A: Nail colour is a quick and cash-friendly way of updating your look. And the trend factor of any-colour-goes makes choosing a hot shade real easy this season...

I always prefer dark and cooler-tone colours for winter (leave the brights for the warmer weather) but a classic 'true' red (in other words nothing too blue or too orange based) is always a winner.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Essie Weingarten the creator of Essie nail polishes (and all those cool nail polish names like 'Clam Bake', 'Pouf Daddy' and 'Expose Your Toes'). Essie reckons red is going to make a big resurgence: “It's going to be huge." But if you prefer something a little tamer, think pale grey or greige (which is a grey-beige shade) that is so uber hot right now. If this is your bag, try Chanel’s Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particuliere, R235 (call +27 21 442 7700 for stockists).

But while I love wearing these types of colours, I admit they do need to be tested out first so that you know you're choosing the right shade for your skin tone. Essie's best tip is to take along a roll of sticky tape when next you're out nail-colour shopping. Paint the tester colour on a small piece of sticky tape stuck over your nail and see if it's a colour that flatters or not. Basically, if it doesn't drain your skin of colour (in other words make your hands look pastey) it's the right colour for you.

Happy painting!

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