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"    Photo: L&amp;#039;Or\u00E9al Paris   Manicurist and L&amp;#039;Or\u00E9al Paris consulting nail expert Tom Bachik&amp;#039;s career started in an untraditional way. The California native is a former graphic artist and skateboarder who used to make his living custom-painting skateboarding helmets. When the recession hit, he decided to attend beauty school and soon discovered his talent for tending to talons. Now, he counts A-listers Zooey Deschanel, Scarlett Johansson, Gwen Stefani, and Victoria Beckham among his clients. Here, ELLE.com scored Bachik&amp;#039;s counsel on creating your own oval, pointed, or almond-shaped manicure. ELLE: In the past few seasons, nails have evolved into a softer and more classic look. How can we best create an almond-shaped manicure at home?   Tom Bachik: The key to a perfect shape is: once the basic shape is achieved, turn your hand palm down away from you. This leaves nails facing you. Next, in your mind, draw an imaginary line down the center of your nails, separating the nail into two sides. Next, file the free edge of the nail from side to center, center to sides. What you do to one side of nail, do to the other side. This will make the shape consistent from side to side, nail to nail, regardless of shape. ELLE: Which shades do you think most flatter an almond-shaped manicure? TB: I think almond-shaped manicures look most flattering in reds, from true red to deep bordeaux, or in opaque, tonal nudes\u2014classic, elegant, old Hollywood glamour. ELLE: What are the on-trend hues for spring? TB: This spring, we&amp;#039;re seeing a palette of more sophisticated pastels and pastels a tad brighter, with just a pop of color, not the chalky toned pastels of the past. ELLE: Typing assassinates this shape\u2014any tips on getting it to last? TB: Keeping nails protected with polish and refreshing the shine every couple of days with a quick-dry top coat can help maintain shape. Gel polish can also help to add a layer of protection for strength. ELLE: How about tips for applying nail lingerie [a sheer sheet worn over your manicure that sticks to it via an appliqu\u00E9]? TB: Once you learn to size the nail lingerie, the rest is simple. First, size up the lingerie by choosing a size that looks one size too big. This will allow the lingerie to follow the contour of the nail and allow proper fit from side to side. Once size is determined, simply place the back against the cuticle and press out toward the sides and to the free edge. File off the excess. ELLE: Which base and top coats work best? TB: Separate base and top coats work best versus an all-in-one formula. Like shampoo and conditioner, base and top coats do different things. Base coats are softer and are designed to be more flexible and help the polish stick better to the nails. Base coats can also help prevent pigments from staining the natural nails. Top coats are harder in formula, which creates the high shine, and are designed to seal and protect the polish. ELLE: Any tips for keeping cuticles in good shape? TB: Keep cuticles pushed back, use a sponge buffer to exfoliate and smooth cuticles, and keep them moisturized nightly with cuticle oil. ELLE: What&amp;#039;s your nail pet peeve? TB: Mine is when people blame certain products\u2014acrylics or gels\u2014for ruining their nails. The products actually have no effect on the nails. Physical damage is usually caused by improper application or removal of the products, usually done by the wearer. Nails grow from the inside the finger in the matrix area. So even if the nails do get damaged, they will grow out over a couple months, like a bad haircut does. So saying &amp;quot;Ever since I wore acrylics, my nails have never been the same&amp;quot; is like saying &amp;quot;Ever since I got my last haircut, my hair has never grown the same.&amp;quot; Keep up to date with the latest beauty news. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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