Bling Your Nails Like Beyonce With Minx

Minx Nails are the latest trend in celebrity nails. A flexible polymer that is heated then applied to nails, like a sticker, they are a mess free, green alternative to nail polish and fake tips. I first discovered Minx last January when Nails Magazine celebrated their Silver Anniversary by featuring silver lightening Minx on the cover. Since that time, Minx have exploded on to the celebrity and fashion scene. They’ve been popping up at red carpet events, in music videos and on the runways. Celebrity manicurists love Minx for their fashion forward designs and ease of use.

Chrome Minx – Forget trying to get that perfect mirror finish with a chrome/metallic nail polish. It’s NEVER going to happen. Well never say never but you know what I mean. Minx Silver and Golden Lightening is the only way to get a true chrome look on nails without going the fake/press on route.

Custom/Patterned Minx – For the nail art lover or fashionista, designer Minx is the way to go. With over 100 different patterns to choose from, there is a Minx for every occasion but for a very specific look, Minx can create custom designs. You can even have your favorite photos turned into a Minx nail coating. For example, during the election, celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan requested custom Obama Minx; one set with his last name and one with his face.

Fashion Shows – At LA Fashion Week, Christian Audigier called upon celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees to design plaid and American flag tips for his American Lord show. With practically no notice it was Minx to the rescue. Working through the night, they were able to create and deliver custom designs for 300 tips. It took 8 hours and help from Minx’s LA trainer Naja Rickette, celebrity “green” manicurist Jenna Hipp and her friend Steph to apply the coating in time but they got it done. Could you imagine if they tried to paint the designs by hand? Impossible!

Having read about Minx for quite some time now, I was itching to get them on my hands. A few months ago I checked the Minx Salon Finder to see that my closest Minx Pro was in Pennsylvania, a two hour drive from the Cleveburg. Boo! Fortunately, I’m persistent and kept checking the site only to find that a few weeks ago a new Minx stylist was added in my area. Yay!

So this past Saturday, despite the falling snow and slippery roads, I trekked on down to Stow, Ohio to meet with Telia Anderson at the Gavin Scott Salon & Spa. Telia has been using Minx on herself and her co-workers for quite some time now but I was pleased to be her first real Minx client. Since it’s the holidays and because Minx is known for their chrome look coatings, I had to get Golden Lightening. As you can see below, the coatings come on a sheet with various sizes, similar to the Avon Instant Manicure or Sephora Nail Patch.

What makes Minx different from the nail stickers you can buy in the store is the material and the adhesive. I don’t know about any of you but I’ve tried the Avon and Incoco versions and could never get them to stick or lay properly. Plus, they just looked cheap. Minx is definitely a higher end product.

Application – A basic manicure is performed before application and the nail plate must be cleaned of all oils and residue. The coatings are heated under a lamp or hair dryer to make them flexible and warm the adhesive. The tech then lines up the rounded edge with the cuticle and, while lightly dragging, presses the coating onto the nail. Telia used a hair dryer, after applying, to help the coatings seal onto my nails, like shrink wrap, before using the Minx glass nail file to remove the excess.

And here is the final result….

How incredibly cool does that look? I mean, talk about bling!! I’ve been getting compliments left and right. I think Telia did an amazing job, especially since I was her first. You know, I’m not normally into this type of look but since my nails are short it’s not gaudy or crazy looking. On long nails, I think it would be extremely tacky and over the top. Best left to the editorial world.

Now while I’m loving look of Minx and think Golden Lightening is super fun, there are definitely some pluses and minuses to wearing them.

Pros

• Easy to apply – There’s no mess, no wait time, no accidental smudging or sheet marks
• Looks you can’t acheive with polish – True chrome, intricate patterns, your dog (if that’s your thing)
• Perfect for pedicures – They last forever on toes. With no drying time they’re ideal for winter pedis. You’d never have to leave the salon in flip flops with frozen toes. FYI – I saw Telia’s toes with Golden Lightening and they looked beyond fab!
• A “green” product that doesn’t use chemicals for application or removal. Just a little heat and some gentle peeling takes Minx right off.

Cons

• No matter how much you file, the edges are never truly smooth
• On tips, they start lifting after a couple days
• The line at the cuticle is rounded so they won’t match every nail shape
• Cost – The $40 I paid is at the low end of the price range which makes them great for special occasions but not practical for everyday wear.

If you want to try Minx for yourself, look for a salon using the Minx Salon Finder. Cleveland area fanatics can call Telia at the Gavin Scott Salon & Spa (330-650-4450) to book an appointment.

What do you think kids? Would you try Minx? Have you tried Minx? Is the gold fun and hip or not so much? I want to hear what you think.

image credit: Minx Nails, Kimmie Kyees and All Lacquered Up.
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