I’m one of the first to admit that when it’s been a rough day or funds are tight ‘splurging’ on a new nail polish colour feels like a fun indulgence. Apparently my non-scientific approach to beauty is something of an economic indicator. Dubbed the ‘lipstick index’ back in 2001 by Leonard Lauder, Chairman of Estee Lauder, he quantified that when the economy is going through a rough patch the consumer demand for lipstick increases. Fast forward 10 years and research firm, NPD Group latest market research shows the sale of nail polish and products up 59 percent for the first ten months of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. Hmmm, a nail polish index?

Now I know some of you are reading this thinking – who has time to sit long enough to event let a coat of nail polish dry? Or better yet that after carving out time in your day to put polish on, it chips off by the time you are loading the car the next morning to head out to work. We recently featured a Stimuli Scoop on the Revlon`s new ColourStay™ Nail Enamel which boasts a 14 day wear. This stuff might not go the distance of 11 days, but it certainly doesn`t chip off and wears well over at least seven days. Now if you are still thinking about drying time, dings and chips, cue CND Shellac. Love. It.

You may have heard water cooler talk about shellac – here’s the lowdown. CND Shellac goes on like a regular nail polish but wears like a gel product. Unlike an artificial nail, shellac polish can’t make your nails longer than they are, but it can provide you with gorgeous nails for 14 days (or more in my case).  There is no filing down your nail bed, zero drying time (hello, no chips or dings!), it is hypo-allergenic and free of yucky stuff like formaldehyde and toluene.

So now you’re asking, but can I buy it at the drugstore? Nope. No you can’t. This product is hardened with the use of a UV lamp between coats so unless you have some funky tricks up your sleeve, I suggest turning to your favourite nail salon. I have a number of events coming up over the next few weeks and worrying about the state of my nails is not at the top of my current to do list. I had the pleasure of connecting with Stephanie of Tantalizing Talons in Surrey, BC, who has recently introduced the CND Shellac to her service menu.

There are a few things to consider when looking for a salon:

• What is the basic cost?
• Is there an additional charge to have a French polish application?
• Does the salon charge to remove the product?

My two favourites – Tantalizing Talons, a basic $35 cost for regular CND Shellac colour, including French and with a follow up appointment, there is no charge to have the product removed. My other favourite is Sour Apple Nail Bar, who, unlike other locations, also don’t charge to have the product removed.

 

by Kristine Carrick
Stimuli Magazine Contributor