If there are two things we've learnt from witnessing Margot Robbie on her Barbie press tour it's that one, no one else could embody the iconic doll better than she can, and two, there really are endless ways to incorporate pink into your wardrobe and make-up. Whether it's a vintage 1994 Versace disco-ready dress or a soft dusting of ballet pink across the eyelids, it's a colour that is unfalteringly flattering on the actress.
At her recent appearance in Seoul, Robbie debuted a pink French manicure to match her 'Day To Night Barbie' Versace look, styled by Andrew Mukamal and inspired by original Barbie outfits, which started with a hot pink, 1980s skirt suit – complete with a chunky, handheld phone – before she changed into a prom-dress silhouette with a sparkling bustier.
The two-tone manicure was designed by the South Korean nail artist, Cho, who went with a pale pink base and a brighter pink accent on the tips. Instead of micro French tips, the design leant into the more maximalist Barbiecore aesthetic with a wider line across the nails. The shorter nail length kept the vibe feeling grown-up and sophisticated.
Pink has always been a staple manicure colour for many (it's no secret that the royals often favour Essie's Ballet Slipper), but with the recent spike in searches for Barbiecore nails – SpaSeekers reported an increase of 9,900% in Google searches within the past year – it looks like statement hues of fuschia, carnation and raspberry are set to stay.
'When the Barbie trailer dropped, all anybody wanted was the hottest pink the thermometer could accommodate,' says the Surrey-based manicurist Alex Philamond, who's well-loved among beauty editor circles for his ability to translate trends into chic, modern designs. 'It caught the eye of clients who were firm devotees of reds and neutrals, which speaks volumes about a trending colour.'
Opting for a one single shade of hot pink looks great against a summer tan and works beautifully with an otherwise understated outfit, but why not make like Robbie and go for a French manicure using a combination of pastels and neons? Philamond is also a fan of gradient pink nails, going from a lighter to deeper shade. His go-to hues include The Gel Bottle's Madonna and Miami, along with BioSculpture's Royal Highness.
OPI has also launched a Barbie collaboration which includes a pearlescent pale pink, a shimmery fuschia and of course, the signature Barbie Pink so DIY-ing your own Barbiecore manicure is easy.
Funny Face's Maggie Prescott said it best: 'Pink's for the lady with joie de vivre!' We agree.
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