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.

Next Top Nail Artist Goes to NYFW

You know nail tech Lauren Wireman of Wildflowers Nails in Cape Coral, Fla., as the first runner-up in the inaugural NAILS Next Top Nail Artist competition. One of her wins was the CND challenge that included a chance to work with the brand at Fashion Week. Wireman shares her story from the Design Lab in New York City of what it was like to be a part of the CND A-Team for a few days.

Giving Thanks, Looking Ahead

Holly looks back at a year of highs and lows acknowledging there’s plenty to look forward to.

Jan Arnold Recognized for Community Service

CND co-founder Jan Arnold was one of five finalists honored by San Diego Magazine as part of its 2014 Woman of the Year Awards.

Signature Services: Royal Island Pedicure

Escape Day Spa & Boutique, Rock Springs, Wyo. uses: Escape’s Signature Relaxing Blend Essential Oil, FarmHouse Fresh Powder Milk Bath, BonBliss Beauty Moisturizing Scrub, Spa Revolutions Paraffin Treatment, Salt of the Earth Whipped Body Crème, CND Vinylux, and Top Coat.

Succulent Scrubs

Clients will want to sink their teeth (and hands) into these succulent scrubs.

At Long Last: An Intro to Longer-Lasting Polish

One of the reasons clients love gel-polish is because it provides a longer-lasting manicure (or pedicure) when compared to lacquer. With most gel-polishes promising to last two weeks or more, there was a 20% uptick in 2013 (according to NAILS Big Book 2013-2014) in gel-polish services to meet growing client demand. While lacquer hasn’t disappeared from everyone’s radar, a new breed of it might give gel-polish a run for its money. 

Lavette Cephus' NTNA Libertine Challenge Part 1

We asked our Top 3 to give us a report on designer Johnson Hartig of Libertine. Here is Lavette Cephus'.

Danielle Costantino's NTNA Libertine Challenge Part 1

We asked our Top 3 to give us a report on designer Johnson Hartig of Libertine. Here is Danielle Costantino's.