1920s: Nail lacquers began to be mass produced and it was fashionable to only paint the middle of the nails, leaving the moon and tips of nails a natural color.
Using “Tulip Festival” in the middle of your nails would help you achieve the vogue look of 20’s nail fashion. Using French manicure stencils is an easy trick to leave the negative space on the moons and tips, and applying Top Coat would complete the look.
1930s: Lipstick and nail polish were used as an affordable way to accessorize, and usually matched with shades of bold red, pale rose, light pinks and subtle cream shades. Adorning the tips with gold, silver, or mother of pearl was the trend.
“Cherry Festival” red would be the perfect way to accessorize a dress from the 30s, pairing with the perfect shade of red lipstick.
1940s: When resources and efforts went towards the war, fashion had to be functional. The affordability of cosmetics allowed women to feel feminine, even when working heavy machinery. Clear coats and base coats were marketed towards keeping nails protected while working. Short nails with a layer of natural pink polish was the go to look.
1950s: The postwar generation returned back to fashionable, feminine, glamorous style with longer bold red nails, as well as the invention of acrylic nails by dentist Fred Slack in 1955.
A classic red shade, “Thimbleberry Jam” can be worn for any occasion for a feminine, glamorous style.
1960s: Fashion trends of the 1960’s were inspired by the many social movements of the decade. Make up was all about the eyes, so women wore nail colors that were more subdued, softer, and pastel.
“Barely There” would be the go-to color for this decade.
1970s: If anything, French manicure was popular, however bare or natural was how most women of this decade sported their nails.
A healthy way to wear your nails natural is to use the Nourishing Base Coat, cuticle balm, and glass nail file that comes in the 4-pc Manicure System kit.
1980s: Literally anything goes in this decade! Bright, off the wall colors, each nail painted a different color, introduction of colors never before worn like neon green, yellow, and blue. Inspiration came from music, celebrities, and the powerful youth.
Bright neon colors like “Day at the Beach” is a fun way to display tribute to the 80s on your nails.
1990s: Bold nail art sported by female rappers in the 90’s gave way to creative flare still seen today. Short, dark nails were seen in popular films and also inspired a trend.
“Old Mission” would be a cool, dark shade for your inner 90s spirit.
2000s: During the recession, nail art became a huge way to express oneself. Adorning nails with wraps, glitter, dark nail polish, studs, jewels, hand painted art, stickers, water slides, textured nail polishes, and metallic shades was the trend in the Millennium and went perfectly with all the crimped hair and lip gloss of this decade.
2010s: Current nail fashion is all about individuality. There is a style, nail shape, length, and nail color for literally everybody. The fast paced world we live in today means that one day we can sport a manicure to match a bright blue bridesmaids dress on a Saturday, and then don a nude color to work on Monday. It has never been easier to express ourselves, change who we want to be for the day, and come up with new ways to be fashionable as it is now.
More importantly, there are now safer nail polishes available that don’t contain formaldehyde, TPHP, DBP, toluene, parabens, phthalates. Northern Nail Polish was established in 2013, and is setting the scene locally for toxin-free nail polish that is also long-lasting and chip resistant.
2020s: Only time will tell what the next decade will hold! We’ll continue to come up with shades that are inspired by the uniqueness and beauty of our natural Great Lakes State!