For the do-it-yourself diva who actually likes giving herself manicures, the new Allure magazine has a handy pull-out guide on how to make sure your nails score a perfect 10. When the weather cools off, makeup and nail polish trends go darker, so the inky nail is once again in style. How to present this look so it's stylish, not scary?



The main thing is, keep the nails short. A quarter inch past your fingertip is long enough. Otherwise, dark polish on really long nails makes you look like you belong in Fangoria.

* Keep your hands well-moisturized with lotions and creams within your reach at all times (hint: have more than one).

* Use a base coat and top coat. Apply fresh top coat every other day.

* Once polish chips, either touch up or do a fresh manicure.

Your complexion plays a big part in how the color will appear, so if one dark shade doesn't look quite right, try another.

Which nail colors will you want to buy to keep up with the dark trend? Try one of these:

MAC Nocturnelle
Essie Decadent Diva
Chanel Vamp
NARS Saratoga
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

It's so hard to choose just one.

'Til next time, my pretties.