In Studio Nail File

Winter Coat

As the days grow shorter and colder, expect clients to request nail polish shades that go hand-in-hand with this year’s fall/winter runway trends, like the deep red dresses and metallic-paneled pants in Rachel Roy’s collection, or the leather ensembles seen at Timo Weiland’s show. Think Zoya’s creamy, chocolate brown Angelina; OPI’s shimmery gold What Wizardry Is This? or Essie Shearling Darling, an oxblood red. essie.com; opi.com; zoya.com —C.R.

Culture Club

Nail polish company Essie has introduced Essie Gel, officially joining the gel movement with 36 shades based on its most popular colors and the promise of up to 14 days of vibrant shine. Additionally, the line is geared to keep nails undamaged and looking healthy after gel removal. “Everybody knows I’m a natural nail woman; I searched for years and years for the perfect formula,” says founder and Creative Director Essie Weingarten. Featuring a keratin-care technology, the gel formula contains pro-vitamin B5 to help condition and fortify nails, and a hydrating antioxidant vitamin E derivative. The service includes the Prep & Finish Nail Cleanser, Gel Base Coat and Top Coat, and the Gel Color. The full system also features Gel Polish Remover designed to dissolve color in 15 minutes and a professional high-speed LED lamp with nine targeted lights, a time memory sensor, and an ergonomic design to ensure a smudge-free finish. essie.com —J.T.

Miami Chic
Miami’s NailBar and Beauty Lounge is definitely not the typical nail salon, says founder Desiree Parth. A native of Brazil with experience in spa management and dermatology, Parth took over a nail salon in 2011 and gave it a modern update, adding a beauty lounge and playing off Miami’s vibe: modern and eco-friendly. “I like to refer to my salon as an ‘eco-chic nail boutique’ because we use recycled wood furniture, organic paints, natural raw-sugar scrubs and organic herbal lotion,” Parth says. To keep her clients loyal, she goes above and beyond to make sure the nail salon is up-to-date and fashionable. “Our clients receive complimentary food and drinks, from champagne and mimosas to coconut water and cake.” As if she couldn’t make things sweeter, Parth’s NailBar offers iPads for all guests to use during their treatments, and iPod/iPhone docks at all pedicure chairs. “Passion is the ultimate ingredient for success, and this is mine,” she says. —C.G.