Shin Ji Min’s Shimmering Silver Almond Nails
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Silver Almond Nails
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO| PUBLISHED IN 2024
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday nail inspiration, Shin Ji Min from Korea has delivered a look that combines elegance, sparkle, and artful details. Her shimmering silver almond nails are a statement in themselves, but it’s the intricate additions that truly make this design stand out.
At GlossaryLive.com, we have an exclusive, step-by-step tutorial that breaks down exactly how to achieve Shin Ji Min’s look. Members can access the tutorial and even download the detailed manual, which covers everything from creating the smoky marbled effect to placing the crystals just right for that luxurious, dimensional feel.
This manicure is perfect for any holiday event, from formal parties to festive gatherings. It’s the kind of design that stands out without overpowering, pairing well with a variety of holiday outfits. The combination of shimmer, crystals, and that unique smoky effect gives it a high-fashion vibe that’s sure to turn heads.
This unique tutorial is perfect for both beginners and experienced nail artists looking to wow their clients with a high-impact holiday style. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or just want a glamorous look for the season, this manicure is a show-stopper.
Head to GlossaryLive.com to follow the full tutorial and download the manual—because this holiday season, your nails deserve the best in style and sparkle.
Pantone Color of the Year for Nails
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@pantone
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO| PUBLISHED IN 2024
The 2025 Pantone Color of the Year is here, and we’re absolutely in love with Mocha Mousse! This rich and creamy shade perfectly blends the warmth of chocolate with the sophistication of a muted nude, making it a stunning choice for nail art this year. At GlossaryLive, we’re celebrating this luscious color by diving into our vault of shades and selecting three perfect nail colors that capture the essence of Mocha Mousse.
First on our list is VBP #112, a creamy mocha hue that creates a beautiful, smooth finish on the nail. This shade embodies the warmth and depth of Mocha Mousse, making it a versatile option for any nail look, from minimalist chic to intricate nail art.
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Next, we have Gelish Cream Gel #108 Brown Nude. This color is a delightful nod to the whipped mousse dessert that inspired Pantone’s choice. Its soft, silky finish adds a touch of elegance to any manicure, and it’s perfect for layering or pairing with metallic accents for a glamorous twist.
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Finally, we’ve chosen ASP #138 Taupe To Me. This creamy, glossy milky mocha shade provides the ideal base for any chocolaty nail design. Its rich texture and high-gloss finish make it a standout color that’s both sophisticated and on-trend.
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See these gorgeous shades polished out on our social media channels, where we’ve showcased how each one can transform your nails into a celebration of this year’s iconic color. Whether you’re embracing Mocha Mousse with a classic single-color manicure or incorporating it into intricate designs, these shades are your go-to for achieving a sweet nail look in 2025!
Holiday Nail Art Techniques With Kirsty Meakin
NAIL TECH-NIQUES
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO| PUBLISHED IN 2024
Get ready to elevate your holiday nail game with three exciting new MasterClass episodes featuring the award-winning nail artist, Kirsty Meakin! Known for her creativity and innovative techniques, Kirsty shares some of her favorite festive designs, perfect for this holiday season. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible nail art techniques she’s showcasing and how they can inspire your own creations.
“With all of these holiday-inspired techniques, there is a bit of layering involved,” says Kirsty, who believes layering adds a beautiful depth to nail art. In the Snowflake episode, she demonstrates a layering technique that captures the magic of winter. By carefully building up translucent layers, the snowflake appears to float against a frosted windowpane backdrop. The effect is mesmerizing and brings a touch of holiday enchantment to your nails.
Another standout design is Kirsty’s Christmas Cookie. This adorable nail art looks like an iced gingerbread cookie perched on your nail. The layering here is key to achieving the realistic “iced” effect, and it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it. The gingerbread tree design combines playful charm with intricate detailing, making it a holiday favorite.
Negative space techniques also take center stage in her Peppermint Twist episode. Kirsty demonstrates how to incorporate negative space into holiday designs for an elegant, understated look. “This allows the design to peek in and out, giving a soft yet festive feel to the nails,” explains Kirsty. This technique ensures the design isn’t overwhelming, making it easy to pair with a variety of holiday outfits. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace the season’s spirit while keeping their nails versatile and stylish.
No holiday nail art is complete without a bit of sparkle! “Embellishments are always a great idea during the holidays,” says Kirsty. In the Peppermint Twist episode, she uses embellishments to create a border between the holiday-themed art and the negative space. This adds a glamorous touch while maintaining the overall versatility of the design.
Whether you’re inspired by floating snowflakes, iced cookies, or elegant negative space, these MasterClass episodes will ignite your creativity and help you master festive nail art on any client this holiday season!
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Holiday Nail Art Trends to Fall in Love With
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to Fall in Love With
@nailsbyalsn
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO| PUBLISHED IN 2024
The holiday season is upon us, and GlossaryLive has rounded up its favorite holiday nail art trends from Instagram’s dazzling lineup of designs. This year’s looks bring a beautiful mix of sparkle, charm, and a touch of natural nail, making them as versatile as they are festive. From shimmering French tips to sugared sweaters and delicate snowflakes, these designs embrace the holiday spirit in the most chic way.
One of the standout trends this season is the natural nail peek. With a bit of the natural nail showing through, these designs feel fresh, modern, and effortlessly sophisticated. This minimalistic touch doesn’t mean going light on holiday flair; rather, it allows the design to be both playful and refined. By keeping some negative space, each look becomes easier to pair with holiday outfits, giving a harmonious balance to any style.
Let’s talk about some of the most popular holiday looks:
Sparkling French Tips: The classic French manicure gets a holiday twist with glittering tips. From silver to gold or any color between, this look keeps the nails polished and party-ready without overpowering.
@sansungnails
Sugared Sweaters: Nothing says cozy like sweater-inspired nails. This trend recreates the texture of knits on nails with a matte finish, giving a soft and warm look perfect for winter.
@jbs_beauty.-x
Snowflakes and Stars: Tiny snowflakes or star accents over a nude or translucent base add a touch of winter wonder. This delicate detail adds seasonal charm while keeping the design subtle and chic.
@anastazja.gaska
Metallic Accents: Gold and silver metallic touches, like foils or thin lines, are perfect for adding a bit of holiday glam. Paired with a neutral base, they create a high-impact yet balanced look.
@natalie_thedollshouse
This holiday season, let your clients embrace the festive spirit while keeping things simple and sophisticated. By leaving a hint of the natural nail visible, these designs stay flexible for any outfit or occasion, allowing clients to enjoy the holiday fun with a stylish, balanced look.
Angela Wilden
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2024
Angela Wilden has made waves in the nail industry with her dedication, talent, and unique style. As we celebrate her as the Artist of the Month for December 2024, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on her journey and achievements, even as she transitions into a quieter phase in her career.
Starting her career in 2015 with Magnetic Luxembourg, Angela quickly made her mark by founding her own company, Angel’s Divine. While working part-time as a nail designer, she trained as a Magnetic educator, teaching courses at her salon. Her natural talent and drive soon led her to pursue independent education, and in 2017, she became fully independent, embarking on a period of intensive study in Budapest. There, she passed the rigorous Crystal Nails trainer exam to earn the title of Absolute International Master Educator, a distinguished accomplishment that opened new doors in her career.
Angela entered the competitive nail scene in 2021, where she quickly became a standout talent. Her skill and artistry led her to win the Nailympia Online Winner of Winners and Art Winner of Winners titles in Division 2. Angela’s expertise and creativity flourished in the competitive nail circuit, where she poured her heart into perfecting intricate designs and challenging her skills alongside some of the industry’s best. Her last competition appearance at Nailympia Germany 2024 marked a bittersweet end to her active involvement in these events. Her time in competitions highlighted her exceptional talent, and it’s no surprise that she would have excelled as a judge, a role she still hopes to take on in the future.
Following her decision to step back from the intense pace of competitions, Angela also chose to pull out of distribution and scale down her customer base. This change allowed her to focus on a more balanced life, dedicating time to personal growth and new pursuits. Now, she works part-time in her small home studio, where she continues to offer her clients the exceptional skill and artistry that first brought her into the spotlight.
Angela has also returned to her studies, signaling a new chapter in her life. While her role in the nail industry may be quieter now, her influence endures. Her story is one of passion, adaptability, and evolution. Although she has transitioned away from the fast-paced world of competitions and distribution, her love for the art of nails and the industry itself shines through. Her journey reminds us that a successful career can take many shapes, and each phase has its unique beauty and value.
Holiday Glam
STYLE FILES
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2024
As the holiday season draws near, the beauty industry gears up to help everyone look and feel their best for festive gatherings. It’s a magical time when brands release exclusive gift sets and limited-edition goodies, giving us treats that are as delightful to gift as they are to receive. And it’s not just beauty—everywhere you look, you’ll find seasonal offerings, from elegantly designed cheese boards to cozy Baileys-inspired recipes and decadently decorated Godiva chocolates.
@Baileysofficial
@godiva
For beauty professionals, holiday gift packs provide a fantastic opportunity to spread cheer among clients while adding a touch of luxury to their self-care routines. One delightful option for nail clients is ASP by Cuccio’s Roll-on Cuticle & Body Oil. This nourishing treat is perfect for the colder months, keeping skin and cuticles hydrated and healthy. It’s a little indulgence that clients can carry with them, adding a bit of spa-like care wherever they go.
@aspnail
@kyliecosmetics
For makeup lovers, there’s Kylie Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection, packed with surprises that make each day leading up to the holidays a little brighter. We can’t wait to try the Nail Lacquer Trio! Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Vault, featuring full-size Universal Lip Luminizers, is another showstopper—its glitzy packaging is pure magic.
In fact, it inspired us to create a nail look that complements the glamorous vibe, perfect for clients who love unique on-trend looks.
@kyliecosmetics
@kyliecosmetics
As you browse holiday shops and displays, think about what might inspire you and your clients this season. Holiday-themed nail art doesn’t have to be limited to snowflakes and candy canes. Draw inspiration from seasonal favorites, whether it’s a sparkling lip gloss or a cozy winter scent.
@fentybeauty
@fentybeauty
Customized, inspired nail art adds a unique touch to the holiday experience, letting clients express their personal style. From luxurious cuticle oils to shimmering lip glosses, these festive offerings can spark creativity, adding extra joy to each service. Don’t forget, retailing these seasonal items is a great way to boost your income. Treat yourself, too—after all, it’s the season to shine!
Ask Alisha: What Does Grit Mean on a Nail File?
ASK ALISHA
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO| PUBLISHED IN 2024
Hey everyone! I’m excited to dive into one of the questions I get asked a lot: What does grit mean on a nail file? In my latest video, I break down what “grit” is and how to choose the right one for your salon services.
First things first, grit refers to the number of sand particles per square inch on a file. So, if a file has a high grit number—let’s say 240 or above—that means there are lots of particles packed together, creating a smoother surface. Higher grits are great for buffing and gently refining the surface of your artificial nails or carefully smoothing the surface of a natural nail. On the flip side, lower grits, like 80 or 100, are rougher and work well for taking down product faster. Personally, I don’t use anything rougher than a 100 because it’s plenty strong for any salon service I’ve encountered.
The structure or how a file is made is also an important aspect of how the grit will perform. Files with a hard core are stronger and more rigid, while those with a spongy inside are softer, flex to the shape of the nail and are gentler on the nail surface. Choosing the right grit can really make a difference while working, so I suggest feeling the surface of the file before you begin. Make sure it has the texture you need, whether you’re removing a lot of product or just giving the nails a smooth finish.
For even more details on grit types and file choices, check out our Terminology section on GlossaryLive.com. It’s packed with tips to help you navigate the best tools and techniques in the nail world. So watch the video, explore GlossaryLive, and let’s make every nail flawless!
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Aigul Fritzke
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Inside the creative world of resident nail artist, Aigul Fritzke & her path to design excellence
ARTICLE BY ALEX FOX | PUBLISHED IN 2023
In the vibrant world of nail artistry, Aigul Fritzke stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation. From her humble beginnings as an artist exploring various media to her current status as an industry expert, Aigul’s journey through the nail industry is a testament to her unwavering passion and dedication.
First venturing into the realm of nail art in 2005, Aigul was captivated and drawn in by the nail canvas as a new outlet for her artistic expression. With a background in sketching, painting, and photography, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the intricate artistry of nail grooming. Enrolling in nail school in 2006, Fritzke embarked on a journey of skill development and self-discovery.
Initially operating from a small part-time studio, Aigul’s commitment to mastering her craft led her to transition to a full-time endeavor once her children were all in school. Renting space in a hair salon provided her with the platform to hone her skills and expand her clientele, setting the stage for her future success in the nail industry.
Throughout her journey, Aigul has found inspiration and guidance from industry mentors such as Alisha Rimando, Amy Becker, and Pisut Masanong. These mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her expertise in acrylic sculpture, gel application, and acrylic painting, respectively. With their guidance, she ventured into the realms of fantasy art and 3D sculpture, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and innovative nail artist.
A strong advocate for education and collaboration, Fritzke emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the industry. Believing that there is always something new to learn, she encourages fellow artists to embrace opportunities for growth and exploration. “Who doesn’t want to be the best? There’s so much to learn in this business,” she enthuses. “At trainings, you meet other artists, and they all do nails differently. There’s so much to learn from each other, if we take the time and consideration to do so.
Aigul’s passion for competition has also played a significant role in her career, as she’s garnered numerous accolades on the international nail circuit and now serves as a judge herself. In 2019, she co-hosted the first Nailympia Canada, further solidifying her reputation as a leader and innovator in the industry.
As she looks to the future, she remains committed to inspiring and empowering aspiring nail professionals. “Try new techniques and don’t be scared to ask questions,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and innovation in the pursuit of excellence.
With her unwavering dedication and boundless creativity, Aigul Fritzke continues to push the boundaries of nail artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring generations of artists to come.
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Saweetie Reveals Gemstone-Adorned Nails with Chanel Chic
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Saweetie Stuns in Paris: Rapper Reveals Gemstone-Adorned Nails with Chanel Chic
ARTICLE BY ALEX FOX | PUBLISHED IN 2023
Saweetie dazzles in Paris with her latest nail art, featuring nude-pink polish and gemstones, perfectly paired with Chanel accessories. Her fusion of hip-hop glamour and high-fashion elegance once again turns heads in the City of Lights. Known for her bold nail designs, Saweetie’s latest creation showcases her unique style, blending sophistication with edginess. With her arrival in Paris, she continues to set trends and make a statement in the world of fashion. Saweetie’s style fusion seamlessly merges hip-hop allure with haute couture sophistication.
@SAWEETIE
@SAWEETIE
@SAWEETIE
The rapper, renowned for her extravagant and attention-grabbing nail designs, harmonized refinement with boldness, making a definitive style statement. Accessorizing with a cream-hued Chanel handbag, Saweetie successfully blends luxury fashion with her unique personal style. Her adeptness at pairing high-end fashion pieces with daring nail art, positions Saweetie as a trendsetter in both music and fashion circles.Saweetie’s nails transcend mere aesthetics; they epitomize her identity as we see throughout her career, she’s explored various nail lengths, shapes, styles and designs yet has consistently favored strikingly long, stiletto-shaped nails.
@SAWEETIE
@SAWEETIE
@SAWEETIE
As Saweetie continues to explore and express her distinctive style through her nails and fashion choices, her influence transcends the realm of music, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Elevate Beauty Business with Julie Kandalec's Bali Retreat
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Join Julie K nail Academy’s Bali retreat for business Mastermind training & luxury downtime
ARTICLE BY ALEX FOX | PUBLISHED IN 2023
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, renowned as the founder of Julie K Nail Academy, has unveiled her inaugural Business Mastermind event set to unfold in Bali, Indonesia from June 11 to 18, 2024. Tailored specifically for seasoned beauty professionals, including nail artists, hair stylists, make-up artists, and estheticians, the 8-day Mastermind program aims to elevate participants’ branding and entrepreneurial skills through personalized classroom interactions.
Limited to just 12 students, the intimate setting ensures focused attention and fosters a tight-knit community of like-minded beauty experts. Attendees will enjoy exclusive one-on-one time with Julie while expanding their professional network beyond the confines of digital connections.
The comprehensive curriculum comprises three live entrepreneurial masterclasses conducted by Julie herself, complemented by a branding photo shoot and a plethora of enriching activities. These include sunset dinners, visits to Bali’s renowned spas for indulgent treatments, and a heartwarming excursion to an orphanage to offer manicures, fostering a sense of altruism among participants.
Moreover, students will engage in hands-on training sessions with Julie, facilitating direct interaction, real-time Q&A sessions, and discussions on industry advancements. Access to an exclusive Facebook group will further enhance networking opportunities among peers and provide ongoing support from Julie.
Key highlights of the program include:
Masterclass #1: Social Media + Content Creation for Beauty Pros
Masterclass #2: BTS as a Freelance & Celebrity Beauty Pro
Masterclass #3: Media Mastery: Elevate your Presence and Establish Credibility
In addition to these masterclasses, participants can expect valuable resources, engaging activities, thoughtful gifting, and more. Further enhancing the experience, participants will enjoy luxurious 4-star private accommodation at the Citadines Berawa Beach Bali, along with a range of immersive cultural experiences such as a spiritual cleansing ceremony with a local healer, a private Ubud tour encompassing visits to iconic landmarks, rice fields, and temples, as well as private yoga sessions with Balinese instructors.
The program also includes nights out in Canggu and Seminyak, two fine dining experiences, private transportation, and airport transfers for added convenience. For those interested in pricing and registration details, visit https://www.julieknailacademy.com/mastermind