Hey kids! Check out who's on The Daily Obsession today. It's me! I just adore the ladies that write for TDO and I've been fortunate to meet three of the five in person. They're all funny, chic women and I love reading about what they're currently obessing about. And today it's moi! Not really but I was so flattered that they wanted to feature me in their interview series.
So head on over and check it out!
TDO Interview: All Lacquered Up
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
ALU on TDO
Creative Use Of Nail Polish Award - Big Brother 9
Some of you may remember me gushing about my love for CBS' Big Brother. Well, it's been back on the air for a few weeks now but with a couples twist for season 9 to not only speed up the game but increase the drama. Dubbed "Til Death Do Your Part," this season finds the BB house with a winter "cabin in the woods" makeover complete with a spa room filled with nail polish.
From what I can tell, their stash is comprised of N.Y.C polishes, with the labels removed of course. And while there have been many chat sessions taking place in the spa as the girls manicure and pedicure themselves, one house guest in particular has found some creative uses for the lacquer. Natalie, the Bikini Barista from Oregon, dabbles in art when she isn't flaunting her goodies for drive-thru customers. It's her love of painting that inspired the use of polish to paint portraits of her fellow housemates.
The finished product. A portrait of Joshua
Also since Big Brother deprives the house guests of many everyday items, including paper and pen, Natalie turned to polish and napkins to take notes about different items in the house. It's her study guide for future competitions. Now I've always thought that Big Brother frowns on this type of thing, thus the lack of pens. I'm curious to know if they'll take it away.
OK so who else is watching this season? Any cast favorites? Do you like this year better or worse than past Big Brothers?
Big, Huge, Exciting, Incredible News!!!
Girlies, you don't know how badly I've been wanting to tell you all about this. It's the biggest challenge to my self-control yet. Are you ready for this?
I'M GOING TO BE A NAIL POLISH!
Can you believe it? The amazing people at Zoya are coming out with two new collections for summer and one, called Chit Chat, will include shades named after me and five of my fellow beauty bloggers.
When Erin from Zoya asked me a while back what shade I would call "Mismas", I didn't quite know what she was up to. You all know me so of course I said GREEN. So, coming to your local Zoya seller this summer will be Mismas, a vibrant lime green with gold shimmer base.
Fashion Forward with CND
The ribbon cutting to signify the official start of New York Fashion Week is less than 24 hours away. The backstage madness is about to begin for all the models, makeup artists, hair stylists and nail techs. And this season yours truly will be joining them to report the upcoming nail trends straight from the tents, as they’re happening. That’s right, I’ll be at Fashion Week!
So to get an idea of the kind of preparation and backstage frenzy that surrounds Fashion Week, I had a nice little chat with Roxanne Valinoti, CND’s Backstage Nail Team Manager. An accomplished nail artist who has worked with countless celebrities, Roxanne is an International Educator for CND who has been part of the Fashion Week team from the very beginning. During our talk, we not only discussed Fashion Week but also CND’s Spring trend forecast and manicure techniques.
Fashion Week
Last September, CND ascended on New York Fashion Week with a team of 20 artists to tend to more than 37,000 fingers and toes at 62 shows in only 10 days. Now that’s a lot of polish!
So what goes into the planning and preparation for taking on such a venture? Two months prior to show time the CND team starts working with the fashion designers to plan the right nail look to showcase their collection. And at the two week mark, a team of three artists get to work in CND’s production suite creating pre-made tips.
The creative process is a collaborative one between the designers and CND Co-founder and Style Director Jan Arnold. Even though each designer has a specific look they want to convey, Jan is always at the ready with ideas for different nail styles, designs and colors. When needed, colors will be custom blended to match a pantone or fabric swatch. Last season there were custom blended shades making their way down the runways at 3.1 Phillip Lim, Akiko Ogawa, Benjamin Cho, Costello Tagliapietra, Karen Walker, Malandrino, Ports 1961, Three as Four and Twinkle.
Then there are the designers that really take it to another level with custom designed nail tips. For example, when Kimora Lee Simmons announced the Russian theme for her Fall 2007 Baby Phat show, Jan showed her handmade badges she brought back from Russia. Kimora wanted them on every nail of the models hands but production for that would have taken months. In all 40 badges were made from a mix of liquid and powder that were then painted and embellished before being attached to each model’s thumbnail. Last season, L.A.M.B. had reverse french tips, Renee Larc requested a pink and white moon manicure and the Snoopy For Fashion charity show featured Peanuts characters. They were all created in advance and applied with a nail shield that peels off to prevent damaging the nailbed.
Trends
When it comes to nail trends, CND doesn’t follow them, they set them. And this is what they see for Spring 2008.
Healthy, clear pastel tints, like lip gloss for the nails
CND’s spring collection, Plexi Pop is filled with sheer, glossy shades, resembling lucite. They were shown on the models at BCBG, Behnaz Sarafpour, Chaiken, Chris Han, Douglas Hannant, Luca Luca, Peter Som and Rachel Roy just to name a few.
Bright pops of hot pink
Brights including pink popped on the runways at DKNY (Hot Pop Pink and Hot Pop Orange), Lyn Devon (Passsionfruit Poppy) and Pegah Anvarian (Studio 54, Burn and Orange-a-Peel).
Dark nails are the new classic for dressed up events
Chic dark tips and toes graced the scene at Badgley Mischka (Fedora topped with Decadence), Marchesa (Nail Noir), Max Azria (Limited Edition) and Proenza Schouler (Moroccan Ruby).
Techniques
Working in such a fast paced environment takes poise, patience, skill and the right products. Roxanne shared with me some of her favorite products and techniques for surviving the backstage insanity.
- 5-6 designers requested a matte finish. To achieve the look wait for you top coat to dry and hit it with the gray side of the girlfriend buffer.
- When it comes to mixing polishes, be careful. Roxanne suggests you stay within the same brand to avoid any dangerous chemical reactions.
- CND Air Dry is the preferred top coat for its shine and drying time even though Speedy is faster.
- CND Serenity is the backstage basic nude and all around go to color for a clean polished look.
So now that we've seen what Spring has to offer, I look foward to bringing you with me as I go backstage to see what Fall 2008 will be all about. Stay tuned!
Taking Nail Art To The Next Level
I was browsing through the submissions for the Nails 2008 Cover Tech Contest and came across this unique and exotic entry. I love the intermixing of old world body decoration with modern nail art technique.
Much to my surprise, when I looked at the name of the artist that created the look, I discovered that it was done by local nail technician and mehendi artist, Julie Heinrich. I met Julie a couple months ago through MySpace so I was very excited to see that her design came in 3rd place out of all the entries (even though I would have voted it #1).
I asked Julie to share her inspiration and technique with us and here is what she had to say:
For my NAILS cover submission, I wanted to do something to combine nails with mehendi (my other love). Mehendi is done on the skin in the Middle East for special occasions, like weddings or pregnancy. The paste can also be applied to the natural nail which stains them a vibrant orange that lasts many weeks. For this shoot, I wanted to incorporate traditional and modern decoration so I came up with this idea...
For the cover look, I specifically chose an ethnic model. Lindsay is Egyptian and Native American, although the cover shot doesn't show her face. (pictured below)
First I sculpted clear enhancements with Entity acrylic. The polish had to be just right, and to match her dress so I did 2 coats of OPI's "Peace Baby! followed by one coat of OPI's "I Only Drink Champagne" to get the exact shimmery shade of off white. I then used Seche Vite as a topcoat.
Next was the 3-D Mehendi. I did her hands, then nails. I always mix my paste fresh the night before and put it in a squeeze bottle with a very fine tip. After the design is completed, you can add another layer of Seche Vite. (I didn't for the shoot so the flash wouldn't reflect on the design).
Even though I'm not a fan of Peace Baby's application, I love the combo of a white creme base with a semi-sheer gold over top to create an off white shimmer that isn't too nude or dirty looking.
Image credit: Julie Heinrich
Chrome-tastic Nails
To celebrate their silver anniversary, Nails Magazine had nail tech Tom Bachik create these mirrored silver tips.
Quite a few of you have been wanting to find a polish that dries to a perfect mirror finish. Regardless of the various "chrome" polishes that have come and gone on the market, nothing has ever come close to these.
The look was created using a product called Minx; a solid nail coating that comes in foil and sparkly metallics, photo-quality designs, and any color under the sun. Minx is made of film and not polish so they can be customized with any picture, photo, or logo.
Celebrities, including Beyonce at the American Music Awards, have had the coatings applied to complete their red carpet looks.
An added bonus to using Minx; they are a green product requiring only a heat source and gentle side-to-side peeling to remove them. You can leave the nail polish remover behind.
Minx nail services are only available at salons and spas so check out their Salon & Spa Finder for a location near you.
photos: Nails Magazine and Getty Images
Olympic Nail Spirit
Jin Yu, a nail beautician, embellishes a painting formed by fake nail tablets in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 2, 2007. Jin used over 28,000 nail tablets to complete the painting, 3.7 meters in length and 3.1 meters in width, to welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. (Xinhua Photo)
Talk about extreme nail art. I'm in awe over this painting. I'd love to know what kind of planning goes into creating such a piece. Obviously something this large is too big for, let's say, a polish room but I would totally hang a scaled down version.
What's your take?
photos: Xinhuanet.com
All Lacquered Up Turns One
One year ago on this very day, I was doing an online search for images and info about upcoming polish collections when the idea to start this blog hit me. I love the MUA nail board, they are super sleuths when it comes to nail news but, the board search function sucks. Try searching for posts about the China Glaze X collection and you'll see what I mean.
So in essence, All Lacquered Up started as a holding ground for my NOTD and product swatch images, nail related articles and links and upcoming collection information. I never could have imagined that it would get so much attention and love.
I can't begin to express how much the support of the nail board community, my fellow bloggers and every one of you means to me. Thank you for making my first year blogging incredibly fulfilling. I hope that year two will be even better.
I started this site with my nail resolutions and dreams and I will continue the tradition today. A few of them even came true so I hope that by putting my wishes out into the universe, they will somehow materialize.
- China Glaze will re-release the Wizard of Ooh Ahz collection and add a sparkly green called Emerald City.
- OPI will follow MAC's lead and do an Originals-like "best of" collection. My picks for included shades: Rainforest, Jasper Jade, Black Magic Mountain, La Boheme, Black Tie Optional, Hollywood & Wine, Tucumcari Boys N Berry, Vampire State Building, Eat'n Eggplant, Yankee Pankee Plum, Pluto Plum and Galactic Spice. Please OPI, bring these beauties back and help stop the Ebay scalpers from banking on our love for these gorgeous shades.
- That I will find a way to embrace the sheers that will be popular this spring.
- A major salon brand will produce an emerald green holo.
- The new Big 3 Free formulas will continue to improve and be less thick and goopy.
- I will take the time to actually wear more of the polish that I'm constantly swatching.
- That the "almost black" madness will end. I love the dark blues, greens, purples, grays, etc. but when no one but me can tell what color they are, I may as well slap on a cheap black instead. Part of the fun of wearing polish is when people notice how unique and pretty the color is.
- A salon brand releases a glossy forest green and navy creme in a streak-free non-goopy formula.
- See CND Team Red in action at Fashion Week.
- After getting the opportunity to meet the brains behind Zoya, I hope to meet any of the amazing women that shape the nail world; Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Essie Weingarten, Deborah Lippmann, Jan Arnold, Susie McCready, etc.
Don't Forget To Vote
Make sure you send in your picks for the best products of 2007. Vote today for a chance to win some great loot!
NYC Beauty Tour - MAC AIDS Fund Celebration
A major highlight of my trip to New York was getting the opportunity to attend the celebration for the MAC AIDS Fund reaching the $100,000 mark. Annie, Erika and I got insider access to the event thanks to the amazing Heather from MAC, .
Appearing at the event were MAC AIDS Fund Chairman John Demsey, MAC AIDS Fund Executive Director Nancy Mahon and the uber fabulous Viva Glam VI Spokespeople Eve and Dita Von Teese.
“Our $100 million landmark has been reached with enormous commitment from our VIVA GLAM spokespeople, M·A·C makeup artists and dedicated customers,” said M·A·C AIDS Fund Executive Director, Nancy Mahon. “The only thing more exciting about reaching this milestone is the prospect of setting and reaching our next fundraising goal and continuing our grant-making and partnerships around the world.”
The event was held at the MAC store on Columbus Ave and when we arrived the paparazzi were waiting in the pouring rain but we were able to walk right in and stake our claim to some prime viewing spots. A bunch of MAC artists were in attendance and they were rocking some incredible makeup. Color me jealous of their skills.
Just before Eve and Dita arrived, the paparazzi swarmed in like vultures to set up their gear and snag a prime spot. We were positioned right behind the wall they created. I wonder what the pap thought of being on the other side of the lens. Was he laughing at my big bad point n' shoot or just cheesing for the camera?
Eve and Dita arrived separately, a few minutes apart. Eve entered first on the opposite side of the store from where we were standing. All I could see was a mass of flashing as she was ushered to the back of the store. My heart skipped a beat as Dita emerged and breezed right past me. I tried to get a good shot of her but I was flustered by how incredibly stunning and tiny she is in person. Like seriously, she is OMG flawless. No airbrushing needed.
Of course both ladies looked impeccable from their makeup to their manicures. I had to check out their manicures. Being the rock star that she is Eve wore a gunmetal gray while Dita worked a deep burgundy moon manicure that compliments her classic pinup style.
We were fortunate to get some face time with J.J., Eve's makeup artist, to pick her brain about Eve's look. JJ used MAC 3-D lipglass in Wondershine to create that gorgeous coral lip and melon pigment as a blush on Eve's cheeks. That prompted me to share my favorite use of pigment, making nail polish, something J.J. hadn't heard of before. Go me, dispensing the knowledge!
Erika and Heather
The MAC AIDS Fund is supported by the sale of more than 7.1 million VIVA GLAM lip products. Remember, 100% of the retail price of every Viva Glam product is contributed to the fund. That's a heck of a lot of lippies. My personal favs, Viva Glam V & VI and their matching glosses. I never leave home without them in my purse.
NYC Beauty Tour - Dashing Diva
My first night in Manhattan started off with a stop at the newest Dashing Diva salon at 149 3rd Ave. for a manicure and cosmos. Ever since I read about their fab Girl's Night Out experience I've been wanting to witness it for myself so, you can imagine my excitement when I found out we were going.
Walking into a Dashing Diva salon is like entering girlie heaven. You can't help but feel like a giggly princess inside the pink, modern but inviting decor. Being the giant polish hound that I am, I immediately zeroed in on the color wheel of lacquer. Can you guess what caught my eye? That's right, blues and greens and they have quite a good range. Not all the colors are listed on the Dashing Diva website but I hope that it's just because they are new because all my green and blue lovers should be able to snag a bottle for themselves. One color in particular, C347, really sparked my interest with it's olive green shimmery goodness but a steely blue gray (C350) ended up being my polish of choice. Dark gray is a great neutral with a chic edgy feel.
What really impressed me was the cleanliness and pristine condition of the salon. I know it's a new location but we've all walked into those nail shops that have dust on anything standing still and in my opinion Dashing Diva could never become that. They are most definitely on their A game.
Each nail station has room for two customers so you can gab with your best pal or make a new friend while your hands are pampered and polished. Now I watch every manicurist like a hawk; to pick up their tricks, techniques and the occasional mistake and two things really stood out about their process.1. There was not a cuticle nipper in sight. Color me wowed. I can't stand having my cuticles cut. I don't agree with the technique so being in a shop where I didn't have to fight to keep mine intact was a major bonus.
2. You can choose the scent for your hand treatments. I chose orange. What a great personalized touch. Many people are sensitive to scent or hate certain ones, like my aversion to all things coconut, so giving their customers a choice was a wise decision.
The Basic Diva Manicure touts a "Flash Dry" finish that keeps you from smudging your nails as you "dash" out the door. So as I sat at the drying table, outfitted with flat screen monitors to keep me occupied, I couldn't help but be skeptical about this top coat claim. Way too many times I've reached into my purse for money, keys, rings, etc and wrecked a perfectly good manicure. It's one of the reasons I prefer to do my own nails. So when I was told that I could move safely about the salon, I was just waiting for the wreckage as I grabbed for my rings. And as you can see below, I survived smudge and dent free. My gray tips and Annie's fun pink mani. How elegant are her hands?
I wish we had the time to indulge in a pedicure but considering the cold weather and my lack of open toed footwear, it would have been a waste. Next time I'm in the city I'll have to find time to cozy up on the big pink couch with a cosmo.
And for gals in a super hurry, Dashing Diva carries an assortment of ready-to-go tips for your last minute nail needs.
OK so now it's time for Dashing Diva to open a salon in Cleveland. Please, please, please!! And all you Cleveland nail shops out there, take a page from the Dashing Diva playbook and step up your game. Not only do they deliver a top shelf nail experience, the price is uber-reasonable at only $15. So until I get a Dashing Diva here, I'll continue to hate on all you gals that have 'em.
NYC Beauty Tour
Thanks to the wonderful people at Total Beauty I have returned from a whirlwind tour of the Big Apple as part of their Blogger Community Advisory Board. I had the most fantastic time hanging with some of the best beauty bloggers on the web.
Even though the weather was gray and rainy and my flight was majorly delayed, I was enthralled with the magic of the city from the moment I left LaGuardia. Over the next week or so I'll be sharing with you the details of my trip; the sights, sounds and beauty products (oh my!).
I had the good fortune to spend my first afternoon in the city buzzing around town with Erika from Makeup Bag and Annie from Blogdorf Goodman. I shot this moments after we were berated by a big mouth New Yorker for wasting time buying three separate subway tickets, instead of just one to swipe three times. Check out Annie's gorgeous tips (that's Zoya Indigo). Oh and make sure you stop by Makeup Bag to see pics of our Prescriptives makeovers.
Our evening began with a trip to Dashing Diva (more on that later this week) and then dinner at Aroma Kitchen in the East Village. The wine flowed, the conversation was scintillating and the meal was incredible. My blogger dinner companions included; Kristen from Beauty Addict, Sara from Bit By The Beauty Bug, Connie and Caroline from The Daily Obsession, Tia Williams from Shake Your Beauty, Annie and Erika.
Then it was back to the Hotel QT for some much needed sleep. Due to a washing machine mishap, I was up the entire night before my flight departed so by midnight I had been up for over 40 hours and used up my 2nd and 3rd winds. Even though I encountered a naked hotel guest outside Annie's room and some, shall we say, interesting noises coming from a neighboring room I slept like a log on my super comfy king bed.
After a long day of touring through the finest beauty departments the city has to offer and learning about a number of exciting new products, it was dinner with the gals that made me forget about my aching feet. I will never wear heels during a day in the city again. Though I must note that they were really cute shoes.
(l-r) Kristen, Erika, Me and Annie
Stay tuned as the NYC Beauty Tour continues...
NARS Zulu Madness
Perhaps by now you have seen the Sephora Holiday Catalog. Because of the move, I didn't get mine. It wasn't until I logged on to the Sephora site that I saw the image below. That green fairy is sporting NARS Zulu nail lacquer on her nails. And yet again a frenzy ensues over acquiring a polish. It's gorgeous, right? Gorgeous but frustrating. Why? Let me share a little tale with you.
For many many months I have been playing a game with my shopping cart on the NARS site. I don't know if you've been to their site before but there is a Vintage section with discontinued items at majorly reduced prices. One item being phased out is NARS nail lacquer in their old non-Big 3 Free formula. Among the shades in the DC'd bin, Zulu, a deep forest green creme. So since early last summer I have put that polish in and out of my shopping cart more times than I can count. I was trying to be good and resist online shopping.
So what happened when I finally decided to cave in to Zulu? You guessed it, it's gone. After emailing NARS customer service I learn that it's not just "temporarily out of stock", it's gone for good. And I quote, "Unfortunately, we are no longer producing the NARS Nail Polish in the color “Zulu”. There is not an anticipated re-launch date at this time."
When I saw the Sephora holiday image I became overjoyed, thinking the wizards at Sephora had read my mind and found me a Zulu dupe. I frantically emailed Sephora to find out the name of that glorious green polish since I couldn't seem to find it on the Sephora.com site. I waited in excited anticipation for a response. So imagine my disappointment upon learning that it's NARS Zulu, available only to Beauty Insiders and in limited quantities.
My theory is, that Sephora bought out NARS old stock of Zulu and that once it's gone, it's gone. As of right now it's listed at "temporarily out of stock," but I wouldn't hold my breath for it's return.
Instead, let's move on. Your favorite fanatic is here to save the day. Chelsea Psycho Green. One of my favorite nail boarders and dusty hunting pals sent me this gem and with a shiny top coat, it's a Zulu twin. Here's an old swatch pic of it, dug up from the archives. And check out DQ2's comparison pic on Blogdorf Goodman.
Without a top coat, the finish is very dull when compared to Zulu's jelly like finish but if you're looking for a deep forest green, this is your best bet. Chelsea is a small salon brand and can be found at nail shops and professional beauty supply stores. I'd suggest calling around to find a salon near you.
See, I told you green would be popular this fall!
Total Beauty - Beauty Advice Just Got A Makeover
Total Beauty is a new website that will be launching soon and All Lacquered Up is proud to to be a part of their "Blogs We ♥" blogging community.
As readers of All Lacquered Up you are invited to preview the site before it's official debut.
Go to http://www.totalbeauty.com/debut, click on the "Sign Me Up To Win!" button and create an account. Once registered, not only do you get early access to the site but you also have the chance to win prizes by writing just 3 product reviews.
"We're giving away over 100 great prizes. You could win a brand new 2008 Pontiac Solstice, one of three great four day, three night all-inclusive spa vacations for you and a friend, and more. 100 runner-ups will win a $50 gift certificate to Dermstore.com" "Every three reviews submitted give you another chance to win! The more products you review the more chances you have to win."
So you're wondering... Is this just another beauty site? What's so special about it? Am I right? Total Beauty is not just a product review site. It has a lot of unique features. Tips, editor and user unbiased reviews, a comprehensive database of products with descriptions, video tutorials and so much more. I just watched the 5 Updos in 5 Minutes video tutorial and WOW is it cool. I'm going to try the half up/half down look at my next evening event.
One function that I love is called The Beauty Scout. After completing a series of detailed questions about your preferences in hair, eye, foundation, lip and skin care products, your beauty scout will recommend products based on your specific needs. And unlike a lot of generic product finders, you can tell the Beauty Scout what ingredients you want to avoid. How cool is that? As a sulfate-free shampoo user that is a major bonus.
Ok so when you're done playing and testing and scoping out the site, you all have to do me a favor. Click on the "Blogs We ♥" tab and click on the link back to All Lacquered Up. The link love I receive through Total Beauty's site will help me climb the "Top 10 Blogs" ladder. You want your favorite nail fanatic to be popular, don't you?
When you come back here, let me know what you think of Total Beauty. And cut them a little slack as the site is still in beta and all the kinks aren't worked out quite yet.
Nubar's Making the Movie Scene
NUBAR NAIL PRODUCTS WILL PLAY A STARRING ROLE IN
“HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU”
“HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU”
A relationship between nubar Products and Hollywood’s hot film “He’s Just Not That Into You” has developed. Lead Man Brent Rice selected nubar for the nail salon scene. Production started early September in Los Angeles.
The film fictionalizes the popular 2004 self-improvement book “He’s Just Not That into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys” that was co-written by stand-up comedian Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. The cast of “He’s Just Not That Into You” includes Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Long, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper and Ginnifer Goodwin. Barrymore is producing the film through her Flower Films company. According to IMDB.com, the film will be set in Baltimore and will be showing in theatres some time in 2009.
image and info: Nubar
A Cure For Nail Biting?
Dutchman offers 'cure' for nail biting
September 8, 2007 01:03:28 AM PST
Do you find your fingers drifting into your mouth when you're nervous, anxious or just bored? Are your nails chewed to splinters or your cuticles gnawed to bleeding pulp? Nail biting is more than a bad habit. Doctors say it is one of the most common symptoms of stress or of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, especially for teenagers or younger children, and can lead to disfigurement and serious infection.
Alain-Raymond van Abbe, a former health industry and cosmetics promoter, estimates the world's pathological nail biters number 600 million or more. He saw that onychophagy was so widespread that he has opened a business devoted to a cure.
"In four weeks, nail biting can be over and over forever," he says.
Studies show around 45 percent of adolescents nibble their nails. That drops to about 20 percent as young adults learn to cope with their anxieties or become too embarrassed by their self-inflicted deformity.
In public, compulsive biters typically keep their hands out of sight as much as they can, buried in their pockets or behind their backs. They often feel depressed and shamed, and avoid social contacts. Van Abbe says his clients suffer so much from the stigma that none would volunteer to be interviewed or photographed.
He calculates Holland alone has 2 million chronic sufferers, enough to keep his enterprise busy and profitable. He charges up to $670 for a course of treatment.
Van Abbe, whose field is marketing rather than medicine, describes himself as a problem solver. His treatment relies on a tooth guard molded to fit either the upper or lower teeth. Barely visible, the "preventer" makes it impossible to bite, but can be removed for eating.
A car carrying an advertisement of the nail biting clinic with a slogan saying: "Stop nail biting now!" drives in front of the nail biting clinic, O-Centrum, in Venlo, Netherlands, Monday, Aug. 20, 2007. Alain-Raymond van Abbe, a former health industry and cosmetics promoter, estimates the world's pathological nail biters number 600 million or more. He saw that onychophagy was so widespread that he has opened a clinic devoted to curing nail biters. "In four weeks nail biting can be over, and over forever," he says. (AP Photo/ Ermindo Armino)
"After four weeks, the impulse disturbance is so frustrated that it is controlled. You don't have any problem any more," he said.
After developing his solution over two years and working with about 150 pilot customers, Van Abbe refitted a gabled brick house in Venlo, near the German border, with reclining leather manicurists' chairs where cosmeticians can begin reviving damaged finger and toe nails.
Yes, some of his clients habitually bite their toe nails, including one man in his 40s, Van Abbe said. "If you start young, you stay flexible."
Nail biting is one of a category of obsessive-compulsive disorders known as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors that is gaining more scientific attention. Others include hair pulling, skin picking or incessantly biting the inside of the cheek.
Lawrence S. Micheletti, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch, says most research on nail biting focuses on the psychological stress and on the therapies that treat the source of the problem.
But there also is a chicken-and-egg factor, because the ugly result of self-mutilation heightens anxiety. "If you cure the symptom, you reduce the stress, and the person is a happier person," Micheletti said in a telephone interview.
Micheletti, who works with many adolescents in stress management, says nail biting is one of the most common symptoms he sees among his patients.
He said Van Abbe appeared to have developed "a plausible approach" since, in clinical terms, the treatment involves both cognitive and behavioral aspects. But he wonders about Van Abbe's business model.
"I never thought of opening a clinic just for nail biters," he said. "I wouldn't want to rely just on nail biters to make my living."
story: Associated Press
Creative Nail Design becomes CND
August 15, 2007 – As a leader in professional nail care, Creative Nail Design has steadily grown its business over the last 28 years helping to shape an industry that has reached sales of a staggering $7 billion in the U.S. alone. Now the company is poised to lead the way into the future with a sleek new brand identity, a flagship education facility and a premier salon. CND revealed a modern logo that incorporates Creative Nail Design’s iconic sweeping “C” and a newly designed and unified packaging system for the company’s 300-plus professional and consumer retail products. Because CND products are available in 90 countries and used in 8,000 salons worldwide, they will now have a uniform tri-lingual packaging system that supports CND’s goal to reinforce a consistent global brand identity in all of its international markets. The new packaging will be rolled out in phases over the next 18 months, beginning with the launch of three new Brisa™ gel color collections this fall.
To many of us from the MUA nail board, this really won't be a hard transition. Creative Nail Design has always been CND to us. Well now they've made it official. The same great products and formulas will now come out under the CND name. The new packaging and design will being rolling out over the next 18 months so don't be surprised if your beloved Solar Oil bottle looks at all different.
Excerpts from CND's Press Release
The company, still incorporated as Creative Nail Design, will now be recognized simply as CND. The brand’s new look signifies an overall revitalization that demonstrates CND’s freshly unified and streamlined identity and enables the company to maintain its leadership position while continuing to grow its business in an ever-changing and competitive global marketplace.
In conjunction with the new logo and packaging design, CND introduced a myriad of new print materials, a new website (http://www.cnd.com/) and a new large-scale trade advertising campaign, all featuring the new logo and directional imagery to support the streamlined CND brand. “We’re rolling out a new generation of ads that are as memorable and expressive as ever. Our campaign includes new corporate ads to launch CND’s fresh look, and category ads to support each of our main product categories: enhancements, spa, essentials, color and hand & body,” explains Kim Natale, Director of Marketing for CND.
