Latest news with #AlisonNguyen
CBC
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Spring and summer nail inspo for your next mani
Warmer weather tends to bring out our playful, colourful side — and that includes our nails. Toronto content creator Alison Nguyen (@nailsbyalsn) is known for her eye-catching nail art tutorials, and we've rounded up our favourite spring and summer designs she created for CBC Life. Save these to try at home or bring them along as inspo for your next salon visit. Floral nails This 'dotticure' is a fun one to DIY — just grab a toothpick to create the playful daisy French tips. The unofficial spring flower makes for the perfect manicure. Keep your tulips all one colour or mix and match pastel shades for a fresh spin. A maximal take on a minimal concept — build your florals out of rhinestones for full sparkle and shine. The embodiment of a beautiful warm, sunny day — these bees and flowers might just inspire a trip outdoors. 3D Nails Take your floral nails up a notch with this 3D design. Mix and match the colours to suit your summer palette. Beach, please! These 3D seashell nails are made for manifesting a coastal summer and ocean views. Fruits are in season! When you can't pick a fave, try them all with this playful 3D fruit manicure. Themed nails Fairycore had its moment, but these butterfly wing nails are still a beautiful pick for spring and summer. Whether you're heading to a music festival or the Cowboy Carter tour, this mani is perfect for the country lovers. At the end of the day, girls will be girls. This mani puts a floral twist on the 2024 coquette trend, with soft pinks and whites.
CBC
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Wedding season nails inspo for brides and beyond
Wedding season means Pinterest boards, shared albums and a calendar full of beauty appointments. And while nails might seem like the tiniest detail on the biggest day, that manicure ends up being front and centre in countless photos. Toronto content creator Alison Nguyen (@nailsbyalsn), known for her DIY nail art tutorials, has plenty of wedding-ready inspo — from sleek chrome finishes to intricate 3D designs, depending on how detailed you want to go. Simple and elegant, this French mani with delicate pearl details is perfect for your special day. Customize this mani for your bridal party by matching the colour to your theme — the simple design works with anything. For the bride looking for something unique — this luxe 3D design is sure to stand out.
CBC
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Nail art with the group chat is the new salon night
Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine. Take the gossip and deep chats offline for a nail-art session together. It's cheaper and more relaxed than a trip to the salon, and gives you the perfect excuse to hang while helping each other with tricky designs. "It helps if you're in a group with an even number of people so you can work in pairs," said nail-art content creator Alison Nguyen. "That way, you can work on each other's nails or get some assistance, especially with your non-dominant hand." For a salon experience at home, Nguyen recommends ensuring your "nail station" — whether you're using a desk or coffee table — is decluttered, dust-free and stocked with nail care standards: files, clippers, alcohol wipes and clean brushes for tidying up any mistakes. She also likes to use cuticle softener, a cuticle pusher, a nail buffer and a bright LED light, which you can invest in to take things to the next level. When it comes to polish, Nguyen prefers a gel formula. But don't worry about breaking the bank on a whole new collection if you're just starting out. "Invest in a few shades you love, and if you want a lighter or darker shade, you can play around and mix the polishes together," she said. Picking a theme for your nail-art session can be a fun way to stir up excitement and inspiration at the start of the night. "I like to focus on any holidays coming up and come up with a classic nail look incorporating elements of [that day]," said Nguyen. For example, for Valentine's Day, she'd opt for a "French tip with some dainty heart details." Whatever design you settle on, the process is the same: start by filing your nails, do some cuticle prep, then get painting. Work on your non-dominant hand first while sipping on your drinks and chatting about life, Nguyen advises. Then, when it's time to paint your dominant hand, ask each other for help. Her top tips to help things go smoothly? Take your time, keep your cleanup brush on standby and remember that less is more. "Don't pick up too much gel polish on the brush to avoid flooding and getting it on your skin," she said. And, unlike a trip to the salon, there's no need to usher your friends out when you're done. Nguyen suggests putting on a movie and enjoying some dinner as you admire your fresh new nails.
