Masterclass - Gel Varnish's

Carrying on from last weeks discussion on nail enhancements (Here if you missed it), we now look at the ever increasing range of gel varnish's that are now hitting the market. Gel varnishs are the next evolution on gel enhancements, the drying time is quicker and the wear time is longer. The ones I shall touch on here are going to be the ones that come in brush on varnish as I consider these more gel varnish's rather than gel enhancements (the ones that come in pots).

The main difference between the gel varnish vs. enhanements is that with the enhancements you get the added advantage of strength. The finish of varnish is like having them freshly polished but has the long wearing of having a gel enhancement. There is also no waiting time after they have been cured/dried under a UV or LED light, you can go into your handbag after treatment and not chip or smudge your nails. Prices to have this done is salon is £25-£30 for a finish that would last until you get bored (most brands have quoted between 2-3 weeks for hands, 2-4 for feet).

Removal still is best done in salon to prevent damange done to the nails, each system has their own way of removal and if not done properaly can cause some long term damage. The same does also apply to the application as well.

What I wanted to do this week is talk about the main 3 top names in these ranges as well as talk about the do-it-yourself system. First the salon only brands (click the headlines to go to their website):

CND Shellac

When I went to Professional Beauty to talk to these guys about using their system I couldn't get near them, the queue at one point was going back out of the front door. They say that Shellac stand out because of the science and working with professionals for over four years to get the perfect formula that is buitl up in layers, lasts for weeks and is easily removed in 10 minutes. Most professionals I've spoken to have finished their training in this range becuase of ease of use. One word of warning: Shellac is designed to work as a package that includes the equipment, check that everything used has the CND logo (including the lamp) or you will be dissapointed with your results. Currently has 35 colours in the range.

 Gelish by Harmony

Claims to last 3 weeks, has 102 different colours including two new Magneto - the new gel magnet design varnish. Removal time is qouted at 15 minutes. Colours I find are bang on trend and was dribblnig over the colours they have. One of the original companies to do gel since 2010.

Gelcolor by OPI

When OPI annouched that in February of this year they were launching their own gel varnish, the beauty trade went into buzzing mode. OPI are one of the biggest names in the nail industry, I myself have been raving about them since I qualified nearly 8 years ago. This 100% gel formulation is applied like a varnish with it's distinctive bottle and brush, it has also been clamined that is fours times faster than previous gel with a full set done in four minutes. Lab tests have claimed that it is 23% longer lasting with a wear time of 2 weeks (shorter if clients have thin and flexible). At the moment has 30 of their top selling colours from their perament range, with colours being added.

Red Carpet Manicure (DIY Set)

This kit has everything to do the gel manicure for yourself at home, for the price of two salon based treatments (£59.99 or £79.99 for the pro kit). Now I may be a manicurist but I still have problems with my left hand painting my right hand (the other way round always comes out perfect!), and this is my problem with this system. There is no easy clean up if you make a mistake and I worry that people who have had little experiance of painting they're nails would struggle with it. I also have question marks over the quality of the actually product. However, reviews have been glowing for it and they've been featured in a few glossys so it must be doing something right.

Any used any of above and want to add their feedback?







Masterclass - Feet

aka. These boots are made for walking, And that's just what they'll do ( I know you're humming it!)

Think about this for a second, how much do you weigh (don't worry you don't need to say it out loud), then think about this all of that weighed is carried by your feet. You stand on them, walk, run and put them through a great punishment. Any shop worker will tell you the most horrid thing in their job is standing all day, I know mine used to scream by five o'clock.

The feet themselves are a mixture of more than 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The skin on the sole is more tougher because of it what it designed to do. Your feet also sweat a lot and because of this environment can be more prone to bacteria and infections, which are just not sandal wearing feet. The best way to conquer this is:

* Don't wear the same shoes two day in a row, this will still have moisture in from the previous day still (as it take 24 hours to dry) and will keep any fungi away.
* Shop late in the day for shoes, this is were the feet are at there hottest and swollen, so when you do wear them they will fit not matter what time of the day and will avoid blisters when they rub.
* Vary the heel size you wear - My mum has always worn the same size heels from teenage years and her muscles have grown that she can't walk anywhere without shoes on. If she tries she's in pain, and has always warned me about wearing heels (hence why I am a trainer girl).
* Wash your feet - clean the day away, it'll also cool and refresh the feet. If you've got the time get a foot designed scrub (they much courser than body scrubs) and buff away dead skin with a foot file to target problem areas (This really hurts when it get built up, I personally know). You'll find it a little hard at first.
* After washing smoother in feet cream, this will soften the feet and will also soften the harden skin which will make it easier to buff away.
* Put your feet up! I get swelling in my ankles and feet and find that the best relief is to lie down with the feet higher than my heart. I've been found in funny ways to try and get them to go down.
* Get the size of your feet checked, they do change year to year and you do want to new heels to look they're best :)

The best thing to do for your feet - treat yourself to pedicure and melt into the seat as the therapist works their magic. Yes I am trained to do it myself but there is nothing like it after a hard working day to let someone take care of you. Like with anything that doesn't look right go to the doctor, they've seen and heard everything.

Next week - Hands