The inspiration

Leighton Denny is the story that no one would ever expect a nail technician to have. With his previous occupation of the occupation he had before becoming what he is today. Leighton Denny has his own line of nail polishes and tanning range with a list of celebrity fans as long as his arms. Celebs such as Geri Halliwell, Dita Von Teese and even Kate Moss line up to have their nails done by him. His work has even been features in magazines such as Marie Claire and Vogue. This is the unlikely story of a beauty icon.

His past occupation was a forklift truck driver. On a job in the USA he discovered the world of beauty and nails. Then on returning to Bradford he give up his forklift truck driver job and trained as a nail technician. He then practised his craft by doing the nails of guests on cruise liners before opening his first salon in Bradford Yorkshire. His salons are now in Urban Retreat Harrods and he has given expertise and guidance to the Urban Retreat Hand Nail Line. It was Leighton the recommended that the range should focus on three main hand and nail treatments and combined with key nail polish colours. It is now a range of seven versatile hand and nail products that will suit any mood and any woman. Even becoming on of the British Beauty Experts with access to the Urban Retreat Hand and Nail Line. Leighton then moved on to open his own bespoke salon in London. In 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 the Health and Beauty Awards awarded Leighton ‘Nail Technician of the Year’. In 2004 he was made a judge and entered the Beauty Hall of Fame.

His story is both interesting and inspiring. A man who became a nail icon from being a forklift truck diver. With stores all over the UK and his name widely known in the nail world his story has inspired many nail technicians including me. I can't wait to see what other products he will release and how the brand will grow even further. Be sure to check out the ranges you will be blown away. 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!

Going Nude

After having so much nail art and over the top nail colours over the past few seasons nude nails have become a trend for spring and summer 13. Nude colour nails were seen at London fashion week which helped to tone down the loud and colourful creations. Nude nails have long been a beauty staple and a classic colour. Nude never goes out of style and is a shade that suits everyone. Even on your toes.

If your wanting perfect classic and feminine looking nails then nude is the way forward. Delicate and elegant. Some designers chose to have crimson tips to add a little splash of colour and surprise to the nude nails. Perfect for summer parties or holidays you can always have simple and perfect nails. No fuss. Brands like Essie and OPI have fantastic nude nail colours.

Looks like its gonna be a nude summer. Remember to always sparkle to the tip !