Who’s hot at 30? Nails Magazine! Happy Anniversary! For turning the big 3-0, Nails is celebrating all year. I’m honored to be one of 10 nail artists asked to come up with three nail looks that reflect the last three decades of the magazine.
First reveal: Predator/Prey Snakes eat birds, and birds eat snakes, so it’s a mystery who is Predator and who is Prey
This look is a tribute to Tom Bachik’s October 1999 cover. As an nail artist, he has catapulted nail design as fashion – starting with Hollywood stars and traveling all the way to everyday nail enthusiasts.
Feathers are trending again in nails (not hair) and my tribute adds in the texture for Year of the Snake (2013). I’ve stayed with the blue and ice white, and love how the scales seem to transform into the dots on the feather. The feather, now updated to the side, completes the shape of the nail with a wing tip.
This is very much an editorial look, but would you try feathers?
Vinylux by CND, available to professionals, is the latest release in new, longer lasting nail polish
After discontinuing their Colours & Effects nail polish line, CND had to make a comeback with something special. The new Vinylux line does this with highly pigmented color, longer lasting wear, and a faster drying top coat.
Thirty of the 62 colors also match the Shellac line, which will be a boon to resale for extended wear users.
The colors officially launch May 1st in the US, after having been released first in New Zealand and the UK.
I have a small sampling, but from the colors I saw (not all were in yet) the matches were pretty impressive. The one dud? Tropix, which is much creamier and pinker than the Shellac version. A pretty color, but not a match.
A mini intro kit of “Summer Brights” contains matches for the four newest releases for Shellac (Grape Gum, Water Park, Pink Bikini, Lobster Roll & Top Coat).
Suggested Use:
Vinylux is said to be the perfect product for the fashionista that needs to change out polish on a weekly basis.
NO base coat required = faster service
Self adhering formulation that continues to cure in the sun (natural UV lighting)
Top coat said to be specific to Vinylux cures in under 10 minutes
CND uses their polish line to create looks for designers at Fashion Week, so it’s imperative the colors dry quickly and look rich. The polish is smooth, and seems to dry at the same speed as Colours & Effects. I think this is fine, because any faster and you start getting into competition polishing 😉 and that isn’t a pace everyone can keep up with.
I’m currently having Vinylux testing out on some hands, and will get back with you on wear. I will also update with colors released.
Have you seen/tried the new weekly polish from CND?
NARS Pierre Hardy “pairs” offers up six lovely lacquer combos and two blush options. Getting in on all the action for under $300 might be the easiest way out, because this collection is superb.
The MTV Movie Awards 2013 saw the Kardashian/Jenners out in force. Decked out in black and gold, Kim took the opportunity to wear a simple and chic blowout by Living Proof Celebrity Hairstylist Chris McMillan. She’s been growing out those pesky bangs (I know, I have some myself) so a deep part was created to keep the hair to the side. This is a blowout with a bit of texture.
McMillan share with Solessence how to get the look at home!
1. Use Living Proof Prime Style Extender while still damp so that the style will last for an extended period (like all night).
2. Blow dry with a round brush to create a no frizz blow out.
3. If you have bangs, create a very deep part to tuck bangs to the side.
4. Use Living Proof Hold Flexible Hairspray throughout the hair to create texture and a piecy look. This will also help keep bangs in place.
PRODUCTS: PRIME STYLE EXTENDER ($20), HOLD FLEXIBLE HAIRSPRAY ($24)
