Textured and trippy

Having my nails done is probably my favorite indulgence. I don’t get massages, hair treatments or go to the spa like most girls. I like the short-term commitment of painting my nails and changing shades on a whim. Selecting the next color to replace an old pedicure is a process –– albeit a fun one, depending on my mood, preferred style at the moment and the shade that “speaks” to me. Some people may find this absurd or trivial. I find it therapeutic, as I know most women do. A fresh pedicure is like a blank canvas that I can play around and create a different artwork with every time.

My friend Agoo pretty much feels the same way. She is known for her perfectly manicured and beautifully shaped hands that have gotten quite the following on Instagram. Each photo is carefully angled, accessorized and labeled. It’s an album for the polish-obsessed and a good guide for those who are curious and want to be adventurous. So I called her to educate you and me on the latest nail trends. Turns out that color is no longer enough if you want to make a statement. Texture is the craze and comes in the most unusual and trippy materials. So read on and book an appointment, pronto! It’s undeniably cool, completes an outfit and best of all, completely temporary.

Shade: Warpaint Beauty in Acid Orange

Orange crush: Neon is looking like a trend that’s here to stay. It’s versatile, cheerful and complements almost all skin tones.

Tip: If you decide on this shade, go all the way. Put two or even three layers to make the color sharper. Scrimp on it and it ends up half-baked.

Shade: Deborah Lippmann’s Va Va Voom

Blues brothers: This rich, bright Yves Klein Blue has glitters that beautifully reflect light, giving nails a festive, disco feel.

Tip: Use a similar shade as base coat and add a layer or two of the glitter bottle for a more vibrant effect.

Shade: Weidu Velvet Manicure

Furry fetish: Perhaps the most unusual nail décor to emerge this season, the velvet mani (a fur-like substance) is poured to the nail bed after the base has been painted. Simply pick the closest shade to the pot you choose for a flawless finish.

Tip: Similar to the caviar pearls, this is also on the high-maintenance side. Swimming or any sport and strenuous activity should be avoided until you’re ready to change it.

Shade: Zoya Pixie Dust in Chyna

Red alert: Another breakthrough in texture. Pixie dust has a matte finish that’s akin to sand paper and lasts longer than regular polish. Perfect for travelling, too.

Tip: This type of polish can be a bit tedious to take off. Make sure you wipe off every little bit left to make the nail a clean slate.

Shade: Deborah Lippmann’s Laughin’ to the Bank

Emerald city: This classy and seriously glam shade is perfect for black-tie events as it exudes pure elegance. It also looks good on most skin tones.

Tip: Emerald green goes best with darker garments like burgundy, rich brown and black. On the other hand, it offsets red, creating a dramatic contrast.

Shade: Ciate Caviar Pearls

Dippin’ dots: Fine, colorful pearls are attached to the nail that’s put on a base coat, creating a unique texture. The kit comes in twos, the accompanying polish depending on the colors of the beads.

Tip: The beads can be quite high maintenance, as they tend to fall off after application. Give it some time to dry before resuming activities.

Shade: Seche Blanc

White out: White polish has a certain modern and minimalist factor that looks clean and graphic. It also blends beautifully on both fair and morena skin tones.

Tip: White is more prone to chipping and is really obvious when it does, so pick a good topcoat to prolong the life and for a nice, glossy finish.

Photos by CHOLO DELA VEGA, Nails by MESHEL PERNITO and BING RONO of Nail Spa (tel. 817-3128), Modeled by AGOO BENGZON