Style Icon’s The Fashion Word: Glamorous Goddess
“Dry January” so they say, is the time when self-discipline becomes a true test to see how long we can stay away from the booze after the festive season. With this in mind, the beginning of the new year may feel boring even depressing. Nonetheless, there are ways to overcome the dullness January brings in the aftermath of New Year’s Eve celebrations. As the days get darker, and the nights colder remember those all-important vitamins but don’t forget to make an extra effort to stay glamorous so as to keep your spirits up during the winter months! Start with a monthly manicure, pedicure or facial perhaps. Depicool have a fab shellac colour range by Artistic Nail Design. I couldn’t resist a shellac manicure in preparation for an event to which I was invited to celebrate the launch of The Grooming Room – a creative hub for bloggers, VIPs, press and celebrities during London Collections: Men (LCM). From the Artistic Nail Design collection I opted for the colour Goddess to compliment a little black dress by Biba, and a Louboutin bag from Designer Exchange. Metallic gold or silver tend to work with any outfit making a subtle difference.
The great thing about Depicool is not only the quality of their products but the way they make their customers feel. The atmosphere is warm just like the staff who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and happy with the service. Amy, one of Depicool’s top therapists carried out my shellac treatment with the utmost care suggesting the colour Goddess to “brighten up those January blues” metaphorically speaking. I felt like a Goddess indeed after this colour was applied which complimented the jewellery I wore that day. My advice is to treat yourself to a shellac manicure a few months at a time and then give your nails a rest with regular manicures. Shellac is known to last longer without chips, breaks or the need to have extra coats. Here are some other useful facts about a shellac manicure you should know:
- Shellac is a more durable option but start with healthy fingernails. If your cuticles or nail bed are peeling or damaged you should not apply gel polish to them. This will affect the durability of your finished nails.
- Shellac can last up to a month because it is cured with UV or LED light. However, excessive exposure to UV light can lead to age spots. If the gel polish isn’t removed properly this can also lead to cracks or scrapes on the surface of your nail. Beauty Experts recommend regularly using lotion or moisturiser to help combat dry skin and brittle nails exposed to acetone.
- Practice nail care regularly by applying oil to your cuticles on a daily basis; at least twice a day. This will nourish the nail bed, keeping your nails healthy.
- Remember to remove gel polish carefully. You may be tempted to peel the nail polish off when it begins to chip but you may, in the process, tear away some of the top layer of your nail. It is better to return to the salon to have your nails soaked and wrapped in a special acetone to loosen the gel polish. The wrapping uses your body heat to loosen the gel polish. Buffing will help smooth your nail surface.
As long as you follow the above guidelines, a shellac manicure will keep your nails looking well polished and healthy for a long period of time. As a stylist, I don’t always have the time to have regular manicures so during busier months I find shellac the best option! Depicool have a variety of treatments for you to choose from. Perk yourself up with a bit of beauty pampering. After all, we can’t rely on the weather to uplift our mood can we!
Written by Natalie Robinson @styleiconnat
