First Look Fridays: Manicurist Erica Marton

Loyal readers will know I'm a bit obsessed with nails. So it comes as no surprise that today I'm featuring celebrity manicurist Erica Marton! She's been doing nails for 11 years and currently works for FacePlace in New York's Meatpacking District. Her work has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to Time Out New York. Read on to discover the nail polish brands she can't live without, her top nail tips and so much more!

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I consider myself a healer. I believe you have to take care of yourself because no one else will. It's more then just a pretty polish, when you look good on the outside you feel great on the inside.

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
As long as I can remember have been in love with fashion, hair, nails, makeup and all that glam. When I was a little girl I would beg my sister to paint my nails. She painted them red for my 11th birthday and ever since then it’s been a lovely life of manicures and pedicures.

After I finished nail school, I worked in a couple salons in Florida. I moved to NYC seven years ago, where my love and passion for my work has led me to work with some of the most talented celebs along with the everyday working girl. I think if you love what you do you will be successful no matter what. I care about how the client feels, I want them just to be happy and relaxed after they sit with me.

Have you worked with any manicurists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
I have worked with some of the most amazing people in the industry: manicurists, hairstylists, makeup artists. But as far as any manicurist "inspiring" me -- yes, they inspired me to do better. I would see a lot of the same problem. It was like a puzzle, all the pieces were there they just couldn't find the matching pieces. Which I feel I have, I never want my client to leave my chair without feeling 100 percent satisfied.

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
I have a lot of great moments in my career, I'm lucky to love my job and be myself. But some of the bigger highlights were:

1) Being in The New York Times and Health Magazine along with other publications

2) Sharing chicken fingers with Fantasia (American Idol) while we were shooting a video for her

3) Meeting and getting to know QTip while watching The Cosby Show (I really love music and hip hop is on the top of my list)

4) Just knowing people make appointments every day just to come see me when they could go anywhere else in the city. That is the biggest highlight of my career -- that's what all manicurists strive for, being in demand.


What are your favorite nail polishes and why?
My favorite nail polishes are Essie and O.P.I -- these polishes were made for manicurists. They last so long and the colors are always new and up to trend. I also like Chanel, the colors are always one of a kind. They always set the trend. I love it!


Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat


Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover


Qtica Half Time Polish Drying Accelerator


Flash Shiner Nail Buffer

All of the above are AMAZING! I can not live without!!

What are your top 3 nail tips?

1) Keep a file in your purse or bag at all times.

2) Never cut your own cuticles (I have seen some bad "at home" jobs)

3) Two or three days after your manicure, put top coat. It makes the manicure last so much longer!

What do you see as the emerging nail trends for spring and summer?
Lavender, grey (of course), different shades of green and pinkish reds. If these are not your style and it seems a lil' too different, I always say you can never go wrong with a good red. If that's too much, then keep it clean and cute with a buff shine. Just make sure those fingers and toes are well-groomed.

Being a manicurist must be fun -- but what do you do in your free time?
It's so much fun being a manicurist!!! But when I have free time I am just like all the other girls -- anything fashion, anything vampire and anything with culture. Meeting my best friend in the city for lunch, spending way too much time in Sephora playing with makeup, having a cozy night in spending time with loved ones, going to Florida to see my family and friends. I also like to just chill out and listen to music while looking through one of my nail magazines, oh and I love movies old and new I have been watching TCM lately those ladies invented glam!!!

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