This weekend I chose Essie Perky Purple, from the Essie Neon Collection, for my manicure.
I should have painted three coats instead of two, as it looks kind of sheer in these photos, but I was anxious to get a top coat on to bring back the shine. This color (like most neons) has a dull finish without a top coat.
Even though I’ve only been to the grocery store since painting my nails, I’ve already received two compliments on this bright, fun purple shade.
Also, check out my latest Kauai find:
This is a real sea shell that’s been drilled into a ring. I got it at a local surf shop for $9.99. It’s super bulky and kind of uncomfortable, but I love it still.
Took me forever, but I finally painted my nails last night. I chose Essie Lovie Dovie, a creamy bubble gum pink.
This move has me feeling rather rebellious as my toes are painted RED this week (OPI Keys to my Karma). Not sure why pink fingernails paired with red toenails makes me think I’m all frisky and stuff, but here I sit thinking “So WHAT if you just got the new iPhone while I rock my Blackberry from 2006. I JUST ONE-UPPED YOU WITH MY PINK NAILS AND RED TOES.”
Essie Lovie Dovie is available online at essie.com.
If you want a taste of some fun neon colors for summer, try these mini Essie ‘Neons’—four miniature bottles of the hottest neon colors: Funky Limelight, Flirty Fuchsia, Perky Purple and Punchy Pink.
Essie ‘Neons’ Mini Nail Polish 4-Pack is available online at Nordstrom for $17.
While I was in New York last February for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I met up with Sally Hershberger Face Place manicurist Erica Marton at The Campbell Apartment near Grand Central.
Within minutes of meeting her, I realized that 1) she has a great name, 2) she is fun, sweet and gorgeous (Erica was sporting blonde locks when I met her) and 3) she is MY KIND OF GIRL.
After examining my hands across the bar table, Erica gave me the best manicure tip I’ve ever received: Smooth down the hard edges of your cuticles with a nail file. (Watch the video below to see what she’s talking about!)
I asked Erica if she’d share more of her expert tips with Makeup Bag, and she graciously obliged (even sharing her excitement over a new Chanel color called Dragon that will debut in the US this fall):
Makeup Bag: Did you always know you wanted to do nails? How did you get your start?
Erica Marton: As long as I can remember have been in love with fashion, hair, nails, makeup and all that glam. When I was a little girl I would beg my sister to paint my nails. She painted them red for my 11th birthday and ever since then it’s been a lovely life of manicures & pedicures. After I finished nail school I worked in a couple salons in Florida. I moved to NYC six years ago where my love and passion for my work has led me to work with some of the most talented celebs along with the everyday working girl. I think if you love what you do you will be successful no matter what. I care about how the client feels, I want them just to be happy and relaxed after they sit with me.
Makeup Bag: I heard your signature treatment is a “Medicure.” You must tell me all about it!
Erica Marton: A medicure (medical pedicure) is a good old-school pedicure with elbow grease. I start off by soaking your feet in warm water with a special powder soak that I make. I remove polish, shape nails to the clients desire, push cuticles trim cuticles if needed…and here is where my magic begins I use my drill to take down bigger calluses (mostly on the side of the big toe, heels, pinky toe & pad of foot). Then I use a good old fashioned foot file and buff away. I also use a pumice bar after that. When I am satisfied and I’m sure I can feel no more “ruff” spots I place warm towels over feet and give a good massage (its almost the best part right?!) and to finish I paint the toes or do a buff shine. Whatever the client wants.
Makeup Bag: What other words of wisdom do you send your clients home with for keeping their cuticles soft and pretty?
Erica Marton: The best way to keep those cuticles soft is with a cuticle pen (They are sold at Sephora or the drug store. Revlon makes a great one.) and hand lotion. Also keep a file in your purse or bag and gently file the sides of your cuticles. Whatever you do, don’t try to cut your own cuticles. It will just be a hot mess when you go to see your manicurist. Also try not to cut your cuticles every time you get a manicure. I suggest telling your nail tech to “cut only what’s hanging loose”—after a while you will see a major change in your hands.
