A rich color palette, dazzling crystals and expertly sculpted stilettos all exude lavishness—which is exactly what this month’s cover artist brought to the shoot. When I presented Sandy Borges, Gelish dean of education, with this month’s luxury theme, she knew exactly how to bring the nails to life. To begin, she sculpted sleek stiletto extensions using clear ProHesion acrylic. The key to getting the perfect tapered shape: form placement, she says. Then she coated the tips in hues from the Gelish Champagne & Moonbeams holiday collection, alternating stunning deep blue A Starry Sight and glittery Gilded in Gold that faded into Copper Dream. Next (my favorite part): gem clusters! Borges scoured her extensive collection of Swarovski crystals for just the right stones— including vintage pieces pried from broken jewelry sourced at second-hand stores! The mix of new crystals paired with vintage finds gave an extraordinary contrast that resulted in an ultraluxe set easily adapted for holiday salon services.
– by Stephanie Yaggy Lavery
[Nails: Sandy Borges, Gelish; Photography: Cory Sorensen; Makeup/ Hair: Anthony Merante; Model: Rebekah Deering, The Industry Model Mgmt; Digital Imaging: Art Vasquez, RP Digital]
This story first appeared in the September issue of Nailpro magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
