Next Top Nail Artist: Season 2 Challenges

Here's a 10-minute recap of NAILS Next Top Nail Artist: Season 2. We selected 24 semi-finalists for our second annual NAILS Next Top Nail Artist competition. The field was narrowed down to our Top 12 after two pre-challenges. For 10 weeks in September 2014, we gave our finalists a new challenge each week to showcase their skills in creating nail art looks based on a theme created by NAILS and each of our weekly sponsors (Bio Seaweed Gel, CND, Dashing Diva, Entity Beauty, Gel II, Gelish, INM, It’s So Easy, Orly International, SuperNail, and Young Nails). In addition to creating their nail art masterpieces, NAILS Next Top Nail Artist contestants shot step-by-step tutorials, video demos, and shared their entries via social media.

NSI to Give Away 100 Trials of Its Illusion Soak-Off Gel

NSI is on schedule to introduce a new line of soak-off UV nail gels this month: Illusion Soak-Off Gels.

Pro-Cure Cordless

Gel II now offers the Pro-Cure Cordless, a portable gel lamp.

French Nail Art with Mia Secret Acrylic

Blanca Martinez, Mia Secret International Master Educator, shows a step-by-step tutorial. Steps: 1. Prep the nail by filing and applying Mia Secret Nailprep – Dehydrator and Xtrabond Primer for a better adhesion. Mix up Mia Secret Cover Pink and Multibalance natural pink acrylic powder, to begin extending the nail bed and give a more-natural look.2. Sculpt the free edge with Mia Secret White acrylic powder.3. Shape and smooth the nail structure with Mia Secret 100/100 Speedy Zebra file.4. Use a square nail brush, acrylic painting and one-stroke technique to create a flower.5. Apply foil adhesive creating a beautiful decoration over the nail bed and smile lines. Cure for 45 seconds in Mia Secret Portable LED nail light.6. Place the foil over the adhesive, press it down for some seconds and take care off quickly. Repeat it as many times as required.7. Apply a coat of Stars of Splash – Gelux soak-off gel polish, cure for 45 seconds and remove sticky residues with Gel Cleanser. Apply Mia Secret UV Finish Gel – Ultra Shine and cure for 45 seconds. Condition and moisturize with Mia Secret Cuticle Oil.

An Interview With Celebrity Nail Artist Maria Salandra

If you've watched Sex and the City or the Sopranos, you know Maria Salandra's work. Her client list includes Kelly Ripa, Rachel McAdams, Julia Roberts, Julianne Moore, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Garner. Senior editor Beth Livesay caught up with Salandra during a phone interview to find out what nail trends are hot with Hollywood stars and how to get celebrity-style nails at home. Salandra also gave us the scoop on Nutra Nail Gel.

Real Coffee Beauty Products

Coffee acts as a gentle exfolient, performs as an effective astringent, and promotes the appearance of smoother-looking skin.

How-To: Chrome Mirror Nails by Mia Secret

Mia Secret introduces Chrome Mirror Nail Liquid specially formulated with a metallic pigment for a reflective finish. Pair the chrome color with Mia Secret Luxury UV base and top gel-polish for maximum results, otherwise, the shine will only last for two hours. Here’s how you apply it: 1. Prep the nail and dehydrate the surface. 2. Apply a base coat and cure. Wipe off the inhibition layer. 3. Apply Chrome Mirror fast-drying nail liquid until you reach desired opacity. 4. Seal the reflective effect with UV top coat and cure. Wipe off the inhibition layer. For more information, visit www.miasecretnails.com 

Felicity Uniform

Stylish uniforms that are available in store, at tradeshows, and via the web

Curiosity

lasticizers in the formula maintain a flexible and resistant film that prevents chipping and cracking.