i’ve discovered something i love…

i’m not a very girly girl… i’ve NEVER permanently dyed my hair, i do my own eyebrows and i’ve done my makeup the exact same way almost everyday since high school {i do mix it up rarely with bright lipstick and a streak of bold eyeshadow.} but, i do LOVE nail polish. i mean, i really, really love it. and i love it even more when it looks perfect. and as we all know, manicures barely last getting your check card out of your wallet to pay for them, let alone a whole week or more.

i’m not sure how i even stumbled upon it, or if i heard it mentioned in conversation, but the words “gel polish” struck an interest. this incredible, new nail technology is cured on in layers by a UV light and is supposed to last 12-14 days without chipping. “this can’t be serious.” i thought. “it must be too good to be true.” i have 2 of the most hands-on jobs that i know of {other than hair artists!} i run a bakery {washing cake pans CONSTANTLY and using knives and food coloring} and i’m a stylist at Nordstrom {not to mention, we’re in a re-model so not only do i style mannequins, but i haul fixtures, use razor blades, dollies and hand trucks, paint, climb ladders,  put up and take down lights, clean things and this list could go on forever} i’ve NEVER managed to maintain my nail polish, even if i paint it myself everyday!! so, i googled the magic stuff, watched some promotional videos and then called a few nail salons.

the 1st time i headed downtown… i was WAYYY overcharged & so disappointed that i actually cried {although the polish was amazing.} the 2nd time a friend and i shared a nail table with one artist because they were so busy. we were forced to do “just polish” instead of a manicure because of time, in a not so nice salon in plaza midwood {i love you central avenue, and again the polish was incredible.} i can’t believe it, but i am SOLD on gel polish. i have purposely NOT put on gloves, NOT been extra careful and NOT been “girly weird” about my nails and i’m here to say i can vouch for perfectly glossy, non-chipped nails for 13 days straight… work, cakes and all. not joking! {now, your cuticles will grow out, but the polish stays perfectly shaped.}

the 3rd time, {today} i had the best nail experience i’ve had EVER. i was amazed. a friend at work suggested a salon called “Foxy Nails” in Northlake Mall. i know you’re laughing because i did too, but why not try it after bad luck twice before? and well, 3rd time really is the charm. my artist was named Loan {pronounced Lon} and she was super sweet. she chatted with me, but not too much… this place was SPOTLESS!!!! they played good music and had the Food Network on tv instead of the news… everyone was so welcoming and the customer service was fab. the pedicure chairs were calling me, but maybe next week… a gel manicure is ONLY $23. and after 5 visits you get $5 off. i don’t normally rave about random businesses but, i wanted to give this one a shout out… they pretty much made my day after this long-haul of a work week.

if you’re interested in trying it out please visit. they have 2 locations: Northlake Mall {next to Dillards} and Albemarle Road.

if you’re in my area {North Charlotte} ask for Loan. i told her i’d be blogging about my excitement and even snapped a photo of her.

i’ve tried 3 brands of gel polish so far: shellac, opi gel and gelish. this place uses gelish which i’m loving! i tried this brand new minty green color {its my favorite color right now, and i’m painting 2 bathrooms in it soon enough.} try it, and let me know what you think! be curious… hg