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NAIL CLIPPINGS

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Originating in South Korea and inspired by the LED light of a barcode scanner, the ‘barcode nails’ trend employs the same magnetic effect as cat eye and velvet designs, but features horizontal lines of light that shift with the movement of the fingers.

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JESS WATTS uncovers the hottest nail topics & tales across the ‘net, TV & social media & gets the scoop on celebrity beauty must-haves

SEALED WITH A KITH

American fashion & lifestyle brand, Kith, collaborated on a clothing collection with rapper & singer, Lalisa Manobal, aka Lisa. NYC & LA-based nail artist, Juan Alvear, was on hand to craft Lisa’s nail styles for the campaign, with this ombré look taking centre stage.

Award-winning Wunmi

Sinners actress, Wunmi Moskau, showed off a cool-toned red manicure courtesy of celebrity nail pro, Lucy Tucker, as she accepted the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

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Oscars opulence

Actress, Rachel McAdams, modelled a magnetic manicure for the 98th Academy Awards, aka the Oscars. The dazzling design was the work of celebrity manicurist & educator, Julie Kandalec, who used The GelBottle Inc’s cat eye gel polish, Lush, to create ‘rosé radiance’.

Scan to find out more about the trend.

The GelBottle Inc Magnetic Gel Polish in Lush £17.95 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

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FASHION WEEK FINGERTIPS

The autumn/winter 2026 iteration of London Fashion Week presented a show-stopping array of designer collections. Session nail stylists were on hand to produce eye-catching claws that complemented the clothes.

Aprés Nail Artiste Gel in Metallic Gold £POA www.apresnail.com

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Karoline Vitto’s AW26 collection, ‘Thaw’, centred around fluid fabrics. London-based nail artist, Tyler Phoenix, leaned into the melting mood board, using The GelBottle Inc products to craft an ombré design finished with 3D teardrop embellishments at the tips of nails.

Going for gold

Actress & singer, Teyana Taylor, stepped out in style for the 32nd Actors Awards – formerly the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her golden nail look was crafted by celebrity manicurist, Sarah Chue (@chuenails), using Aprés Nail products.

Instagram.com/nails_by_annabel_m

Glitz and glam dominated the runway of Julien Macdonald OBE. The light-catching clothes were coupled with chrome-accented nails, courtesy of the Glitterbels team – led by co-founder, Annabel Maginnis. The brand’s Brush On Builder Gel in Inner Piece and Hema Free Gel Polish in 90’s Baby were used as nail bases.

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SPRING SPOTS FOR SZA

These cheerful dotty digits, created for singer-songwriter, SZA, are the work of LA-based manicurist & nail studio owner, Marielle Co (@marielleco).

Glitterbels Hema Free Gel Polish in 90’s Baby from £8.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Instagram.com/ellavivii

Womenswear label, Sinead Gorey, channelled Y2K nostalgia on its runway – and this energy carried all the way to models’ fingertips. Lead nail artist, Ella Vivii, sealed the aesthetic with a crackle finish created using OPI products.

Instagram.com/ellavivii

OPI GelColor in Got the Blues for Red £19.90 + VAT uk.wella.professionalstore.com

DEAN’S DIAMOND DIGITS

Singer, Olivia Dean, showcased French-style tips with a twinkling twist courtesy of London manicurist, Ella Vivii. The deep berry-toned look featured OPI GelColor in Got the Blues for Red on top of GELevate™ 4-in-1 Builder Gel in OPI’m Flawless.