From Tip to Toe: Seven Nail Trends of the Moment

Don’t even think of heading to the disco without this gold-flecked lacquer on your tips. This sparkling little gem has given rise to countless impostors, but even though it’s a steep $32.50, nothing’s better than the real thing. (Tip: Gold Leaf Lacquer is often out of stock due to its overwhelming popularity. If you can’t wait until it’s available again, Sephora by OPI makes a similar polish called Only Gold for Me that sells for a mere $9.50.) ($32.50, Space NK)

These days, the FOX hit television series Glee is everywhere—even in the cosmetic aisle. Sephora’s limited-edition collection of glamorous preprint nail patches includes gold stars, music notes, and navy-and-white polka dots. No doubt the fashion-conscious Mercedes Jones would agree that these prints rock. ($15, Sephora)

Pantone may have claimed Honeysuckle as their 2011 Color of the Year, a color that, according to their website, “is perfect to ward off the blues,” but it hasn’t kept all the blues away. Everything from ethereal pastels to deep navy hues to this tranquil azure blue hue by Essie have been popping up on hands everywhere this spring. ($8, Drugstore.com)

Made from actual nail polish, not adhesive, these peel-and-apply strips make it easy to do a quick manicure when you have no time for polishing. With a range of colors and far-out patterns like animal prints, butterflies, and pretty swirls to choose from, you can’t go wrong. ($9.99, Walgreens)

When in doubt, go naked. This highly sought-after muted beige is a great way to update any look. Every girl knows that nude makes everything a little more chic. ($14, Butter London)

Temperatures are sure to heat up when you flaunt these high-shine, show-stopping metallic nails around town. Just be prepared—you might find yourself with a trail of onlookers clamoring to copy your look. ($8, Dashing Diva)

Voted best new product of the year by NAILS magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, CND Shellac promises no chipping, fourteen-day wear, and easy removal. You can get shellacked in most salons, or you can invest in your own at-home system; if you invest in your own, though, be prepared to put those Aspen vacation plans on hold for a bit thanks to the hefty price tag of the entire system (which, to be fair, contains everything you need to get started). Of course the upside is that you’ll have a flawless manicure (or pedicure) that lasts for weeks. ($353, Pure Spa Direct)