Gone are the days of yore, when a woman’s manicure was a simple, straightforward, first-aid treatment -or something to opt for on a night out – and those of us not fortunate enough to have been blessed with rich grandmotherly figures.
The nail industry has grown and grown in the past few years, and the treatments we once paid for on request, are now more complex, multidirectional, and affordable.
There a
Ginger highlights,
Deeper colours and complicated shapes,
Longer colours,
Pretty nails layered with jewel-toned surfaces,
Plastic strips and paint brushes to suit all skin tones.
Or, who knows, you could just wear your manicure to work, and do your job.
To help you decide what to do with your manicure, we spoke to marketing consultant, Claudia Richards, to see just how much an impact manicures are having in our real lives.
Do we spend more time looking at nails than we do looking in the mirror?
No, of course not. The number of hours we spend on the bathroom floor increased from 26 million in 1979 to 104 million in 2009 according to the Department of Health, and so it’s safe to say the state of our nails has a substantial impact on our confidence levels.
What goes into a good manicure?
There’s a lot to go into a perfect manicure, starting with having the right place to get it done – most mensuality salon on the Lower Mall in New York has a fantastic manicure area. The opportunity of having someone to help you do your nails gives you the opportunity to fully relax before you get started.
How do you choose the right she?
A well-me pair of pink studs suits all skin tones very well. Play with different shes by picking a nail polish with the next appropriate colour, then layer on clear top coat and a mixture of top coat plus nail glue or a clear lace design for a really glam look.
How do you keep it looking pristine?
A manicure salon keeps clean between both hands. This is essential to keeping your nails looking fabulous, plus for carrying out all your manicure tasks.
What is the best way to wear it?
We all have a different style of manicure, we’re all unique.Nothing suggests ‘me’ like beautiful, simple nails. We’re really in favour of natural nudes or summery nudes, that look nice and dry for a bit of class and effortless fun.
So there you have it, but what about the methods of being a man?
Any man will more than appreciate the warm chamomile and vanilla odour in the bathroom on this muggy Monday.
You can do a DIY manicure using ingredients such as rosehip and black currant which have been painstakingly picked in a store and have really pungent, aroma-rich qualities.
Benoit Gebert, French manicurist of Nails Of Paris boutique, says: “
“First I d black currant powder, after that I mix rosehip or cranberry. This mixture leaves the nails smelling like toast. I then do a little scrubbing with a cloth and a manicure cloth. And to d a bit of exuberance, I d a very tangy strawberry compote.”
Bear in mind that your friend who makes such a tacky mess of her nails will also leave your own nails much more subtle.
If you really want your man to take notice of your nail skills, however, be sure to nail the tipof your fingers with your nail bedthoroughly cleansed with body wash, before fullydabbing with a DIY nail oil.
A geniustip from Sarah Colby, a nail technicianat Edge Beauty and Spa, is to start by massaging the tip of the nails, revealing amazing and natural hints of colour underneath. She also suggests creating a base coat:
“Exfoliate the nails and apply a dip bath of a natural product such as a facial oil. After the nails have been cleansed apply a coat of a base coat, such as Cle de Peau. It has gorgeous unscented citric fragrance and glides on quickly.”
Tanji O’Briain Photography
We think this manicure looks stunning on Blake Lively. How do you work a manicure?
Do you have any tips for other would-be men professionals?
Tell us at [email protected].
Email Prue,including your dress and phone number, to [email protected].
Her column is published here on Fridays. Have something to say? Get in touch here.
Our beauty experts tell us how to protect your skin during the winter, what to do to avoid looking pale and how to slim down and do the perfect flattering ponytail
And re our handy tips for hair that will boost your confidence. Plus, we reveal the weapon of destruction that helps you make out other women when you go to a party.
1. Manicure a reason to spritz – Nigella Lawson agrees that quality treatments d luster to your pout and nails. For her easy manicure and pedicure, Nigella draws a design out of thin cotton thre, then pours a moisturising gloss on them. The chic finish creates a glossy look, says Nigella. She’s a keen convert to Marni Nails’ Pure Comfort Nail Defining Wax ($25)
A rose gold version, £17, by Marni Nails. The me-in-Britain wearable natural product makes your feet feel soft and supple.
2. Sign me up for a DIY mask – the moisturiser is the best I’ve used on my skin and almost magical to be so gentle on it. No other texture makes my skin feel so hydrated. I have also received a beauty treatment pack from Vita Liberata including a moisturiser, a shower gel and eye masks, for as little as £5 each – all on offer for a limited time only. For both my feet and face, I’m partial to the Quinch nude deep conditioning and transformative mask (£8). The one with a bean kernel-seed, green tea and cucumber refreshes tired skin and works wonders to soften and plump the base of the skin, says the brand’s fan.
The Quinch deep, moisturising and transformingmask (£8) works wonders to d a glow to your skin. Vega Minerals Pore Care Skin Trust Regenerating Scrub (£8) with gem-like mineral particles is also great.
3. Get power pedicures – Mossie says that a big feature of the plus sides she has for the wedding season is to get her nails up to date with a manicure. For a body treatment she goes for a rich silver or navy pedicure (£11.50). The silky treatment cleans the skin of de skin cells. Her recommendation for more subtle nails-hair micro-cuts is to have your hands done by a regular stylist – but not a nail technician, says Mossie. “Ditch the old cuticles and take their names and sizes to name them. Or buy a new pair of dye or dye-brush by Conair. Be brave and decide yourself what makes your nails look best.” She likes to do winged-out toes for the season with the raffia glove manicure (£11.50) by ’53’ beauty. The nail technician cuts a tiny slice of the affected fingernail and then tattoos this bandage on top of the stylist’s hands. You then wash it off and with a steamer cup soak it to remove any extra oils.
6. Get a haircut – you’ll look more professional than you do now, says Mossie. “A more professional look of hair has to reflect the beauty of you, so one of my personal favourites is to go for a do just before a wedding and post it to my bank account.” Michelle Lesniak, haircare stylist, feels that makeup should complement hair. “Take your hair before you do your make-up and colour or bleach the hair. If you put your make-up on before you dye your hair, it might start sliding.”
Make-up is a smart thing to embrace and one of Mossie’s current tips is a blush/copper/mascara duo, £11.50, by Oxygen Haircare. It gives a fluffier look and is much more hydrating than colour, she says. “Women find themselves with little on their face and when they hit the party and don’t think much of themselves it comes through.” Mossie also swears by striking ‘cherry’ tones by Marni Nails’ Soft Ellie (£15), which has peach, apple and cherry tones. And you can match some very creative hair tassels with your nails. You’ll be a total beauty boss if you plait on little tips to your nail nails – layer with some crimped hair, a barrette and create a sculptural look.
7. Save money on make-up – even get a Chanel mascara for less than £30, says Moss
The Elysian is a Modern Nail Salon in the Heart of Houston focusing on High Quality Service. Every inch of our is carefully created and decorated with the intent of providing the deepest relaxation and the highest possible aesthetic satisfaction.
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