Susan Loasby, Angel Fingers

SHOP FOR MY FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

2010-09-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce the arrival of my new online mail order service.

In the shop you will find a good selection of fabulous nail products at great prices.

I have gathered the collection together from round the world to bring you some unusual and hard to find items. Gradually the collection will build and there will be even more to choose from. If you have any suggestions I'd be pleased to hear from you.

Heres the link http://shop.angelfingersnails.co.uk/

NEW COURSE DATES RELEASED

2010-05-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

I can now confirm the new dates for my next beginners courses. These 4 sessions are designed to take the novice or inexperienced technician through all the essentials including......

contra indications and safety
nail preparation
tip sizing, fitting and blending
liquid and powder ratio
acrylic application
correct structure
filing and finishing techniques
infill/rebalance/ maintenance procedures.

You will leave will the knowlege of the corrct techniques to apply and maintain

1 colour natural tip and overlay
white tip and one colour overlay
white tip and 2 colour overlay
natural tip with custom blended white and pink overlay
natural tip with brilliant white overlay
natural tip with glitter french and embedded art.

Classes focus on practical application and theory learning and application practice take place in the students own time . Models are required for all 4 days. A short written test must be submitted in the students own time but practical assesments are carried out in class time. You are provided with a comprehensive manual that covers every aspect of theory and safety for nail treatments too.

LEVEL 1 day one FRIDAY 9TH JULY
LEVEL 1 day two FRIDAY 30TH JULY
LEVEL 2 day one FRIDAY 13TH AUGUST
LEVEL 2 day two FRIDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER

An optional extra SCULPTING COURSE may be arranged subject to completion of the above.

COST
cost of each level is £200
kit cost is £140
DEPOSIT OF £50 payable for each level to confirm a place.

Please email if you require any further details or wish to reserve a place [6 students only].

angelfingers38@hotmail.com

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR APPLICATION OF SOAK OFF GELS on very thin flexible nails.

2010-03-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

I know some of you struggle with the separation of the natural nail with soak off gels at the free edge area. So heres a method you might like to try, it stabilises the flimsy free edge and forms a hardwearing seal that prevents the 2 areas parting.

Unfortunately my only available model is my rather grubby 11 year old daughter !

STEP 1

2010-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Natural nails are prepared and shine is gently removed. Nobility Primebond is applied and the nails are cleansed and dehydrated with LeChat Nobility gel spray.

STEP 2

2010-03-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

A very small amount of clear LeChat Nobility soak off gel is worked into the natural nail and cured for 2-3 minutes in a 9 watt or above U.V lamp.

STEP 3

2010-03-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

LeChat reversible nail forms are fitted.

STEP 4

2010-03-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

LeChat Perception gel is applied to the free edge[only] of the natural nail and brought slightly out onto the form. Cure for 2-3 minutes.

STEP 5

2010-03-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Very carefully remove the forms.

STEP 6

2010-03-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wipe the inhibition layer from the gel and file the Perception gel to leave an extension of around 0.5mm. This is just enough to enclose the free edge of the natural nail.

STEP 7

2010-03-27T07:55:00.001-07:00

Apply 2 or 3 coats of LeChat Nobility clear soak off gel, curing between each layer.

STEP 8

2010-03-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Because there was a ridge where the Perception gel joined on to the free edge of the natural nal, there will be a slightly uneven surface now the overlay has been applied. To refine the surface you must now use a 180 grit file to finish. You may do this on the last layer of Nobility gel, but to make filing even easier I apply a layer of Lechat Gelee top gel [pink or clear] and file onto this layer. As it has a firmer finish than the Nobility gel I find it an easier and faster way to get a perfect surface. Be sure you dont file away the gel that encloses the free edge of the natural nail.

STEP 9

2010-03-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

After filing with the 180 grit file, buff with a white block and cleanse the nails.

STEP 10

2010-03-27T07:41:00.001-07:00

a

A coat of LeChat Gelee top gel is applied and cured.

STEP 11

2010-03-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Apply polish and nailart as required and finish with a little LeChat Nobility cuticle oil.

POLKA DOT GEL NAIL TUTORIAL

2010-03-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=157782&id=764733127&l=9117898d1a

A full colour step by step tutorial for simple but effective nail art.

NEW COURSE DATES RELEASED

2010-01-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

Currently I have the following course dates available...
Acrylic nail extensions level one [2 day course]
day 1, Thurs 25 February 10-4day 2, Fri 26 March 10-4

Acrylic nail extensions level 2 [2 day course]
day 1, Sat 17th April 10-4 day 2, Fri 30 April 10-4

Dates for 1 day sculpting add on course to follow.
please email angelfingers38@hotmail.com if you would like full details.

Here I am working on my student Sharon

2009-07-28T12:43:00.001-07:00

I hope you enjoy the photos of the lLeChat playday event in Northampton. It was an informal atmosphere and we had loads of fun experimenting with the whole range of LeChat nail products.
Everyone had a try with powder gel, soak off gel and acrylic. It was great for us all to network with other technicians and learn from one another. Thanks to everyone who was there for making the event such a success.

Me starting to demonstrate a 3d acrylic flower on a sculpted nail

2009-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Student applies tangerine glow acrylic.

2009-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Student practicing pink and white application.

2009-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

This student prepares for Nail Architecture acrylic application.

2009-07-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Student at work.

2009-07-28T12:31:00.001-07:00

We sampled all the LeChat systems

2009-07-28T12:29:00.001-07:00

Overseeing work, look how strict I am !

2009-07-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

students work, rockstar toes with nobility soak off colour gel and glitter

2009-07-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

NAIL ARCHITECTURE GLITTER ACRYLIC SCULPT

2009-07-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

LeChat Playday Photos

2009-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well for a long time I thought I had lost the photos for this event, but I have tracked them down and thought I would show you a little bit of what went on. Thanks to Vanessa for taking the pics.

I think you'll get a glimpse of the fun we had !

BLACK LUST

2009-07-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

Every one using nobility will benefit from adding a pot of black lust to their colour collection.

Apart from being useful in its own right [it looks awesome on my toes topped with nobility gold jewels], its really great for adding to other colours to acheive those rich dark colours all your clients want.

Ihave demonstrated here with 1 part black lust added to 2 parts of the main colour to give you an idea of what you can acheive.

Top to bottom , wine tasting, red wine and sweet sixteen with the mix colour in the smaller pot beside it.

NEW COLOURS IN THE NOBILITY SOAK OFF GEL COLLECTION

2009-07-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Heres the new colours in Nobilty for all those who have been asking. Theres a few more to come but I dont have them yet. These colour charts are filled from the back with gel so its quite a thick application. Thinner coats will give a lighter colour. I would say that in real life the colours are a little more vibrant than they appear on these shots, but i hope they give you a reasonable idea.

1. my fair lady

2. pink corvette

3. pink affair

4. beige

5.beach bikini

6.blush pink

7. sly fox

8. true lust

9. sweet sixteen

10. wine tasting

11. red wine

12. mixed candy

13. solar flare

14. lemon tart

15. lime pie

16. blue blast [this one appears almost black on the chart but is really a lovely deep blue]

17. black lust

18.silver flakes

19. silver shimmer

20. diamond reflections

21. gold jewels

2 DAYS FREE TRAINING FOR YOU WITH LECHAT NAILS

2009-02-10T12:25:00.000-08:00

Available on Sunday 29th/Monday 30th March 2009 in Northampton.Free hands on nail training using LeChat products with me and the LeChat team. On day 1 we will demo all the LeChat nail systems, the Nobility soak off gels, LeChats simple to use Powder Gel system and the Nail Architecture acrylic range. On day 2 we will concentrate on 3d work with Lechats Nail Architecture acrylic system. You can just watch or you can have a go, its up to you.

The training will take place in the conference room at the

Toby Carvery, East Hunsbury, London Road, Wooton ,Northampton NN4 0TG. 10am-4pm both days. [dont forget the clocks go forward this weekend]

There will be demos and the chance to have a go with all the products in a very friendly and informal atmosphere. There will be no charge and no sales pressure. You can bring a model or work on your own nails.This event is open to all beauty professionals regardless of training and experience. Rooms are available cheaply for those who want to stay overnight http://www.innkeeperslodge.com/ If you are curious about the products I use and would like to try them for yourself, please email me on angelfingers38@hotmail.com to reserve a place.

HONG KONG AND SPAIN

2009-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Top to bottom,

The pretty little town of Turre in Almeria, Spain.

Sculpted Nobility soak off gel design with 3d acrylic orchids.

Nail Architecture acrylic with 3d roses.

Students work, gel and glitter toes.

My Spanish nails, Nobility fireglow gel and 3d acrylic roses.

Hong Kong harbour at night.

Mandy Tsang and myself.

Amy and Joyce from LeChat Hong Kong.

My Hong Kong nails, sculpted gel with encapsulated designs.

My role as an educator for LeChat Nails is an international one and I have had the chance to visit both Hong Kong and Spain recently.

In Hong Kong, I attended an event that was held in the convention centre at one of the worlds biggest beauty trade shows.

Beauty professionals came from Australia, New Zealand, The Philipines, Thailand and Japan to look at the LeChat range, see demonstrations and have hands on education with the products.

I had the pleasure of working with the Hong Kong LeChat distributor , Roly Sham and his wife Mandy Tsang who is Hong Hongs foremost nail professional. She is regularly asked to judge nail competitions worldwide and provides nail education in Hong Kong of the highest standard.

In Spain I worked at The Beauty School in Turre in the Spanish region of Almeria with the LeChat educator for La Nelle Huggins. We worked with her current students to bring their nail knowledge up a notch. The economy in Spain is quite difficult at the moment , so students were glad to learn techniques that no others in the area were currently offering. Over the 2 days we concentrated on gel glitter toes, 3d acrylic work, sculptures with Nobility soak off gel and gel design.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

I did these nails recently after seeing the style on a Russian nail forum. I was inspired to have a try at the new design which is apparently all the rage in Russia. Its a comfortable shape to wear which is quite flattering to the hands and it is also very strong with the ridge reinforcing the shape vertically. Nice to try something different.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

After prepping the nails and priming I apply a bead of Nail Architecture acrylic in 'deco pink' to zone 2 of the nail and feather into zone 3.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:41:00.001-08:00

Now I apply some clear acrylic that is mixed with some opalescent glitter dust. The mix ratio is 1 part glitter to 3 parts powder. Again this application is feathered into zone 3 to create a faded effect.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:39:00.001-08:00

Take a form and fold a crease into it down the centre.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

Fit the form under the the natural nails. Make sure you retain the crisp fold.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Use crystal clear Nail Architecture acrylic to exetend the tip area forming a V shape at the end.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Using the clear acrylic build the nails to the correct structure.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

When the acrylic has set remove the forms and begin to shape the nail with a file. File in the upper arch first eliminating any bumps in the application.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

File the side walls very straight and the tip into a v shaped point.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

File the sides of the nail up in a 45 degree angle . file carefully to maintain the crisp angles of the central ridge of the nail extension. Perfect the shape with a file and then smooth with a white block. Brush away dust and cleanse of contaminants.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

I used a cocktail stick [toothpick] and acrylic paint to create the pattern. I choose opaque airbrush paint for most of my handpainted designs as they are thin but heavily pigmented.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Apply the paint with the stick in a lacey pattern. Vary the design for each nail.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Embelish the design with copper coloured paint. When the design is dry, coat with a layer of LeChat Protech gel top coat and cure in a 9 watt u.v lamp for 2-3 minutes. Finish the nails with LeChat cuticle oil.

RUSSIAN EDGE SHAPE NAILS

2009-01-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Final look. [client needed the forefingers slightly shorter for her work]

RETRO MOON MANICURE a la DITA VON TEASE

2009-01-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

I did this set of nails very quickly on myself to go with an outfit for a fancy dress party. The theme was BURLESQUE. This moon manicure was very popular in the 1940's and is the style favoured by the world famous burlesque dancer Dita Von Tease.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:28:00.000-08:00

Prepare nails in the usual manner and then apply a thin layer of clear Nobility gel and cure for 2 minutes. Fit forms.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:23:00.000-08:00

Use clear Nobility gel to sculpt out the extra length required and bring the gel over on to the nailplate to form a level surface.

Cure for 2 minutes, cleanse and then remove the forms.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Using nail clippers trim off excess gel. File the tips to the length and shape you require. Cleanse to remove the dust and contaminants.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

Take your dotting tool and pick up your gel. Draw on the moon shape as if you were using a ball point pen.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Use a brush to apply colour gel up to the line of the 'moon'. Do one nail at a time, freeze cure for a few seconds and then go on until all are complete and cure for 2 minutes.

Apply a 2nd coat of colour gel with your brush. Avoid the moon area. Cure for 2 minutes.

MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Apply clear Nobility gel and add an apex for strength and support of the extension. Cure for 2 minutes.

Apply LeChat gelee clear top coat for extra shine and strength. Cure 2 mins. Wipe away the inhibition layer with gel cleanser.

FINAL LOOK-MOON MANICURE

2009-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

HOW TO APPLY A COLOUR GEL OVERLAY WITH LECHAT NOBILITY SOAK OFF GELS.

2009-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Heres a tutorial for all those that have been asking. This is my tried and tested method, it always works for me. With a soft soak off gel you must pay particular attention to capping the ends of the nail as softer gel wears more easily and the seal is more readily broken and can lead to separation of the gel on the tip area. If the natural nails are a longer length I recomend that you apply extra clear Nobility in the final layer to build a vertical apex. This will reinforce the centre of the nail forming a strong 'spine' and reduce flexibilty slightly which will result in less movement of gel and natural nail and reduce the chances of separation at the tip further.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL

2009-01-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Heres what you will need....

LeChat gel cleanser

Nobility primer

Nobility clear gel

Nobility colour gel of your choice[pommegranate shown here]

LeChat gelee clear top coat [optional]

All available from www.lechatnails.co.uk

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL

2009-01-23T02:54:00.000-08:00

Prepare the nails by thoroughly removing all non living tissue. File the nails to shape and remove the shine from the nail plate very gently. Sanitise and dehydrate with the LeChat gel cleanser.

Apply the Nobility primer and allow to dry.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL

2009-01-23T01:12:00.000-08:00

Apply a thin coat of Nobility clear gel. Work it into the nail well with the brush. Start at the tip and work back towards the eponichium overlapping the strokes , this prevents flooding the nail with gel. When the whole nail is covered lightly brush over the surface to level. Keep this base coat very thin. Be sure to cap all the free edges and always keep the gel off the surrounding skin.

Cure for 2 minutes.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL

2009-01-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

Apply nobility colour gel of your choice, this shade is pommegranate.

Dont press hard with your brush, use light strokes. Pay attention to sealing all the free edges.

Doing 2 nails at a time ensures that the gel doesnt shrink away from the tips. Freeze cure for few seconds whilst working on the opposite hand and give a full 2 minute cure when all the nails are done.

Apply a second coat of colour gel and cure for 2 minutes

Now add a coat of nobility clear gel and give a further 2 minute cure.

[optional] You may now put on a coat of the clear gelee top coat [from the LeChat powder gel range] for additional strength and shine.

Cure 2-3 minutes and remove the sticky layer by cleansing with the LeChat gel spay cleanser.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL

2009-01-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Make completely sure you thoroughly seal the free edges of the natural nails when you apply the gel. All gels shrink slightly as they cure and failure to cap the edges leads to separation of the product from the tip of the nail.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF COLOUR GEL ON NATURAL NAILS

2009-01-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

The final look.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF GEL COLOURS

2009-01-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

3 additional nobility soak off gels that were not featured on the previous colour chart. colours have come up slightly lighter on screen than actual shades.

left to right...

silk sheets

candy kisses

fireglow

COLOUR CHARTS

2009-01-15T03:16:00.000-08:00

LECHAT NAIL ARCHITECTURE GLITTER ACRYLIC [colours have come up a little lighter on screen than actual shades]

top to bottom

dessert sun

no limit

high roller

room service

the strip

jackpot

showgirls

luxury

hotel suite

casino floor

headliner

COLOUR CHARTS

2009-01-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

LECHAT NAIL ARCHITECTURE COLOURED ACRYLIC [colours have come up on screen a little lighter than actual shades]

top to bottom

night shade

sweet cherry

ocean escape

tangerine glow

sweet sapphire

aloha green

belgian chocolate

sun bright

party pink

caribean cocktail

TIGER LILLIES

2008-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

The rich orange glitter and the little spots put me in mind of tiger lillies. This set was done with the new LeChat Xtraseal gel, soon to be available from http://www.lechatnails.co.uk/

2008-10-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Step 1.

The previous gel is buffed down.

The nails are cleaned and prepared for application.

2008-10-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Step 2.

A thin coat of clear gel is applied and glitter is dabbed onto the wet gel using a brush lightly moistened with a little gel.

Cure for 2 minutes.

2008-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Step 3.

Forms are applied and pinched tightly together at the required length.

2008-10-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Step 4.

Clear sculpting gel is used to form the tip extension and black sequin dots are pressed into the gel before curing for 2 minutes.

2008-10-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Step 5.

Remove the forms and clip away any excess gel with nail clippers.

Wipe the nails and file the tip to an aproximate shape.

This will help acheive a better final shape when the next layer of gel is applied.

2008-10-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Step 6.

Apply more clear gel to seal the design and build the apex for strength.

Cure for 2 minutes.

Wipe away the sticky layer and file and buff to final shape.

Clean away all filing dust with LeChat gel cleanser spray.

2008-10-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Step 7.

Coat the nails with finishing gel and press in the black flower decorations.

Cure for 2 minutes.

Spray and wipe the nails and finish with LeChat cuticle oil.

STAR NAILS

2008-10-26T11:36:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with the new range of Xtreme sculpting gels from LeChat.

The gels are easy to use because they are thick but still maintain self leveling qualities.

Step 1.

Nails are prepared and a coat of clear gel is applied.

Purple glitter is added to the tip area, dabbed into place with a brush lightly moistened with gel.

Cure 2 minutes.

2008-10-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Step 2.

Forms are fitted.

2008-10-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Step 3 .

Clear sculpting gel is added to the tip area to extend the length and silver stars are embedded into the gel before curing for 2 minutes.

2008-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Step 4.

Forms are removed and the tip shape is roughly formed with a file.

2008-10-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Step 5.

Gel is added to seal the design and build an apex.

2008-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Cure for 2 minutes.

2008-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

STEP 7.

Wipe with LeChat gel cleanser and file the nails to the finished shape.

Apply gloss gel and cure for a final 2 minutes.

Wipe away the sticky layer and finish with cuticle oil.

MIXING YOUR OWN

2008-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Its very simple to make your own range of customised nail gel colours with the LeChat range of colour gels. All the gels are compatible with one another and a variety of effects can be acheived, but my particular favourites are combinations of LeChats soak off Nobility colour gels mixed with the pearl drops shade from the same range. This photo shows the colours I started with and then the resulting colour when mixed with aproximately equal amounts of pearl drops. Store your colour mixes in opaque jars.

NOBILITY SOAK OFF GEL COOUR CHART

2008-10-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

numbers 31 to 60 are LECHAT NOBILITY SOAK OFF GEL

31 Pomagranate
32 Balerina pink
33 Pure white
34 Ocean view
35 Cream
36 Strawberry shortcake
37 Gala ball
38 Gold mine
39 Flamingo dream
40 Ruby ring
41 Tickled pink
42 Gallery red
43 Tangerine
44 Pearl drops
45 Ocean cruise
46 Regal red
47 Sweet truffle
48 Rose sorbet
49 Flying angels
50 Va va voom
51 Lemon brite
52 Lots of love
53 Iris blue
54 Frozen heat
55 Festival
56 Orange pumpkin
57 Tame leopard
58 Sassy pink
59 Savvy glitz
60 Spritzer

2008-10-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

2008-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

2008-10-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN SCULPTED GEL NAILS

2008-09-16T04:22:00.000-07:00

This set of halloween nails is constructed in the reverse sculpting technique with u.v gel. This method makes it easier to acheive the extended nail bed and the extreme smile line. All products from http://www.lechatnails.co.uk/.

HALLOWEEN NAILS in 8 STAGES

2008-09-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Step 1.

The nails are prepared by removing all non living tissue and dehydratet ready for the product application.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 2

2008-09-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Step 2.

A coat of pink gel is applied and some irridescent spangles are added to the tip area and faded out towards the base of the nail. Cure for 2 minutes. The free edge is then filed into the shape of the new smile line. If your client doesnt have a long free edge to work with, apply forms and use the pink sculpting gel to extend the nails and then file them into the shape of the new smileline.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 3

2008-09-16T04:10:00.000-07:00

Step 3.

Forms are fitted and a thin layer of clear gel is used to extend the free edge. Cure for 2 minutes.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 4

2008-09-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

step 4.

The forms are removed and flourescent orange gel is added to the new sculpted tip. The gel I used really glows in ultra violet light and is part of a range of colour gels by LeChat. The orange gel self levels around the new smile line. Cure 2 minutes.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 5

2008-09-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

Step 5.

Using a small amount of clear gel secure some stars randomly on the nails. Freeze cure for 20 seconds. Now use a little more clear gel to place first, a light application of orange glitter to the tips and a little black glitter around the smile line. Cure for 2 minutes.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 6

2008-09-16T03:41:00.000-07:00

Step 6.

Cleanse the nails and paint spiders on some of them with black acrylic paint. Add eyes with white and red acrylic paint. Allow to dry.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 7

2008-09-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Step 7.

Clear gel is applied to build a strong apex and the nails are cured for a further 2 minutes. Cleanse away the sticky layer and file to the desired shape. Cleanse again and gloss the nails with a top coat gel and cure.

HALLOWEEN NAILS 8

2008-09-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

Step 8 .

On the nails painted with spiders, apply 2 little beads of clear sculpting gel over the body of the spiders to give them a 3d effect. Cure for 2 minutes and wipe off the sticky inhibition layer, then replenish the surrounding skin with cuticle oil.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

2008-09-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

We as nailtechs are our own advertising. Being a little more imaginative with our own nails often gives our clients new inspiration.

I almost always use LeChats Nobility soak off gel on my own nails as I find it so easy to apply to myself. Currently I am wearing the beautiful magenta shade called Gala Ball. Additionally I have applied some very simple [as I have to do it with my left hand] 3d acrylic nail art in the form of pale yellow orchids. They form such a striking colour contrast and have lead to many a compliment.

They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery and I'm glad to say that one of my clients was inspired to put her own slant on the look with a variation on the theme.

NAIL ARCHITECHTURE

2008-09-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have had huge success with the Nail Architecture range of acrylic liquid and powders from LeChat and in around 2 more weeks, so can you. the range will then be available to qualified nail technicians throughout the u.k from the British distributors http://www.lechatnails.co.uk/.

BIG BACKLOG

2008-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Not sure if anyone has noticed, but there has been a bit of a standstill on my blog. I've been a bit poorly, been on holiday and been really busy training my students and in the salon too. So heres a glimpse of what I've been doing.

RASBERRY RIPPLE GEL NAILS

2008-07-13T12:47:00.001-07:00

RASPBERRY RIPPLE GEL NAILS

2008-07-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

My ridiculously long nails have been in the wars this weekend , well I guess clearing a derelict garden and laying a vinyl floor are tough on the hands. So I had to rescue them and I revamped them too. Today I combined my Nobility soak off gels with some products from the LeChat powder gel system. I trimmed off about 6 mm from the length of my nails as they were becoming a little unmanageable, but now they seem so short !

step 1.

My old product was filled off, cuticles tidied and i prep my nails by cleansing with LeChat gel spray and a thin coat of prime bond on the natural nail.

step2.

I use Regal Red Nobility soak off gel and apply it to 2/3 of the nail with a fading edge toward the cuticle. Cure for 1 minute.

step 3.

iIapply a thin coat of clear Nobilily gel and press on some crushed seashell to the regal red areas.

Cure 1 minute.

step 4.

I apply a little more clear Nobility gel to secure some LeChat precious leaves and cure for a further 1 minute.

step 5.

I added a final coat of clear Nobility gel and build an apex for strength and then I sprinkle on some LeChat stardust gel powder for a very subtle twinkle. Cure fully for 2-3 minutes.

step 6.

I spent a couple of minutes refining the shape with a 180 grit file and after cleansing off the filing dust I apply LeChat gelee top coat. After 2 minutes in the U.V lamp the sticky inhibition layer can be cleansed off with the LeChat gel spray.

step 7 .

Finally some cucumber cuticle oil is applyed to nourish the surrounding skin.

RUBY TOES

2008-07-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the look of my clients ruby wedding nails, I have redone my toes with a similar theme.

I use LeChat Nobility gel on toes for a really flexible durable finish that is easy to apply and needs maintaining only every 4 to 6 weeks. It doesn't chip or flake off even in the sea or pool or if you have to wear shoes and boots.

step 1.

Sanitise the feet with the LeChat spray . Remove cuticle from the nails and gently file shine off the natural nails. Spray and wipe clean and then apply the nobility primebond.

step 2.

Apply 1 coat of LeChat Nobility soak off gel in regal red.

step 3.

Sprinkle on red glitter. I put mine in a cheap salt pot for added accuracy. Excess glitter may be returned to its container since the feet have been fully sanitised.

step 4.

Cure the gel in a 9 watt u.v lamp for 2-3 minutes.

step 5.

Brush off excess glitter.

step 6.

Apply clear gel and press on the gem.

step 7.

Cure for 2-3 minutes

step8.

Spray and wipe away the inhibition layer with the LeChat gel spray. Apply LeChat cuticle oil in your choice of fragrance.

RUBY, RUBY,RUBY, RUBY,AAHAA-AHA-HAHAHAH

2008-07-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

This week a very dear client of mine, Annette Holowell celebrates her Ruby Wedding Anniversary with her husband Paul.

Annette wears her nails with pride and is never one to hide behind an ordinary french manicure, rather, she matches her nails to her vibrant personality and upbeat outlook on life. Her appointment is always one I look forward to and I wish Annette and Paul many congratulations on 40 years of marriage together.