Pic credit: Bethy's Originails wearing MAVALA Whisper Nail Polishes

One of the key trends this season is a metallic mani, a sleek and sophisticated accessory for summer. The new Mavala Whisper Collection represents a modern take on traditional pastel shades, with unexpected shimmering hues of lavender, caramel and aqua.

Whether you opt for fingers or toes, there are simple rules to follow for a professional result.

Smooth nails are mandatory

Depending on the state of your nail plate, there are options available to create a smooth canvas. Start with a nail exfoliant to rid the nail of general debris and daily build up. Next step is to buff nails, an essential step to ‘iron out’ irregularities – start by using an abrasive surface to even out ridges, followed by a softer surface for polishing.

Apply a ridge filler

A nail with ridges presents a polishing problem! Firstly, ridges impair the perfect adherence of nail polish. Secondly, the wearability and durability of the manicure is compromised.  Smooth over an uneven surface with a dedicated ridge-filler to not only act as a protective base coat but also guarantee a seamless application of the first metallic coat.

Less is more

Metallic polish can be more challenging to apply than other shades, requiring a specific technique. Warning, use metallic polish sparingly! First apply a thin coat in long, even strokes to the nail. Avoid flooding the nail with paint that spills over onto the cuticle and clogs the manicure finish. Repeat for the next step.

Gel-Top Coat

Apply a gel-like finish topcoat to give the nails volume and provide a strong protective shield.

Time is of the essence

Don’t rush a metallic manicure! A mother-of-pearl polish requires a dose of patience and generally take longer to dry. Have a fast-drying spray on hand to expedite the drying process.

Add a touch of bling

With the party season upon us, elevate your metallic mani with an easy nail-art addition like a stick-on pearl, crystal or gemstone.