Runway Takeaway: Nail Polish Backstage Secret

I always remember my aunt complaining about her stubby fingers. She might've loved this fun new solution courtesy of the designers at Dashing Diva.

For the Cushnie et Ochs show during Fashion Week, Pattie Yankee worked with designers Carly and Michelle to create a "flesh extension" look. They began with Dashing Diva's Mr. Right, a creamy off-white polish, as a base, then mixed in mineral makeup that perfectly matched each model's skin tone. Just a pinch or two of a mineral powder directly into the bottle!

Isn't that messy? I asked. After all, nail varnish bottles are small.

But Pattie is a seasoned pro, so it's no problem for her. You might want to use a little funnel, she suggested.

I think it's easier to just mixed it in a little plastic bottle top. You need to keep it light and fluid in order to apply easily, but it helps to see the color and adjust as needed.

The Dashing Diva designers used BareEscentuals mineral makeup — Pattie says a little goes a long way, the key is not to mix too much. Just a pinch, and if the polish is too transparent with the first application, add a bit more. Sort of a "season to taste" approach.

The designers chose an extended, sharp, oval-shaped nail which looks a little too Twilight/True Blood for my taste. But hey, over-40 women are big fans of vampire fiction, so maybe the shape will be appealing too.

The result: Long tapered fingers. Use a hand brightener like Lumixyl to lighten age spots and discoloration. I also like Creative Nail Design's' Crystal Exfoliator for instant smoothing and brightening. And voila, younger looking hands.

More on manicure & pedicure perk-ups:
Fashion Week Takeaway - -No Alimony Nail Polish
Get Funky With Your Nails
Do You Dare Wear Nail Art?
Curious about Hand Plastic Surgery?