Little Minx

Minx nails are known nation wide for being the go to nail brand for nail wraps. Minx creators Dawn Lynch-Goodwin and Janice Jordan have traveled the globe extending fashion to your fingertips and have done the nails of A list celebrities such as Rihanna, Katy Perry and Beyonce along with collaborating with high profile designers such as Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler. Their nail work has even been on the covers of Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. Very impressive. Minx have created many collections of nail wraps each with a separate theme or trend each as stunning as the last. My favourite collections are the spring and summer 2013 collection which is filled with pastels, brights and even a 2 metallic tones an the Boutique collection which is filled with Baroque style prints in deep purples and golds. The collections that Minx offer range from highly decorative printed nails to very classic and simple which means there is a style and colour to suit everyone's taste.

Minx nails are a flexible film that shrink-wraps to natural, gel, and acrylic nails using heat. With the application time only being on average 30 minutes you can have stunning celebrity nails in no time! Removing the nails are also a breeze, simple use heat to break the seal and peal off starting from the sides. Minx nails last on average about 14 days on finger nails and 4-6 on toes giving you great wear and style that lasts. No smudge and no chips! Seasoned technicians can even go on a Minx nail course which teaches how to properly apply their products and how to properly remove them meaning you can then pass on your Minx talents onto your clients. Your clients will love this as Minx Nail Wraps are not available to consumers directly but cost no more than a bottle of ordinary polish. Wow.

It's Minx Nails 5th Birthday this year so what will Minx surprise us with next? I can't wait to see. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Euro Centerle Anyone

OPI have launched their new collection for spring and summer 2013 called The Euro Centrale Collection. The collection of 12 nail lacquers was inspired by the deep history and modern design of the European region of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania, where classic meets contemporary. The collection boasts a wide variety of shades, ranging from pale nude to deep blue, and featuring everything from shimmering copper to aqua each perfect for the upcoming spring and summer season. There's something for everyone's taste and style. This limited-edition collection features 8 cream, 3 shimmer and 1 chunky glitter polishes and is available at select spas, salons and other OPI retailers. Amazing.

As always with an OPI collection the names are classic. This collection includes titles such as "Vant To Bite My Neck?", "A Woman’s Prague-ative" and "Polka.com". The shades are good quality just like any other OPI nail polish and only requires two coats. The Polka.com polish is a blue and violet chunky glitter polish that looks stunning over the off white shade "My Vampire Is Buff". A great contrast. Whatever shades you choose for summer from this collection you know your nails will be stunning. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Ombré

Ombré nails have been everywhere lately. Ombré is French and is used to describe anything such as hair, nails or fabric when the colours morph from one to another. The ombré trend has been in fashion, hair and now it's overtaking the nail world. Ombré nails were seen every where on the runway this season with designers having ombré tips and intricate colour merges. Stunning. Here ill be showing you how to create the ombré nails look at home. The first method is if you are wanting a basic one tone ombré nail an the second shows you how to create a more tonal and deep ombré nail design.

For both methods you will need a base coat, nail polish colours which will become the ombré design, a makeup sponge and a top coat. If you wanting a deeper blend of colour then use 3-4 shades of the same colour ranging from dark to light.

Firstly make sure all basic nail care is done before applying colour such as removing any polish already on the nails, pushing back the cuticles, trimming, shaping and base coat.

For the first method choose your first ombre colour and this will be the base colour for the nail. Then choose your second ombre colour and place a small amount on a make up sponge. You need to "dab" gently on your nail starting at the tip and working your way half way up the nail. Continue to do this until you are happy with the ombré effect. Finally cure the nails and apply a top coat. The top coat will also help make the nails look more blended. Then you have simple easy to do ombré effect nails.

For the second ombré nail effect use the small end of the make up sponge and paint about three or four strips of colour side be side ranging from dark to light. This will become the ombré effect. Use scotch tape around your nails to avoid getting the colours all around your fingers. Then stamp the sponge onto your nails and press it over and over moving the sponge up and down slightly to get the fading effect instead of stripes. Cure your nails and remove the tape. Then apply the top coat for added shine. Perfect and simple ombré nails.

Ombre nails can also be done by painting each nail a different shade of the same colour. These nails will be stunning all season long and will go with any outfit or event. Stunning. I'm sure you'll have a great time experimenting with different colour combinations. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Nail the Trend

It's no secret that nail art has become one of the main areas  in the beauty and fashion industry. Nail art was once something that was hardly ever done but now it's just as important as the fashion on the catwalks. They have become the finishing touches to the designers looks. Women of all ages love to have amazing nail art nowadays. Like almost all trends in the industry's the nail art trend started on the fashion catwalks. All of the big brand labels such as Essie, OPI and Deborah Lippmann are seen on the nails of the models and are represented on the runways. The nail technicians work with the designers to creative amazing and interesting nail looks to compliment the designers collections. At New York fashion week this year all of the nail art was created by hand. Here are some amazing nail art trends you'll love to try out.

Floral.
These hand painted flowers that were seen on the runways of Rachel Antonoff were inspired by the prints in her collection. This look is perfect for spring and summer because of the bright base colour and the feminine overall look this nail design has. If your wanting to recreate this look at home then start with two coats of CND's Flashpoint; then, working with a detailing brush, paint a fern design on the lower half of your nails with Anchor Blue and Brilliant White. You can make this nail design more personal by painting your favourite flower on your nail and using your favourite colour as your background. Amazing.

Metallic.
This trend was seen all over the runways this season in nails and in fashion. This trend is so easy to create at home. This look is ultra modern and feminine. This is great for a night out or even a holiday. At Behnaz Sarafpour, CND's Roxanne Valinoti used gold and silver polish (called Gold Chrome and Silver Chrome. Use two coats of a metallic polish and then top this off with a shiny top coat for ultra shine and glam.

Reverse French.
It's known that nude nails are to be a big trend for spring and summer 2013 but backstage at Rebecca Minkoff the nail technicians put a spin on this classic trend. This end makes the nail look natural just like the French manicure does but with a fun twist. They painted a double stripe along the top of a taupe manicure. The colours used were Essie Jazz for the base and then Midnight Cami and Wrapped in Rubies on the tips. This trend can be done at home but it isn't very easy to do despite its simple look. If your wanting to do this at home then try painting a thick stripe first, cure and then paint a thin stripe over the top. This makes it easier to create the thin stripes with out having a very steady hand.

Polka-Dots.
Many designers this season used polka-dot prints in their collection and Kate Spade used polka-dot print nails in her runway show too. Nail brand Deborah Lippmann was used created the adorable mani using Fade to Black as the base and I'm Not Innocent (a pale peach) for the spots. This trend gives a cute 1960's vibe to your look. Very vintage summer.  Simple to recreate at home, just paint your nails with a base coat and then use a contrasting colour and a brush for the dots. Perfect.

Half Moon.
 Last season half moon shapes were painted on the base of the nail around the cuticles, this season on the Phillip Lim runway Essie nail artist Elle put her own twist on the trend by painting the half moon shape of the side of the nail. She started but painting the nails black and then added a thin coat of grey (called Chinchilly) and then painted a white crescent moon along the length of the grey. Very edgy and simple but dramatic. This tend is perfect because it doesn't have to be perfect. The stripes don't have to be identical with each other. Great for beginners.

So whatever your style there's a nail art trend out their for you. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

No Ordinary Nail

Some women prefer to have simple, classic fully painted nails whereas some women want a little more flare with their nails. Nail art is huge. Nails aren't about just having a simple colour anymore it's about the designs that are on them. From Floral, geometric, swirls, polka dots and many many more. The possibilities are endless. Their are lots of tools and small accessories that a nail technician will use to create custom nail designs. It is done with special paints, acrylic colours that have a high gloss level to achieve the best results. Also, it is done using special brushes which are made of pure sable hair. Many different nail art designs suit different styles and personalities. For example, someone who likes the 1950's and the classic pin up style would probably like the red and white polka dot nails (shown below). Just as clothes and accessories, it’s detailing that defines good nail art. Nail art is not simple drawing or painting its an expression of a personality. Nail technicians will practise this craft on plates tic nail colour wheels. This will show their customers what types of nail art can be offered and it allows the nail technician to test out new nail art products such as pens and strips.

Nail art can be 2D or 3D and can suit any occasion depending in the nail design. Many women choose to have floral and diamanté nail art if they are a bride and when attending a wedding because of its delicate and ultra feminine look. Many people like to have only the tips of their nails decorated. One of the most popular nail art designs at the moment is the paint splash tip (shown below) lots of people have recreated this, some having a contrasting splash colour on every tip and some using glitter to create a sparkly splash.

At the Olympia Beauty Show in London nail art is taken to its extreme. Fantasy nails. These are nails that have been painted and the technicians had hand made various small fantasy creatures and figures out of acrylic. Including small mermaids and spacemen! All amazing.

I can't wait to see what amazing nail art you will design. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Happy Feet

Pedicures are simply a manicure for your feet. Caring for the feet and the nails a pedicure includes soaking the feet, polish and a massage. There are many various types of pedicures that you can have. Some more luxurious than others. Some using stones, wax and even chocolate! Here I will be going through some of the most popular types of pedicure which all start with the basic pedicure but each have their own little touches and extras to help you relax.

The first types of pedicure is the Basic Pedicure. This service consists foot soaking, foot scrubbing with a pumice stone or foot file, nail clipping, nail shaping, foot and calf massage, moisturiser and nail polishing. This is simple but will make your feet looking and feeling amazing.

The next is the Spa Pedicure. This pedicure is a little more luxurious than the basic pedicure thanks to the extra spa touches. It Includes the regular pedicure and generally adds one of the following: Paraffin dip, masks, mud or seaweed treatment to add to the distress and the relaxation.

Then there is the Stone Pedicure. Including the basic pedicure, this is basically a foot massage that involves the use of various different essential oils that are rubbed with the help of hot stones for the massage of the feet and legs helping your muscles relax and loosen.

A classic pedicure is the French Pedicure this is the basic pedicure that involves the use of white polish on the nail tips with a sheer pink color on the base. Perfect if your planning on wearing peep toe shoes or flip flops in summer. This will make your toes look stunning and classic.

For those who are looking for a more sweet time and want to indulge a little but more then look no further than the Chocolate and Ice Cream Pedicures. The Chocolate Pedicure is the basic pedicure which may include a chocolate foot soak, chocolate foot mask or chocolate moisturising lotion. This will make your feet smell amazing. The Ice Cream Pedicure. this is the basic Pedicure where you choose your Bath ball which looks like a scoop of ice cream. The foot soak is then followed with a foot scrub usually in (Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry) And topped with a whipped moisturising lotion and then your toe nails painted cherry red. Sweet as candy.

So if your wanting perfect feet for your summer holidays then you'll be spoiled for choice with these. Go classic or go sweet. But always remember to sparkle to the tip!

Bad habits

We all have our bad habits but nails biting is a terrible one. Nail biting is essentially when you bite off your the free edge of your nail. People. It's their nails for various reasons. The most common being stress but it can also be caused by boredom, lack of tools to trim the nails, imitation (copying a family or friend) and even trauma. Although it can't stunt your nail growth no ones nails look good when they're all bitten. Biting your nails will also damage your cuticles. Here are a few helpful tips to help you stop the nail biting habit. There are also some images shown below of a before and after of a clients nails with bitten nails that I did recently.

Try relaxing more. If your nail biting is a result of being overly stressed then try taking some time out and relaxing. Try reading a magazine or a book to keep calm. Or even try using a stress ball to relieve your stress. With bitten nails being socially unacceptable try wearing false nails. This will help cover up your bitten nails and make them look more presentable. Your nails will also grow under the false nails meaning they can recover. Try distracting yourself. This will help to get biting your nails off you mind. The easiest tip is to apply a bitter tasting nail polish on to your nails so then when you try to bite your nails you have a bitter taste left in your mouth. Over time this will then stop you biting your nails as you don't want the taste.

I hope you all stop biting your nails and keep those nails look stunning. Remember to sparkle to the tip!

Make Them Green With Envy

The colour green is set to become the biggest colour in fashion and in nails. Here are three ways you can wear them. The shades Emerald, Mint and green accents will be the most popular. So this season there's a shade of green for everyone. If your unsure about this trend or just cant decide which one if for you then here is an insight to each colour to help you decide which one you may like to try this summer.

Emerald. This was the lucky shade to be chosen as Pantone's colour of the year for 2013. One of the richest colours, this shade will give your nails a royal and luxurious look. Many nail brands will be releasing emerald green hues this season so be on the look out.

Mint. This is one of my favourite colours. It's soft and fresh. This shade has been the most popular shade of green for the past two years and its no different for spring and summer 2013. If you like the green idea but don't want the boldness of original green then mint may be for you. Also if you like pale nail polish shades such as pastel pinks and blues then why not try mint, giving to you the softness and pastel look that pink and blue do.

People who don't really like the idea of having fully green nails but would prefer small hints of it then why not try small accents of green. For a bold look try having fully black nails and then adding small green design accents such as swirls. This type of nail was seen at Nicole Miller show in New York and its starting to tickle down into the streets.

So if you want to make your friends green with envy this season then this trend is for you this season. Remember to sparkle to the tip !

Wedding Bells

On your special day you want everything to be perfect. Down to the smallest detail. Each flower, the venue, the outfits and of course your nails. Delicate and beautiful. Natural.

For amazing wedding nails focus on looking natural and not over done. The most popular wedding nails are classic French tips with delicate nail art. Floral nail art designs emphasise the pretty and girly look of the bride. Try having gold highlights or glitter for added glamour and sparkle. Some brides have even had 3D acrylic flowers applied to the nails along with small pearls. You could even have lace nail art to add to the delicateness of the bridal gown.

You could use your wedding colour scheme in your nail art too. If you have purple flowers, chairs etc you could have purple nail art on your ring fingers to coordinate with the venue and emphasise the ring. Hope you get some inspiration for great bridal nails for your special day.

Remember sparkle to the tip!