Get Your Nails Done In Style
I love getting a manicure/ pedicure. Besides the fact that I am nail-challenged and if I try to do them myself, it winds up looking like a four year-old painted them, there’s just something so relaxing about sitting in the chair and getting them done. I have my standard place that I go to on a regular basis, but I’m always on the lookout for a great new spot, so when I got the chance to visit the famous Jessica Nail Clinic here in Los Angeles, I jumped at the chance.
Jessica Vartoughian (known as the “First Lady of Nails”) founded the clinic in 1969. (It was the first nail salon of its kind!) Located on the busy Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, it’s in a great location – you can get your nails down and then head out for some shopping or lunch (always my favorite way to spend an afternoon). When I first arrived, I met my technician, and she was so friendly, I was immediately at ease. All the technicians there are known as Nail Cultivists and are trained personally by Jessica herself, so you know you’re getting the very best treatment possible. The first thing my Nail Cultivist did was analyze my nails and tell me what products she was going to use throughout the manicure to give me the best possible results. It’s a great touch – I didn’t feel like I was getting the stock treatment, but rather a personalized experience best suited to my needs, which is always nice. (And I found out that I have “normal” nails, which is always nice to hear!)
My hands were then covered in one of Jessica’s lotions and put into warm mittens to make them soft and smooth. It was so relaxing, I could’ve stayed there all day, especially when it was followed up by a hand and foot massage that made me melt into my seat. The actual manicure/pedicure process was great too. I learned that you’re not supposed to cut your cuticles because it’s not as sanitary as Jessica’s method of smoothing them first and then using a towel to push them back. It was a much more pleasant experience than the cutting! I was also really happy that my Nail Cultivist was as experienced as she was because the night before, I’d broken one of my nails almost all the way down, but only on one side. I figured that she would have to cut it off, but she was able to repair it and make it look as good as new. It made my day! My nails were then filed into the square-ish shape I like and ready to be polished.
After a base coat was applied, two coats of color were painted on. I decided to bust out of my rut and go shimmery on my toes and dark on my fingers. I put Midnight Merlot (a dark reddish-brown) on my fingers and Opal Aura (a frosty silver) on my toes. Both colors looked great; I especially loved the Midnight Merlot and couldn’t leave without getting a bottle of my very own to take home. After a top coat was put on, my nails were finished with a few drops of Quick Dry. It’s an oil that comes in a dropper applicator and dries your nails in 60 seconds. I was a little skeptical, but as someone who constantly smudges my nails (even after I’m convinced it’s been long enough for them to be dry) this is my new favorite product. My nails were dry almost instantly and they didn’t smudge even when I accidentally dragged them against my steering wheel as soon as I left. For all of you fellow smudgers, this is a product you definitely need to own.
Jessica’s Custom Colours come in a wide variety of shades – everything from frosty white to dark brown – and last a long time. (My pedicure is still going strong almost three weeks later). If you live in L.A. or are planning a visit, book a manicure/pedicure and treat yourself to a relaxing treatment with great results. Your nails will thank you!
Jessica Nail Clinic is located at 8627 Sunset Blvd. To make an appointment, call 310-659-9292. There’s also another location, Jessica From Sunset Salon, which is at 124 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd. in L.A. You can reach them at 323-461-2979. (And as a bonus, the Larchmont store is located right down the street from a Crumbs bakery, so you can treat yourself to a delicious cupcake as well!)
You can read more about Jessica and see all the many nail colors she offers at jessicacosmetics.com.
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