From the Editors

International Nail Artists Compete at PHAMExpo

by Beth Livesay | July 2, 2014 | Bookmark +

The Professional Hair and Makeup Expo came to Pasadena this past weekend, offering beauty experts the chance to shop their favorite brands, meet famous faces, and see live demos.

Judges (from left to right): Yumi Nagashima, Myung Hee Park, Roberta Giametti, and Lysa Comfort

Judges (from left to right): Yumi Nagashima, Myung Hee Park, Roberta Giametti, and Lysa Comfort 

While the show floor was a bit smaller and less nail-oriented than other trade shows we attend throughout the year, this show offered a new and exciting nail competition thought up by Lysa Comfort. Eight nail artists from around the globe competed outside the show floor, demonstrating their skills in acrylics, gel, hand painting, and taking a “nail selfie” (doing a set of nails on their own hand and then photographing it). Four international judges, including Roberta Giametti (Italy), Myung Hee Park (Korea), Yumi Nagashima (Japan), and Robert Nguyen (U.S.A.) awarded points and offered encouragement to this new crop of competitors.

Virginia Arleo adding details to her design.

Virginia Arleo adding details to her design.

Lucia Tursi sketched first then began painting her nail tip.

Lucia Tursi sketched first then began painting her nail tip.

Three awards were offered in each category, but ultimately it was Croatia’s Anela Mucic who took home the Grand Champion prize. Competitors and judges were given recognition on the PHAMExpo main stage at the show’s end Sunday.

A look at Mucic's final acrylic and gel design.

A look at Mucic's final acrylic and gel design. 

Grand Champion, Anela Mucic.

Grand Champion, Anela Mucic.

NAILS Magazine would like to thank Lysa Comfort for inviting us to attend. We look forward to hearing much more from these seven talented nail artists.

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