By PT

It surfaced in the 90’s (remember Cover Girl Crackle Laquer?) but this nail break-through is back in the new millennium.  Nail Techs call it CRACKLE, most of us call it SHATTER, whatever it’s called? It’s refreshing, edgy and has endless customized color combinations.  Shatter is a nail polish that shrinks when applied  to create a turtle/leopard type animal print with your base color peaking through. It’s the sophisticated version of 1980’s airbrush.  Are we still airbrushing?  Really?

The easiest DIY ever. I like to apply SHATTER after a week old manicure.

Step 1 – Apply a base coat then nail color as usual . one (1) coat may work vs. two (2)

Step 2 – Apply one (1) thin coat of crackle (very important to let your nails dry completely before applying shatter)

Step 3 – Nails will have a matte finish, to shine brightly apply a high gloss top coat and viola!

The most popular brands are OPI (check out Serena (Williams) Glam Slam and Katy Perry Collections of OPI’s Shatter, China Glaze and Sally Hansen (a drug store ol’ skool staple that made a smart line extension to ehhance brand relevance).  There are a plethora of other quality Shatter/Crackle brands that can be purchased online.

OPI Photo . $8.50 - $10.00

China Glaze . $7.00 or $8.00

Sally Hansen . $6.99

Retail prices are approximate.

Shine Brightly with Shatter, a Shine Beauty Culture Summer 2-11’ Fav!

By Shadine Ménard

I decided to try my luck at Avanti Nail & Spa with a walk-in on a Monday during lunch hour. I now wish I hadn’t walked in.

Avanti Nail & Spa . 212.496.6874 . 110 W 86 St.

Services: Manicure, pedicure, body hair removal, facials, body massages.

Vibe/Price Range: Spacious, generic / Affordable

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a nice receptionist. Unfortunately, she was as unfamiliar with Avanti’s services as I was. When I asked that she recommend which special manicure to get, she could not due to the fact that she admittedly did not know what differentiates one type of manicure from another. She called over a nail technician who explained rather unceremoniously “oh we just add a 10 minute massage to the spa massage. That’s it”. Needless to say, it didn’t sound tempting so I opted for a paraffin manicure instead.

There was only one other client in the place and I was quickly led to dip my hands thrice in paraffin then I followed the technician who was holding my purse to her station. Once she started on my nails, I couldn’t even get her name because my technician started speaking in Korean, very loudly, over my head to the other workers. I guess the family atmosphere mentioned on the website is meant to be that of a loud family.

The actual manicure was worse than the non-stop chatter between the workers. My hands were placed into heat pads that had to be pressed repeatedly onto my hands to transfer the heat because they weren’t “proper “manicure mitts so there was a irregular fit . After less than ten minutes, the paraffin was peeled from my hands. Without asking if I preferred my cuticles pushed back or cut, the Avanti staffer cut the cuticles of four nails while ignoring the others totally. After briefly filing my nails, which she did nicely, it was time to cleanse off the cuticle oil and refresh my hands with the warm towel. Her towel heater had been turned off and so was a second one she checked. She finally got warm towels from a third station. By that point I just wanted to get it over with. Not a sentiment that you associate with what’s meant to be a pampering paraffin manicure. It wasn’t over yet. My nail polish was applied in a messy hurry and I was sent on my way. I was not about to leave with my hands in such a state and had to asked the staffer to clean up the extra polish. She did so with her fingers! As I pointed out the polish excess, she said playfully “your eyes are better than mine!” Not a convincing reason as to why she’d messily apply polish nor send out a customer without cleaning it up.

The only things about that nail experience that I associated with beauty were the beautiful pink polish OPI Dutch Tulip and the pretty flower and lemon accented water that I soaked my hands in. The pictures show exactly what I thought upon leaving the nail salon “my new manicure looked like a lumpy, old one”.

So, if you are looking for a peaceful or even fun nail experience that leaves your hands looking like a million bucks, take the train past Avanti onto the next beautiful salon.

By Shadine Ménard

7 Days . 10am - 9pm

The quest to find the best nail service providers in Manhattan continues with Vada Spa. A full service spa, a Spalon, Vada provides affordable options for every day pampering, as well as many special packages for Mother’s Day.  If you’re still searching for a Mother’s Day present, just book an appointment to appreciate the special Mother(s) in your life, 212.206.1572 . www.vadaspa.com.

Mother’s Day Special Packages

include massage, mani/pedi, facials and hair.  Choose from packages titled “I Love You Mom, World’s Best Mom, Sweetest Surprise for Mom, Mother’s Delight, Super Mom, Mother Daughter Retreat and Mommy to Be,” prices range from $90 – $180.

Spalon . Vada Spa

Services .  Body treatments, nails services, facials, hair removal, teeth whitening and more.

Location .  387 Avenue of Americas/6th Ave

Vibe .  Casual and relaxed

Price Range . Affordable

Point of Difference . Choice of complimentary red or white wine upon arrival and a plethora of affordable spalon treatments

The receptionist is very personable and knows how to take care of patrons. The wait time is practically non-existent if you book an appointment in advance, which is how it should be. It’s a bit apprehensive that the nail tools are not taken from a sterilized box in front of the client, but one can only trust that the staff is telling the truth when they assure that the tools have been sterilized. Once the choice of polish has been made from the vast array of Essie and the newest OPI colors, nails are buffed, shaped and polished nicely. The nail technicians pay attention to the clients’ wants and needs, from the water temperature and shape of nails to the offering for more wine. Laura, a technician at Vada Spa, stands apart from the rest with her sweet demeanor, professionalism and complimentary remarks for her clients.

The entire staff and place deserves praise however. It’s easy to feel relaxed in a place where you witness regular clients being greeted as friends with a “awww, where’ve you been?” showing that their absence was noticed and that they were missed which in turn prompts them to share the latest going on in their lives. The latest pop hits by Jason Derulo and Akon play on low while you sip wine served in a goblet that takes away any worry of spilling and reflects the chill atmosphere.

There’s no rushing the patrons at Vada, but they do make sure you are running on time so that it is still convenient for you. While there, why not take advantage of the $35 “Out to Lunch” facial. Yes, thirty-five dollars for a facial in New York City. Rena, who has been doing facials for over two decades starts with a pore-cleansing steam and mask that include no painful extractions or scrubbing. A repairing moisturizer follows, leaving your face glowing and leads to others inquiring about your newfound radiance.

Finish your spa romp with a knot-reducing, soothing massage of your choice. While in the private treatment rooms, all you hear is the soothing instrumental music and the occasional whisper of your masseuse. SBC recommends Ivan, a masseuse, for his soft touch and, for those who rather a stronger kneading of their muscles, Maria does a good job. With body treatments ranging from $40 massages to the priciest $90 couples massage or holistic treatment, it’s no wonder if you’ll feel even better after paying your bill. A few hours of treatments at Vada Spa feels like an entire day of pampering and take it from SBC…it’s worth it!