Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Consumers Get an Intro to Essie
Essie Cosmetics debuted a new print advertising campaign to introduce founder Essie Weingarten to consumers.
by Staff
September 17, 2008
1 min to read
Of course nail techs know Essie well. And pretty soon beauty consumers will too. In May, Essie Cosmetics debuted a new print advertising campaign to introduce founder Essie Weingarten to consumers. The campaign leverages the brand’s most recognizable qualities: of-the-moment colors, the iconic polish bottle, and the wit of the company’s founder.
“When you pick up a bottle of Essie nail polish, the first thing you do is turn it over to see the name. The names are so witty and distinctly Essie,” says Madonna Badger, founder of Badger & Partners, the firm that created the ad campaign. “Who knew that Essie herself creates all the names, as well as the colors? We had to make Essie the focus of the campaign.” Weingarten’s style comes through the inventive, high-concept still-life photography snapped by a French duo known as Coolife.
More In The Know
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
by Anne Moratto
Owners of Nationwide Nail Salon Business Made More Than $116 M in Unreported Cash Payments
A Texas man and woman pleaded guilty on Monday to operating a significant under-the-table cash payroll at their nationwide nail salon business.
by Anne Moratto
Nail Tech Event of the Smokies Celebrates 19 Years in Gatlinburg
The nails-only trade show welcomed 700 beauty professionals for education, shopping, networking and one unforgettable Smokies surprise.
by Staff
OPI Is Bringing Back Fan Favorites:
Some OPI nail colors became such classics that fans clamored for their return. And OPI--as always--paid attention to what clients and nail professionals were asking for.
by Anne Moratto
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
Professional Beauty Association Opens Entries for PBA NAHA 2027, Welcomes Back Nail Professional of the Year
Entries are now open for the industry's most prestigious creative competition, marking the return of Nail Professional of the Year while celebrating the artistry that defines professional beauty.
by Staff
The Nail Trends Taking Over in 2026
MiniLuxe’s Donna Charloff shares the season’s most-requested nail art, the secrets to a polished bare manicure, and her trend predictions for fall.
by Anne Moratto