Whether it was edgy textures, simple pastel shades or striking tips, there wasn't an un-manicured talon in sight on the SS16 runways. Yes, this season is all about the nails - and we're obsessing over our favourite looks.

In need of some inspiration before you hit the shops to top up on talon supplies? Here's our guide to spring's finger fashion fundamentals...

BEYOND THE PALE

Forget OTT artsy nails this spring and hit refresh with an understated, buffed nude shade. Not only will natural hues, as seen at the Holly Fulton show, elongate talons, they'll give a clean, feminine finish too.

Chanel's couture show was all about the putty pinks, while Stella McCartney toned it down with sheer nude-pink tones. If you fancy changing it up entirely, embrace the all-white look and opt for a bright white in matte, like Emilio de la Morena's models.

:: Ciate London Paint Pot in Sugared Almonds, currently reduced to £4.50 from £9 (www.beautybay.com)

:: Nailed London Gel Colour Polish in Chica Bonita, £6.99 (www.feelunique.com)

INTO THE BLUE

Blue is having a moment: pale, cobalt, chrome, navy, royal - it's all there, and we can't get enough of it. Match your nails to your eyeshadow for a pop-bright look, as seen at Jeremy Scott's SS16 ready-to-wear show, or plump for a striking navy manicure in matte like Thierry Mugler.

Fancy getting crafty with an old pair of jeans? Follow on from MAC's senior artist Keri B, who shook things up with custom denim-wrapped talons on the Desigual runway. Alternatively, grab a bottle of Nails inc's Denim Effect polish, which will give you the textured indigo shade you're after with minimal fuss.

:: Nails inc Bermondsey Denim Effect Nail Polish, £15 (www.nailsinc.com)

:: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Sunrise Trip, £18 (www.selfridges.com)

:: NARS Nail Polish in Ikiru, £15 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

SEEING RED

A timeless beauty staple, red nails make an appearance year after year - and it's a winner every time.

This season, forget mahogany hues and go for a classic bold red, doubling up with a lippy to match, as seen at Zac Posen. Or if you're after full-on glamour, take a leaf out of Gareth Pugh's book and dazzle with textured, sparkling red. Get the glitterati look by building up two to three layers of MAC's Pigment and finish with a glossy top coat.

:: MAC Pigment in Red Electric, £16 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

:: MAC Charlotte Olympia Nail Lacquer in Old Fashioned, £11 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk; available from March 25)

:: Dior Vernis Nail Polish The It-Shades in Pandore 754, £19 (www.johnlewis.com)

TIPPED OFF

The French manicure was revived on the SS16 catwalks - but with a twist, and luckily for us, the DIY trend has ramped up off-stage too. Giving the classic look a youthful new edge, nail artists have been replicating half-moon statements, punchy stripes and colourful tips for a unique contrast.

At Ryan Lo, nails were vibrant and feminine, featuring clean lines and poppy colours. To recreate the look, file nails into a rounded shape and paint on a base coat (try Kiko in 03 Vintage Rose). Once dry, next paint a V shape from the centre of the nail (using Kiko in 17 Lilac), curving the brush to form a petal shape, and then create a final layer, in the same shape but smaller (with Kiko 13 Red).

:: KIKO Pro Nail Lacquer in 13 Red, £4.90 (www.kikocosmetics.com)

:: KIKO Pro Nail Lacquer in 03 Vintage Rose, £4.90 (www.kikocosmetics.com)

:: Burberry Nail Polish in Black Cherry No.304, £15 (uk.burberry.com)

PEDAL TO THE METAL

If there's one thing this season is not, it's low-key. Metallic and high-shine chrome effects are key trends and rank highly on the nail hit list.

Make a statement with sheer gold or rose gold hues, as seen at both Alberta Ferretti and Mary Katrantzou, or go trash-tastic with silver foil mosaics or cracked metal strips. The trick, cite the experts, is to layer and cover with clear gloss to create a 3D effect.

:: NARS Nail Polish in Amarapura, £15 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

:: MAC Studio Nail Lacquer in Fabulous Fete, £10 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)

TRIED AND TE STED

Shaving's a daily ritual for many men, and the right tools for the job are all-important. Will these two new razors cut it? Our testers find out...

:: Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Razor, currently reduced to £4.29 from £8.59 (www.boots.com)

"The head of this razor is far too flexible, making it really hard to get a good grip when shaving the neck area. I also found it difficult to shave the more contoured areas of my face."

2/5

:: Gillette Fusion ProShield Flexball Men's Razor, £5.93 (www.superdrug.com)

"Dubbed Gillette's 'most advanced' yet, this razor delivers in its promise of a clean, smooth finish. The 'Flexball' technology works to tackle any beard length, and the lubricant made for an easy, non-irritable shave. You have to buy additional blades, but at this price you can't really grumble."

4/5

BUY IT NOW

We all need a pick-me-up from time to time, and this trio of turbo charged Boosters from Clarins pledge to do the trick. Offering a made-to-measure beauty solution in real time, simply add three to five drops to your face cream, mask or foundation and voila: show-stopping skin! Pick from Detox, Repair or - my favourite - Energy (great for those with a hectic lifestyle) and await the results. Snap them up for £30 each from April (www.clarins.co.uk).

BEAUTY BULLETIN

:: YOU'RE SO VAIN

It's official: men are the vainest sex, and us ladies are feeling smug. According to a new survey by carfinance247.co.uk, the average British male (aged 17-50) checks themselves out in the mirror up to 24 times a day, versus women's 11 times. While women listed their top reasons for looking in the mirror as make-up application (81%); to check they don't have food in their teeth or smudged mascara (63%) and to check and titivate hair (45%), the majority of men (56%) confessed they do it simply to admire themselves and their finest attributes! Ah, it's the small victories...

STEAL OF THE WEEK

One of Britain's best-loved skincare brands, chances are ELEMIS already features in your beauty regime. But if it doesn't, now's your chance to indulge, as the luxury label is set to launch an exclusive six-piece Luminous Skin Collection on QVC for one day only, on Sunday, April 10. The set includes the gorgeous exotic Tahitian Tiare flowers and Coprah oil-infused Frangipani Monoi Hand & Nail Cream, as well as a cleanser, night cream, eye treatment, face moisturiser and make-up remover; and at just under £60, but worth over £198, it's well worth the clicks (www.qvcuk.com).