natural French manicure, bestowing refined beauty upon the hands. Three coats create a chic, high-fashion French manicure.
Nails That Add a Stylish Touch
While I usually lean towards nude shades, it's summer! When my work schedule allows, I get an irresistible urge to wear colors that serve as a stylish accent.
Every summer, I find a nail color I want to wear, and this year it's Chanel's Vernis Velvet 636 and 638 (limited edition release from August 26). Both feature a matte, frosted-glass-like texture. This allows for bold, deep colors that don't appear heavy but rather exude a cute impression, making them stylish and not overwhelming even in Japan's humid summer. With matte textures predicted to be trendy this autumn, it's exciting to get ahead of the curve. These colors and textures are the complete opposite of my usual preference for gloss, transparency, and nude shades, so they offer a wonderful change of pace. Plus, the contrast between the deep colors and my skin makes my hands look beautiful, which is another bonus.
636 is a pure red matte. Even with casual outfits like a striped T-shirt, capri pants, and a straw hat, this nail color elevates the look to a more fashionable level.
637 is a deep burgundy matte. This nail color lends an assertive impression even to simple fashion, such as a long black linen dress. It would also complement autumn and winter wardrobes.
Unlike gel nails, the joy of regular nail polish is the ease with which you can change your color to suit your work schedule or mood. What are your personal standards for nail polish?