Does Shellac Make Nails Stronger?

This has been one of the questions that I have been asked most frequently.. so thought I would do a post to explain the answer and result. First of all, what is shellac? Shellac is a hybrid nail treatment, with the finish of a traditional polish but the long-lasting results of a gel treatment. It is scratch and wear-resistant and can have a variety of finishes including glitter, pearl and metallic! After performing a basic manicure, the therapist will apply the Shellac nail polish layer by layer, curing each one with a special UV lamp that dries the polish instantly. Shellac should do absolutely no damage to your nails, so if you want to have it re-applied, it's safe to go for it straight away. Sound good? I can honestly say, this treatment is the only treatment that has given my nails strength.. and lasts for 2 weeks! To give you the proof, (and sorry to show you such awful, dry nails in the before shot) here are my nails before and with the shellac nails, using a colour called 'Romantique'. Believe it or not...the after shot is after 11 days of wear so you can see how durable and glossy this polish lasts!

Why not try to have Shellac on your next manicure?

Issie

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Red Shellac Nails

I always love it when a client asks for a nail colour or design that is bright and colourful! So last week, I decided to use one of my newer colours to my collection.. a cherry red called 'Wildfire'. She asked for glitter on her ring finger and chose a holographic, loose glitter. She had already applied acrylics to her nails for added length and strength and wanted a shellac manicure so that her polish could stay immaculate for her weekend away. What do you think?

Issie ♥

Fearne Cotton Collection

Today I thought I would write a review of one of my favourite Drugstore products, as this is my first review! Fearne cotton, DJ presenter, designer and New Mum has created a line of make up for Boots including several colours of lip glosses, eye liners, lipstick and nail polish sets. Her make up range is a reflection of what is happening on the catwalk with bright pastels and gorgeous glitters, there is something for everyone! The packaging and bottles of the products are eye-catching too, with hearts and flower designs around the bottom, her designs are very unique. I simply could not choose what products to purchase but I eventually chose the lip gloss set and one of the nail polish sets that contained the darker, more opaque colour range. I can honestly say that these polishes are worth buying, retailing at £12.99 for five polishes, which I think is a bargain. The colours spread very evenly and the glitters are amazing, my favourite is the red.. Just like Dorothy's shoes in the Wizard of Oz!

Issie 

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Shellac Glitter Statement Nail

Today really felt like spring is on its way! So to match the sunny weather, I decided to create a nail look on a client that was bright and pretty... and here it is. I used Shellac Hybrid Gel for this look as it is more durable, gives a much more glossy effect and has a lovely colour range! She chose "Rose Bud", a dusky and opaque pink. For a feminine feel, I applied loose, rose gold glitter to each ring finger which added some spring sparkle!

Issie ♥

Shellac Monochrome Nail Art

Being a Beauty Therapist does have its perks, some of which are being able to do nail art frequently on clients, which I love to do! Today's design was monochrome inspired, with the ring finger the reverse colours that are on every other nail. We used CND Shellac which for those of you that have never had this on your nails before, is a Hyprid Power Polish, cured by a UV lamp that can last up to two whole weeks...really! We used two colours, one of which is a deep glossy black named "Black Pool" and the other a bright white named "Studio White". I hope that you like this design, feel free to let me know what you think!

Issie ♥