Technique
Stunning Stilettos and More
Intricate floral stiletto nails won the NSI Free-hand Nail Art Competition, an online photo competition that invited nail techs from around the globe to use NSI acrylic or gel to create nail art designs. The entries were judged by Vicki Peters, Denise Wright, and Debbie Doerrlamm, who looked for difficulty of design, use of color, originality, overall enhancement design, and first impression (or the “wow” factor).
How About Giving Your Time Value?
“Why give away your time for free when you can be charging for it?” asks Elaine Watson, Star Nails’ global education director and vice president of marketing and sales.
Four Truffles Earns the LHJ “Do Good” Stamp
Four Truffles natural and organic body care brand joined a select group when it was awarded the Ladies Home Journal (LHJ) “Do Good” Stamp for its philanthropic efforts, which include creating a circle of giving for women. LHJ celebrates corporations and brands that are committed to giving back to the community.
Secret Ingredient: Baking Soda
The ancient Egyptians used natural baking soda and incense as spiritual cleansers in purification ceremonies.
Design #15: Purple Passion
Build a full structure nail with your choice of Young Nails’ acrylic powder. Smear Speed White, Tickle Me Purple, and Rainbow Purple as your background.
My B.I.F. (Best Implement Friend)
What implement can you not live without? Nail techs answer this question by describing the tools that get them through the workday. Plus, be sure to save the experts’ advice for implement purchasing, and the convenient buyers’ guide for the next time you’re shopping for new implements.
Play Me a Mood
You’ve just thought of an awesome new signature service you want to add to your spa menu. So why not go that little extra mile and make a nice music playlist to go along with it?
Design #14: Tiger Stripes
Build a full structure nail with your choice of Young Nails’ acrylic powder. Smear a pearl of Rainbow Yellow from corner to corner creating a diagonal stripe down the center.
Young Nails Glitter Toes
Young Nails educator Amanda Dodge shares her step-by-step for how she creates glitter toes using the manufacturer’s products.
Design #13: Leopard Prints
Before using reverse application, sculpt a thin transparent free edge with Speed Clear flush to the natural nail. Build body with Cover Peach.
Sterilizable Pedicure File
Angelfeet Sterilizable Pedicure File handles the thickest calluses without shredding the skin.
Design #12: Op Art
Before using reverse application, sculpt a thin transparent free edge with Speed Clear flush to the natural nail. Build body with Cover Peach.
Aspire Colored Pigment and Acrylic Mixing Kit
ASP Aspire Colored Pigment and Acrylic Mixing Kit is a great way to suit all of your clients’ tastes with a customized mix of color choices.
Design #11: Squiggle Swirls
Build a full structure nail with Cover Pink. The nail can be either built square or stiletto.
A Minxed Man
Beverly Hills, Calif., manicurist Rose Riggio (left) Minxed Aerosmith’s lead singer, Steven Tyler, in July. Tyler requested Flowers Minx on his toes, and Golden Lightning Cheetah on his fingers.
Top Offs
Qtica offers two new products to help keep those polished manicures exquisite as clients walk out the door.
Design #10: Black Polka Dots
Apply a form to the finger and build a thin clear free edge. Use Cover Pink to create an extended nail bed. This will give the illusion of a deeper smile line.