Nail polish! It's summer and I'm all about nail polish. I painted my toe and fingernails bright yellow last night, the most beautiful colour that has ever been. What colour are your nails?

-- Kymm (hedgehog@hedgehog.net), July 14, 2000

Answers

On my fingers: Meadow Blush -- Bath & Body Works

On my toes: Tuiti Fruiti by some Sally's Beauty Supply type brand.

Before it was discontinued I would only ever wear OPI's Dutch Tulips on my toes...Tuiti Fruiti is simmilar, but doesn't have the same depth to it.

-- Jackie (jackie@jackie.nu), July 15, 2000.

I'm actually allergic to nail polish. :(

This started about three years ago when a really weird, itchy rash appeared all over my face - mostly around my eyes (woke up with really puffy eyelids). I couldn't figure it out until I read a magazine article a few days later that said some nail polishes contain formaldahyde and some people are allergic to it. I ran and checked my bottle and it said formaldahyde-free, so I don't know what to think. This *had* been the first and only reaction I'd ever had to polish.

Since then I've tried different brands, different colors, you name it. I can't even do toenails because I get a slight reaction from that, too. It makes me really sad because I'd love to paint my nails but I can't stand the thought of walking around looking like I've been crying for weeks (and I like to be able to see out of non-puffy eyelids).

Does anyone have any idea what's up with this..?

-- heather (heather@nowhere-girl.com), July 15, 2000.

You could colour your nails with magic markers!

-- Kymm (kymmz1@yahoo.com), July 15, 2000.

Were I ever to wear nail polish, it'd be Jungle Red, made popular by Clare Boothe Luce in The Women.

Of course, I'm still waiting for the comeback of Navy Red and Cherries in the Snow . . .

-- Robert (rbdimmick@earthlink.net), July 15, 2000.

Right now, my toenails are painted this very dark brown, almost black color called "Black Cherry." It's starting to chip off so either tonight or tomorrow I plan on repainting them, :D

Vena

-- Vena (ladyv_39@yahoo.com), July 15, 2000.

"Gash" by Urban Decay. IT's a very dark maroon color.

-- Melissa (mesawyou@yahoo.com), July 15, 2000.

Clear. I only use it to stop myself from biting my nails.

-- Beth K. (owl@littleowl.com), July 16, 2000.

Metallic turquoise, as a symbol that I am not in full-fledged working mode. However, today it's back to some dull, pale, nondescript color somewhere in the pink/rose family, so that I don't run into trouble during my meetings this week.

I think I'll paint my toenails dark blue, to keep from being *too* much of a bore.

-- Dawn (amgraffiti@superplin.com), July 16, 2000.

Very Currant by Revlon. It's a very deep burgandy color and I lovelovelove it.

Since I'm really bad at putting color on my nails, they're usually unpainted. But I have really healthy, hard to break nails, so they still look good as long as I keep up with the lotion and remember to smooth and even them out when pieces of the nails chip off.

Yesterday a friend and I went to her neighborhood nail salon and got manicures and pedicures. Now I feel like a girl again!

-- Carol (webgal@ordinarygoddess.com), July 16, 2000.

I do *not* normally wear nailpolish which is just fine with my butcher-than-thou look (though don't call me butch or I'll get pissed). If I did want to wear nailpolish, tho, it'd be glittery ice blue because that's the only color I ever really loved on my nails.

However. I did actually spend several days last week wearing burgundy nail polish. I had to do the whole girl-drag get up as I was in the middle of a custody case over my little boy. It was fun for about an hour and then I was ready to hurl my black velvet heels across the room to put out the eye of the kid's moron father who refuses to work yet somehow thinks he's the more "fit" parent. (I kept my shoes on, tho, and got custody--- yay! I'm sure it was the nail polish.)

Seriously, tho, I don't get why nail polish and funky colors are reserved for girls/feminine women. I really don't. It's not just a "girls are vain enough to spend that much time on a body part" thing... I know tons of guys and butches/FtMs who spend more time on their hair than any girl I've ever known. It seems like some kind of slighting of artistic sensibilities... no really! Think about it. Guys are limited to really drab colors or basic colors in clothing, unless they want to get called fags. Any masculine person who shows an affinity for color, any kind of stylistic flair, is fair game to be the butt of no end of jokes and stabs on their masculinity. What's up with that? Van Gogh wasn't a real guy?? And I'll bet *he* had painted nails! (Granted, probably splattered not painted on, but still!)

And what's up with the notion that respectable people must have earth- toned hair?? I don't get that either.

Colorful nails, colorful clothes, colorful hair... are fun, and funky, and beautiful, and handsome, and wild, and vibrant... that's not just a girl thing or atleast it shouldn't be.

(Would love to see your disease-yellow nails, Kymm :) )

-- Tynan (ty@power-lines.com), July 16, 2000.

Um, I think it's called 'Two Timer' and it's one of the fast-dry kinds. Really, the only kind I'll use because I loathe sitting around waiting for it to dry. Anyway, it's a silvery-light blue colour. Last week was a bright purple.

-- Pook (pook@myna.com), July 17, 2000.

Currently I have clear fingernails and red (that's the whole name, red) toenails. I would have colored the fingernails but my niece and nephew were visiting and they like to chew on my fingers occasionally.

And Cherries in the Snow is still around. It's my favorite!

-- Catherine (catcoicrit@earthlink.net), July 17, 2000.

Bronze. It's a matte nailpolish, which gives me the shivers, so I covered it with a clear topcoat. Very purty, except that it's prone to chipping.

Toes are the same. I like to match.

-- Carrie Richmond (carrie@redhairedgirl.com), July 17, 2000.

Shiny dark metallic blue on my toes. It's my favorite nail polish, and only L'oreal has the one true blue. (Which is a pity, because I have to kick my conscience in order to buy their stuff.) I bought extra bottles of it because I notice that certain kinds of cosmetics tend to be discontinued as soon as I learn to love them.

I don't paint my fingernails anymore. Not unless I can find someone willing to be my full-time manicurist. Too much work.

-- Columbine (columbine@inu.org), July 17, 2000.

Columbine, why do you have to kick your conscience to buy L'Oreal? I'm a boycotting fool, mainly with companies that test on animals, but according to PETA L'Oreal doesn't test on animals. Since I like a few of their products (hair color, mainly), I wonder if there is something wrong with the company.

-- Carol (webgal@ordinarygoddess.com), July 17, 2000.

Carol: according to the bottom of the page at that link you provided, L'Oreal does test INGREDIENTS on animals:

1 LOrial (Cosmair, Garnier, Lanctme, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken Laboratories) does not test its products on animals. It may, however, test its ingredients on animals. Maybelline, one subsidiary of LOrial, has provided PETA with a statement confirming that it does not test its products or ingredients on animals.

As for me: I don't paint my fingernails; it never lasts. My toenails are currently a color called "blood," although it's more of a blackish maroon than a real blood color.

-- Beth (beth@xeney.com), July 17, 2000.

I mutilated myself this weekend. I had been wearing acrylic nails for years and decided to take them off. Ouch, ouch, ouch. My nails are hideous and tender to the touch. (Tender to the touch.....that description sounds like a rare roast beef) Anyway, my nails need some TLC before I can wear polish again. For now, all I can do is rub baby oil on my nails. My toes are painted Neiman Marcus red.

-- Carmen (carmen_1022@yahoo.com), July 17, 2000.

I don't paint my nails or my toes on a regular basis. Mostly because I'm lazy but it doesn't seem to last long at my keyboard all week.

I did call and make an appointment to have my hands and feet done next week for my sister's wedding and I will have them done for my own wedding too. I've been careful with my nails the last couple of months so that I'll have some for the weddings.

Who else calls it "Fuck Me" red nailpolish? That was all we wore in college!

-- Colleen (triggirl@yahoo.com), July 17, 2000.

Thanks, Beth. Now that you've reminded me (and after revisiting the page I linked), I do remember reading that before. Unfortunately, while shopping, I tend to forget some of the names that should be on my list of companies to boycott (besides the biggies, like P&G).

I really must do something to improve my memory. Sleep might be useful.

-- Carol (webgal@ordinarygoddess.com), July 17, 2000.

I'm wearing the remains of a two week old manicure done in a lavenderish silverish color by Chanel. I've tried to wear every color there is, but blues, greens and lavenders are the only colors that look polished without looking like I'm trying too hard. NARS "Blue Lagoon" and "Platoon" are my other favorites. Has anyone tried orange?

-- Poppy (ithesky@aol.com), July 18, 2000.

I don't paint my nails because I'm too bad at it. However, if I've managed to not chew on them for a while I will celebrate with a manicure.

And my toenails also don't get painted, because I'm a slacker at heart.

-- Jackie (jackiec@diaryland.com), July 18, 2000.

I was told that L'Oreal tested on animals. I am no animal-rights fanatic - if a bunch of bunnies die to find a cure for cancer, or one bunny dies for the sake of my cassoulet, that's OK with me. But testing cosmetics on animals is where I draw the line. There just ain't no reason to do it, not anymore, and my beloved blue polish is the only time I've consciously broken my ban.

I'm going to have to remove the polish. I bought new sandals yesterday I'm dying to wear, but the blue toes just don't go. The big problem with removing the blue stuff is that it doesn't come off cleanly; you look cyanotic for three days.

-- Columbine (columbine@inu.org), July 18, 2000.

Kymm, you can easily salvage your thick old polishes with an eyedropper full of Ardell's polish thinner. It comes in a one-ounce glass bottle and is usually shelved alongside the removers at the drugstore. (Trying to thin with removers will ruin the polish, as it will no longer adhere to the nail surface. I think the laquer can't deal with the existential problem: "What happens when you mix nail polish and nail polish remover in the same bottle? Logically, you should end up with a vial of nothingness...") I add a drop of thinner, shake the polish up, hold it to the light, and tip the bottle to check the consistency, repeating this process until the polish is liqueous enough to spread well.

I don't paint my fingernails because I don't want to ever be in the position of being unable to do something for fear of messing up my nails; I refuse to live like that, and I know that I would be reluctant to deliberately fuck up a manicure, so I've never had one of those, ever. My toes always carry a couple coats of paint, though, since they don't seem to chip so easily, even when I wear sandals constantly, and only need to get done over every couple of weeks. Right now they sport M.A.C.'s "Vino", a deep, bright, creamy red with a hint of sparkle.

I've had surprisingly good luck with the cheapass, trailer trash standby Wet N' Wild line when it comes to nail laquers, although their lipsticks and eye pencils blow. Good luck in the wear-and-tear department, that is; there seems to be a real color shift between what you see in the bottle and what ends up drying onto your fingertips. A groovy opalescent blueish lavender that I bought came out more pinkish than expected -- but those toes *stayed* pinkish for days without chipping. With top-of-the-line polishes priced 400%+ more, though, I'll learn to love it.

-- Kim Rollins (kimrollins@yahoo.com), July 18, 2000.

My toenails are done with Orly's '1970'...it's shimmery, pinky, roller boogiey and I like it.

I also really like 'delilacful' by orly, too. It's shimmery, silvery, lavendery and I like it.

=)

My fingernails are the plain french manicure, but hey....it doesn't too bad when it chips.

-- Alli (alli_f@yahoo.com), July 19, 2000.

As of last night, blue is the colour of my nails!

I couldn't be bothered with doing my toes, so I no longer match, but I did my fingers and they look spectacular. It's a lightish blue with a lavender sheen when the light is just right.

I love having painted nails, because my hands look like somebody else's.

-- Kymm Zuckert (kymmz1@yahoo.com), July 19, 2000.

right now my fingers and toes are both a sort of very darl red/brown that is officially named "nutmeg frost".

-- nicole (nicolemrw@go.com), July 20, 2000.

i have this little itty bitty bottle of glitter pink that i use on my fingernails. it's old navy glam girl polish and i cant find it anymore. and i always paint my toes red, i think it's so sexy. and always always put a super shiny top coat on!

-- Angel Harris (dreamangel77719@yahoo.com), May 01, 2001.

Cool site. Currently, mynails aren't painted. I love to paint my toes, but it being socially unacceptable (I'm a guy) I don't that often. Most girls around here (Brooksville, FL) don't dig guys who paint their nails, anyway. Oh well, who cares what other people think? More people should write: no response since may? Sad. Painted toes are cool.

-- Tim (speedfreek@yahoo.com), July 17, 2001.

I wear only Seductive Red by Love my Nails with a topcoat by Kiss Art. Maybe even gold decals once in a while. This is on fingers and toes both, with RED lip liner and lipstick. I used to wear bronzes and browns, but Dad talked me into red, he didn't like the dark tones. I loved the red once I got used to it and loved the attention I got from the reds!!! Way to go Dad, Thanks!!! :-)

-- Tracy Grabbe (tgrabbe@rocketmail.com), July 26, 2001.

My toenails are purple. Last night, some friends and I were listening to music in basement and while I was in the "listening zone", my friend Tiff painted them. She was half-done by the time I figured out what was going on. All four of us ended up with purple toes.

-- Matt (that_eccentric_boy@eccentricity.freewebspace.com), August 12, 2001.

i'ma (straight) guy and i just painted my finger nails black, i usually have them metallic silver with either my middle finger, my pointer finger or my ring finger painted black, but i decided what tha hell i'll paint them all black. now that i've painted them black, i think i prefer silver. and i think it wuz tim or maybe matt that said girls in whereever,FL don't like guys who paint their nails, that sucks man girls where i live think it's sexy

-- K B (minijacob2g@hotmail.com), August 27, 2001.

my nails are baby blue

-- devin (devin_schultz@hotmail.com), September 07, 2001.

my nails are baby blue send me a picture of your nails to my e-mail devin_schultz@hotmail.com

-- devin (devin_schultz@hotmail.com), September 07, 2001.

Right now my nails are recovering from the american Flag manicure i got yesterday, to be patriotic for the day of prayer, my toes are suductive red by love my nails, so sexy, and it always looks trendy, ps, i dont think guys who paint their nails are that sexy, just keep them filed and moisturized, girls love manly hands, they are great for holding!!!!

-- Zoe (viciouscherry@hotmail.com), September 14, 2001.

Well I am a "normal" guy and I have been painting my toes for years. I'm not really into getting my fingernails painted but hey if some guys want to more power to you. I think painted toes just look better. I got mine professionally done about three weeks ago. The nail techs didn't seem to mind and so far nobody except relatives have made any comment. It is really fun to watch people's reactions to a guy wearing polish I find it amusing. So to all you guys who have wanted too but are too shy or worried that it may lessen your manhood just do it or get your girlfriend to paint them for you. Most girls are really pretty cool about it and like to do their beau's nails. I think it makes some kind of connection with them or something. Don't worry about what other people will think remember it is only paint not a sex change. Have fun. Kevin

-- Kevin Moate (moate1@msn.com), September 26, 2001.

I love getting a pedicure once in a while. The nail technician always teases me about what color I would like but so far all I've let her put on me is clear. Maybe someday . . .

-- Richard (mac59@warpnet.net), January 31, 2002.

my toenails are always blue, and no other color. i like to try different shades as long as they're still blue and not green or purple or whatever. i like sparkly glittery shimmery color, and for the bestest best wet look shine i use avon's speed dry top shine. it's the best and it makes me scared to touch it cuz it looks so wet. i have my school's pathetic excuse for a prom next week and i need to find the right shade of blue to match my dress... my fingernails are unpainted just cuz i like it better that way.

-- debbie (hitz333@juno.com), May 17, 2002.

i love women with painted toenails i really do i think women who paint their toenails are very sexy.specially red,it's very sexy to see girls with red-painted toenails.can any girl e-mail me but please girls who paint their toenails red.just e-mail me all women out there who paint their toenails red tell me about it girls.bye

-- go died (goddied2oo@yahoo.com.uk), May 18, 2002.

My toes are light blue with little clouds on them. I love the look guys give at my toes. My fingernails are a light green

-- Kelly Young (gsy986@hotmail.com), August 05, 2002.

right now my left index finger & pinky are painted "boogie", a dark grayish color, my left thumb is "black box", and my right middle finger is painted "denim chrome"... a dark dark blue, and the one next to my right pinky is black box as well. and i know very few chicks in the chicago area who dig my painted fingernails, but it matters not cuz i hate uniformity, so i enjoy being a tad bit different... i just gotta be me and you chicks have to deal with it as you choose:-p

-- dave whos a drummer (stixx81@hotmail.com), September 09, 2002.

I picked this site hoping to find out why my nails are a pale yellow color (my mom's are naturally super white at the tips) and I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't too keen on nail polish before because I thought it was really girly; however, now I see it's a further way to express a person's creativity and personality. ~Anjelica

P.S. If anyone has any suggestions about my nails, please let me know. Thanks.

-- Jeli Bean (Tangerinejelly25@yahoo.com), December 22, 2002.

My wife's toenails and fingernails are currently unpainted. She paints her fingernails occasionally but she has not painted her toenails for years. The reason is because I give her pedicures. She does not like me to paint them because she can get two or three pedicures a week that way.I do paint them occasionally but not often because I honestly think they look just as good unpainted. When I give her pedicures she also gets a foot massage. So you can see why she does not want them painted. Even though they are not painted I always buff them and make them shine.

-- kava (kavac4@netscape.net), January 13, 2003.

right this moment my nails are pure chrome by sally hansen i love the chrome colors and have ever shade of them. all in all i have aprox. over 100 bottles of polish. everone knows what to get me as a gift and oh boy do i ever make out at christmas. and yes i have worn every single color atleast once as not to hurt anyones feelings.

-- (mustangsally419@yahoo.com), August 25, 2003.

mine are 'Highland',by Rimmel (l)

-- me (dont@haveone.com), November 04, 2003.

my toes are metallic purple and my fingernails are pink with glitter, if any girls think this is sexy leave me one :)

-- ben (br53970@appstate.edu), November 06, 2003.

I WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD SEND ME A PICTURE OF YOUR TOES?

-- CHINGY YAYO (JTFERRI@YAHOO.COM), March 21, 2004.

Hi - does anyone know where I can find a solid pale yellow color (maybe slightly pearlized) for my nails? i've been looking for a while and haven't seen any - thanks!

coocoo

-- Coocoohead (coocoohead@gmail.com), July 02, 2004.

i found this link while surfing and just wanted to make a comment... women who paint their toenails are SEXY!!! i have a foot fetish and being that it is summer now i find myself aroused by all the eye candy..or i should say "toe candy"...mmmmm love to suck those toessss!

-- sux (suxtoes@aol.com), July 03, 2004.