Ask the Experts: Creating a Recessionista Manicure

There's no way around it -- times are tough. But that doesn't mean our beauty routine should suffer! Instead of springing for weekly nail appointments, why not create your own DIY manicures? See these celebrity nail polish trends for inspiration.

By Bethany Verdone

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well red
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Well Red

Beyonce goes glam in a classic red shade like OPI Nail Polish in Red My Fortune Cookie ($4.95, amazon.com).
dark beauty
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Dark Beauty

Rihanna keeps things edgy by pairing black nails with a white half-moon at the bottom. Try Sally Hansen Nail Polish in Pat on The Black ($6.99, amazon.com).
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Pale Fire

LaLa Vasquez lightens up with a creamy shade like Essie’s Big Dipper ($6.50, amazon.com).
orange you pretty
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Orange You Pretty

Keri Hilson sports a bright, peachy-tangerine shade like Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer ($16.59, sephora.com

).
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Black Velvet

Janet Jackson rocks out in a metallic black hue like Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Black Sequins ($21, nordstrom.com).
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Powder Pink

Ashanti’s nails pops in this super-pale pink shade. Try Essie Nail Polish in Light Pink ($4.95, amazon.com).
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Golden Girl

Shingai Shoniwa goes for the gold in a sunny metallic like Chanel Nail Colour in Gold Lame ($34.00, amazon.com).
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The Right White

Toni Braxton goes for high drama with a stark, super-matte white hue. Try Priti Polish in White Ballet Dahlia.

$12.25; amazon.com
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Golden Girl

Selita Ebanks goes for the gold in MAC Gold Veneer Nail Lacquer.

$24.99; ebay.com
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Lady & the Vamp

To rock a deep, reddish-black like Eve, try Essie Nail Polish in Wicked ($3.50, amazon.com).
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Green Day

Garcelle added a pop of color to her all-white ensemble with emerald nails. We like OPI Green-Wich Village.

$5.72; amazon.com
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Think Pink

Eva sets the red carpet on fire with an electric pink manicure. Try Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Hot Pop Pink.

$13.95; amazon.com
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Silver Belle

Dressed in all black, Ciara wore a metallic shade like Forever 21 Nail Polish in Liquid Silver. Fabulous!

$2.80; forever21.com
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Totally Taupe

Mary J. Blige rocks 2010’s hottest trend, the greige nail. OPI Nail Polish in Over The Taupe is almost identical.

$2.35; amazon.com
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Pastel Perfection

Powder blue polish perfectly flatters Rihanna’s springy floral dress. Reproduce the look with Essie Nail Polish in Barbados Blue.

$4.95; amazon.com
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Feelin' Blue

Ashanti brings the drama in a velvety blue hue like Chanel Nail Polish in Blue Satin.

$49.95; amazon.com
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Touch of Turquoise

Keri Hilson goes for a tropical shade like POP Beauty Nail Glam Polish in Turquoise.

$10; amazon.com
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Nude Scene

Kerry Washington opts for an understated manicure here, letting her glam ensemble do the talking. We love Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Nude Chic.

$21; dior.com
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Black Beauty

Angela Simmons makes a statement with bold black nails. Try Chanel Le Vernis in Black Satin.

$25; bloomingdales.com
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Purple Reign

We’re so in love with Jennifer Hudson’s dazzling ultraviolet nails! Try Nars Nail Polish in Purple Rain.

$17; amazon.com
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