The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty Blog: Vernis à ongles... Vernis à ongles... Posted by Dain, Tuesday, July 12, 2005 1:37 AM (Eastern) Some things just don't sound better in French (though most things do). The translation is, simply enough, "nail lacquer" (or "lacquer to nails", to be strictly literal), but it sounds vicious. To my ear, it sounds like "eagle claws in varnish". Which is, I suppose, not too far off ("varnish" is from "vernis"), and "ongle" and "aigle" are similar enough (though probably unrelated). How is this relevant? Not really, except to point out that the French should come up with a better name, so as to avoid connotations avian and predatory. Perhaps it is more fitting, after all. Normally, when we conjure up "nails" in our collective national aesthetic, they are characteristically aggressive and talon-like. At least, nails with character are aggressive and talon-like. Well, I prefer soft ovals for nails, and on the short side (as if I have a choice, being a nail-biter). I think electric blue is hot, but otherwise, I stick to shades of lipstick: pink-tinged beige, lush magenta, soft rose, brilliant coral, classic red, and gothic blackberry (Chanel Vamp). Since I do bite my nails, I'm not much for manicures, but I think an investment or two in a couple of high-quality polishes wouldn't be amiss. For that, I turn to Essie, which I prefer to OPI—fewer gimmicks, and it's a bit more liquid. The famed Ballet Slippers tops my list (a milky sheer pink-nude), but I'll be looking for a Vamp-y shade, and a red too. And if life permits, a creamy raspberry. But 'tis the nude color I'm hankering, because nothing looks better than exquisitely buffed nails, and when your nails are in as bad a condition as mine, a polish that mimics that is better. Picture courtesy www.nailsmag.com. 0 Comment(s)    Email this post Rants, raves, and musings on all things cosmetic. Profile | Current Blog Site Feed (Atom) Previous Articles ·· Figures and role models, and the nature of cosmetics as an art form... ·· A thanks... ·· After a hiatus... ·· Makeup for photographs ·· The Look-alike Concept ·· A great new site... ·· Caron Parfum Sacré ·· More ramblings... ·· Blow Out ·· Peaceful moment... Archives TheBroadroom.Net's Beauty Blog (archive) April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 Links Colleen's Adult Acne Blog Fashiontribes Daily