First Look Fridays Interview Series: Manicurist Katie Masters of Nail Thoughts

I think it's pretty clear by now that I love all things nails. My Instagram feed is littered with nail artists whose work I admire and appreciate, people whose work inspires me daily. And at the top of the list? Katie Masters of Nail Thoughts. Katie's work is unmatched -- it's meticulous, unique and downright beautiful. I'm pretty sure I've liked every photo she's posted for the last year! All that's left now is for me to visit her Santa Monica salon for some gorgeous nail art of my very own. Read on to find out what led her to become a manicurist, the gel she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Manicurist and Nail Artist Nikki Diamond

Sometimes the best people come into your life in the most unexpected ways. Two years ago, during a trip to Los Angeles (my final trip before I moved two months later), I happened upon Nikki Diamond, a manicurist and nail artist at The House of Polish. I was randomly assigned to her, and I knew that I wanted purple nails with some sort of nail polish bottle art. Other than that, I was totally open to the design. Nikki and I connected instantly, and the design she created was SO GOOD. I seriously couldn't stop staring at my nails! (You'll have to keep reading to see what she did. Trust me, you're going to love it.) She's since moved to Las Vegas, but we've kept in touch over Instagram, and I knew I needed to feature her on The Beauty of Life -- because she is not only an incredible nail artist, but a truly inspiring person. Read on to find out how she got her start as a manicurist, the nail polishes she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Celebrity Manicurist Jolene Brodeur

Doing nails for everyone from Sharon Osbourne and Vanessa Williams to America Ferrera and Dakota Johnson means that celebrity manicurist Jolene Brodeur certainly knows how to keep busy. Read on to discover how she got her start as a manicurist, which nail polish brand she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in California. I’ve been married for 20 years and I have four boys. We like to spend time together hiking, walking and exploring. A lot of our time is spent at the boys' sporting events and games.

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I first became interested in nails when I was a little girl. I used to take my mother's liquid black eyeliner and make designs on my girlfriends’ nails. I set up a salon on my fireplace and they would come over. We would play for hours or as long as they would let me.

Later I attended beauty college at Citrus, where I got my manicurist license and then went on to get my cosmetology license. I worked at several salons before I landed at Creative Nail Design as an educational ambassador. I was there for over 13 years refining my skills and then joined their RED Team. This was my introduction into the world I currently live in. I love working on set and contributing my art to a creative work.

What are your favorite nail polish brands?
Essie. They are the color authority. They have so many colors that I am never at a loss when working on a project. Currently I work for Essie as an educator.

CND, Chanel, Tom Ford, Londontown and Azature. All are high-end, professional products that have trademarks which can be recognized the second you see them.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always apply a clear top coat.

2) Always have a tube of nail glue with you. It fixes almost everything.

3) Always have a detailing brush and black polish in your kit. They can save you if you have to improvise a quick design on the spot.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
The most rewarding part of what I do is being with other up and coming artists. I love being part of the creative process and of course I love the instant gratification of a job well done.

Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not on set, I love spending time with my family just as much as I love what I do. So it's a hard balance for me.

How can The Beauty of Life readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

#ManiMonday: Nailing Hollywood Jacaranda and Supernova Glitter Nail Art Manicure by Celebrity Manicurist Brittni Rae

So in case you're not aware, I moved to Los Angeles a week ago! After two years in Pittsburgh, I decided to flee the cold for the warm weather, sunshine and blue skies of the West Coast. So I packed up my car and drove out west! (Stay tuned for a post all about the trip.) In any case, I was lucky enough to make it to LA in time for the Nailing Hollywood event last Wednesday! And thank goodness I did, because this glitter nail art manicure has been making me super happy ever since.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Celebrity Manicurist Patricia Yankee

Celebrity manicurist Patricia Yankee is quite the powerhouse. From educating for major nail companies (including one of my longtime favorites, Dashing Diva) to creating looks for shows at New York Fashion Week and owning two salons, she definitely takes the nail world by storm. Read on to find out how she first became interested in nails and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Manicurist Gerry Holford

From Winona Ryder to Keri Russell, manicurist Gerry Holford has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Read on to find out about her favorite nail trend, the nail polish remover she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Manicurist Trish Lomax

From advertising campaigns for Burberry, Cartier and Mulberry to work with magazines including Vogue and Vanity Fair, manicurist Trish Lomax certainly keeps busy. Add to that her work as Nail Ambassador for Dior in the UK and her wealth of knowledge concerning all things nails and she begins to look like a superhero! Read on to discover the top coat she can't live without, her tips for a flawless manicure and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Gina Eppolito

My favorite show of all time is Sex and the City. I don't care how much time goes by or how many times I watch each episode -- I just can't get enough. So I'm beyond thrilled that today's interview is with Gina Eppolito, who was the manicurist for the show! But Gina has quite the extended celebrity clientele, from Halle Berry and Meryl Streep to Jennifer Connelly and Natalie Portman. Read on to find out which favorite top coat she and I have in common, how to keep your nails from chipping and so much more.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Essie Flagship Salon at Samuel Shriqui

I've been walking past Samuel Shriqui for many years -- I live right up the street! And, when I noticed them beginning work on the very first Essie Flagship Salon, which is right inside the hair salon, I was intrigued. And this weekend, I finally had the chance to get an up close and personal look at the space -- with a manicure and pedicure along the way, of course.

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First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Michelle Saunders

Mila Kunis. Kim Cattrall. Olivia Wilde. Campaigns for Badgley Mischka, BCBG and Rimmel. And these are just a few of the celebrities and brands that celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders has worked on. Pretty impressive, right? Read on to discover how she got her start, which base coat she loves, and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Manicurist Rica Romain

Teen Vogue. Harper's Bazaar. Vanity Fair. W. V. It's a who's who of fashion magazines ... and manicurist Rica Romain's work has appeared in all of them. The mother of two has a truly inspiring story about how she came to work in this business, not to mention great nail tips and a wide range of product loves! Keep reading to find out more.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I am originally from Portsmouth, Virginia. I have two wonderful children: Heaven, 9, and Zion, 7. My story is so different -- most don't believe me when i tell them how I started to become a manicurist. I started to work for Verizon DSL and due to the death of my first son, I decided to take leave off of work.

During my life i was never the girly type, but I always seemed to have some type of obsession with always having to have my nails done when I touched people. I have always believed in the power of energy through touch, so I felt as though having your nails done when greeting a person would brighten their day (or yours). So during the time of my mourning, I found myself in the nail salon more than usual, but my nail tech seemed to not really care about the importance of my nail care. I decided I could do a better job on my own, so I knew I needed formal training. I went to Miracle Beauty and Nails Academy. After graduation, I went back to working at Verizon and doing my own nails, not wanting to ever make a career of it. As life does surely change, so did my goals.

When it came time to renew my license, I was growing more and more bored with my life and wondered why I never did anything in the two years with my nail license. So I quit a $60,000 dollar job a year to work in a nail spa. Single mother, no clients, no goals, no expectations. What the hell was I thinking! It was a struggle at first but with hard work and a soft smile I worked all the way up to being the nail department manager, which led to getting my Instructors license, and becoming the Director of Education for my spa.

Teaching for the salon, I had to stay up on the latest and greatest by attending trade shows. At one trade show I was able to meet the great Deborah Lippmann and later became her assistant. She taught me how to do nails on set and begin my portfolio and how to find an agent. I had to make another huge decision, to either stay in Virginia at the another great job or move to the city and see if i could make it as a editorial manicurist -- I'm glad I moved. It was much harder to adjust this time, but here i am today!

Are there any nail trends right now that you're especially excited about? What makes them stand out for you?
1) I love the pointed and stiletto nails. I always wore a round nail and often was told it was out of date or grandma-ish, so I'm glad they are back.

2) I am still a freak for short vamp nails. They can make any pair of hands million dollar worthy.

3) I love that color in general is back. I prefer that the nails are short to normal length because the length is what can make a neon pink classy not trashy!

4) I'm also into the nail wraps by Sally Hansen or Incoco, or Minx. I love the prints and that they are so easy to remove.

What are your favorite nail products?
I was told I'm a product whore because I don't believe in using one complete line to get the best look. But I do believe in supporting a line that is based on strictly nail products. These are the products I love.

Tropical Shine nail files

Mehaz implements

INM Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat

Zoya nail polish

CND hand treatments

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Educate yourself by all means available. Trade shows or tutorials, fellow manicurists, DVDs, nail publications ... you get my point. This is a business that is always changing and there is something you can always learn.

2) Keep your nails done. You are your best form of advertising. No one is above making a new client.

3) Practice. There are so many avenues in the field of nails -- be the best at whatever road you take. If you can't do enhancements well, practice giving the best manicure until you have perfected other things because life is full of surprises and you might make yourself famous by that manicure!

Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I'm actually a poet. I write constantly. Also I make homemade aromatherapy candles!

Check Out My Dope Watermelon Manicure by Erica Marton!

Over the weekend, I went to Face Place for a facial and manicure. (Stay tuned for a post on the AMAZING facial I received from Tom.) My girl Erica Marton created such a fun look for me! I basically went in and told her to do whatever she wanted, which made her pretty excited. And since the manicure happened during the facial, I was kept in the dark until the very end!

Erica decided to do a moon manicure, using some pretty vibrant hues! We're calling it the dope watermelon manicure, since Erica picked Sinful Colors Dream On, a bright magenta pink, cutting it with a bold neon green nail art pen.

I'm absolutely loving this manicure and am so glad I told Erica to have fun and do whatever she wanted! I never would have come up with this color combo on my own and I just think it's so fun and perfect for the dog days of summer.

If you're in New York, be sure to book a manicure with Erica at Face Place. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook!

First Look Fridays: Founder Ji Baek of Rescue Beauty Lounge

If you're as obsessed with nail polish as I am, chances are you've incorporated Rescue Beauty Lounge into your arsenal. Founder Ji Baek consistently turns out amazing, not-seen-anywhere-else colors that garner tons of compliments and have incredible staying power. Her fans can approach a rabid near frenzy, causing limited-edition polishes to sell out in minutes and clamoring for new releases for months in advance. Read on to discover how Ji got her start in the nail business, what we can expect from her next collection and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
My family immigrated to New York from South Korea when I was 12 years old -- I have been a Manhattan brat ever since. My arduous journey before the birth of Rescue Beauty Lounge included playing piano, violin and viola, along with studying restaurant management, going to culinary school, and finally, attending a nail school.

How did you first become interested in beauty and nail polish?
My mom is obsessed with skincare. She had a stern skin regime for my sisters and me ever since I can remember. I know it’s peculiar, but besides keeping up with a good daily cleanser, moisturizer, eye cream and lip balm, I was never really interested in beauty. Nail polish was something that I stumbled upon when we opened RBL because many of our clients complained that they could never keep nail polish on for more than a couple of days without it chipping. I had the best market research right under my fingertips.

How did the idea for Rescue Beauty Lounge first come about, and how did it become a reality?
When it comes to beauty treatments, the nudity, the locker rooms and a stranger's touch are not my friends. RBL was born out of my selfishness and pure frustration. When I was a restaurant manager, I would retreat to pedicure treatments to soothe my aching feet, feet that were in heels daily -- at least 12 hours a day. I could not find, for the life of me, a clean, hygienic, cool place to get my nails done. I knew I was not alone and just out of curiosity, I enrolled in a nail school. Boy, was I shocked by the shady operations that were violating numerous state regulations -- RBL was born to provide cool, safe and health regulated nail services.

Where do you get your inspiration for new colors and collections?
Everything and anything that interests me in life and that moves me.

Do you have any favorite colors or products from the line? What makes them so special to you?
I love all of my colors equally, it’s a long journey to make a color and if it’s born and not buried in my reject drawer, then it has captivated my heart.

What can we expect from Rescue Beauty Lounge going forward?
Rather then producing a seasonal collection, I will choose a story that inspires me. My new collection coming up is the largest that I have ever made and produced at one time -- seven colors!

Being a nail polish creator must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
It's not always fun, but I love the artistic process of starting with my inspirational board, researching and then translating these ideas into mixing pigments. But like all artists, I have turbulent moments of frustration, anger, joy and bliss along with absolutely passionate and dizzying emotions.

Cooking calms and lulls me into a meditative state. I'm also an avid reader, escaping from reality is a necessity. I find grace in my ballet lessons -- I have studied ballet for the past five years. Traveling to new and unknown places keeps me humble and opens my eyes and senses to new beauty in life.

To add to your Rescue Beauty Lounge collection, visit rescuebeauty.com. You can also follow Rescue Beauty Lounge on Twitter and Facebook.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Melissa Bozant

Celebrity manicurist Melissa Bozant is no stranger to Hollywood's A-list. She's done the nails of everyone from Angelina Jolie to Jennifer Hudson! Read on to find out how she made false nails when she first got her start, which top coat she can't live without, and so much more.

When did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I was born in Baton Rouge and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 10. My family owned and operated their own salon where my aunt was a cosmetologist and my aunt and cousin were manicurists. I was an art major -- loving the fascination with paint and color, it was very easy for me to choose nails as my first passion. I would create false nails out of Elmer's glue.

What are your favorite nail trends of the moment?
The nail trends I look forward to are the exaggerated half moons and the fun glitter polish and stones. I so love anything that has glitter.

What are your top 5 favorite nail products?
1) Illamasqua has this awesome hot pink nail color (Collide Nail Varnish) that is to die for.

2) China Glaze Ruby Pumps: It gives that added touch to any color toes or hands.

3) Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish is a big hit this year.

4) It's So Easy Nails Stripe-Rite: It's the best for creating great designs

5) Seche Ridge Filling Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat: The best for a long lasting manicure.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) Always use rich oil for the cuticles.

2) When drying the nails, let polish set for 3-5 minutes. Then take nail tips, lightly dip in a cold dish of water to seal polish.

3) Always keep a pumice in the shower -- Checi Pro is what I use. Any one will do but nickel-plated would be the best kind, they don't rust.

Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I have started back to my private flying lessons again. I love to fly, I love to travel. I participate in charity events for breast cancer awareness and the Step Up Women's Network, motivating and inspiring young teens to stay focused and stay in school.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Carla Kay

Can a recovering nail biter become one of the world's top manicurists? In celebrity manicurist Carla Kay's case, the answer is a resounding yes. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have had their tips polished by Carla, including Gwen Stefani and Annette Bening. Read on to find out who inspired her to get into the nail business, the nail product she can't live without and so much more.

How did you first become interested in nails, and what led you to become a manicurist?
I grew up in Shady Hills, Florida. I was always a nail biter throughout my school days. I went to get acrylics done at my local salon -- a woman by the name of Debbie did my nails. I was so intrigued by her. I loved rock and roll music and she had her own band and owned the nail salon. I knew at that moment I wanted to do nails. I thought how great it would be to work and have fun at the same time!

After I graduated, I enrolled in cosmetology school. This woman also told me that if I went to school, she would give me a job after I received my license. So I completed my hours and the rest is history. I landed a job with her, she taught me many things and I had lots of fun. I found my fun by doing what I loved.

You have quite an impressive celebrity clientele! Are there any looks you've done that stand out as your favorites?
One of my favorite looks that stands out for me the most is a shoot I did with Pamela Anderson and the photographer David LaChapelle. David wanted me to create lizard nails for her, so I sat on set gluing nail tips together then applying acrylic over the top of the tips to form a ribbed effect so they would look like lizard nails. That was a creative job for me.

Are there any nail trends for fall and winter that you're really excited about?
Beige nails with bold moons. For example, beige with black moons are super chic in my opinion. I am loving the earth tones too. Essie has a great mud-like color called Glamour Purse, I am also a fan of Essie Bordeaux.

What are your product essentials?
My essentials always include cuticle oil. CND Solar Oil is one of my favorites.

I also try to have a file on hand just in case the nail snags.

What are your top 3 nail tips?
1) You should always try to keep your nails polished. This keeps elasticity in your nails. When the nails are bare they tend to break more. If you want to have natural nails, always apply a base coat. This will help them from breaking.

2) Apply cuticle oil at least once a day to help with hydration, and apply a top coat every other day to help seal the polish and to bring back the shine. This will help prolong your manicure.

3) It's best to carry a soft finger nail file in case you get a snag in your nail so you can smooth it out and the nail doesn't break.

Being a manicurist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I am taking care of our 3-year-old and I am traveling as much as possible. Our son has been on 32 flights so far! We have traveled to St. Thomas several times and to Honduras. My husband is an architect, so we enjoy going to museums with our little one. We just toured the Frank Lloyd Wright Museum and my son had a great time. So as far as spare time, I enjoy being with my husband and son.

Exclusive! Awesome Manicure by Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke Using OPI!

Have I got a treat for you today! My gal Beth Fricke (for Artists by Timothy Priano using OPI), did an absolutely unbelievable manicure for someone special recently and gave me the exclusive details just for you! Beth did the awesome manicure above using OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Steady As She Rose ... and then put Navy Shatter on top of it.

Steady As She Rose is actually a very pale pink. Don't you just love the deep, darkened hue of the Shatter on top of it and the amazing crackle effect it produced?

Thanks so much to Beth for sharing this photo!

Mani of the Week: Dior Blue Denim with Essie Lapis of Luxury

I am in love with my manicure this week! I went to see the fabulous Erica Marton, the resident nail guru at Face Place (more on that fabulous spot in a later post!), and she made my nails look absolutely awesome.

I brought in my new bottle of Dior Blue Denim, which is part of the brand's new tuxedo-inspired Blue Tie collection for fall. (It hasn't launched yet, but hopefully will be soon!) Erica fell in love with the color (and I love it too), but we wanted to spice things up a bit. She suggested Essie Lapis of Luxury for my ring fingers, and I think the contrast of blue hues is just so super cool!

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Manicurist Terrance Terry

Jennifer Garner. Monica. Ciara. Mary J. Blige. Some of the biggest names in the business, right? Well, they've all got one thing in common -- their nails have all been touched by the super fabulous celebrity manicurist Terrance Terry. Read on to discover how he got his start in the business, the fashion show look he created that he's totally in love with, and so much more.

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An Insider's Look: Celebrity Manicurist & Sheswai Lacquer Creator Debbie Leavitt

As you've probably figured out from years of reading The Beauty of Life, I love all things nails. So it comes as no surprise that I'm thrilled to bring you this interview with manicurist Debbie Leavitt! Debbie has worked on some of the biggest names in the business, from Alicia Keys and Anna Paquin to Maggie Gyllenhaal and Olivia Wilde. And that's not all -- she has her own line of nail polish, Sheswai Lacquer! Read on to find out which kind of buffer is her favorite, the kitchen essential that she uses as a moisturizer, and so much more.

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Mani of the Week: Dior Nirvana

My favorite color launching this spring? Dior Nirvana. This creamy turquoise-green has got my pulse racing -- it's unlike any other in my collection! One coat is fairly opaque, but two turn it into absolute perfection.

What's on your nails this week? Let me know in the comments!

Dior Nirvana retails for $24 at sephora.com.