Valentine’s Day Nail Polishes: Love is in the Details

It isn’t just us women; men understand the importance—and pressure—of a perfect Valentine’s Day as well. The Hallmark holiday has everyone in a frenzy. My assistant is online trying to book a weekend getaway to wine country, my brother is rewriting his Match.com ad daily to actually get a date for his reservation for two at L’Orangerie, and my best friend is practicing his V-Day proposal by slipping a diamond ring on sesame breadsticks each night. The last anecdote explains the necessity of our preparations for the big day. No detail should be overlooked, least of all your fingernails.

It is on Valentine’s Day that the panes of keratin must look their best. Who knows who will be bejeweling them with rings of promise or massaging them lovingly in front of the fireplace? And what better time is there to wear the girly pinks and venomous reds that we adore so much? February 14 is a day to go all out, use the glitter top coat and make every detail count. Believe me, ladies, your guy will notice.

Angelic pinks have been hot for a while. They are a potent combination of sophistication and youthful innocence that leave men questioning the nature—and intent—of a woman. Leave your man guessing with one of the following great new shades.

• The origin of Paul and Joe Beauté from the uber hip fashion line is evidenced not only in the stylized bottle, but also in the polish’s simple yet edgy look. The cupid pink Rose Pale is similar to an understated shade in my current collection, but its shimmer makes it all new. It’s a fun, sprightly color that will complement everything from a floaty party dress to a dressed-up pair of jeans, so it will surely complement your evening of romance. ($12, select Sephora stores and Sephora.com)

• Manicurist to the stars Deborah Lippmann uses nail-strengthening biotin to make her clients’ nails stand up to the rigors of life on the set. Fortunately, biotin works just as well for those whose sets consist of cubicles and grocery stores. Her polishes, which are cleverly named after popular songs, redefine the necessities, making them an ideal part of every woman’s wardrobe. Her Prelude to a Kiss, the quintessential ballet slipper pink, will prove true to its name. (pictured, $15, select Nordstrom, Sephora, Bath and Body Works stores)

Pantina’s Pink Angel/Blue Moon French Mini consummates the salon classic. On one end, you get a sparkly, misty white to decorate your tips; on the other, a sheer pink to finish the look. The holiday look will keep him on the hook through the spring. ($4.50, CosmeticMall.com, Amazon.com –image courtesy of Amazon.com)

Look-at-me reds will never go out of style, which is good because I’ve always fancied myself a jungle cat waiting to be tamed (grrr). Macintosh apples, fire engines and fine ports—those seeking the spotlight will always find their red.

• Barielle, hailed for its luxurious and effective nail rebuilders, has a STOP sign red in its Shades line that will disrupt traffic. Ecstasy is a creamy, exuberant shade that puts Carlsbad’s fields of posies to shame. It is decadent and rich, making nails look solid, healthy and dangerous. But beware; your date will expect you to present the same confidence your nails do.

• Boston Baked Bean takes temptress to the next level. The garnet hue from Boston-based Mario Russo is perfect for the vixen who wants to establish her dominance without risking attention from the wait staff. Its lustrous finish differentiates it from the matte choices of the goth, but the color delivers the same intended mystery.

• Beauty divas will rejoice over Nailtini’s Bloody Mary Mini Bar. The four-polish kit consists of a true red, darkener, golden glitter and clear lacquer. Start with the “Straight Up” red then mix the other coats to create a customized nail look. I worried that the effect would be brackish, but the polishes are high-quality, so the finished nail looks like a salon product, not an unattended kindergartener’s finger painting. (pictured, $24, www.Nailtini.com)