The election is fast approaching and people are showing their support with bumper stickers, yard signs, T-shirts and lapel pins. Now those who fancy a nice mani/pedi can even get into the act with politically-inspired manicures.
Beauty brands are offering a plethora of products—from red, blue and white nail polish to perfectly designed nail patterns—and even celebrities are following this trend. Go ahead, Democrats and Republicans…vote for your favorite nail look!
RED ON THE RIGHT
Apparently, Republicans are red-y to win. Although red is a classic, wearable shade, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it: creamy, bright finishes give you a ladylike appearance while glittery reds will put you in a daring mood. Prefer dark, vampy versions? Then the always chic burgundy is the right pick for the Republican soul.
From left to right: Lancome Vernis in Love Rouge in Love ($15); Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure All Fired Up ($6); Scotch Naturals WaterColor Kiltlifter ($15); the Balm Strawberry Fields Forevah ($10).
Read Related: How to Be a 10 with Perfect Nails
BLUE STATES ALL THE WAY
President Obama’s traditional party colors have gotten a lot of attention from beauty-addicted girls. Not only is blue one of fall’s latest trends, it’s also considered the new black in the beauty industry. Depending on the hue you pick, it flatters any skin tone and can be as elegant or fun as you want.
From left to right: Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel in Inky Blue ($6); Nails Inc. Baker Street ($9.50); Dior Vernis in Electric Blue ($23); New York Color Long-Wearing Nail Enamel Skin Tight Denim Crème ($1); butter London Scallywag Nail Lacquer ($14).
UNDECIDED AND PROUD
If you still don’t know who to vote for or if you feel you’re more patriotic than Uncle Sam, this combo is for you: mix and match red, white and blue nail polish to create amazing effects. Political junkies can always go for stars and stripes, which are the perfect touch to any manicure. Short on time? Try nail patterns instead!
From left to right: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Blue Ice ($8.54); Lancôme Vernis in Love in Bleu de Flore ($15); Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color Cha-Ching! ($6); Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Crimson Clay ($7.99); OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow ($7); Nails Inc. Floral Street (9.50); Wet n Wild Stars & Stripes ($1.99)
BETTER THAN BUMPER STICKERS
These easy-to-use stickers, or minx manicures, are the quickest option to make a political statement. Celebrities such as Katie Perry and Eve have shown their Obamanicures—definitely a peculiar way of supporting a candidate.
Mere mortals are sure to spark “thumb wars” with nail designs featuring the faces of both Mitt Romney and President Obama. For a limited time, Bliss spas nationwide will be exclusively offering election-themed minx manicures. Nail sticker options also include donkeys, elephants and stars.
From left to right: Nail Rock Nail Wraps Stars & Stripes American Flag ($12); Katy Perry’s nails; Bliss ‘eau’–lection minx manicures ($55)
ANN & MICHELLE…BEAUTY ICONS?
Channel your inner First Lady by taking examples from their personal choices: Ann Romney often sports vibrant yet timeless shades (or maybe she’s just a die-hard supporter of Republican colors) while Michelle Obama is fan of gray and neutral nail polish. But, what do both these ladies have in common? A love for clean, sleek manicures. Whether they like it or not, everybody goes nuts over what they’re wearing and will try to imitate them at all costs… some say Michelle’s nails at the Democratic National Convention were more applauded than her speech?
From left to right: Duality Cosmetics Nail Pak Rosa ($15); Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer Naked ($30); OPI Nail Lacquer in French Quarter For Your Thoughts ($7)