(Photo: Hannah Whitaker)

Not to overstate it, but this fall will be the golden age of nail polish. Conventional reds and inoffensive pinks are being replaced by a far more thrilling palette, with colors reminiscent of Victorian wallpaper (Jin Soon for M.A.C.) or a shiny new car (Lancôme). There’s a deep metallic blackberry that dries to a matte finish (Zoya), a giddy clear polish spiked with Goldschläger-esque gold flakes (Rococo Nail Apparel), and a host of others. From Jin Soon’s line for M.A.C., here’s one of the vanguard: For Fun, a creamy violet ($12, 1 E. 22nd St., at Broadway; 212-677-6611). For more glorious colors, click ahead.

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• Archive: “Best Bets”
• Table of Contents: Aug 24, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!