myStyle Q&A: Celeb Manicurist Kandi Banks

Nail art shows no sign of abating as THE beauty trend. Intricate designs and 3-D talons are seen everywhere from runway fashion shows to mall food courts. To achieve the fun look, celebs are turning to manicurist Kandi Banks (top left). We were floored by her work on stars like Demi Lovato and Nicki Minaj, so we asked her for some tips.

DON'T BE SQUARE: I like the pointed look best. It's easier to come up with the unthinkable when I'm dealing with that shape. Hello Kitty [images] look better on square nails, though.

TREND SPOTTING: Object and food nails are definitely in my trend forecast. Pink is always hot with my clients. 

CELEB DREAMS: Leopard print and ice cream cones are my signature designs. I actually had them on my nails when I did Nicki and Demi's nails, and it just so happened that they both wanted the same one from my hand. Out of all the celebs I've worked with, I'd say Demi is the most daring. Nicki actually likes her nails simple, with pastel colors. 

DARING DESIGNS: Lately I've been playing around with shapes. I created a champagne glass-shaped nail for New Year's, and I made a pizza on myself. I'm [trying to] make object-shaped nails the new trend! I never get sick of doing multi-colored leopard designs. I've done a 3-D tooth with a gold filling and a cigarette, but the weirdest things I've been asked to do were a pair of 3-D breasts and a bacon-wrapped hot dog.

Love all things beauty? Tune into Glam Fairy, Style Network's series set in a "factory" of hair and makeup artists, Sundays at 9/8c.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT: Everyone should invest in a bottle of OPI's Chip Skip. It helps my client's manicures last about a week and a half. For at home nails, I love Nabi. It's a cheaper brand of polish but doesn't perform like it.