NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND FROM ANDREA FULERTON -- OUR JET-SET SESSION NAIL TECH

POLICE, CAMERA, ACTION

Phew...I'm just back from doing a dozen express 10-minute 'file and paints' in just two hours in the ChiBar in downtown Chicago.

It was for US TV channel TNT, which was hosting a launch evening for the fourth series of The Closer with Kyra Sedgwick (Kevin Bacons wife).

Guests, industry people and fans alike convened to snack on canapés and cocktails and watch the first instalment.

As they checked-in, they were offered a manicure on a first come first served basis with myself and an assistant called Edie that my US agent, Ford, had sent along too.

The view from the bar was spectacular as it's on one of the rivers running into Chicago from Lake Michigan.  

 One of the show's lead actors GW Bailey, right, previously of Police Academy fame, was there to say a few words. He was a fun, personable chap who took great pleasure taking the mickey of my accent! 

He opted for a snack break rather than have me tidy his nails.

READ ON FOR TREND NEWS

Continue reading "FULERTON FILES -- SEPTEMER 2008" »

FISHY FRIENDS

Strange things are afoot, literally, at Yvonne Hair & Nails Salon in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington DC.

We all saw it in the last series of Ugly Betty, but check out the salon's site which details its full treatment list, including flesh eating pedicures!

John Ho, who runs the salon with his wife, believes his is the only salon in the US to offer the Dr Fish massage treatment.

The fabulous full story can be found here too, under "weird" on The Telegraph's website.

What's the strangest treatment you've ever had, or perhaps you offer something equally unusual in your salon.  Let us know what you think.

One such person who has adopted this philosophy is Eve Toole, owner of the Bromsgrove-based Chessgrove Day Spa. 

Eve's environmental approach began when the price of oil started to rise. Concerned over the costs of heating the spa, she looked at alternatives before settling on a wood chip biomass-fuelled boiler. Not only would this cut energy bills, but it would add a green theme to the spa and set Eve on a path to evolve Chessgrove's eco element.

Eve explains that the initial cost of installing the system was high, but it promised good cost savings, along with heating the pools to a higher temperature of 32˚C - ideal as the spa also runs a swim school. The pool also benefits from a UV filter to help reduce the amount of chlorine needed, while the roof benefits from an expandable foam insulation to help reduce heat loss.

Eco chic is now at the forefront of a developing luxury market and Chessgrove's premium offering fits this new demand perfectly.

MORE FOLLOWS

Continue reading "SPA PROFILE: CHESGROVE" »

Session nail technician Andrea Fulerton likes a  comprehensive call sheet -- and to know whether lunch is provided (or not!) when she's out and about on location in the name of duty.

I am back in Chicago spending the summer with my now fiancé, Sal.

We've got a lake-front flat and sunshine galore - oh yes, and work! My agent here, Ford Models Artist Division, had me booked on a cover shoot for the local magazine, Chicago Social, or CS as it's more commonly known, for its bi-monthly interiors issue.

We shot at a house in Lincoln Park. I now know what OPI was getting at with Lincoln Park after Dark from its ingeniously Chicago-themed range of varnishes from a few seasons ago. The area is very rich and luxurious - just like the midnight-matte purple lacquer.

Session work here in mid-America isn't much different to working in London - it all begins with your call sheet to tell you all you need to know about the shoot. It will list what the job is for and for what issue. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell you where you can park, how to commute or how long it will take to get there - which can be a bit tricky if you are new in town.

The call sheet will also tell you how many models you will be working on. However, there is no indication whether they have natural nails, artificial extensions or barely any nails at all, which can sometimes call for quick thinking (oh, and some acrylic). Then there's the matter of which colour or look to choose. It would be so helpful if I could just get a clue as to what they are looking for. And will there be any feet on show? I always pack a foot scrub and baby wipes (ideal when things need to be done quickly and water isn't available), along with toenail clippers and a foot file, just in case!

Finally, it's not imperative, but it would also be good to know how many shots the editor and photographer are hoping to get that day, if breakfast is provided as well as lunch (I've been caught short on this one), and if you are shooting outside and suitable clothing is required. The moral is to be prepared and take everything.

I have some personal nail growth of my own. Since I got engaged I now have nails of my own. I have a beautiful ring that is set quite high, so I've been getting used to wearing it and not catching it. I have had to be far more delicate and lady-like and haven't been bashing them around in the bottom of my handbag anymore.

I've also got more daring with my choice of colours.  I went through a phase of Leighton Denny's Viva La Diva, but changed to a perfect coral as the sun came out. When I have a busy week, I wear a low maintenance but still 'there and groomed' hue, such as Essie's Atlantis Pearl. It's a baby pink with a hint of pearl white that is more forgiving when it comes to showing wear and tear.

* Andrea Fulerton is a session nail technician.

Fat and dimpled skin leaves unmistakeable traces; signs of sagging slyly settle around the bust or hips, under the buttocks, and in the hollows of the knees - but help is at hand. Yon-Ka has launched Phyto-Fermete Body, an anti-sagging body-boosting treatment that reactivates epidermal functions and stimulates tissue tone.

In one hour, this deliciously aromatic treatment provides a 'lifting' effect for the body, using the power of firming, restructuring and toning essential oils and plant extracts on targeted areas. Star ingredient is rosemary, an intense firming agent that is reinforced with ingredients such as hops, eucalyptus, sage and horsetail, beech buds, silicon and vitamin E, to energise, stimulate and restructure the epidermis.

The treatment, which promises to stimulate vitality and firm contours, starts with an encompassing aromatic Phyto-Bain compress on ankles and feet, accompanied by relaxing acupressure techniques. Focus is then given to problem areas using special manual techniques and firming products, Galbol 190 and Phyto 152. This is followed by a body massage using Energising Huile Corps 3.

Midway through the treatment, sagging areas are bandaged (coated with Emulsion Concentree with five Yon-Ka Quintessence Essential Oils - lavender, cypress, rosemary, thyme and geranium), and wrapped in an isothermal blanket. For 20 minutes, the firming ingredients work deep down, while releasing gentle warmth and bringing calm to mind and body. Treatment ends with a refreshing, all-over body massage.

* RRP treatment price from £75-£95/60 minutes

Aveda returns to its Ayurvedic roots with the launch of Chakra Balancing Body Mists, professional Chakra Balancing Massage, and professional-only Chakra Balancing Blends.

Each chakra can affect wellness, thus when one chakra is blocked there is an imbalance resulting in a diminished sense of wellbeing, says Aveda. So, Aveda Chakra uses specially-formulated aromas and holistic massage therapy to harmonise these energy centres promoting health, balance and personal growth.

Formulated according to authentic Ayurvedic chakra balancing traditions, the seven aromatic body sprays (for retail) and professional blends are linked to the seven main chakras, or energy centres, located along the spine - juncture points between mind and body - to bring balance. 

They are:

Chakra 1: root centre (Muladhara) at the base of the spine (around the tailbone). Key aroma ingredients: patchouli, vetiver and olibanum

Chakra 2: pleasure centre (Svadhisthana) just below the navel. Key aroma ingredients: orange, geranium and sandalwood

Chakra 3: solar plexus centre (Manipura).  Key aroma ingredients: lavender, fir balsam and lemon

Chakra 4: heart centre (Anahata). Key aroma ingredients: mandarin, palmarosa and sandalwood

Chakra 5: throat centre (Visuddha). Key aroma ingredients: grapefruit, rosemary and ylang ylang

Chakra 6: third eye centre (Ajna). Key aroma ingredients: petitgrain, orange, and geranium

Chakra 7: crown centre (Sahasrara) top of the head. Key aroma ingredients: angelica root, elemi and olibanum

Chakra journey cards guide clients in determining which chakra aroma is needed to promote balance. The cards are laid randomly in front of the client who selects the three cards they identify with most. They then experience each of these three aromas with an Aveda sensory journey, and select one aroma to inspire balance and wellbeing for that day.

Aveda's sensory journey is also experienced before a Chakra Balancing Massage. This 60-minute holistic treatment helps to centre the chakras using massage techniques in conjunction with the aroma-therapeutic Chakra Balancing Blends. It combines deep tissue massage, reflexology and visualisation techniques - with a focus on harmonising each of the seven energy chakra centres of the body. 

Clients are also guided through gentle meditation, which helps reduce stress, decrease muscular tension and increase the energy and healing potential of the treatment.

Male grooming has evolved from the humble flint edge - used as a shaving tool - to an ever-increasing array of dedicated products and treatments.

As a tribute to it's 'stone age' roots, Flint Edge is the latest offering to the market, addressing the specific needs of men's skin.

The brainchild of Ratan Daryani (a senior executive at the Body Shop and co-founder of Virgin Cosmetics), Flint Edge is not only about providing men with a system that fits into their lifestyles, but products that really work.

The company boasts a stash of premium ingredients (including vitamins and botanicals) and male-specific formulations to address specific skin and bodycare needs.

Ratan's extensive knowledge of cosmetics retailing, combined with product development and formulation, has resulted in the creation of this natural-based head-to-toe range.

"Flint Edge has been created to appeal to the stylish, masculine man who cares about his overall appearance," says Ratan. "But he doesn't have time to mess around with too many lotions and potions, which is why I have started with a core range of products."

With fresh, clean packaging, Flint Edge products take a straight-forward, almost 'Ronseal' approach - ie, it does what it says on the can. However, to simplify purchase choices, it also provides a description of the product, what it does and how to use it, along with a summary of the key ingredients and how they work. 

The range launched with seven lightly-fragranced products, and with its latest addition of a facial moisturiser is now up to nine. The rich and active formulation is paraben-free and contains inventive ingredients such as natural, caffeine-like guarana to wake up the face and sacha inchi, which is rich in omega 3 and 6, along with anti-oxidant pomegranate and nourishing vitamins.

Trialled on men of all ages, they have also got the thumbs-up from women - for the all important 'cuddle test', that is, for scent, textures and finish on the skin.
Priced between £7 and £15 (RRP), Ratan believes the products give value for money, providing salons with increased retail and treatment opportunities.

Currently available in prestigious retail outlets such as Fortnum & Mason, Fenwicks and Whole Foods, Ratan is working to further develop the product range and treatment side for salons, as well as building a training and education package.

THE RANGE

* Shaving Cream * Exfoliating Facial Scrub * Aftershave Balm * Face Moisturiser * Body Wash Gel  * Sports Rub * Hair Putty * Sports Rub * Foot Refresher 

* Mini try-me packs and gift sets are also available

Get a flawless finish on paint jobs with Orly's Flawless Fix nail corrector pen. Great for little slip-ups or for perfecting French manicure smile lines, glide the polish remover-saturated tips over the offending mistake for instant correction. Great for in-salon use and retailing to clients, each pen comes with three replacement tips.

RETRO NAIL POLISHES

Take trip back the 70s and have some Retro Fun in the Sun with OPI's limited-edition collection.  Inpsired by the catwalks, the six shades are: Peach-A-Boo (apricot sparkle); Sit Under the Apple Tree (light apple green); Lemonade Stand By Your Man (refreshing yellow); Give Me a Coral Sometime (pink-orange): Calendar Girl (pink-red), and Sea Ya Later Sailor (turquoise shimmer).

NATURAL NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Couleur Caramel has launched what is believed to be the first 100% natural nail polish remover certified by EcoCert and COSMEBIO.  Formaldehyde-free, it removes polish while bringing moisture to the nails.  Key ingredient is organic caster oil, which softens and protects cuticles.  Available through Thalgo.

NOURISHING FOOT CREAM

Use La Biosthetique's Intensive Care for Your Feet regularly to help gently smooth away rough, dry skin.  Containing nourishing shea butter, it features antiseptic eucalyptus and lavender oils along with anti-bacterial sage to combat odour.  As well as strengthening allantoin, it also contains lactic acid to heal any chapped skin.

SWEET-SMELLING SHOES

Keep precious pumps and summer shoes perspiration-free this summer with Mavala's Talcum Powder for Feet.  It contains the company's Deo Active formula to fight bacteria and keep feet both dry and odour-free during the warmer weather.

   ...AND MANSCARA?

Yep, that's what I thought when leafing through the Metro half asleep this morning.

The paper detailed the story that Superdrug is selling a male eyeliner -- known as Guy Liner -- under the Taxi Man label.

Previously a long-standing accessory for punks, goths and now emos -- it is the first time the store has sold colour cosmetics for men.

Futher investigation shows that The Mirror also runs the story about the range -- which also includes Manscara -- which goes on sale in stores next week.

It reads: "The Taxi Man range includes Manscara, mascara for men, and Guy-Liner, for men which chunkier fingers, to use.

Superdrug which launches the range on 6 August, said sales of male grooming items had doubled since 2005.

Men now spend £700million a year on trying to look good.

Superdrug's Jeff Wemyss said: "Men are more obsessed with their appearance than ever,"

Celebrities Russel Brand, Alex Zane and Robbie Williams all admit using eyeliner.

Taxi Man creator Peter Kelly said: "It all about subtle makeup rather than wanting to create the drag queen look".

 

PICTURES: JOHNNY DEPP AND RUSSELL BRAND HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR! PIC COURTESY OF REX FEATURES