Top 5 Fall Nail Trends

Backstage during New York Fashion Week last season, it was no surprise that nails were still a main accessory. Playing with texture keeps nail art interesting, proving it's here to stay. I spoke with Celebrity Manicurist, Jin Soon Choi, who broke down the top five nail trends for the season. Get ready to play!

1. Black Matte 

Seen at: Karen Walker, Kaelen, Prabal Gurung, Tibi

Black matte is the hottest thing this fall and there are two different matte finishes available: A pure matte finish which is more young and edgy (Karen Walker) and a satin matte finish (Tibi) which gives a more finished matte look.  I recommend matte black on short to medium length nails with any types of shapes and with natural make up.  Another hot interesting black matte look is a shimmer black matte that was shown on the Tibi Fall 2013 Collection.  Satin matte finish on shimmering black nail polish (JINsoon Obsidian and Matte Maker) goes with all different age groups and skin tones because it provides a satin sheen and it looks more finished than regular matte finish.  Try JINsoon Matte Maker top coat for a satin matte finish instead of a dull unfinished look.

2. Matching Lips & Tips

Seen at: Zac Posen

If you wear unadorned dark oxblood nails, this look can be both modern and chic.  If you want to match your lips and nails, make sure the makeup is very minimalistic, dewy, and not overdone so it will highlight the nails and lips.  Fair skin tones would pull off this look the best.

The nails should be on the shorter side and the shape should be round to square. 

3. Talons

Seen at: Kate Spade, Katie Gallagher

Talons make a really strong statement and are tricky to pull off if they are not done well, otherwise they look like fake nails.  I would recommend talons for someone with long fingers. Talons work well in a hip hop version or for a super glam fashiony look.  If you want to make even more of a statement with talons, you can apply simple studs or nail art.

4. Texture

Seen at: Houghton, Nicholas K., Ruffian,

Adding texture is very versatile - it enhances everything from talons to sophisticated high end "Punk" looks, and is especially applicable to nail art.  It can be fun, creative, and hot.  You can easily use a simple version of this in your daily style; just make sure to coordinate with your outfit and use the most appropriate studs or laces to go with it.

5. Ombre

Seen at: Vivienne Westwood

Ombre can go with all different looks, different length of nails, and different shapes.  It can be casual or it can be theatrical like Vivienne Westwood herself.  You can apply two to three colors and mix them up, but I would recommend a more clean pastel ombre (choose lighter colors from your outfit or make up) if you have strong make up or style. Be careful to avoid clashing Ombres with your make-up so your look isn't too exaggerated. Having a perfect color combination is the key for ombres to achieve a more fashiony, stylish look, rather than a cutesy, childish look.

5 Favorites from Kiehl's, Laura Mercier, Jin Soon & More

Since I'm just kicking off this feature, it's so hard not to do this post daily.  Of course, when it comes to beauty loot I have a ton of favorites, but I promise to always bring you a well edited list of the best of the moment.  When I walk into a drugstore, Sephora or department store, I am beyond overwhelmed with options so I hope this helps you cut through the clutter.  If you're looking for something specific and need a product recommendation, you can always reach me on Facebook! Truth is you hands and your neck give away your age quicker than your face.  That's thanks to the extra TLC we give our faces in preventative and corrective measures.  I was super impressed when I was introduced to Avon's Absolute Even Multi-Tone Skin Corrector + Hand Cream, because it has SPF 15 for protection, but also helps to even out your skin tone.  I use hand cream about eight times a day and now don't have to think about getting old lady fingers.

While Laura Mercier's Cavier Stick Eye Colour, $24was created to help enhance a smoky eye, I like using it in Rose Gold as a wash of faint color all over my lid.  It makes me look more alive and is perfect for daytime.  Believe it or not, it consists of a creamy texture that doesn't crease and stays put all day.  Promise.  Since it's creamy, if you plan on layering it, let it dry between coats or it will be sticky.

While I normally like wearing dark greys or almost black shades on my tips, I am completely obsessed with Jin Soon's new Nail Polish in Blue Iris, $18.  The electric blue pigment is so bold that it's a conversation starter all on its own.

Anything that's labeled "stress-minimizing" is worth a try.  My latest conquest has been the Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator, $40.  Truth is, it helps minimize and prevent the effects that stress can have on your skin like fine lines, blotchiness and inflammation.  Yoga classes are still helpful.

While It Factor's new product Simply It, $21.50 cuts drying time, I'm kind of obsessed with it because it makes styling so much easier and let's just say that this bob isn't always willing to cooperate.  It literally does everything like adds shine, acts like a detangler, adds moisture and is a heat protectant.  I like it because it smells so clean.  I start my day using it and even use it mid day for touch ups as a style refresher.