The Nail Safari
Nails From A to Z
Nail Safari
Dive into The Nail Safari! a five-day education adventure hosted at a stunning zoo just outside Cambridge, UK. Designed for nail techs of every level, this unique event delivers award-winning education, business inspiration, creative confidence, and unforgettable networking. Co-founded by industry icons Marian Newman BEM, Jennie Nippard, and Alex Fox, it’s a magical week where passion meets professionalism. Tune in and get ready to go wild for nails!
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From Nail Tech to Global Stage: The Lisa Boone Story
Nails From A to Z
From Nail Tech to Global Stage: The Lisa Boone Story
Discover the inspiring journey of Lisa Boone, world champion hand model, nail art guru, and award-winning manufacturer. Hailing from the outskirts of Chicago, Lisa’s passion and dedication have taken her from humble beginnings to global recognition as a nail art educator and industry leader. With over 30 years in the nail industry, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career, from working behind the table to becoming a world-famous hand model. In this episode, Lisa opens up about her experiences, challenges, and the mindset that helped her achieve international success. Let her story ignite yours.
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Did You Know Your Halloween Nails Hide More History Than You Imagine?
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
Halloween nails are more than just fun seasonal looks—they carry centuries of history, mystery, and even a touch of legend. Before gel polish and Instagram-worthy art, there was already a fascination with decorated nails. In ancient China, over three thousand years ago, royalty flaunted red, black, and gold lacquers as a sign of status. Cleopatra used henna to dye her nails as a symbol of power, while Babylonian warriors painted theirs before heading into battle.
Over time, myths and folklore added darker associations. While there are no records of medieval witches painting their nails, nail clippings were sometimes used in rituals for spells and protection. Some legends suggest witches may have experimented with oils, pigments, or ointments, though likely for ritual, not fashion.
By the 1970s, feminism and pop culture reimagined witches as icons of independence and style. Films and TV shows gave us glamorous, rebellious witches with bold makeup and striking nails. That influence lives on today, where Halloween nail palettes are dominated by deep blacks, pumpkin oranges, blood reds, ghostly greens, rich purples, and shimmering metallics.
Modern Halloween nail art draws on this legacy with endless creativity. Popular designs include spiderwebs, pumpkins, ghosts, and vampires, while adventurous artists explore gradients, textures, and 3D effects. At GlossaryLive, you’ll find tutorials that honor every side of the witchy spectrum:
For mysterious, classic witches:
Mandala Dotting, Art Deco Nail Design, French Masquerade, and 3D Sculpted Witch.
For extreme or fantastical flair:
Dragon Print, Crime Scene, Gilded Cages, Mini Monsters, and Frankenstein’s Bride.
For simple yet stunning looks:
Dagger Nail Art, Hidden Cat Eye Texture, Night Sky, and Vampire’s Rose.
This Halloween, your nails don’t just tell a story of style—they carry a legacy of power, myth, and artistry.
Nailympia Shines at Premiere Beauty Show San Antonio 2025
NAIL NEWS
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
The Premiere Beauty Show in San Antonio once again proved why it’s a must-attend event for beauty professionals. Set against the backdrop of the city’s famous River Walk, the 2025 show delivered bigger stages, more exhibitors, and an energy that captured the heart of the industry.
The nail sector was front and center, buzzing with excitement as brands and educators showcased their latest innovations. A highlight was Red Iguana’s first-ever trade show appearance, thrilling fans and marking a milestone moment for owner April Ryan. But the true heartbeat of nails pulsed on the competition floor with the third edition of Nailympia San Antonio.
Held September 28–29, the competition welcomed 58 competitors from 8 countries, testing their skills in both turn-in and live arena categories. Under the leadership of director Alex Fox and head judge Alisha Rimando, an esteemed panel of international judges presided over the event, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and artistry.
Day 1 featured Gel Polish, L&P Acrylic, Hard Gel, and Joy of Nails, alongside turn-in categories such as Reality Nails, Flat Art, and Extreme Nail Styling Posters. Each submission was a testament to hundreds of hours of dedication and creativity. Day 2 brought Salon Style and Stiletto Nails, culminating in a lively awards ceremony.
Top honors included Veronica Luviano as Top USA Tech, Nicolas Paggi of Argentina as Art Winner of Winners, and Italy’s Deborah Cocco taking home both Individual Top Scorer and the coveted Premiere Cup.
Experience the excitement of Premiere Beauty Show San Antonio 2025 with Alisha Rimando—watch the full vlog now!
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The TPO Ban: What It Means for Nail Professionals
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
On September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in all nail products. For decades, this ingredient has been safely used in gels to help them cure under UV and LED light. Now, nail professionals across Europe are being forced to throw away bottles of product, many half full, that they’ve relied on daily. This ban has left technicians frustrated, heartbroken, and financially strained, as they must not only dispose of stock but also learn to work with new formulas that may behave differently.
Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos has pointed out that the studies leading to this decision don’t reflect how TPO is actually used in the nail industry. The research was based on animals ingesting very large amounts of TPO, an unrealistic comparison to the way this ingredient is used in UV/LED gel nail products to activate the curing process in nail coatings. In her view, the risks under salon use are minimal.
Doug Schoon, nail industry scientist and educator, has also expressed concerns, warning that this is another example of regulation focused more on hazard labels than real-world risks. He believes the decision will lead to unnecessary waste of safe, trusted products and force professionals into abrupt changes without proper support.
As Alisha Rimando of GlossaryLive, I believe this transition should have been handled with fairness and foresight. Nail technicians are dedicated professionals who invest deeply in their craft and their tools. To suddenly strip them of products they’ve built their businesses on is damaging not only to their artistry but also to their livelihoods.
That said, there are already brands in the market offering 100% TPO-free options. More manufacturers are working quickly to reformulate, so technicians will have choices as this new reality sets in. It will take testing and retraining, but solutions are coming.
For those technicians in Europe, the industry is mourning with you and still fighting for fairness. For techs around the world who are concerned and feel they should get ahead of this, now is the time to audit your inventory, explore new TPO-free products, and begin preparing for change. By transitioning early, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next, instead of reacting under pressure.
Alex Fox: A Global Journey of Nail Industry Inspiration
Nails From A to Z
Alex Fox: A Global Journey of Nail Industry Inspiration
From London to New York, Alex Fox’s career is a celebration of passion for the nail industry. Beginning with magazine photoshoots and rising to lead one of the world’s most prestigious nail competitions, Alex has built a legacy as an award-winning editor, educator, and creative visionary. Her achievements have strengthened the industry, inspiring creatives everywhere to push boundaries and express themselves without limits.
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Countdown to Nailympia San Antonio – Are You Ready to Compete?
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
The clock is ticking. On September 28 & 29, Premiere San Antonio will once again host Nailympia USA, now in its third year, and the competition floor is set to welcome some of the most talented nail professionals in the country. Competitors will go head-to-head in a variety of categories, from salon perfection to extreme design, all aiming for that coveted trophy and a shot at Global Cup glory.
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This year’s San Antonio event is extra significant. It’s the final U.S. stop in the competition season before the Global Cup winners are announced following the London Nailympia in October. That means every score, every detail, and every judge’s note could make the difference between placing and taking the title.
If you’re competing, now is the time to get laser-focused on your preparation. And there’s one resource that can give you the upper hand: Competition Secrets at GlossaryLive University.
Taught by Alisha Rimando, World Champion and Head Judge of all U.S. Nailympia events, Competition Secrets delivers insider strategies you won’t find anywhere else. In this exclusive course, Alisha breaks down exactly what judges are looking for, the small mistakes that cost big points, and proven methods to prepare and perform at your best.
With just nine days before the competition kicks off, this is your moment to refine your technique, perfect your timing, and walk into San Antonio with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Whether you’re a first-time competitor or chasing the Global Cup, Competition Secrets is your fast track to stepping onto the podium.
Premiere San Antonio. Nailympia USA. September 28 & 29. The competition is fierce. Will you be ready?
GlossaryLive Celebrates Nail Artistry at THE BLONDS Spring 2026 Runway Show
NEWSWORTHY
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
GlossaryLive was honored to join the nail celebration at THE BLONDS Spring 2026 Collection during New York Fashion Week, hosted at the opulent Prince George Ballroom on 28th & Madison. The show, themed “BLONDS OF PARADISE,” was a dazzling escape into an urban jungle oasis that also drew inspiration from the striking birds of paradise flower, a symbol of exotic beauty, vibrancy, and allure.
Backstage, the atmosphere buzzed as models, hairstylists, makeup artists, and nail technicians worked in harmony. Kien Hoang for Oribe styled sleek updos, many adorned with custom fascinators accented with sparkling crystals by Preciosa. Makeup by Deney Adam for MAC Cosmetics heightened the drama with bold metallic eyes and luminous skin, complementing the stunning ensembles of THE BLONDS, styled by Mario Solares.
As the models graced the runway in sheer flowing capes, crystal-studded bodysuits, and towering Christian Louboutin heels, the effect was pure spectacle—sexy, theatrical, and unforgettable. Lil’ Kim, among other celebrities, watched from the front row before celebrating at the private afterparty with David and Phillipe Blond at the Rif Raf Club atop the Virgin Hotel.
THE BLONDS truly celebrated the artistry of nails, appointing Jan Arnold, in collaboration with Glitterbels, with full creative reign to accentuate their designs. Each technician was assigned 3–4 models, and some were even provided swatches of THE BLONDS fabrics to weave into their nail looks. The textures, colors, and patterns were thoughtfully detailed to ensure every set complemented the garments perfectly. Each artist meticulously created 15–25 handcrafted nails per model to guarantee a flawless fit.
“With Glitterbels you have over 2,000 opportunities to create amazing looks,” Jan beamed backstage, celebrating the designs made with Glitterbels products. The nails showcased a breathtaking range—from sleek chrome finishes and 3D floral elements to shimmering glitters, stacked charms, dangling accents, and large gemstone embellishments. Glitterbels founders Elliott and Annabel Maginnis were present backstage with Jan Arnold, while Annabel engaged with the media as the artistry team prepared to apply the final looks.
The talented nail artist team included: Annabel Maginnis, Jan Nordstrom Arnold, Charli Jepson, Jennie Nippard, Valérie Ducharme, Giselle Caballero, Meagan Grant, Tamara Di Lullo, Mary Lou Roy, and Tatchi.
GlossaryLive proudly spotlights these visionary artists, whose hundreds of hours of preparation transformed nails into couture-worthy works of art, perfectly in sync with THE BLONDS’ extravagant vision.
Richard Hurter: 40 Years of Innovation at KUPA Inc.
Nails From A to Z
Richard Hurter: 40 Years of Innovation at KUPA Inc.
Discover the remarkable journey of Richard Hurter, whose career began in a machine shop and evolved into a leadership role that revolutionized the nail industry. In this exclusive podcast interview, Richard shares how passion, vision, and innovation transformed KUPA Inc. from a distribution house in the 1990s into a global leader in e-files and salon equipment. As KUPA celebrates 40 years of excellence, Richard reflects on the milestones, challenges, and ideals that fueled the company’s growth. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication that drives KUPA forward and learn what’s next for this pioneering brand in professional nail technology.
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Master the Art of Layered Nail Painting with Margarita Yutsaytis | GlossaryLive MasterClass
WHAT'S INSIDE GLOSSARYLIVE
ARTICLE BY ALISHA RIMANDO | PUBLISHED IN 2025
GlossaryLive’s latest MasterClass series with award-winning nail artist Margarita Yutsaytis is a must-watch for any nail professional ready to elevate their hand-painted designs. Across three captivating episodes, Margarita reveals her signature transparent layering technique—an approach she learned from a traditional artist that creates depth, realism, and striking detail without overworking the design.
In Episode 1, she brings a lush tropical leaf to life, starting with textured white underpainting and then blending rich greens with precision highlights.
Episode 2 moves into layered florals, combining shades of purple, orange, and pink for soft yet bold blooms, encouraging artists to personalize each petal.
In Episode 3, Margarita takes it up a notch with an advanced tropical flower, layering coral, fuchsia, and golden yellow for showstopping impact. Each lesson builds on the last, giving you a toolkit for creating cohesive, professional-level nail art sets.
After the series, we asked Margarita about her technique. She explained that layering begins with correct underpainting—once that’s right, colors naturally fall into place, forming shadows and highlights. While she doesn’t use layering for every design, it’s her go-to for realistic work, from flowers and leaves to animals and even abstract art.
Her favorite designs? Contrasting compositions that mix fiery flowers with lush greenery. She recommends working with gel paints of medium consistency and rich pigmentation, alongside a well-pigmented white base. A 10-color palette is plenty for mixing endless shades, and natural bristle brushes are her top choice for smooth blending.
For those eager to learn more, Margarita also offers live trainings at her salon, with updates posted on her official website. Her advice to aspiring artists: “Push yourself. Don’t be afraid of complexity—it’s where your style truly develops.”
Whether you’re just starting in hand-painted nail art or are an experienced artist looking for advanced inspiration, this MasterClass delivers both the technical foundation and creative spark you need. Watch the full three-part series now on GlossaryLive.com and bring your tropical visions to life.
