Nails by occasion

Say “I do” and “I will” to bridal nails

We love a bit of nuptial chat. Here’s everything we know… Soft pinks and sheer washes of white are classics for a reason, they look great on just about everyone and they also photograph well – especially if you are planning to get some chic black and white shots done. Like lipstick, red nails can look very dark grey in black and white photography, whereas pale nails look more natural. We are also seeing lots of neutrals from modern brides, which is a pretty cool move. Try a colour like Cottontail if you want to rock this look down the aisle. Lastly, incorporate some nail care in the run-up to the big day so your nails are looking fresh and healthy before the polish even goes on. Nurture those hands and nails! Actually, that’s good advice for every day.

Ps, congratulations! A celebration of love is a really wonderful thing!

Rosewater pink nail polish hand swatch on fair skin tone by sienna
close view of a young woman's hands holding pink flower petals and wearing Cherry blossom pink nail polish by sienna
Translucent rosewater pink sheer nail polish hand swatch on dark skin tone by sienna

Rock the look – Festival nails for everyone

Music festival styling is a pretty serious business these days – so don’t let your nails miss out on all the fun. Besides, if it rains during the festivities – and is it even a festival with no rain – your clothes and hair might be soaked, but your stylish mani will keep on keeping on. Luckily, we know a thing or two about festival nails at Sienna. We ran a pop-up nail-bar at Blues Fest a few years ago and prepped hundreds of hands for five days of music and fun. Perennial festival favourites include Mystic, all of the metallics, and when in doubt, ombre all the way. If you want to get on board the nail art train for your next festival, we’ve got some super-fun designs that are equally at home in the fields of Glastonbury or the Writer’s Festival. Hello, Lilac Pastel Leopard, we’re talking to you!

two fair skin tone hands next to one another showing rainbow nails with three different nail polishes on each finger by sienna
Mid-tone blue nail polish hand swatch on dark skin tone by sienna
Pastel purple Leopard Nail Art hand swatch on fair skin tone by Sienna

Job interview nails to land the dream role

Your talent and charisma need to be at the forefront, not your nails – even though we’re sure they’re fabulous – you’ve got to keep it chic and profresh if you’re going to land your dream job. If you’re heading for an interview in a corporate or conservative office, err on the side of caution and keep the focus on your skills with well-groomed nails and natural or neutral polish. Make the right impression with colours like Peace for a sheer slick of pink that is “your nails but better” vibes, Barefoot Dancer, Stone, or keep it super-natural with our base coat or Hope. Taupe-type hues are also a winner – try Calm or Cottontail.

If the role you’re interviewing for is in a creative setting, you can get a little bit more experimental, but don’t go too cray-cray. Navy, olive, plum and the creative’s forever love, black, would all fly well, but maybe leave the neon, metallics and wild shimmers to the weekend. At least until you’re settled in.

close view of a woman's nails wearing Stony mauve nail polish by sienna
Warm Clay nail polish hand swatch on fair skin tone by sienna
Plum Red Nail Polish hand swatch on medium skin tone by Sienna

Holiday nails for every kind of holiday

Do your holiday plans include lounging around a pool or beach, maybe some palm trees swaying in the distance, and perhaps a cocktail or two? Or are you planning an urban-style mini-break with galleries, coffee and art galleries? They both sound pretty good to us, but what about your mani-plans? Avoid mani-misadventures on the road and coordinate your nails with the outfits you’re packing. Tropical holidays spent resort-side have us packing bright, fruity tones with plenty of corals and peachy-pinks. For beachy getaways off the beaten track, you might like the idea of keeping your nails the softest of soft pinks for a natural beauty look. If you’re headed to the city, anything goes, so express yourself. If you aren’t sure how you’re going to be feeling, pack some remover wipes and a few polishes to keep your options open.

Ombre nail art with orange yellow pink and red nail polish on dark and medium skin tone by sienna
Pink peach nail polish hand swatch on medium skin tone by sienna

For the love of date night nails

If you’re on your way for some flirty fun with a special someone, give your nails a bit of love too. We’ve gone for all the deep, dusty reds and pinks here in homage to red the iconic colour of love. You can’t go wrong! But if you’re a guy wanting to give your nails a lick of colour to show you’re the kind of person who makes an effort in the grooming department, consider a strong colour like, Rhythm. It’s pictured here on local Byron hero, Benny.

close view of a woman's hand holding a gold chain necklace wearing a Magenta Plum nail polish by sienna
close view of a woman's hands holding a purple cocktail, wearing dusty rosebud red nail polish by sienna at Mez Club restaurant in Byron bay
Close view of bearded man wearing teal blue nail polish in front of an orange wall holding his shirt collar

Everyday Swoon

We are a huge fan of the neutral end of the spectrum when it comes to everyday nails, but that just might not be your vibe. At all. So, as we’re fond of saying, ‘you do you.’ If you want some suggestions, we got you. Kombi is a fun whimsical colour for the retro lovers, Dream is the blue of choice for the glam-squad, Freedom is the vermillion red cream that is a little bit chic and a little bit rock n roll, Merlot is a winner for the lovers of a strong nail, and if you need more inspo to find your signature polish for everyday wear, hit up our website. We feel confident you’ll find the colour of your dreams and if you need help, we have a handy guide here or get in touch.

close view of woman holding her arm wearing a grey t-shirt and marble grey nail polish by sienna close view of hands holding a pale blue coffee cup wearing a Dusty mauve nail polish by sienna
Purple Pearl with a Fine Blue Shimmer nail polish hand swatch on fair skin tone by siennaNails by @primpandpropermani
woman on top of a roof in New York holding her hands to her chest wearing a white knitted sweater and Light Periwinkle Blue nail polish by sienna

Special event nails

Your invitation to the Brits/BAFTAS/Grammys/Emmys/Oscars might have been lost in the post, but we all need a go-to look that has us feeling stylish and ready for anything. Maybe your nails are the special event! Either way, let’s look to the stars to see if there is any mani-inspiration we can make our own.

five different skin tone women next to one another wearing the same bronze dress and showing their hands with crystal shimmer nail polish by sienna
Harry Styles blue manicure at the Met Gala 2019Harry Styles at the Met Gala 2019. Picture: Twitter
Gigi Hadid metallic silver manicure at the Met Gala 2016Gigi Hadid at the Met Gala 2016. Picture: Instagram

Popstar of the moment and lover of exaggerated talons went to the Oscars with jet-black nails with a rhinestone gem at the tip of each one for a look that was edgy and chic. Recreate the look, natural nail style, with a black satin polish like Sienna’s very own Zen. If you want to channel J-Lo and her ever-glam nails, choose a polish with a shimmer finish to bring a bling-tastic finish to your nails, without the actual glitter, of course. Lana del Ray a unique choice amid all the gemstone embellishments and chose metallic silver nails for the red carpet. But hands down, one of the most popular polishes was classic baby pink with a super-high gloss finish. We heart.

Black satin nail polish hand swatch on medium skin tone by sienna
Crushed hematite crystal nail polish hand swatch on dark skin tone by sienna

So what’s your go-to colour?


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