Tag Archives: Manicure

MW Nails, Spitalfields

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The new MW Nails flagship nail salon in Spitalfields Market is one of a kind. The interior is spectacularly decorated with original 1970s AirFrance plane fittings, arranged to recreate the aircraft in true retro style. Following the original branch off Chancery Lane, this sparkling new venue promises to be even more popular.

Aside from making an almost symmetrical logo, MW could stand for a number of slogans. In fact it represents the motto ‘My Way’ indicating that nail treatments here are performed exactly to your specifications. I experienced this concept when I went along for the press day and was allowed to not only have five different colours on my toes, but to also try the fabulous nail art. I was thoroughly impressed with how accommodating they are, I know I can be a difficult customer to please!

The girls are lovely at MW, assisting me with my overflowing bag, and offering me mini macaroons and champagne. The small salon is immaculately designed and organised with thoughtful details everywhere: genuine overhead lockers, lights, trolleys and even a departure sign by the door. I was totally overexcited by the brilliant theme and amazed by how they have pulled it off! Upstairs a departures-esque board shows treatment choices with a rainbow array of OPi and Essie bottles of varnish options. I was taken downstairs to the first class reclining plane seats, complete with adjustable tables, sat back, dunked my feet in the warm soothing water and let myself fully relax.

My nail artist for the afternoon was the lovely Afia, a beauty queen and nail art pro. We chatted about the nail artists she rates and the techniques and tools I would need if I wanted to get involved in London’s nail scene. Speaking about her previous job at WAH, we bonded over our mutual love of nail decoration and she kindly agreed to do leopard print on my toes (secretly needing to get her ‘nail art fix’!) She was a skilled and talented nail artist, that was clear immediately, but it was lovely to see someone really take care of my nails so carefully and efficiently. MW offers a range of express and luxury manicures and pedicures for women and men and has a range of great value bridal and group treatments available too for special occasions. I experienced the MW signature pedicure, Tokyo Toes, where nails are perfectly shaped and buffed with cuticle work, massage, moisturisation, hot towels and a choice of polish. The exfoliating and massage were the best bits, vigorous and energising, stimulating kneading that calmed and released all the tension in my muscles. Then my toes were painted in the daintiest new pastel Essie colours before being adorned with leopard print nail art. They looked incredible!

MW nails is the newest and coolest salon in town. Climb aboard as soon as you can, this nail bar is first class.

Visit the website for more information here.

Nailberry, South Kensington

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Nailberry has the largest and most diverse collection of nail varnishes, shellac, gel, pearls, glitter and nail art pens imaginable. This is just one of the reasons I rate them so highly as an exemplary nail bar.

Nailberry was launched seven months ago by Sonia Hully, a creative and determined young woman on a mission to run a speedy and hygienic nail bar that offers affordable quality treatments. It is a stylish boutique salon, with white and beige decor and pretty floral wallpaper giving a calming and relaxing atmosphere. I spent a lovely hour at Nailberry chatting and being pampered.

There are a variety of manicures, pedicures and other treatments available including some very special and unique treats like the Japanese Manicure with P shine based on a process used four hundred years ago – Nailberry are one of the only places in London offering this unusual treatment. I tried the Classic Manicure involving soak, cut, file, cuticle removal and nail colour, although now, looking at the menu, I’m annoyed I didn’t try the signature Nailberry manicure which includes hot towel moisturise and massage.

Fuelling my fluorescent fetish, I had to choose between a variety of neon hues, all brilliantly radiant… feeling overwhelmed and indecisive, I decided on five neon shades, green, yellow, red, pink and orange to adorn the five fingers on each hand. Iva, my manicurist proceeded with precision, and my nails were groomed and trimmed to look their best before two coats of colour were carefully applied. Now, a week later, the colour remains unchipped and in perfect condition, truly one of the longest lasting manicures I have ever had.

Conveniently close to my work, I know I will be a regular visitor to this colourful salon. The Nailberry brand are hoping to bring out their own range of neon varnishes soon which I am also very excited about! Perfect with my neon pink branding, Nailberry and Thoroughly Modern Milly should collaborate!

Visit the Nailberry website here for more information.

Salt and Chocolate Nail Bar, South Kensington

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Salt and Chocolate nail bar stands out from the crowd, not only because of its quirky name but also because of the high quality and thorough nail treatments on offer.

I spent over an hour in the salon receiving the most indulgent manicure from an expert beautician. It being located a short walk from South Kensington tube, I could definitely get used to having Salt and Chocolate as my local nail bar.

S&C has an extensive range of Opi and Essie colours on offer allowing customers to choose any hue they desire. After the usual debate of bright or dark, pastel or shimmer – I opted for a unique shade of pastel pea green, an unusual colour from Opi.

I tried the Sweet and Salty Luxury Manicure, the most indulgent treatment on the menu! After all the usual nail preening and trimming, my therapist gave me the most invigorating and relaxing hand and arm massage I have ever had. After my hands were suitably soft the painting began. Due to its iridescence, I needed to have three coats of the green varnish so that the colour appeared as creamy and rich as on the bottle.

I was impressed with the gorgeous range of special homemade products. The Lavender Salt and Honey Scrub left my hands super silky and smooth and removed all dead skin after only one use. This exfoliator scrub comes in two ‘flavours’, I was lucky enough to take home a small pot of the lemon variant.

I have no doubts that Salt & Chocolate will continue to thrive, London needs more nail bars like this!

Visit the Salt & Chocolate website here.