Latest news with #BIAB
Elle
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Butter Yellow Is Summer's Trendiest Shade—Here Are 4 Nail Looks to Try
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Now that summer is here, our seasonal beauty switch-ups are officially in motion, starting with the arrival of joyful, butter yellow manicures. Whether it's a layer of glossy soft yellow polish or a minimalist spring-inspired design, the options are endless when it comes to sunny nail ideas—it's simply a matter of choosing your style. Consider what type of manicure you'd like to sport this summer. Classic polish allows you to switch up your design (not to mention try new nail art techniques at home), while a gel formula offers longevity for those looking for a longer-lasting mani. For ultimate durability, opt for acrylics, which are perfect for a long-haul trip, or try BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) to encourage strength and new length for weakened tips. Here, we've rounded up the best buttery nail designs and manicure ideas for summer, including fancy French tips and playful aura nails. You can add an elegant sheen to any classic manicure using chrome, but this summer it's best placed over a sunshine yellow French tip. 'Begin by painting one coat of your desired base shade (I'm a huge fan of Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy),' explains nail artist and Essie ambassador Michelle Humphrey. 'Paint your French tip—this can be white, or any color! For warmer days, you might want to opt for a brighter shade like lilac, matcha green, or yellow.' To finish, apply either a chrome top coat (or chrome powder with a clear top coat) to add a finishing metallic glaze to your mani. So chic and so modern. Florals for spring-summer may seem cliché, but we assure you, these delicate designs couldn't be more trendy. 'Start by applying your desired base shade; sheer nudes always look beautiful, but you can choose any color you like. Soft sorbet shades would also be dreamy for this look,' says Humphrey. 'Use a dotting tool or a bobby pin to create a small circle of five white dots, then create the center of the flower by adding one more yellow dot. Tip: Be sure to clean the tool regularly to prevent the polish from drying and the dots becoming uneven. You can have several flowers or just one on the nail—the options are limitless!' Trendy but never childish, these airbrushed tips have been making the rounds since 2023, retaining their popularity thanks to an easy-to-replicate design and versatile set of colors. This summer, they're worn best in bright yellows and vibrant oranges. Think sunset shades. 'Paint your nails in your desired shades—I love choosing bright pastels on each nail,' says Humphrey. 'Apply a matte top coat and allow it to thoroughly dry. Grab any eyeshadow palette. Using an eyeshadow applicator sponge, gently buff the eyeshadow into the nail where you'd like your aura.' Complete on all nails, then apply a glossy top coat for that high-shine professional finish. Gingham has long been hailed as the official fabric of summer, but did you know it also looks incredibly chic when adorned over bare nails? Better yet, match your manicure to your lightweight summer wardrobe. While we're huge fans of an at-home nail design, we're the first to admit that this idea is far from beginner-friendly. Save this detailed inspiration for your in-salon appointment, whether that's an acrylic set to last well beyond the heat wave, or a classic gel manicure that won't smear and smudge throughout the week.
Elle
09-07-2025
- Health
- Elle
From French Tips To Butter Yellow, The Best BIAB Pedicures To See You Through A Heatwave
Builder In A Bottle, also known as BIAB, is an increasingly popular manicure option for those who are looking to strengthen and grow their natural nails. But BIAB isn't exclusively designed for the hands. BIAB pedicures are proving to be useful for anyone whose nails require extra care, strength and protection. In the warmer months, when our toes are even more exposed to the elements – think sand, sea, and being out and about in summer sandals – BIAB pedicures promise longevity and high-performance wear. 'While we recommend applying it in a thin layer (more like a rubber base), BIAB™ still delivers its key benefit: flexible strength,' says Giorgia Cappella, head of education and spa at The GelBottle Inc. Essentially, BIAB works by 'flexing' with the natural nail. 'This helps to prevent breakages and protect the nail from damage - ideal for weaker or damaged toenails that need a little extra support,' adds Cappella. According to Cappella, those with active lifestyles or athletes prone to toe trauma will benefit from the strengthening effects of a BIAB pedicure. Plus, if you are loyal to a BIAB manicure, you can get matching shades for your toes. 'Clients are often drawn to the beautiful, wearable shades and the added durability, which makes it perfect for holidays or long-lasting pedis,' Cappella tells ELLE. Similar to BIAB manicures, they can last up to 4 weeks depending on the individual's lifestyle. But do make sure to monitor your toenail's growth. 'If toenails get too long, they can press into shoes and cause damage to the nail matrix,' cautions Cappella. While BIAB is durable, it's always important to regularly check on your nails and maintain it regularly to ensure nail health. When used correctly, there are no major downsides to BIAB, as long as the product isn't over-applied or built too thick, as toenails are generally stronger than the nails on your hands. As with manicures, sunny designs and pastel tones are set to take over our toes. Cappella is a big fan of soft baby blues, lilacs, yellows and minty greens from The Gel Bottle's Pastel BIAB collection. 'These dreamy shades pair perfectly with sandals and sunshine, and are a gorgeous way to add colour without overpowering your look.' A powdery pink base makes for a subtle take on the French pedicure. Take a cue from TikTok's 'princess nails' trend and try an extremely pretty, sheer pink pedicure with an immaculate finish. Pale lemon is still very much on the radar for summer, delivering a hint of sunshine without overpowering the rest of your look. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Elle
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Polka Dot Manicure Trends You're About To See Everywhere
Perhaps it was Hailey Bieber's recent outing in which the Rhode founder stepped out in a pair of giant polka dotted capri pants, or maybe the triumphant return of the motif on the runways of Bora Aksu and Moschino – but it seems the divisive dotty trend has reemerged from the archives. So much so, polka dots have starting creeping back into nail art trends this summer, too. From micro dots that play on 'quiet luxury' and monochrome detailing to louder, bolder dotted prints and mis-match accents, polka dot nails have shed their cute connotations and the old-school print is being revived for summer '25. 'Polka dots have exploded in popularity this season, offering a refreshing shift from more intricate designs or, conversely, super minimalist looks,' agrees Daisy Kalnina, the CEO and Founder of The GelBottle Inc. 'We're seeing some really fun variations on the polka dot trend this summer, from classic black-and-white to more vibrant colour combinations. We're also seeing techs playing with scale: from delicate micro-dots to bold, oversized spots that make a real statement,' she notes. The allure of polka dot nails 2.0 is simple: They're both elevated and cool but highly versatile, too. 'The versatility of polka dots is a huge factor owing to its popularity, as they can be combined with other trends effortlessly – think butter yellow or pastel dots over a sheer base,' she adds. While intricate nail art such as polka dots can be tricky to master if you're not a pro, Kalnina says you can achieve the nail art yourself provided you have the right tools and techniques. 'The easiest method is to use a dotting tool, but if you don't have one, a bobby pin, a toothpick, or even the end of a dried-out pen can work for creating perfect small dots,' she shares. 'The trick is to dab a little of your chosen polish onto a piece of foil, then dip your chosen tool into it before carefully creating your desired pattern on the nail.' Below, Kalnina breaks down the manicure trends to note for summer 2025: Teeny-tiny white polka dots on a chrome base add a minimalist touch while still feeling like an upgrade to a classic glazed or glass manicure. Playing with monochromatic detailing, why not mis-match your hands with black-and-white bases and contrasting polka dots? French tips are the perfect way to embrace the trend in a more subtle manner – simply ask your nail tech for a dotted French manicure or use a dotting tool if you're DIY'ing at home. For a nod to polka dots that still feels subtle and chic, this soft nail art ticks all the boxes. Look for a BIAB base, such as Dolly from The GelBottle, to recreate it. Merlot tones needn't just be for the autumn months. This inverted manicure still looks fresh and playful for summer. Lemon yellow is dominating as the heatwave sets in. This French manicure pairs perfectly with subtle gold polka dots and a bold zingy yellow tip. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
Cosmopolitan
29-05-2025
- General
- Cosmopolitan
How long does BIAB last? The real length of time to wait between nail appointments
NGL, I'm a sucker for BIAB now. I am a part of the cult, and I do not care. For the past two years, I've had my BIAB redone with the same nail tech in the same shade every single time (The Gel Bottle BIAB in Teddy, by the way), and it brings me joy and an untold number of compliments. Because I am such a BIAB stan, I get asked a lot of questions about it, and I get it, it's confusing right. It's gel but it's not gel, and it makes your nails look like acrylics but they deffo aren't acrylics. But without a doubt, the question I get most is how long does BIAB last. Again, another fair question given that it's an investment of time and money. So, I checked in with Giorgia Cappella, Cosmo's Contributing Nail Expert and educator at The Gel Bottle to get the definitive answer. 'BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is designed to flex with the natural nail, helping to strengthen and support healthy nail growth. When applied correctly, BIAB mimics the natural apex of the nail, providing reinforcement at the nail's stress point to reduce the risk of premature breakages,' she tells us. 'As each person's nails grow at different rates, the position of the stress point naturally shifts over time. To maintain optimal strength and structure, we recommend BIAB maintenance appointments every 2– 4 weeks, depending on individual nail growth. These appointments allow the apex to be repositioned to suit the new length of the nail.' So, yes, it can be a real investment in beauty maintenance if you have nails that grow quickly. I do, but tend to push my appointments to one per month to save my bank account if I'm being completely honest. If you have weaker nails or you have a job where you do manual labour and therefore your nails are more at risk of breaking, you should keep appointments regular, as breaking your nails with BIAB on is not pretty and can be painful (in my experience) because the gel sets so hard. 'If maintenance is not kept up, the apex will no longer align with the correct stress point, increasing the risk of breakages. In short, BIAB is highly durable and will remain bonded to the nail, but regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-lasting results and prevent damage.' On that point, BIAB shouldn't lift easily because, as mentioned, it's a hard gel that binds to your nail in a way stronger way than traditional gels. 'If you notice your BIAB beginning to lift – whether from the cuticle or the free edge – it's important to inform your technician as soon as possible and arrange a maintenance appointment,' warns Cappella. 'Prompt assessment allows your technician to address the issue early, ensuring BIAB continues to provide the necessary strength and support for healthy nail growth.' It's the thing we are always told in beauty for any treatment – aftercare is essential. 'Regularly applying cuticle oil and hand cream helps to hydrate the skin and stimulate healthy cell renewal, keeping both your skin and nails nourished and your manicure looking fresh between appointments,' says Cappella. 'To protect your nails, avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals by wearing gloves during cleaning or household tasks. Chemicals can dry out the skin and dehydrate the nail, compromising the longevity of your BIAB.' 'And remember", says Cappella, 'jewels, not tools! It's tempting to use your nails for tasks, especially as they grow longer, but applying pressure can weaken the nail's stress point over time—regardless of how well the BIAB is applied. Treat your nails with care to keep them strong and beautiful.' Amen! Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
