Session nail technician Andrea Fulerton discovers that movie star Mischa Barton is a true professional

The model was 16 years old and had taken a day off school. I gave her her first manicure and painted her nails in a colour I mixed myself (using a drop of an old Leighton Denny black varnish combined with OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark) to make an extremely dark, dried ox blood-like shade. OPI's new France-inspired collection has a similar shade I'm Fondue of  You, while Yes I Can-Can is gorgeous for this winter too. Don't ya just dig those names?

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

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.

DENNY'S DIARY

Hurrah its summer at last!  I've been so busy I feel like I need to be cloned three times over.  That's why I'm looking forward to my holiday at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu.  And talking about far flung places, my brand is now going international...

TAKING ON THE WORLD

* Is the world ready for Leighton Denny?  Well it must be as my brand has now launched in New Zealand and is going into 10 spas straight away.

* I am also about to conquer the German market by launching onto the German QVC shopping channel.  It's been so exciting, my team and I have been on a whirlwind visit, training the QVC presenter and more than 100 staff.

* My brand is now building up a strong following in Ireland, where I recently hosted a master class for the Irish media, followed by a black tie dinner.

GERI'S IN THE PINK

I've been spending lots of time with my pal Geri Haliwell. 

I painted her nails in her favourite shade Butterfly Wings -- a pretty iridescent pink for an appearance on The Friday Night Project.

Geri also invited me to her book launch at London Zoo.  As it was a delicious book for children featuring a feisty character called Ugenia Lavender, I took my cute little goddaughter Emel and her mum Joleen along with me.

DEAR LEIGHTON

Q I'm thoroughly confused about cuticle care.  The way I was taught at college 10 years ago seems to be totally out-of-date.  Can you give me a clear guide to pass on to my staff?

A No problem -- this is the advice on cuticle care that we teach during my own training courses. 

The cuticle is the edge of the skin above the nail matric; it protects the soft new nail as it emerges.  The cuticle skin is very thin and at the extreme of the body.  Less moisture is delivered to it and it is prone to dryness, so condition frequently at home and in the salon with specialist cuticle oil.

I would not advise cutting the cuticles as cuticle scissors, nippers or knives can cause damage, even in skilled hands.  Cutting cuticles will only encourage thicker and tougher growth, while damage to the cuticles can allow bacteria to enter the body causing infection.  Only use the cuticlesnippers to clip off loose (snags) cuticle or hangnails to prevent the client pulling these off themselves....Ouch!

To look attractive, the cuticle needs to be freed from the nail surface and shaped to an even contour.  An exfoliating cream with AHAs will shed the skin gently and naturally, while moisturising at the same time.  Cuticle products with traditional formulations containing alkaline ingredients (such as potassium hydroxide) should be avoided as they can damage the skin.

TOP TIPS

How to achieve a long-lasting polish

Achieving a long-lasting, even polish is easy if you follow the golden rules for painting.  Painting nails is really just like decorating -- if the surface is not prepared properly, no matter how well you paint on your polish, it will not last.

* Remove old polish thoroughly with a non-acetone remover.

* File and shape the nail with a crystal nail file to seal and smooth the free edge of the nail, which prevents polish chips on the extreme edge of the nail.

* Polish will not adhere to cuticle, so use an AHA cuticle remover to clear the nail plate.

* Buff and treat dry ridged, flaky nails to ensure even paint coverage.

* De-grease the nail plate with polish remover.  Make sure it has completely evaporated before proceeding.

* Prime the nail with a matte treatment basecoat designed to grip on to the nail and chosen colour.

* Apply two thin coats of polish.  Look after your polish.  It should be in tip-top condition and exactly the right consistency -- too thick and your polish will not dry; too thin and it will stripe.

* Coat the nails with a proprietary topcoat, preferably with UVA filters to keep the colour fresh.

* Fix with a silicone-based fast-drying product.

The store has stepped things up this year by using a world-famous model who will appeal to all age groups. She's Yasmin Le Bon - the wife of Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran fame.

andrea@andreafulerton.com

The correct nailcare products, and an effective homecare routine, will help clients eliminate common nail disorders. Sasha Lill reports

SUMMER LOVING

The first nail colour collections of the year usually encompass pretty pastels and nearly-nude shades - ideal for the traditional spring bridal market.  However, there are some very strong trends emerging, so get your sunglasses at the ready and prepare to be dazzled. Annette Hanford reports

HIPPY

Anything goes - the free-thinking and fabulous will be teaming gladiator-style sandals with hippie attire this season. Forget grunge and go glam with perfectly pedicured toes

Love Colour is a lively collection from Orly, including: First Kiss (demure pink); Secret Admirer (subtle peach); My Beau (vanilla); Dreamboat (nude); Crush on You (orange pop); and Butterflies (lively pink)

LCN has a selection of soft shades for spring: Restful Violet; Fresh Orange; Hot Pink; and Light Rose

Make a statement with SpaRitual's Awakened range. Choose from: Paradigm Shift (creamy nude); Epiphany (soft petal pink); Plugged In (vivid flamingo pink); Alive (fiery tangerine); Aroused (classic red); and Mindful (deep berry)

GLOBAL NOMAD

This is a term coined by the fashion magazines to describe a blend of ethnic and tribal prints. Clashing colours and styles from around the world are set to be all the rage

Indulge your inner diva with Leighton Denny's It's So Me, including Whatever (creamy mauve); Copycat (bubblegum pink); In the Buff (coffee cream); Made to Measure (lilac); Perfect to Party (orange sorbet); So LA (vibrant fucshia); and Starkers (barely-there nude)

OPI's India Collection combines some tasty treats, including Get me to the Taj on Time (pale opal); ElePhantastic Pink (carnation pink); I'm Indi-a Mood for Love (hot pink); Lunch at the Delhi (coral); Monsooner or Later (orangey-red); Keys to my Karma (rich red); Moon Over Mumbai (soft grey); Yoga-ta Get this Blue (dark blue); Royal Rajah Ruby (burgundy); Curry Up Don't be Late (gold); Black Cherry Chutney (black-red); and Charmed by a Snake (bronze)

Walk like an Egyptian is the latest treasure from Jessica. The shades are: Cleopatra's Rule (hot pink); Build me a Pyramid (light lavender); King Tut's Gem (turquoise); Desert Rose (pearl pink); Pharaoh (fuchsia); and Great Sphinx (red)

FLORAL

Whether pretty pastels or bold floral prints, flower power is set to be big. Romance is the theme, and when love is in the air, these soft, barely-there sheers are also ideal for brides

Orly's Sugar Coated collection is like a handful of sugared almonds. It comprises: Rock Candy (pearl); Meringue (diamond shine); Taffy (soft peach); Cupcake (pink rose); Petit Four (heather); and Bon Bon (lilac)

Blissfull is Zoya's softer option of summery shades. They include: Miley (sheer lilac); Laurie (sheer candy pink); Lulu (sheer peach); Felicity (shimmering golden rose); Penelope (copper rose cream); and Zanna (tea rose cream)

Let Essie get you In the Mood. Choose from: Hi Maintenance (sheer pink); Great Expectations (sheer grey); Body Language (putty); Secret Affair (opalescent pink); Hard to Get (flirty pink); and Looking for Love (sheer lavender)

RAINBOW BRIGHTS

Purple is the new black. Think Crayola colours,80s-inspired neon and a whole host of striking colours. Fuchsia and corals are hot, along with metallics and sparkly shimmers

Let your creativity run wild with Creative's Plexi Pop collection of sheer brights. Choose from Retro White (opaque white); Clearly Pink (sheer pink); Nail Gloss (delicate pink); Plexi Pink (vibrant opalescent pink); Translucent Tangerine (sheer coral shimmer); and Turquoise Tint (sheer aqua)

Also from Zoya, Utopia combines rich, jewel-like colours. They are Irene (shimmery sage green); Akyra (peacock green); Tama (bright pink); Kamilah (metallic scarlet); Juno (deep purple); and Austine (soft gold)

   Throughout the summer of 2007, I had the pleasure of maintaining the natural nail overlays of TV chef, author and mother Nigella Lawson for her BBC series Nigella Express, which, fortunately for me, was filmed close to where I live in Battersea. I've been doing Nigella's delicate digits for several years now, using Creative's Retention liquid and powder, and Nailtiques' oil to name but a couple of my preferred products. Nigella also really likes Essie's nail varnish colours - Potato Fields, Mademoiselle and Chanel are among her favourite shades, and she especially likes a classic red for her toes.

While filming the series, which aired weekly, I in-filled the re-growth around every 10 days as her nails grow pretty fast. During filming, continuity is crucial. There are lots of close-ups and focus on Nigella's hands during filming, so her nails not only have to look identical throughout each programme, but throughout the series in case of any retakes. However, apart from photoshoots and covershots, she rarely wears a colour on her fingernails so keeping things uniform wasn't a major issue. We also found time to shoot the images for her accompanying book in between filming.

Session nail technician, Andrea Fulerton, experiences the pressures and pleasures of working with a British Pop icon

Last year, I wrote in my column that I had to sign my third confidentiality form after manicuring and painting the nails of a British music icon for her new album cover and press shots. Well, the album was released, but I forgot to reveal my mystery lady’s identity – it was the gorgeous, uber-talented, world renowned and respected Annie Lennox. Here, at last, are the images for her album Songs of Mass Destruction.

I wasn’t aware of the shots being released for press use prior to the album release, so I was pretty pleased, flicking through my Sunday newspaper, and recognising the front cover from our album shoot day – complete with a glimpse of my silver nails.

NAILING TRENDS

"I’ve been getting lots of calls from beauty journalists, asking my opinion on nail trends for the spring/summer season, but how long is a piece of string?"

Now the buzz and excitement of the festive season has died away, use this quiet time wisely. If you are looking at taking on a new brand, use the time to train – and don’t forget those refresher courses to keep up to date with your product knowledge and techniques

DIAMOND DAY AT SPA FOR LAUNCH OF MY LINE

I had a fabulous time at The Grove spa in Hertfordshire for the launch of my line, starting with a dinner for leading beauty journalists in its fantastic and glamorous restaurant. The next morning, the journalists were treated to my exclusive Diamond Signature manicure.

Everyone loved it and we had a wonderful write-up on Marie Claire’s online magazine.
Another great launch was at Ragdale Hall, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, where I met many of the therapists – a great bunch of dedicated girls.

Read on for my CELEBRITY NEWS...

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Nails turned punk at London Fashion Week. Annette Hanford reports

Worn down and chipped nails do not normally go hand-in-hand with the glamorous world of fashion, nor are they usually associated with Essie and the team at Perfect Nails. However, a chance catwalk collaboration at London Fashion Week saw models adorning distinctly distressed nails at the Aganovich show.

PIC: JENNY PAINTS A MODEL'S NAILS

The show’s stylist called upon Essie nail tech Jenny Longworth to create a look to complement the underlying rebellious nature of the clothing. With anarchist and urban warrior vibes, a distressed look was used to give a metaphorical two-fingered salute, associated with the punk era.

INSPIRATION ALL ROUND

Let me begin by wishing a happy New Year to all. I can’t believe 2008 is here – the years seem to get shorter, just like the trend for nail length last year.

The back-end of 2007 brought nail bling galore, especially the metallic hues – Leighton Denny’s Golden Girl varnish featured in Elle magazine’s December issue, as did my “all things metallic” shoot. I hope it inspired nail techs and clients alike to be a little more adventurous with their nails over the festive season, as well as all year round.

PIC: ANDREA'S WORK IN PRINT

Talking of Mr Denny -- a big congratulations for winning the Cosmopolitan Beauty Award for Best Nail Rescuer for the second year and also for Harpers Bazaar’s Best Nail File. He really helped to keep all things nails at the forefront of the consumer beauty press in 2007 – so keep up the good work Leighton.

A big well done also to...

LA TRIP FOR WINNERS

Anne Berrett has been named The Natural Nail Company's salesperson of the year - the company's most coveted award, which recognises dedication, excellence and unparalleled success.

Anne, Dawn and Sarah toast the high life

Lerwick- and Inverness-based Sleeping Beauty has scooped the top prize in the Small Business category of the Scottish Edge Awards 2007, which recognise organisations offering practical-learning opportunities for young people. The prize comes with a grant of £5,000 for the company to invest in training plans.

Mavala further cemented its presence in the Middle Eastern market by holding a series of seminars and workshops in Iran, in recognition of the country’s thriving beauty industry.

Another selection of the latest seasonal offerings to boost salon sales during the festive period.

Read on to find out what's in store from Masters Colors, Nubar, LCN, Barbara Bort and SkinTruth, including "bootiful" nail art, mini marvels and a one-stop-shop-solution.

Did you know that more retail sales are made during the run up to the festive period than at any other time of the year?

So stock up now on manicure and pedciure gift sets and make this your best christmas yet!

Nubar

NATURAL BORN WINNER

In 1999 hotel receptionist Linda Butler decided on a different career, but after offering nail extensions, she changed her mind again and took the "natural route".

Linda collects her award from host Ben Shepherd from GMTV

Linda of Just Nails in Poole, Dorset, tells Annette Hanford just what it takes to become Manicurist of the Year 2007.