'Tis the season to play dress up
- Posted By: Anna
I was expecting it to be quiet on the party circuit this year, but not only is my social calendar packed, the party dress racks are wearing thin and it takes advanced planning to get in to see my manicurist.
Speaking of which, like many of you this is the time of year I tend to go for the darker nail colours. I always love the reds (I'm Not Really A Waitress by OPI is still one of the best party reds on the planet) and Chanel's Blue Satin is delicious.
But wearing the darker colours reminds me of just what a flawed product nail polish is. Kristina and I have tested nail polish many times over the years and they all fade and chip. Plus it's toxic (there are some non-toxic brands but they just don't measure up in colour choices or durability.)
Why I choose one brand over another comes down to colour. A few hours after my last manicure and the polish already looked dull. Less than a day later and the stuff was chipping. A full day later and it had become embarrassing. I was at an important meeting and noticed the suit across the boardroom table staring at my chipped nails in disgust. He clearly doesn't get that chipped nails are all the rage with the kids these days.
Nails Magazine (yes, there is a magazine for nails) states the U.S. nail services industry market size in 2008 was $6,356,163,856. This is based on the average number of services performed and the prices in four key categories (basic manicure, basic pedicure, acrylic full set and acrylic fill). This number doesn't even include polish sales, let alone equipment like nail files and cuticle oil. It is a HUGE market!! That's why it amazes me that the nail product scientists haven't come up with a product that lasts. Is it a conspiracy to make us buy more polish?
So I'm hopeful about Minx Nails. It's a new-ish nail product from California that doesn't chip, smudge or stink. It's a solid nail wrapping that's applied to your fingertips and toes with heat. They are said to be durable and to keep their shine for as long as you want. To remove them, you have to return to the salon (or maybe a hairdryer would work?). Application of Minx is said to take about half the time of a traditional manicure.
At first I thought it looked a bit trashy as many of the nail coverings come in crazy patterns. Everything from tiger spots, to tartan to lightening bolts. You can even have a picture of your cat or your kid put on your nails! I love my cat Daisy, but I'm not sure how her big head would fit on my little pinky. But you can also get regular colours too, and that's the part that's piqued my interest.
So now my search begins for a salon in Vancouver that has Minx. Please let me know, dear Shopping Bags, if any of you out there have tried this technology, and I will report back after I get it done.
And my other question is, to any male readers out there who have read all the way through this blog...do men actually like it when women wear tiger spots on their nails??? And more importantly, how important are well-manicured hands?
Read previous:
Fessing up By Kristina |
|
Related Links
Shop
Shop for health & beauty products at our online shopping partners: 
9
On 12 14, 2009 at 02:58:37 PM, Roberta B. said:
From my husband: "I don't even notice them - so zero importance".
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 14, 2009 at 03:40:44 PM, Andy R. said:
I think most men do notice flashy nails; I certainly notice, sometimes its a nice talking point or ice-breaker. I don't think many men would ever insist on high-end nails, but I do think there's a certain expectation for a woman to have well-kept nails.
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 14, 2009 at 03:51:54 PM, Roanne G. said:
Gloss Salon on Granville has Minx, although I haven't tried it myself.
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 14, 2009 at 05:11:58 PM, Kristina M. said:
I've always thought that dark nails (of a tasteful length) were sexy, only to learn recently that my man disagrees. I was wearing one of my faves, OPI's Lincoln Park after Dark. I thought I looked cute and cutting edge. He said it was more like grim and goth. Red is apparently okay, but he's a no go with the blues, dark purples and blacks. Who knew?
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 14, 2009 at 09:27:24 PM, Steve Z. said:
I have always appreciated nail polish for a special evening out, but I realize that for every day use, it's a bit of a stretch to expect any woman to go to. Lately the trend has been almost any color, and black seems to be the hottest right now. I thought the polish should match the dress/outfit?? As long as the nails are clean and attractive, it's sexy. You never know when we might want to start the nibbling there??!!
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 15, 2009 at 11:28:17 AM, Doug S. said:
Polish (and its colour) isn't as important as nails that are neatly trimmed and manicured, and not long. To me, polish is a 'dress up' accessory, not for every day, but if it's subtle and the overall look warrants it, OK. Dark colours can be a little severe if they don't suit the woman's appearance.
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 15, 2009 at 03:50:08 PM, Bruce M. said:
Spotted or tiger striped fingernails? Only suitable if you are a hoochee mama. As for length - if it sticks beyond the end of the finger it is too darn long. Once again, unless you are a hoochee mama.
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 15, 2009 at 06:41:11 PM, Roberta B. said:
Udpate from my husband: "Okay, well I'd notice if the lady had really messy or unkempt nails, they have to be clean and neat looking". I paraphrased by the way. I myself notice other ladies nails all the time, especially the dark colors (which I love but never wear). Maybe I just notice because it's fun to get inspiration?
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
On 12 17, 2009 at 10:54:27 AM, Eugen B. said:
I've always favoured women with well-manicured hands. To me how a woman takes care of her hands is indicative of how she cares for the rest of herself and, probably, what she thinks of herself. Thus, over-the-top nails with patterns, etc. are rather a turn-off, as are excessively long nails. And I just don't get those dark colours. The blacks and purples, etc. are just not appealing. I think that many of the colours are to entice women to change their collection, to spend money unnecessarily. Men are fairly simple beasts. We prefer women with little to no makeup and simple lipstick and nail colours. For example, smokey eyes for the evening is enticing, but during the day a more natural look. Generally, erring on the side of less is probably best from a guy's perspective. And few, if any, of us comprehend spending gobs of money on special manicures and the required upkeep. As I said, we're a simple bunch.
You must login to flag comments. login below or signup
Your Comment