The 5 New Rules of Beauty

We love the look of a perfect sheer manicure on long, tapered talons as much as the next woman, but let's face it: It takes time, patience and money to keep it up. For equally elegant, less fussy nails, go short, round and dark, suggests Julie Serquinia, owner of the Paint Shop salon in Beverly Hills (Mandy Moore, Beyoncé and Jada Pinkett Smith are regulars). To do: File your nails so they line up with the tips of your fingers (caveat: if you have long nail beds, leave a little extra length at the top). Round off the corners. Pick bluish-red or plum polishes if you have cool undertones in your skin and yellowish-red ones if your undertones are warm. Shown on nails: Essie in Berry Hard; (optional) white dots: OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow.