Year on year, our Singapore skyline is set ablaze in the month of August; a dazzling display of fireworks takes over as the much-celebrated National Day Parade draws to a close alongside a textural cacophony of arresting performances from the marching band and local acts alike. A good part of the nation gathers on the grandstand or in the surrounding locale of the Marina Bay area: all sifting into the city centre to bear witness to the annual affair and celebrate the country turning a year older. And be it a front row seat at the parade or a makeshift picnic opportunity in a more secluded part of town—the colour scheme of the evening is evidently clear, as the red-and-white combo hits our part of town, fazing none.
Touted as the nation’s colours, as seen on our national flag, the colour combination is unapologetically bold and usually reserved for the special occasion. For some, their wardrobes might not be as forgiving: an outfit worn in previous years may no longer still be an option for this year’s full-scale celebrations post-pandemic but shopping for a whole new look might also not ring as the most tenable alternative out there. Perhaps then, we’ll seize this moment to remind you of the possibility of still sporting your little bit of red-and-white—albeit on your talons instead. Acting as the perfect canvases to imbue some patriotic fun into your weekend look, your digits are truly the best way to either jazz up a more pared-back look with just a hint of the nation’s colours or actually sync up an already colour-coordinated ensemble from head to toe.
But you might ask: how many ways are there to express the one single colour combination on our nails? With the help of some of the most established nail artists and their sheer creative ingenuity, it seems like the sky’s the limit. In this case, your digits could assume a bold chromatic display of the colour scheme or perhaps take on an ephemeral mood via abstract swirls and 3D-printed elements. Whatever the case, it’s the transient, non-committal nature of it all that gives you the freedom to adopt any look of your choice on your talons. To help you out, we round up an innovative range of manicure moments—from cherry-red tips to youthful expressions of the colour combination that’ll last beyond the weekend—to add to your nail art inspo that’s in tune with the celebrations.
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Ethereal swirls
A softly blended swirl of the two contrasting hues might be the perfect way to do the colour scheme in a sophisticated manner. Top it with a metallic embellishment or two to elevate the look.
2 / 10
Abstract shapes
Leave a section of each nail unpainted—forming nebulous shapes on each with the bold hue.
3 / 10
Child's play
Get in touch with your inner child and infuse your favourite animated favourites into the design—by pairing them up with other fun, youthful motifs of the same colour scheme.
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Sharpen your claws
Take the foxy hue to full effect by sharpening those longer-than-life talons.
5 / 10
Tip it off
A subtle yet classy way to sport your red-and-white this year—with a minimal top of cherry and white on just the tips of your digits.
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The zest of life
Sunny fresh. Should you prefer to introduce even more hues to the colour scheme, opt for shades that are similar—in this case: a citrus orange gives you the option to spruce up your design with flowers and framing curves.
7 / 10
The French mani
If you’re already sporting a full red outfit for the day, it might just be the perfect time to pull out a french mani moment—for that contrasting dose of white.
8 / 10
Graffiti edge
If bold has always been your thing, a graffiti look will do the trick of maintaining your fiery aesthetic whilst you’re dolling up for the celebrations.
9 / 10
Strawberry sweet
Rest assured that you’ll be able to achieve a youthful mood with a simple fruity motif on your digits.
10 / 10
Wear your love
Show your love for the nation with the simple yet effective trick of wearing your heart on your nails, but keep it minimal by limiting it to only a few fingers.
