alltressedup.net

Since the last article, ALL abuzz in nail world has been about CND Shellac™.  First I will share with you the company’s official release, giving you a thorough explanation of the product and then go into my own little show and tell.

CND, May 2010

CND (Creative Nail Design), the leader in professional nail, hand and foot beauty, is proud to introduce the first hybrid nail color after nearly five years of development in its state-of-the-art laboratory. Now you can say goodbye to chips, smudges, and dry time and say hello to Shellac™ Hybrid Nail Color! This revolutionary product applies like polish, wears flawlessly for 14 days of high-gloss shine, and is removed in minutes.

Shellac paints on like polish — base coat, color, top coat — and is cured in a UV light so there is zero dry time. The colors are hypoallergenic, and “3-Free” — no formaldehyde, toluene or DBP. Shellac will launch in a range of 12 varieties of shades, from pretty French pinks and whites, to siren red and rich darks. The formula is thin and flexible like polish, so it not only looks natural, it provides strong natural nail protection with a resilient mirror finish that resists dullness and chipping, even during the most rigorous activities.

As amazing as Shellac is on, removal is just as satisfying! No soaking, drilling or filing is necessary. Nails are wrapped in individual Shellac Remover Wraps —integrated cotton pads that limit finger and skin exposure to acetone by keeping it pinpointed on just the nail. Ten minutes of time in exchange for two weeks of perfect color is all it takes. Say good-bye to manicure frustration and hello to pure manicure satisfaction.

Shellac is a professional salon service launching globally in May 2010. For more information about CND and local distribution, visit www.cnd.com.

Angel Williams

I’m just going to go on record and say I ♥ this product! I feel it is a wonderful compliment to natural nail services (the product is enhancement friendly).  It actually does what it says, goes on like polish, dries like a gel and last for 14 days.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still a true polish fan, but it does give polish a run for it’s money.  Honestly by day #8, I’m ready for a new color (hey, you‘re looking a girl who has access to over 100+ bottles of polish), but for that person who springs for the $10-$20 manicure I can see why you would want your nail color to go that extra mile.  I do want to convey that Shellac™ is not a cure for any nail aliments you maybe experiencing.  For example if you have dry and brittle nails, this product will not “fix” that issue.  The product is simply a new type of polish, you and your nail specialist will still have to address and take the proper procedures needed to correct your situation.

Now that I think about it, I can see this product being a real helper with the nail biters.  One might be less inclined to chomp down on their nails and cuticles if they are all shiny and blingy for 14 days.

Here are a couple of quotes from my clients at Nature's Intent Hand & Foot Spa who have been “Shellaced” and loving it:

“I loved it! Since I work in a lab I wash my hands numerous times a day, constantly in and out of latex gloves, twisting, flipping, poking at things so I was really hoping that my Shellac mani would do me some good. And it did! I didn't have to worry about my nails chipping/peeling at the tips or my nails breaking. The Shellac seemed to make my nails harder which I loved. I definitely plan to continue to get Shellac manicures when I want a polish that I know is going to look good and last long! I just wish they had some more fun summer colors...words of suggestion to the CND creators!”
-Monique Allen, Richmond, VA

“This gel-like no chip polish provides strength and protection to natural nails.  Super high gloss and absolutely no chipping!! Say bye bye to traditional POLISH! Think about this comparison--still having an old floor model tv when u could be experiencing a flat screen LCD.”
-Marquita Evans, Richmond, VA

“No chips, consistent shine from day one to day fourteen, and no worries about your nail color until you're ready to take it off.  I've been getting my nails done for 20 years and nothing comes close to this product for natural nail polish staying power.  Only thing near it, is the wear that acrylic nails offer when painted and aren't we over the whole fake nail thing?”
-DeAnn Estes-Gray, my secret FB friend ;)

Summer 2010 Color Trends

Now remember that Shellac™ debuted with only 12 colors, which I’ve learned from the head chemist of CND himself , that the polish colors can only be layered not mixed, to kind of give you more color options. But if it’s color you want, you may want to try some of these hot new summer nail polish trends, that are especially fab on toes.

Green was in last year, but the turquoisey greens and blues are it’s spin off this summer.

Essie Turquoise and Caicos, Essie has always been a staple as far a neutrals go in my book, but the color palette lately has been great.  Not only is this one of my favorite greeny colors, it has a fabulous texture and great consistency.

Ginger + Liz Boy Toy, Come on …. the name alone makes you want to choose it! This fun and flirtatious color is from a new up coming line that the runways are falling in love with.  And great staying power I might add.

China Glaze, I actually am really in love with two of China Glaze’s green/blue colors, first is a Tiffany blue nail polish in honor of Audrey Hepburn and below is actually what I consider a neon - Turn Up Turquoise.

Chanel - Robertson Blvd Collection, Did someone say neon?  Inspired by the Robertson Boulevard itself, known for its hang out spots and fabulous shopping sprees. Sunrise (Yellow), L.A. Sunset (Orange), Rodeo Drive

(Purple), and Melrose (Pink) make up this mini limited edition, only available at chanel.com starting in July, 2010. I can only hope I get my hands on these …. Cross your finger for me!

Your Thoughts

So I’ve shared with you the biggest product trend and the “it” colors of the season, I’m interested in knowing if you’ve tried Shellac and what your experience was and what are your favorite summer colors?