Latest news with #nails
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Megan Thee Stallion's Nails Are the Manicure Equivalent of Christian Louboutin Stilettos
Getty Images Designer-inspired nails are clearly having a moment, with both SZA and Cardi B working label logos—Gucci and Chanel, respectively—into their manicures recently. But you don't have to broadcast blatant letters across your fingertips in order to give a knowing nod to your favorite fashion house. Just look at Megan Thee Stallion's latest nail look. Megan attended the rapper's inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City on Wednesday, July 16, hand-in-hand with Dallas Mavericks player and officially hard-launched boyfriend, Klay Thompson. Thompson was pretty brave for weaving his fingers with Meg's, considering how long and sharp her stiletto manicure is. And you know what designer is closely associated with stilettos? Christian Louboutin, of course. But that's not even the main reason we're calling this mani so Louboutin-coded. While the top of Megan's nails were painted with a gunmetal-gray chrome polish, it's what's going on underneath that makes the manicure such a tribute to the shoe legend: a couple coats of bright red, just like the famous crimson soles of a Christian Louboutin pump. Just as sleek as her manicure was Megan's hair, tightly pulled back with the exception of a tendril, and her makeup, which was topped off with dramatically winged liner. She wore a gorgeous, black, criss-cross halter-neck gown by Off-White with a stunning, super-thick beaded belt that echoed the gray and red in her manicure. Thanks to the length of her dress, it's unclear whether or not Meg's open-toed heels were Louboutins, but her manicure is definitely serving plenty of high-fashion footwear vibes regardless. More manicure inspo: Nicole Kidman's Nails Are Having a Hot Goth Summer You Could Play "I Spy" with J. Lo's Glittery 3D Nails Kourtney Kardashian Found the Cutest Way to Wear Butter Yellow Nails Now, watch Madelyn Cline's cover shoot: Follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty. Originally Appeared on Allure Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Best UV nail lamps and best LED nail lamps from a qualified nail tech – a £39 salon-quality lamp took the top spot
GETTING a new set of nails, in my opinion, is one of life's little luxuries, and showing off freshly manicured hands can instantly lift your spirits. With summer in full swing, filled with days out, holidays, BBQs, and plenty of socialising, it's the perfect time to focus on nail care without overspending, allowing you to save your money for all those sunny summer activities. 7 The best way to achieve this is by doing your nails yourself. As a qualified nail technician for the past two years, I've tried and tested numerous kits, lamps, and polishes, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end products, and from beginner sets to professional-grade toolboxes. So, I set out to discover whether investing in a high-end at-home kit is cheaper for seasoned nail salon goers or if any Amazon bargains can deliver the same flawless finish. I tested UV lamps, LED lamps, and even press-on UV nails to see which ones are worth your pennies. Best UV nail lamps at a glance How I tested I used the same nail polish, base coat, and top coat under all the lamps and tested the longevity of the manicure over a 30-day period. I tested on my own hands as well as my mum's, who is always on the go – gardening, washing up, and generally putting her hands through the wringer. Over the past two years, I've tried a variety of lamps, and the selection below all offer different features that may suit your individual needs, whether you prefer pedicures to manicures or want to experiment with nail art on yourself. I also recently tested the best nail strengtheners to find out which ones keep natural nails healthy and strong, and which ones aid the healing process in between, or after, acrylic and gel removal. Beetles Compact UV LED Nail Lamp: Fast Drying Gel Dryer, £39.99 7 BUY HERE Cons: Short cord, only one timing option, feels flimsy Rating: 3/5 When I passed my qualification and started practising, I did this with a Beetles lamp. I'd say that if you're a total beginner or not a massive nail enthusiast at heart and just want one to keep in the house for special occasions, this would be ideal for you. It would also make a great starter set for a teenage daughter to take to a sleepover or as a gift for someone trying out nails for the first time. The lamp is reasonably priced at £39.99 and is compact enough to avoid taking up too much space. It'd also be ideal for travelling abroad and taking on holiday to touch up nails if one started to peel or crack. However, it is quite flimsy and light to the touch, and it doesn't come with a base. The light strength, in general, feels weak compared to other lamps, and you definitely need to exceed the recommended 60 seconds to achieve a long-lasting finish and avoid tacky nails. Despite feeling lightweight and slightly on the cheaper side, it did provide my mum with a pedicure that lasted through a three-week holiday on the beach, in and out of the sea. Overall, this is the perfect option if you're a beginner, are not looking to spend too much or will only be using it for special occasions. SUN3 UV LED Nail Lamp, £69.99 £39.98 7 SUN3 UV LED Nail Lamp, £69.99 £39.98 BUY HERE Pros: Affordable, 39 high-power LED beads, high quality, four different time and heat settings, a low meat mode, LED screen for time monitoring, auto on-off feature Cons: None Rating: 5/5 Ah, the SUNUV lamp. There's no denying that this one truly takes the top spot as the best overall lamp for me for a variety of reasons. First off, it retails at £70, but it's often on sale on Amazon, and is currently discounted to an incredible £39.98 – a steal for the quality it offers. While it doesn't come with anything besides the lamp itself, the durability and longevity of the manicures it delivers really impressed me. It features three different time settings of 10, 30, and 60 seconds, as well as a fourth option: a lower heat, longer-timed 90-second setting, perfect for those with sensitive hands who may find higher heat intensity uncomfortable. The positioning of the lights ensures even curing, while the sturdy silver base is detachable, making pedicures much easier to achieve. The SUNUV lamp delivers salon-quality nails from the comfort of your home, and the fact that many salons use this exact lamp speaks volumes about its professional-grade performance. Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System, £30 7 Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System, £30 BUY HERE Pros: Affordable, portable, you can buy more press-on ones after the pack has finished, come with a French tip, perfect to keep at home for last-minute occasions Cons: Takes some getting used to at first, could buy a bigger lamp for the full hand if you were looking to do more than UV press-ons for the same price Rating: 4/5 Press-on nails may feel like a thing of the past, but these Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System press-on nails are a futuristic twist on a Y2K cult classic. I trialled these on my mum before she jetted off on a three-week holiday to Turkey, where she spent her time swimming, tanning, and clubbing. While she did suffer two fallen soldiers, the set held up remarkably well overall. It comes with plenty of spare nails (30 to be exact) in case accidents happen, along with a decent amount of glue, and you'll only need a very tiny amount for each nail anyway. I would say this set takes a bit of getting used to initially, but once you master it, it's a quick and effective way to achieve perfectly polished French tips in no time. Think of it as the first aid kit of the nail world – ideal for those holiday emergencies when you need to fix a finger in a pinch, and they're also great to buy and shove in a drawer ready for a last-minute occasion. Gelish 18G Plus with Comfort Cure, £418.95 7 Gelish 18G Plus with Comfort Cure, £418.95 BUY HERE Pros: Cures four times faster than UV lamps. high-intensity diamond reflectors for all-around curing, removable pedicure-friendly tray, LED countdown display, three time settings, scratch and acetone resistant Cons: Expensive Rating: 5/5 The elephant in the room with this lamp is, of course, the price point, which is undeniably wince-worthy. However, this lamp scores so highly in my opinion (and in the opinions of many nail salons and technicians) due to the multiple ergonomic features that make it worthwhile. The Gelish lamp really is the big dog of the nail lamp world and is ideal if you're looking to potentially turn your at-home nail painting into a career or want to ditch salon trips altogether in favour of at-home painting. It's the main lamp you'll see in the majority of salons, and its salon-quality promise is the reason for its higher price tag compared to other lamps. What I will say is, it will not let you down. It has an eyeshield as well as SafeLight technology built in, is scratch and acetone resistant, has a removable base, and most importantly, it features high-intensity diamond reflectors that deliver 36 watts of powerful LED curing from all angles, ensuring all nails are evenly cured. The Comfort Cure technology minimises heat spikes and works to cure gels four times faster than other LED lamps. If you break down the cost of this investment item, at £80 for both a manicure and pedicure, you will have already made your money back after just five rounds of manicures and pedicures. Mylee Grande LED Lamp, £55 7 Mylee Grande LED Lamp, £55 BUY HERE Pros: Cures four times faster than UV lamps. high-intensity diamond reflectors for all-around curing, removable pedicure-friendly tray, LED countdown display, three time settings, scratch and acetone resistant Cons: Expensive Rating: 5/5 Another trusty favourite of mine, the Mylee Grande is another salon-quality lamp that not only looks sleek and stylish but also packs a powerful punch. With 15, 30, 60, and 99-second cure times, it offers full control for all treatments, whether a manicure or pedicure and has a detachable bottom tray. The 15 and 30-second options are ideal for flash curing and nail art, while the 60-second setting is perfect for gel extensions or shellac. The 99-second low heat mode gradually increases heat, giving a smooth and all-around cure for thicker gels, preventing tackiness. It boasts Convex Curing Technology and powerful LED bulbs to ensure even light distribution across all five fingers. It is spacious yet compact, easy to store and travel-friendly, as well as being compatible with brands like OPI, Gelish, and Shellac, offering versatility and durability with a 50,000-hour lifespan. With automatic sensors, a digital countdown, and effortless set-up, it's the ultimate tool for stunning, long-lasting nails, and better yet it often goes on sale at major retailers as well as on the Mylee site! Power source: USB-C Dimensions: 21.3cm x 17.1cm x 11.4cm Curing time: 15, 30,60, 99 Lamp type: LED Gel X-Tend Flash Cure UV/LED Lamp, £49.99 7 Gel X-Tend Flash Cure UV/LED Lamp, £49.99 BUY HERE Pros: Portable, 60-second cure, detachable, strong and effective, acetone-resistant finish Cons: Takes longer due to not covering all nails Rating: 4/5 Small but mighty comes to mind when talking about the Gel X-Tend Flash Cure Lamp. It's definitely one for the acrylic girls out there who want to achieve salon length at home. The lamp is designed for flash curing extensions and tips in place and is therefore not designed as such to cure just a plain gel nail; however, I put it to the test anyway, and it worked surprisingly fast and stayed on for three whole weeks. The lamp is also great if you're not a fan of sitting in the salon chair for the amount of time that a set of acrylics takes, as the pre-buffed and pre-shaped tips allow you to create gel extensions in a fraction of the usual time. Rio Salon Pro UV & LED Lamp, £17.50 Pros: Fast curing, sleek design, affordable, 4 different curing time options, UV and LED Cons: No base Rating: 5/5 Rio is well-known in the nail lamp scene, and the Salon Pro UV & LED promises a sleek and modern look (and won't take up a lot of space on your dresser). The actual manicure it produces is flawless, too. There are 15 long-life LED light bulbs inside, which equate to over 50,000 hours, made to cure both UV gels and LED gel formulations. You can even use it on nail extensions. The gadget has a smart auto sensor which gives you the option of 30 or 60 seconds sure time, or you can simply leave it under the lamp to cure for 90 seconds. It comes with no base, making it easy to stick your toes under the lamp to give yourself a gel pedi without being too squished. Best UV nail lamps and best LED nail lamp FAQs What is the difference between UV and LED nail lamps? When choosing between UV and LED nail lamps, the main difference is the type of light they use to cure (set) polish and the time it takes. LED lamps cure gel polish much faster (30-60 seconds) compared to UV lamps (2-3 minutes). They're also more energy-efficient, generate less heat, and have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 50,000 hours. However, some LED lamps may not work with all gel polishes due to their narrower wavelength range. UV lamps are slower but compatible with most UV gel polishes, making them a versatile and reliable choice. In short, LED lamps are ideal for speed, efficiency, and durability, while UV lamps offer broader compatibility for those happy to wait a little longer. LED or UV: Which should you choose? LED lamps are typically thought of as better than UV lamps, for several reasons, as covered above. UV and LED nail lamps both cure gel polish, but LED lamps are faster, and their LED lamp bulbs last longer. A lot of lamps use both, such as the SUNUV and Rio lamps included in the round-up above. Where to buy the best nail lamps in the UK? At-home professional manicures and pedicures are more popular than ever, so the good news is that the best LED and UV lamps are readily available from a selection of places. You can shop yours from department stores, designated beauty retailers, nail that product brand websites, and a range of online retailers. Check out our favourites: Are UV nail lamps safe/ are LED nail lamps safe? When choosing whether to go for an LED drying lamp or a UV one, you should consider that the former has a faster drying time, giving your nails less exposure to intense light. Furthermore, UV radiation has been scientifically proven to lead to skin cancer and it can also cause other skin damage, leading to premature ageing. Generally, though, UV nail lamps are classified as very low risk and they won't burn your nails if you're using one that has been approved for use. Nail expert and 14 Day Maniassador, Julita Fagan explains: 'UV/ LED lamps are safe for personal use at home. Most gel-based brands will also supply their own version of UV/ LED lamps for purchase. 'It is recommended to use the nail lamp that is associated with the brand of gel products being used.' For added protection, some people opt to use sunscreen or wear fingerless gloves during use. Can you use normal nail polish with a UV lamp? Using a UV or LED lamp to cure regular nail polish won't work as, normal polish dries through evaporation, whereas gel polish contains something called photoinitiators that react to both UV and LED, setting off the curing process. Trying to cure regular polish with a UV lamp won't work properly and will just leave you with smudged and sticky nails. How many watts should a nail lamp be? The wattage of most nail lamps starts from around 32 watts, which is enough to cure your gel nail polish. Higher wattages are not necessarily going to be the best around, it all depends on the quality of the make. What UV lamp is best for gel nails In my opinion, the clearest all-around winner for me is the SUNUV lamp in terms of affordability, features, curing time and durability. Can you put press-on nails under a UV lamp? You can't put any old brand of press-on nail under a UV lamp, as, unlike gel nails, which are specifically designed to cure under UV light, press-on nails are usually pre-glued or come with adhesive tabs that don't require or benefit from UV exposure. Using a UV lamp on them could damage the nails or weaken the adhesive.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
11 best nail strengtheners: from OPI's Nail Envy to treatments under £5, tested by a qualified nail tech
WHETHER you're an acrylic enthusiast, shellac lover, or regular BIAB user, you may often dabble with the idea of going naked nail. Although it seems scary at first, as an avid acrylic wearer myself, I often consider taking a break and going bare nail just to see how my natural nails are holding up. 12 If you're looking to start the natural journey or are looking to just enhance nail condition, there's no better place to start than with a good nail strengthener. Just like our skin, nails can become dehydrated, dry, and brittle, making getting your nails done that little bit less fun. There are plenty of factors that can lead to this, from hormones and ageing to improper removal of gel or acrylic nails – but that doesn't mean you have to lay down and accept brittle nail defeat! The easiest and quickest way to nurse your poorly nails back to health is with a nail-strengthening base coat that encourages repair and growth, leading to strong and healthy nails that you won't want to hide away. So, read on to find out which strengthener came out top (coat). How I tested I enlisted the help of my mum, who is constantly using her hands whether it's washing up, gardening, hairdressing or coming into contact with harsh chemicals - basically, putting her nails through the mill. I also tested them on my own nails in between acrylic sets to really put these strengtheners to the test. OPI Nail Envy, £18 OPI Nail Envy, £21.90 £18 BUY HERE Pros: Dries quickly, smooth finish, nails look healthy Rating: 5/5 I mostly wear my nails natural or with just standard nail polish on, so it's important to me that I take good care of them. I've tried a couple of nail strengtheners in the past, including Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, but I've always been interested in whether it would be worth investing in a more premium option. I used the OPI Nail Envy straightener exactly as suggested, by applying two thin coats back to back, and then adding another layer daily for a week. The idea is that the strength gradually builds up over time. Each coat dried down really quickly - which is great as I have a pet peeve with polish that takes anything longer than a minute to dry - and it left a clear, glossy finish that was completely streak-free. I'd be happy to wear this on it's own when I'm not opting for a colour, but it can also be used as a base coat. By the end of the week, my nails did feel stronger, less bendy and less prone to breaking. Yes it's expensive, but if you're trying to steer clear of salon treatments, I'd highly recommend this for anyone trying to boost their natural nails. Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, £11 BUY HERE Pros: Only one coat needed Rating: 8/10 With over 70 years of expertise, it's safe to say that the brand Sally Hansen is a master in nail care and with this in mind, I was intrigued to see how the Miracle Cure strengthener shaped up. With a patented 'Micro Mineral' formula exclusive to the brand, Miracle Cure promises to fill in cracks and instantly reinforce nails, great news for anyone with nails that tend to peel easily alongside breaking. Upon application, one single thin coat with this formula seems to be sufficient, which also means that it'll last longer. Giving a nice, healthy sheen while also working as a protective base coat makes this a good all-rounder. My nails felt smooth and shielded while wearing this. The generous 13.3ml bottle also makes this great value for money. OPI Nail Envy, Bubble Bath, £18 Rating: 10/10 An iconic shade in the OPI world, having Bubble Bath as a two-in-one strengthener is definitely a bonus point. Recently hailed by Molly Mae as her go-to shade, which she religiously wears, this subtly coloured nail strengthener is a definite favourite of mine. If you're looking to go natural but are too scared to go fully nude, the Bubble Bath strengthener is the perfect option. The product contains Tri-Flex Technology, which strengthens and protects against peeling or splitting, and I definitely noticed an improvement in nail strength within just one week of using it (and this was after a removal of acrylics, which always leaves my nails feeling a little worse for wear). The only downside to the product is the price point; however, a little goes a long way with this product, and it is definitely an investment in achieving salon-quality nails at home as well as strong and healthy ones too. Barry M Mani Hero, £4.49 BUY HERE Pros: Inexpensive with a great selection of ingredients, great budget option that remain effective Cons: Less intensive than others , feels thinner Rating: 7/10 Inexpensive, great quality, and coming in an array of vivid shades, Barry M's nail paints are a staple product in any nail aficionado's stash. The Mani Hero, containing PHA's and AHA's to restructure, is not just great for the price, but great in general, rivalling many pricier options on the market. Easy to use on a regular basis, the violet-hued base goes on clear and dries semi-shiny, with a slight tack, allowing polish to glide on top evenly. This didn't feel as intensive as some of the others but still includes a selection of beneficial ingredients; definitely a great one to go for, but if your nails are in a dire state, it may be better to opt for something stronger. Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment, £15.99 BUY HERE Pros: Nails looked great, works as a standalone product as well as a strengthened Cons: Pricey for the 9ml size Rating: 8/10 My initial thoughts upon the first application were how gorgeous this looked alone and I was definitely swayed by the subtle pink sheen. Podiatrist-turned-businesswoman Margaret Dabbs's eponymous line is one to keep on your radar for effective luxury. Containing a key skin conditioning ingredient, neonyca, alongside argan oil, Pure Nails promises to harden nails and smooth ridges, and I can attest to this. Upon two coats, my unsightly horizontal nail ridges were camouflaged and looked akin to a fresh manicure, although if you're not one for a soft delicate pink, this works fantastic as a base coat. The formula also includes smart micro-bonding particles, which claim to seal the nail and prevent discolouration. After a week of three applications, my nails felt rejuvenated and strong and looked a treat. Jessica Bend Don't Break, £20.10 Jessica Bend Don't Break, £21.50 £20.10 BUY HERE Pros: Quick drying, 7-free Cons: Strong odor, pricey Rating: 8/10 Formulated with polymers that work to increase flexibility, Bend Don't Break promises to turn weak nails into resilient ones, but does it hold up to these claims? For starters, the quick-drying formula is a plus. With two coats put to the test three times a week, my nails felt pretty rock solid. I can also report back that, impressively, they survived a brutal kitchen drawer incident in which only my nail polish chipped, but the nail itself stayed in one piece. Impressive. Wearing this alone, my nails felt smooth, protected, and even brighter. My only gripe would be the price, this isn't the most affordable option out there, however, with all being said - it's reliable and does the job well. The formula is also vegan and 7 free (free of 7 of the toxic chemicals that can sometimes be found in nail products). Leighton Denny Renovate Shield, £13.05 BUY HERE Pros: 73% Plant-based, contains Panthenol and vitamin E Cons: None Rating: 8/10 Touted as a 'nourishing, smoothing, rejuvenating facial for nails' and with ingredients such as nourishing avocado oil, rice bran oil and vitamin E, Leighton Denny Renovate Shield might appear to be more of an oily treatment than a strengthening base coat. However, this targeted treatment base works hard to rebuild and protect, whilst including a cocktail of nutritive ingredients to turn around the flakiest of nails. I initially wore two coats under my nail colour and then another coat was applied each other day to provide an extra protective shield. This resulted in no breakages and nails that looked and felt healthy. Nailberry Strengthen & Breathe, £19 BUY HERE Pros: Breathable, halal, gluten-free, 12 free Cons: Expensive Rating: 8/10 Multi-award-winning brand, Nailberry is committed to clean, toxin-free luxury nail products. We also equally adore the attention to detail and chic box that the bottle comes packaged in, but in terms of nail strengthening, do they deliver? Strengthen & Breathe is recommended to be used once or twice a week as a stand-alone reparative treatment, or to replace your usual base coat. The milky white base dries clear, and instantly forms a smooth, protective layer on the nails, drying in a minute or so without any pesky streaks. After one application, my nails even looked like they were in perfect condition immediately After two weeks of wear, I did notice that, underneath the polish, my nails did indeed look brighter and felt smoother. Impressively, this is also free of alcohol as well as being vegan, cruelty-free and halal-approved. At £18.50, it may be on the slightly higher end of affordability, but for a luxury option, this is a nice pick. Orly Nailtrition, £13 Orly Nailtrition, £15.95 £13 BUY HERE Pros: Subtle pink shimmer, easy-to-grip cap on bottle ensures foolproof application Cons: Slightly tacky when dry Rating: 9/10 Designed to stimulate growth within two weeks, Orly's Nailtrition contains a number of hero ingredients, such as calcium, hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein, all working together to speed up growth on nails that continuously split and peel. The wide brush evenly distributed to the nail, and bonded nicely to it and I also loved the subtle pink shimmer that it gave. Orly says that this helps disguise nail imperfections (which is great news, as I have many!) Using two coats per application was sufficient, to begin with - although I did apply an extra sneaky coat on top of my polish throughout the week to top up on protection. Usage over two weeks definitely resulted in my nails feeling thicker and stronger and overall, healthier. With this in mind, I'd say that Orly lives up to its promises. Mii Cosmetics Strong + Stable, £19.50 Mii Cosmetics Strong + Stable, £19.50 Pros: Comes in two sizes, ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients. Good for ridges. Cons: None Rating: 9/10 Coming in a handy option of two sizes, Mii's Strong & Stable base coat is formulated to bring thin and peeling nails back to life. With the addition of pistacia resin oil (which promotes keratin growth and also contains healing properties), this dual-purpose strengthening treatment dries down to a glossy finish and also helps to maintain maximum wear out of your polish. The medium-sized brush was great, as it ensured an even distribution of product with no overloading. Two swipes of polish work best with this product. Mii's directions recommend applying this every other day, whilst using this specifically as a treatment. After 8/9 days of continuously using this, the nasty ridge on my index finger had considerably improved after using this product - pretty impressive. OPI Repair Mode, £23.92 OPI Repair Mode, £23.92 BUY HERE Pros: Easy to apply formulation, absorbs into nails instantly. Can be worn under a base coat. Invisible Cons: Pricey Rating: 9/10 The first of its kind, OPI's Repair Mode isn't a strengthening base coat like the others, but a bond-building nail serum, think of it as Olaplex treatment but for nails. Using a specialist patented 'Ulti-Plex' technology, Repair Mode not only rebuilds keratin but also creates new bonds in nails and contains vitamins A & E. This little black glass bottle claims to be the only nail-strengthening product you'll need. Advertised as a serum, I expected this to have an oily consistency, but this was not the case at all, and it was absorbed immediately. Although this isn't technically a base coat, my nails still felt as though there was a protective, albeit invisible layer on them. Within a couple of days of usage, my nails felt less flaky at the tips, and ridges felt much smoother to the touch. I'll be looking forward to incorporating this into my nail care routine and using it in tandem with a restorative base coat. Best nail strengtheners FAQs Where to buy nail strengtheners The good news is nail strengtheners are available on most well-known beauty sites such as Boots and Superdrug as well as Amazon. Some of our top picks, such as Sally Hansen, Barry M and OPI can be found at the majority of high street chemists. What to eat to strengthen nails Obviously, not everything can be solved externally, so it's important to aid the external appearance of nails with internal assistance, such as a calcium and iron-rich diet. Alongside this, another key ingredient for nail growth is biotin, found in milk and eggs. This is also commonly known for its positive effects on hair growth as well as our nails. What is the best nail strengthener? As with most treatment products, results can vary with individuals and what the nails have been through — your natural nail condition will play a big part in how effective each product will be. However, it appears that the clear winner was OPI Nail Envy, despite the price point, it offers the quickest treatment and leaves long-lasting results. How do nail strengtheners work? Nail strengtheners create a protective barrier that works to reinforce the nail structure, reducing breaking and peeling. They get to work fast, and most will allow you to see results within just one week. There's no ingredient in a nail strengthener that can enhance growth per se, but by building the foundation, it makes them stronger for when they do grow naturally. What is the difference between nail strengthener and nail hardener? Nail strengtheners and nail hardeners both have distinct roles in nail care, but each has different purposes. Strengtheners are designed to enhance the overall health and flexibility of the nail, helping to prevent future breakage. On the other hand, hardeners are intended to make nails more rigid and resistant to bending and splitting by providing a protective coating. Hardeners are generally recommended for short-term use, whereas strengtheners are more suitable for long-term maintenance. How often should I use nail strengthener? Nail strengthener can be used every time you have a manicure or even when you're giving your nails a break and want to give them a bit of TLC in the form of a treatment. Ingredients to look out for in a nail strengthener In terms of the ingredients to look out for in a good and nourishing strengthening product, Vitamin C and retinol are both key due to their ability to increase collagen, one of the main components in the nail bed.
The Standard
17-07-2025
- General
- The Standard
One Tech Tip: How to clean your computer, earbuds and smartphone
Miralys Maura Cruz sports long, decorative nails as she chats on her phone at home in La Gallega, Havana province, Cuba, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We flew to Ibiza to meet Rita Ora's manicurist – here's everything we learned about nail art
THERE are many things I'll gladly leave the country for - exploring a new city, chasing the sun, discovering new food - but getting my nails done has never been one of them. Nevertheless, last month, I packed my bag and flew to Ibiza for that very reason. 4 But this wasn't for just any nail appointment, as I was meeting Keely Cooper - AKA nail tech to Rita Ora, Charlotte Tilbury and Peggy Gou. Having started her career at a nail salon in Aberdeen, she is now a nail artist working in hidden villas, on yachts, and on photo shoots in Ibiza - and she has built up a star-studded client list of some of the world's most fashionable women. In typical Keely fashion, we met in Ocean Drive Talamanca, a stylish pad on the south-east of the island, where she arrived carrying more nail polish shades than you'll find in most salons - 'I've got more,' she told me. After trimming, buffing and cutting my nails, she curated a colour palette tailored to me, including lavender purple, mint green, and sunshine yellow, as well as the perfect base shade to flatter my skin tone. 4 After chatting through some of my ideas, and drawing inspiration from a previous design, she dotted, swirled, and painted pastel-coloured motifs on to my nails, including rainbows, evil eyes, and flowers. As she painted, she told me about her career journey, her coolest appointments, and predictions for the future - here's everything I learned. How did you become a nail artist, and what led you to Ibiza? It all started after I left school, and went to art college in Aberdeen. Despite wanting to be an artist my whole life, I realised that I needed to make money - at this stage, nail art was becoming cool, so I decided to sign up for some beauty courses, then my husband and I opened a nail bar beauty salon. We had a few girls who worked for us who were ex-art school students, so we had quite an arty vibe going on. I loved the salon, but I wasn't feeling fulfilled - I was working all the time to come out to Ibiza three or four times a year. Then, when Covid happened and we had to shut the salon, I did some soul-searching and decided to make the move to Ibiza - I already knew people here, so it was a good way to make new contacts and I started to build up a list of clients. When I first moved to Ibiza, a lot of my clients weren't asking for nail art - instead, they wanted plain "clean-girl" nails, or just plain red. I've always been into nail art, so I did wonder if I'd made the right decision to move here - I wondered if it was the wrong thing for me, artistically. But as word got out about what I could offer, people started to experiment more and now, most of my clients ask for some form of nail art. I did a girl's nails for her birthday a few weeks ago, and at that party, people saw her nails, which has led to me getting five new clients. I always say you're only as good as your last set of nails, and every client is important - it doesn't matter who they are or what their status is - you should be doing your best work for everybody. Where are some of the coolest places your job has led you? I often work from my studio in Santa Gertrudis, as well as on yachts, boats, and in villas all over the island. I definitely see a lot of amazing houses, boats, and hidden villas on mountain country roads that I would never normally see day-to-day. Every time I go to an amazing villa, I can't imagine I'll ever top it, but then I go to another one that I didn't even know existed! It's a great way to see the island. What's the secret to your creative process, from the idea to the finished look? When it's for someone I've never worked with before, I have to gauge how much nail art they want and what they're going to be comfortable with. Chatting with the client and finding out about them while I'm prepping the nails is an important part of the process, where I learn about what ideas they have, what they're going to be wearing, where they're travelling to next, and what interests them creatively. After all, they are the person who will wear the nails for the next three to four weeks, so it has to be a joint effort. Then, it's a mixture of looking at pictures from my own Instagram, as well as any other photos they've saved, and looking at colours that suit their skin tone, work with what they'll be wearing, and the climate they're going to be in. Usually, I decide that a certain colour will work, and start off with a couple of nails, then decide what other colours will match. If I do something on one nail and a client says: "Wow, I love that," then I'll explore how we can enhance it and take it on to another nail. It's all about keeping it balanced - sometimes a design won't be quite right, but then adding a tiny speck of gold lifts it and looks amazing. What is the most complex or favourite set of nails you've ever done? The longest I've spent on a set of nails was four hours - I love the mix and match trend, where there are clashing colours and all the nails are different. I'm a fan of nail jewellery, too, where I make nails look like they're wearing jewels by creating little charms out of gel and chrome, and mixing them together to look like pieces of gold - it's a lovely way to get into nail art, as it's not too colourful and can even be done on a plain soap nail background. What is it like seeing your designs come to life on a photo shoot or the red carpet? I follow the same process as usual, but sometimes it can be more restricted with fashion photo shoots - especially if it is for a very big campaign, as they'll usually want something quite plain, to avoid drawing attention away from the clothes. If it's a red carpet event, you have to take into consideration what people will be wearing and how far they want to go with their nail designs. When I do eventually see the photos from a shoot or event, I think: "That's my little piece that everyone can see," which makes me feel proud and happy that I got it right. Being on a shoot can be nerve-wracking because there's so much pressure to make sure everyone likes what you've done - I do still get a little nervous, but I think it's good to feel that way as it drives you to do your best work. What nail trends are huge right now? Nail art is a great way to express your fashion, tastes, creativity and the things you like - people sometimes even put political views on their nails or trending topics, as it's an easy and impermanent way to show your creative side. However, there is still a big call for classic, clean "soap nails" as they're fresh and match with everything. People who do a lot of Instagram posting like to keep their nails plain - if they're posting a lot of reels or photos, always keeping their nails plain stops people working out when the content was taken. What nail products do you love? I love The Gelbottle Inc, especially the BIAB formula, as well as the new allergy-focused HEMA-free version and the range of colours is great, and so highly pigmented. I try to go for non-toxic brands, and love a few of the South Korean formulas, including Ice Gel, which has an incredible cat eye gel formula with a great finish. Cuticle Nippers, £58. For moisturisers, exfoliators and cuticle oils I mix it up a bit, but I'm currently using Nuxe, including Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, £22. Saent Face Oil, £75 I've also been using Saent, a rich, gorgeous face oil that's also lovely for the hands - I like to use products that are as clean and organic as possible because when you're living on an island and going into the sea, you don't want to use anything that's going to harm the environment. Here are some of the highlights you'll find in the area... Book in with one of the island's most in-demand nail techs Meet Keely Cooper for a mani, nail tech to Rita Ora, Peggy Gou and Charlotte Tilbury. Stock up on swimwear at BLondon Boutique You'll find flattering swimwear, coverups, and boat-proof accessories in this local gem. Expect curated swimwear, expert help, and a chilled atmosphere. Chase the sunset at Ocean Drive Talamanca Head up to the Up & Down restaurant and sip on Rosé Sangria, £6, as the sun sets. Walk the boardwalk Wander along Carrer Platja Talamanca, for unrivalled ocean views, a sandy beach, and yacht ogling. Visit Ibiza Old Town Indulge in Cameroonian banana ice cream at Barocco Ibiza, £4.25 a scoop, coconut milkshakes with a view at Ca'n Raio, £7.32, and shop for trinkets in whimsical Reserva Natural.
