Pretty polished: get creative with luxe nail art
Nail polish is that finishing touch, a necessary accessory to one’s ensemble. It can even be the inspiration for a whole look—style statements you can easily change up. Nail products are no longer just beauty add-ons, they have now become as much a part of trends as makeup and skin care are.
The demand for new nail ideas has given way to different finishes, colors, artful interpretations—even scents! This season’s hottest picks are sure to delight and bring out the fun and creative side of you.
CIATÉ
The phenomenon that is the caviar nail trend is something only the Ciaté brand can claim ownership of. It was this breakthrough nail design that founder Charlotte Knight herself, believes is the brand’s biggest success. “Undoubtedly the Caviar Manicure was the real springboard which transformed Ciaté into an internationally recognized nail brand. The YouTube tutorial has attracted millions of views and it really captured the attention of beauty lovers across the globe,” she explains.
Tree Trinket in Yule Rules
Ciaté (acronym for Colour, Innovation, Aspiration, Trend, and Extraordinary), aside from being long-wearing, dibutyl-phthalate-, toluene-, or formaldehyde-free, is a favorite among celebs like Beyoncé, Kate Moss, and Blake Lively. The brand prides itself as one of the most artistic and groundbreaking in the global market. “We are real pioneers of taking the entire creative process in-house—all of our shades are hand mixed at head office, we forever challenge our suppliers to create unique concepts and it’s such a joy to see a product transform from a simple brainstormed idea to a final product on shelf,” shares Charlotte.
Their holiday collection is both festive and lust-worthy. The limited-edition Tree Trinket (P420) offers a selection of Ciaté’s finest glitter polishes: Glitter Ball, All Aglow, Yule Rules, and Naughty or Nice? These are fine-grade and quality glitter that look elegant on nails. For a visual and olfactory treat, Candy Cane House (P1,499) includes four glitter polishes scented with gingerbread, Christmas Trees, fresh cotton and of course, candy cane.
What’s in store next year? Charlotte is excited about upcoming trends which involve a lot of out-of-the box thinking. “The must-have look which was seen on the catwalks for Spring ‘15 is the ‘negative-space’ manicure. Forget the traditional full coverage color, swipes of paint create geometric shapes while leaving nude nail peeking through from beneath. Inspiration for next year is all about being disruptive—taking something classic and turning on its head. Expect the unexpected!”
Also coming soon: Ciaté GelTox Starter Kit, a salon-grade formula cured by LED light that magically turns any nail polish into long-lasting gel in just 60 seconds!
Ciaté is available at the SM Makati department store
ZOYA
Zoya offers long-wearing natural nail polish in matte, textured, and sparkling Pixie Dust
Zoya Naturel’s rose-toned nudes
One of the most popular vegan and five-free nail polish is showering some fairy dust this season. Zoya Pixie Dust (P510) is a holographic, textured, matte, and sparkle formula for the nails. That may be a mouthful but it is as magical as that. The glitters glimmer like diamonds and can be worn on its own, or as a sugary sparkle on any nail polish. This best-selling formula comes in shades ranging from pastels to plums.
Zoya’s safe and healthy extended wear formula is designed to stay on for seven to 10 days on natural nails. For other days, you can switch it up with Zoya’s regular nail color (P450) in flattering nudes or delectably deep shades.
Zoya is available at Beauty & Butter Nail Salons and leading salons
KIYOSA JAPANESE TOTAL BEAUTY
Business-savvy Kiyosa Kato brings the first Japanese nail art specialty salon to the country. This fashion and beauty enthusiast introduces high-quality gel nail art to inspire and educate Filipino women. She lives by three important words—beauty, learning, and fun—a life philosophy she wants to share through her salon. “I started the business because I wish to give women a great venue to relax and be more beautiful and radiant,” says Kiyosa.
Don’t expect your run-of-the-mill nail art here. If Japanese expertise isn’t enough to convince, then you can bank on safety and quality. Kiyosa salon is the exclusive Philippine partner and distributor of Nail Partner Corp., the Japanese company that produces Ace Gel, a reputable brand of nail gel materials in Japan. “Everything is made in Japan,” she adds.
Kiyosa gel nail art is big on design and safety
The salon uses soft gels for safety and flexibility, making it a good base for different color gradients and bedazzlements such as Swarovski stones and 3D impressions. You can choose pre-designed gel nails or customize your own design.
Gel newbies can try the 60-minute nail care and pampering session with simple design, while nail art fanatics can opt for the popular Course 90—a 90-minute session for those who prefer more sophisticated designs. There are also VIP Courses that allow two-hour sessions of either 3D art or acrylic structure at the salon’s private luxurious rooms. Nail care and design for kids are available too.
Soft gel, with the proper high quality tools and techniques, does not damage the nail bed. For Kiyosa, who changes her gel mani every three weeks and gel pedi nails every month or two, it has even strengthened her thin and brittle nails.
Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty salon is located at the G/F F1 Hotel, 2nd St. corner Lane Q, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, call (2) 805 8888, (+63939) 915 8888; go to kiyosa-nail.com
RUBY WING
Moody Me: nail color that works like a mood ring so you get two colors in one bottle
I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy anything that involves color-changing. I blame my childhood mood ring obsession—if it has something to do with color or texture change, it’s good in my book.
American brand Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish (P599) brings out that little girl in everyone. The adaptive color technology makes the polish transform under sunlight. Like changing a look for day to night, this nail color dramatically switches the shades for you.
Ruby Wing has perfected this Solar Active technology which keeps colors stable, consistent and durable when under the sun. Formulated and bottled in New York City, every shade is completely non-toxic and environmentally safe. Vegan and never tested on animals, you can opt for solid colors like Saloon Sweetheart or gilded ones like Ride ‘Em Cowgirl. The cap shows how the polish looks like when you’re indoors or outdoors.
Ruby Wing is available at Beauty & Butter nail salons and other leading nail salons and spas
BANDI
Plush polish: Gelique gel from Bandi has staple yet deluxe shades of fall. Specialized nail artists can create a checkered design or leather-like pattern to complete the Smoky Coat or Python Skin look
The Korean invasion apparently doesn’t stop with makeup and skin care, and we’re surely not complaining! The K-pop phenomenon has definitely influenced our beauty approach, making us more experimental and adventurous, even when it comes to nails.
Bandi, the number one nail care brand in Korea (having a stronghold of 60% of the professional nail market) is now available here. The fashion-forward brand is committed to safe, eco-friendly formulas, and vivid, nature-inspired colors.
Gelique (P850) is Bandi’s popular gel color that needs virtually no drying time—dries in 30 seconds to one minute! The three-step system seals in color to last up to three weeks. The fall/winter 2014 collection, Smoky Coat and Python Skin evoke the rich and luxurious feel of fall fashion. Just like the ubiquitous smoky eyes, Smoky Coat is about the plush textures of gray wool coats. Shades like Smoky Gray, Ink Blue, and Burgundy Wine bring to mind fall’s must-have tones. On the other hand, “It” leather bags inspired the Python Skin collection have opulent jewel-toned, croc, and snakeskin shades like Emperor Gold, Khaki Jacket. and Green Coat.
Bandi is available in leading nails salons and spas. It’s available online at zalora.com
PRETTY TIPS
-Expert advice from Ciaté’s Charlotte Knight
-Always make sure your nails are clean and free of any oils before you apply polish to avoid early chipping.
-Apply a basecoat before using a color lacquer to act as a primer and to prevent nails from yellowing. Seal with a topcoat to ensure a long-lasting manicure.
-Carry a nail oil with you on the go so when you’re in-between meetings, commuting, or waiting for a friend, you can keep your cuticles and nails moisturized and healthy. You’ll notice the difference in no time!