Tuesday 31 May 2011

Weekly Nail Blog Round-Up

Apolgies for the delay in bringing last weeks Weekly Nail Blog Updates to you - been soooo busy with clients treatments that they havent let me get near updating my blog!


The Nail Addict created this juicy water marble design http://thenailaddict.blogspot.com/2011/05/orange-water-marble-design.html
Grace was inspired by Lagerfeld to create this design http://ooooohpretty.blogspot.com/2011/05/nails-fit-for-harvey-nichols.html
Nic was absolutely besotted with Absolutely Alice http://nicnacksnails.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-finally-tried-it.html
Jen let her sunny disposition show with her new Zoya http://moondancerjen.blogspot.com/2011/05/pippa-my-new-obsession.html
Theresa explains exactly what Shellac and Gelish semi-permanent polishes are http://theresabloor.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-are-shellac-and-gelish-nails.html
Ling Ling tried a cool tie-dye manicure http://wuliaonails.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-haul-and-tie-die-haulter-top-mani.html
Avast me hearties! Claire tried out OPI pirates’ collection and the wicked silver shatter http://toptwentynails.blogspot.com/2011/05/opi-pirates-of-caribbean-with-silver.html
Ari use pastels for a cute nail art manicure http://ari-sweetdelight.blogspot.com/2011/05/pastel-cute.html#more

Hope you all enjoy reading! x x x

MYscara Before and After Pictures

This is my lashes with No Mascara - cant believe I actually took a photo of my eyes with no makeup on!






And this is my eye lashes after having the MYscara treatment:





I took both pictures in the natural daylight and the second day was a brighter day - but you can still see the difference in the lashes! 

The MYscara treatment was done 2 days ago - it felt very strange to sleep with what felt like eye makeup on and did take a little getting used to, but feels fine now!  It certainly makes life easier when putting my makeup on in the morning!     I also giggled to myself when I had a bath last night - normally if I havent removed my makeup the mascara would have ran all down my face and look like I had been crying for a week - but not last night! It just looked as good when I got out of the bath as when I went in!

This is going to be just perfect for holidays.  I just hate going to the beech or pool with no eye makeup but always had to as by the end of the day it would be all down my face - but not now!  MYscara will keep my lashes looking perfect for the whole holiday - and beyond!

Do you live in the Cheadle, Staffordshire Moorlands or Stoke on Trent areas?  Ring me to book in for this fabulous treatment today!   07811 114280.

Monday 30 May 2011

MyScara in Cheadle, Staffs Moorlands and Stoke on Trent Area - Bookings Now Being Taken!

To update you all that were eagerly awaiting new on the the MYscara Semi Permanent Mascara - THE TREATMENT IS NOW HERE and bookings are now been taken for Mobile appointments in Cheadle, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke on Trent areas.

Special Treatment Product Launch Price £20 for a limited time only.


The waiting list for clients waiting for this treatment is rapidly growing so please ring me as soon as possible if you would like to book in.

Please ring me on 07811 114280 or 01538 750349.

x x x

MYscara now here! In Cheadle Staffs Moorlands and Stoke on Trent!

Saturday 21 May 2011

What are Shellac and Gelish Nails?

November 2012-  a new post had been published to further update my advice on Gel Polishes which also discusses the difference in the different brands including, gelish, shellac, artistic, GeleSSe, Colour lock etc: -

I am getting lots of messages from people asking what exactly are Shellac Hybrid UV Polish and Gelish Gel Polish?  Or what is Semi-Permanent Polish Manicure?  So hopefully the below will answer any questions you have.    Oh - and yes, all of these are available as treatments here at Beauty by Theresa - available in the Cheadle, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke on Trent areas.

Well firstly - none of these systems extend the nails so for those of you that have been put off having your nails done because you dont want them extending - then Shellac and Gelish dont come into the same category so is a great option for you!

Shellac is probably more polish like in the look and feel, but dries in a different way than polish.  A special CND Shellac UV lamp is required to properly cure the colour, so therefore can only be applied by a trained professional.

CND's (Creative Nail Design - the maker of Shellac) have a well promoted tag line:
  • On Like Polish
  • Wears Like Gel
  • Off in Minutes (really!!)



On Like Polish - So the first one is self explanatory as I said above.   Wears Like Gel - what this refers to is the fact that with the right care and attention the polish can last up to 14 days without chipping, peeling and smudging.  The no smudge element is fab - especially as soon as the manicure is finished everything is completely dry - NOT like a traditional polish so you dont have to walk around for hours on end waiving your hands about like a raiving lunatic! :)   Off in Minutes (really!!) - because of the nature of the ingredients in the Shellac, trying to remove like normal polish wont get you very far - but it only takes 10 minutes to do!  Really!!   It is recommended that a professional removes the product and if done correctly (it is a fairly easy process) then your own nails underneath will be in great condition!  with NO DAMAGE!

Why would you have this type of manicure?

Well - due to the fact that it doesnt chip or smudge makes it more  low maintenance during the 2 weeks of wear.  No removing and re-applying every few days like regular polish cause it looks worn!  This factor alone makes it very attractive to many people - just one salon appointment every 2 weeks - and perfect looking nails every time!  Another great thing about Shellac is that it is fab for holidays and special occasions too as they last for up to 2 weeks, easily.

See the attached video for details of how shellac is applied and how it is removed!

      


Who is Shellac not ideal for?

Like I said before if you are looking to have your nails extended or lengthened then it is not for you.  If you have pretty poor nail condition with peeling etc then Gelish may be a better option for you.



Gelish (by Nail Harmony) is very similar to Shellac in that it is applyed in the same way - and wears in the same way - like a polish that doesnt chip.  What I have found however, that it can last a little longer - 3 weeks in many cases.  I think this is due to the fact that there seems a little more strength in each of the layers.  And, the top coat is more resistant to Acetone - so for people like us nail techs that use acetone based solutions to remove clients nails etc it is an added bonus for our own nails.  You can also use a special LED lamp to sure Gelish which is quicker (it wont cure Shellac though).
 What Gelish does have extra - is an additional product in its range called Structure.  What this allows you to do is to add additional support to the nail to add extra strength - and also lets you add the correct structure to the nail (those of with Ski jump nails or damaged nails) to make it look more "normal".

Therefore, I do find that if you want to grow your nails longer then Gelish gives you more support to be able to do this.  It is possible to extend the nail very slightly with the use of this structure gel too by using a plastic tip, but I wouldnt recommend a full set of nail extensions with this because they wont be as strong as say the traditional harder Gel or Acrylic nails.

Gelish does remove in a similar way to Shellac - but I think takes a minute or two longer - perhaps due to the slight additional strength in the product.  As the top coat is acetone resistant you need to buff the top coat off first (which isnt needed with Shellac) - so if the quickest and easiest soak off is important for you then Shellac may be better. 

Shellac is currently available in 24 colours, but does have an additional 6 shades coming out in September 2011.   Gelish is available in an incredible 72 shades? (I have actually lost count) and does have occasional special additional colours (like the Japan Appeal duo).    What you can do with both systems is layer the colours to make an even bigger colour range.   You can have french style, colours  (shear or opaque) or clear.
I have also found it is easier to do different nail art effects with these systems too - perhaps because the colours them self dont start try dry until they go into the UV lamp giving more time to play about with it.   You can get colour fade where one colour blends into another too - one of my favorite looks.  These two pictures are examples of really simple nail art and colour fades.  they have both had different colours layered too!

With this type of manicure you need to remember that what needs to happen when the manicure is grown out in say 2 or 3 weeks time.  I dont recommend you do this yourself so you really need to go back to the salon to have it removed - and probably like most of my clients have it reapplied as you found it so easy to wear!   So, even though they are really maintenance free during the time you wear them you do need to keep up with a regular salon appointment to make the most of the system.  If you start to peel away the system yourself then you potentially risk peeling layers of your own nail away (not as much as if you pick at say acrylic nails though) - so please dont do this!


I myself have worn either Shellac or Gelish for the last 12 months or so and I have to say my natural nails have never been in such good condition.  Most nail techs use themselves as models for trying different nail stuff so we do tend to abuse our nails!  So for me to have my nails in such good condition it is a really big thing!  The two pictures above are of my own natural nail length.

If you have never tried this type of manicure then all I can say is - give it a go, then you will understand all that I rave about.    

I hope this answers all your questions about Shellac and Gelish but if not then please feel free and ask away here.  If you are not near me and want to have this treatment done let me know and I will contact the relevant people to find a tech in your area.

Enjoy your manicures x x x

Friday 20 May 2011

Weekly Nail Blog Round-Up


Here is this weeks "Nail Blog Round Up" of Some great Nail Blog posts x x x

Jen created a gorgeous gradient manicure Glitter!
Claire’s tutorial shows the simple way to do a half moon manicure Half Moon Manicure
Nic celebrated finishing the school year with some swatches Nail Swatches
Sharon showed us her adventures in drag marbling Marble Nails
Grace had some fun with glitter to great effect Glitter fun!
Ladyluck took a break from her nails this week and created an eye look Eye makeover!

And finally introducing Erin to the blog world http://sugarstar.host-ed.net/blog/

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do x x x

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Used the Groupon for Offers or Promotions?

There seems to be some real good deal on offer at the minute for Groupon Beauty related treatments but am always a little cautious and keep thinking "what is the catch"?   I suppose always believing in the saying - If something seems too good to be true - it usually is, makes me a little skeptical with these things.


So - have you ever bought a Groupon voucher for anything?   Have your ever used Group to promote your products and services?

Did it work for you?  Would you do it again?

Please guys could I have your opinions on this type of thing - or is it just me being paranoid over something being too good to be true!

Tuesday 17 May 2011

MyScara Treatments in Cheadle, Staffs Moorlands and Stoke on Trent Area - Coming Soon!

Ok - so many of you have said that you would love to have this treatment done, I have decided to take the plunge and have arranged to add the MyScara Semi Permanent Mascara Treatment to my menu from June 2011!


I am learning all there is to know about this system at the end of May (having to travel over to a great trainer in Wales) and I am sooooooo excited.  I just cant wait to get up and running with it all!   fo those of you looking to arrange the training their contact them on their Facebook page:  MYscara training in Wales 

I will do a full and frank blog review for you all when I have done the training and let you see plenty of before and after photos so you can also see how effective this is.

One of my colleagues in Ireland very kindly allowed me to use one of their before and after photos to show what a difference can be made.  As it is an actual Salon photo no photo touch ups have been made so what you see is the exact look!


Image courtesy of The Beauty Boutique, Maymooth.  Thanks for allowing me to share x x x
And - with the right aftercare this should last 3 to 6 weeks too!   Just imagine, not having to re-apply mascara everyday and not a smudge in site!   I for one cant wait for this!

Soooooo - watch this space!  If you want to know more about this treatment then please feel free to message me! 

See you laters x x x

Monday 16 May 2011

Nail Design of the Day - Gelish Fade with 3D Flowers

I thought I would show you another one of my own creations for todays Nail design of the Day:







These were done using Gelish Semi Permanent Polish Gel by Nail Harmony over my natural nails.  The flowers were done using White Liquid and Powder Acrylic with Silver accents and Swarovski Aurora rhinestones both from from Nfu.Oh (Affiniti Nail and beauty in the UK).

Now it isnt very often you will see me be anything like happy to display any 3D work I do as the standard of what I do is not where near good enough in my opinion, but is getting better!

Let me know what you think...........

Saturday 14 May 2011

Weekly Nail Blog Round-Up

Here is this weeks Nail Blog Round Up:


The Nail Addict created a gorgeous water marble design pink water Marble
Jen celebrated pink Wednesday in style Pink Wednesday
Emily must be looking forward to carnival Carnival Nails
Grace went wild French wild
Theresa reversed the French in black and silverReverse french
Stacie painted her nails to match her dotty 50’s dress Black, white and red
Claire used Fimo clay flowers Flowers
Sharon is having a great giveaway Giveaway
Lady Luck wore her hearts on her nails navy baby
AJ used her BM plates to create a cool herringbone pattern Pink Wednesday
Shella was inspired by a Japanese nail art design Summer manicure
LingLing is having a great competition Contest
And finally introducing Ari she is new to blogging Strawberry Design

If you would like to be involved in future round ups contact Stacie at http://kawaiinailart.blogspot.com
  
Twitter for follow Friday : #FF @kawaiinailart, @toptwentynails, @EmilysNailFiles, @pamperedbygrace, @moondancerjen, @nicnacksnails, @beautybytheresa,

Friday 13 May 2011

Gremlin in the Works

Sorry for not posting much this last week.

As some of you know there has been some problems on blogger this week with all kinds of funny things going on - hopefully after Blogger was closed down for 'maintenance' for a while to 'sort things out' things should now be resolved - as soon as I am happy that we are all in a 'good place' again I will be posting lots of lovely new things for you.

Hope you all enjoyed the break! x x x

Saturday 7 May 2011

Weekly Nail Blog Round-Up


OK guys - here is a round up of some great nail related blogs for this week:
LingLing made her - first-franken-polish
Ladyluck shared some new polishes new babies home
Sharon was inspired to try a new rainbow look Rainbow Nails
Claire showed us her TOWIE inspired manicure The Only Way is Essex
The Nail Addict showed that spring has sprung Spring Manicure
Happy Birthday to Jen! Birthday Giveaway
Emily had a creative idea for her rainbow manicure Mario Nails
Nicole used funky donkey for some funky nails Funky Nails
Theresa reviewed some nails fit for a princess David Barton Royal Wedding Nails

Grace has more wedding fever with bridal inspired nails!Wedding Fever

If you would like to be involved in future round ups contact Stacie at http://kawaiinailart.blogspot.com
 Twitter for follow Friday : #FF @kawaiinailart, @toptwentynails, @EmilysNailFiles, @pamperedbygrace, @moondancerjen @nicnacksnails

Friday 6 May 2011

BeautyUK Pro Beauty Show - Birmingham NEC - 8th and 9th May 2011

I am visiting the BeautyUK Professional Beauty Exhibition in Birmingham on Sunday to see all the latest new and exciting stuff that is happening in the industry of Beauty, Nails Tanning and Spas.



Many of the worlds leading Professional Beauty Suppliers are going to be present so watch this space early next week for all the latest gossip on what is happening in this beloved industry!  I have some great meeting lined up with some great names in the industry and to be honest I cant wait! 

I will be just like a little kid in a sweet shop! :)  One promise I have had to make to myself - DONT TAKE ANY CREDIT CARDS! I have a nasty habit of spending way too much at these shows on lots of fab new stuff so going to try my best. 

I know I will see some of you there but for those that cant make it - I will update you soon on all that you missed!

Thursday 5 May 2011

Semi Permanent Mascara - Is It the Next Beauty Treatment Revolution?

So - have heard of a few different companies that are launching a new Beauty Treatment called 'Semi Permanent Mascara'.    It is different than lash extensions in that once it is on your lashes it looks like you are wearing Mascara, but different than traditional mascara in that it doesnt come off when you remove your makeup, but lasts longer - have heard anything from 3 to 6 weeks.

It is different from 'Lash Tinting' as it gives additional lift, separation and volume - basically mimicking traditional mascara effects but more longer lasting.  It is also reported to be waterproof, sweat proof and heat proof.  This improves on my personal 'issues with lash tinting and traditional mascara' so sounds like a real step forward for many!

A few different companies names are being banded about - MyScara, LashDip and CryBaby are the ones I have mainly heard of but no doubt if it does become popular then I am sure more will come out of the woodwork.

So - have you had this done?  Have you heard about it?  Is this something that you think will be popular?  I know I have clients that would certainly be interested in this as they hate applying mascara - especially clients that wear glasses and those that have smudging problems from regular mascara.

I am shortly getting more information about this treatment and will post more news when I have it but just wanted to let you all know about the latest Beauty Buzz Treatment that seems to be the 'Talk of the Industry'!

So let me know what you think or keep watching this space for more news!

x x x