We spy the latest undercover nail look — and it’s to die for

 
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14 November 2012

I don’t know if you’re aware but apparently there’s a new James Bond film out. But then, the very fact that you’re reading this article, here, in a newspaper, puts paid to the idea that you might not know this. After all, you can’t swing a martini glass without being confronted by a pouting Daniel Craig plastered across every Tube platform and bus shelter. But while Skyfall-mania has reached fever-pitch, it would seem one aspect of the film has remained somewhat under the radar. It is, perhaps, slightly harder to detect behind the pyrotechnics and, you know, killing-of-bad-guys, but it has to be said that Bérénice Marlohe, aka Séverine, has some seriously good nails.

We first encounter Marlohe’s limelight-stealing talons in a casino in Shanghai. Little about her character suggests practicality over appearance — you certainly wouldn’t see fellow Bond girl Naomie Harris with nails like these — but the three-inch beauties play somewhat of a starring role amid the cutaway black satin evening gowns and lashings of smoky black kohl. But it isn’t the length alone that is gaining rave reviews from beauty buffs but rather their double-sided paint job. Courtesy of nail kingpins OPI, the temptress rocks a rich, juicy berry hue on top — aptly named Skyfall — and a flecked gold underneath — aka Goldeneye — both of which are from the brand’s limited 12-piece collection of Bond-themed lacquers in honour of the film’s release.

But while this is the first time the look has had a moment on the silver screen, the trend has been steadily gaining momentum for some time now. First created by London-based beautician Zoe Pocock, the effect was originally coined “The Louboutin Manicure” after Pocock teamed a rich patent black topside with a scarlet crème to mimic Louboutin’s signature red soles. This year the style witnessed a revival, after nail aficionado Rihanna chose to team a glossy raven with a metallic base, while Skyfall songstress Adele has been spotted sporting pearlescent silver with crimson underneath.

Of course, one thing these three undertones advocates have in common is a fetish for 24/7 super-long talons. Stick-on nails, as evocative of high school dances and Halloween as they are, are by far the easiest way to experiment with, and more importantly apply, the manicure, while it may be wise to seek out a professional to zhush up a set of acrylics. But if you are feeling brave and are blessed with never-break nails think steady thoughts and, if all else fails, keep a well-stocked supply of cotton buds and varnish remover close to hand.

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