Nail it!

Nails - one of the simplest ways to make an outfit pop, non? Changing up your nail colour/style/design can be cheap, easy and an extremely effective way to accessorise so there's no wonder we all get so excited and cram our cupboards full with so many shades Joseph would be hard pushed to find them all on that fine coat of his. I got to a point where I had so many that it was like looking into my full wardrobe and declaring that I had absolutely nothing to wear, so I started to condense my collection down to the colours that I would need for the current/upcoming season.

Since a friend introduced me to Refinery29 I have been hooked on their posts: they are always my first port of call when searching for new brands both in beauty and apparel, and their trend round-ups are always fantastic with their picks for AW '12 nail colour being no exception.

For UK fashionistas on a budget, Refinery29's selections can be a little out of reach both in terms of geography and price range, so here are a couple of cheap chic alternatives that you can easily pick up on the high street but will nevertheless still nail the trends:

From left to right: 1. LOOK Nail Pop in Dove; 2. L'Oreal Colour Riche Nails in Blue Reef; 3. Accessorize Nail Polish in Molten Copper; 4. Maybelline Forever Strong Pro in Dark Denim; 5. GOSH Nail Lacquer in Gasoline; 6. LOOK Nail Pop in Kimono; 7. Essie Nail Colour in Gym Dandy; 8. NYC Expert Last Nail Enamel in Boundless Berry

1. Fifty Shades - Moving away from the sulky, moody greys of AW'11 (and those of a recent literary phenomenon) next season's grey nails look to be lighter and with shots of silver, paying homage to the urban playground that is the city - LOOK's Nail Pop in Dove (£5 from Superdrug) is about as perky as a grey can get and even has a cutely optimistic name.

2. Ocean Deep - Teals make a comeback with piercing sea green shades dominating the palette. L'Oreal's Colour Riche Nails in Blue Reef (£4.99 from Superdrug) is vibrant yet understated - mermaid make-believe anyone?

3. Autumn Hues - It's undeniable that Mother Nature is always impeccably accessorised so it makes sense that beauty would take a leaf out of her book (impossible to resist, sorry!) for this nail trend: look out for intense gilded and burnt oranges inspired by fall trees - this little Accessorise Nail Polish in Molten Copper (£3.45 from Superdrug) is made all the more stunning by flecks of gold.

4. Winter Blues - With blue already permeating so many AW'12 catwalk collections it's not surprising that a darker shade has made its mark in cosmetics: navy looks to be the go-to blue for nails, but make sure it has mischievous bright blue undertones like Maybelline's Forever Strong Pro Nail Enamel in Dark Denim (£4.09 from Boots).

5. Purple Haze - If you're looking for THE party nail colour for next season look no further than the spotlight-hogging, diva-tantrum-throwing, knockout purples that have been brought out on the high street. With this trend you want a shade that craves attention: GOSH's Nail Lacquer in Gasoline (£4.99 from Superdrug) is extremely eye-catching.

6. Attention! - The military trend has dominated the catwalks for AW'12 and its presence in beauty is just as powerful. This time around khakis and gunmetals are updated with ominous flashes of petrol-like iridescence for maximum impact. LOOK's Nail Pop in Kimono (£5 from Superdrug) is nearly always on my nails at the moment, my personal favourite.

7. Hot Chocolate - Those of you that love your neutral nails will adore these sweet, comforting shades of milky, cocoa browns. Essie's Nail Colour in Gym Dandy (£7.99 from Boots) has a soft, nostalgic, marshmallow hue perfect for dark Winter days.

8. Pick-Your-Own - Whereas autumnal nail colours are bright and light, this trend requires a trip to the dark side: berries go bad in the best way possible with blackened yet colour rich purples and reds on the cards for those who want to emulate gothic style and NYC's Expert Last Nail Enamel in Boundless Berry (£1.99 from Superdrug) is the ideal indulgent shade.

nails inc. one day only deal! - 6 polishes for £15!

Aaaaaand we're back on the subject of nails again... of course!

£15 for 6!

I won't delay except to say that this is an AMAZING offer and anyone who has £15 spare and is a nail fiend should seriously consider this! On Thursday 21st April nails inc. are offering a lucky dip of 6 nail varnishes for just £15! nails inc. full size nail varnishes are usually £11 each, so this offer saves you £51!!!! it's while stocks last, grab it while you can from the link here!

Queensgate Mews

Strawberry Hill

The only two colours you are guaranteed to get are Queensgate Mews and Strawberry Hill (pictured above) the rest is purely luck of the draw, but i think you'll agree those are two very cute nail staples!

What are you waiting for!? Get it in your basket!!

nail varnish that won't make you O.P.Cry.

Okay, so I'll admit, when I'm feeling slightly more flush (especially after pay day) I have succumbed to those beautiful chalices of eternail life that are O.P.I. lacquers - they're celeb faves for a reason! But if it's the end of the month, your nails are looking sorry and your bank account even sorrier, paying out £10 for a nail varnish is the last thing on a girl's mind, but there are great nail varnishes, both for colour and longevity available on the high street.

Barry M

You can't talk about great budget nail colour without talking about Barry M  - throughout my teen years it was always the go-to-brand for friends and I when buying nail colour, and they still seem to dominate that corner of the market.

They've got some amazing new colours out for the Summer, including some gorgeous new pastels: the new Peach Melba is a gorgeous nude orange (orange is my colour of choice right now!); plus they've released new colours in their Instant Nail Effects range meaning super colour clash nails aren't restricted to those with a steady hand and a nail art pen.

Instant Nail Effects - £3.99 each

Peach Melba - £2.99

17

For so long it seemed like Boots own budget brand 17 was never going to take off legit, and while it might not be the first concession I reach for when replenishing my make-up bag, I always stop to check out their new shades of Lasting Finish nail colour - their new shades always seem right on the money (and they won't strip you of your own either!) and their staying power is pretty good for a budget brand! (although be prepared to put a few coats on) It's currently 3 for 2 on all 17 products so perfect time to snap them up!

Tropical Island - £2.99
(my picture doesn't do it justice, it's an intense tangerine orange with subtle gold sparkle!)

Revlon

Without a doubt the longest lasting and I think best finish that I've found on the high street - you might not think of Revlon when looking for great value nail varnish, but it only really takes two coats for a great colour and it's got great staying power with a gloss finish. Though they don't have the same on-the-pulse range of colours as Barry M or 17, they are coming out with some new shades, and even a new scented collection?! (I have yet to try this, will investigate and report back) whilst slightly more expensive, they still provide great value for money for any belle on a budget.

Plum Seduction - £6.29