BECCA Manicure Tips from Session Manicurist Katie Hughes

I don't usually post press releases but I think this one is a little different. When I visited the BECCA Boutique earlier this year, I had the pleasure of a manicure with the gorgeous Katie Jane Hughes (for Twitter fans, you can find Katie tweeting here). I know some of you met Katie at the TOWIB Blogger event recently and she is a great Makeup Artist but she's also a bit of whizz with a nail brush. Katie gave me a manicure with one of the BECCA colours coming out in September called Billy Tea and hopefully I won't get in trouble for giving you a sneaky peek.

This manicure lasted really well. Longer even than my Shellac which I think says great things about both the BECCA formula and Katie's skills. With this in mind I thought you'd like to hear Katie's thoughts on the nail varnish and hear hear tips for a lasting, home manicure.

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Session Manicurist, Katie Jane Hughes, details unique features of BECCA Nail Colour

“I love the new BECCA nail polish - not only are they great colours, but the highly pigmented formula is

excellent and really easy to apply without streaks. After nearly 10 years in the business I'm very fussy and always searching for the next best formula, and BECCA have it. It's exciting for me as a pro because I know I can rely on these to perform...

They dry amazingly quick which is essential when working on shoots as things can change at the drop of a hat…

And clothes are always flying around so you need dry nails to avoid ruining couture garments!

I’ve been using the 2-in-1 Base/Top Coat to seal the colour and add extra shine. I love that it contains the little silver balls – unusual for a top coat – as this keeps the polish texture so thin, which not only makes it easy to apply but also means it won’t chip as quickly.”

PRODUCT FEATURES + BENEFITS, as noted by session manicurist Katie Jane Hughes

• Brush is perfect length for ultimate control and easy application.

• Brush has a sleek, flat end designed for optimum application and product placement; ensuring it splays across the nail for an even coat that doesn’t streak.

• Ultra gloss finish; even pastel shades look expensive.

• Long lasting, for up to five days.

• Superior nail adhesion to protect against chipping.

• Smooth, self-levelling pigment for ease of application.

• Fast-drying.

• Easily removed with Acetone or Non-Acetone remover.

INGREDIENTS

Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic, Anhydride/Glycols, Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite , Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane, Dimethanol Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, and may contain Talc, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), CI 15850 (Red 6 Lake, Red 7 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake)

Session Manicurist, Katie Jane Hughes,

shares her tips for the perfect
20 minute manicure at home
in eight simple steps…

WHAT YOU NEED

Gentle nail file, buffing block, cuticle oil, small lip brush, cuticle pusher, nail polish

remover, BECCA 2-in-1 Base/Top Coat, BECCA Nail Colour.

STEP ONE

Gently file the length of your nails to shape or shorten.

 

STEP TWO

If necessary, gently push back any over grown cuticles with a cuticle pusher. 

 

STEP THREE

Lightly buff the nail surface to remove any old build up and create a smooth surface for the polish.

 

STEP FOUR

Coat each nail with one thin, even coat of BECCA 2-in-1 Base/Top Coat.

 

STEP FIVE

With your chosen shade of BECCA Nail Colour, paint two very thin coats of polish over the nails. Ensure you always gently touch the tip of the nail with the colour – this seals the end and adds longevity to the polish as any typing or manual work with not chip the nails instantly.

 

STEP SIX

Dip the small lip brush into the nail polish remover, then very carefully sweep the brush around the cuticle area. This cleans up any uneven mess around the edges. 

 

STEP SEVEN

Finish with a thin, even coat of BECCA 2-in-1 Base/Top Coat to seal and add gloss to the nails. Don't forget to cap the edges by painting the tip of the nail.

STEP EIGHT

Wait for about one minute, then carefully apply cuticle oil around the cuticle and sides of the nail. 

TIPS

• Don't soak your nails in water before you do your nails, as the nail soaks up the water and swells. This can lead to premature chipping when the swelling goes down.

• Always use a good cuticle oil after you polish to help nails dry.

• File your nails in one direction only.

• For the most natural looking nail, the shape should mimic the cuticle.

• Don't overload the brush or nail with polish.

BECCA Stockist details: 

BECCA Boutique 91a Pelham Street, South Kensington SW7 2NJ

Online www.beccacosmetics.com 

Phone Mail Order 020 7225 2501