We review bridal nail shellac manicure and pedicure treatments at the NStyle Nail Lounge, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

• Location and Salon:

Our resident photographer Alice Hartley and I were invited along by NStyle’s salon, in the Mall of the Emirates, to test out two different styles of bridal nail designs, along with a thorough manicure and pedicure.

The salon itself is spacious, colourful and tranquil. It is conveniently located close to various restaurants at the MOE, perfect for a girl’s day out lunching, shopping and finally, pampering.

• The experience:

Alice and I were greeted by the salon manager ‘Shi’, who led us to our pampering spot and introduced us to our lovely nail technicians. We were briefed beforehand and shown images of popular bridal nail designs, including classic a French Shellac polish and a modern twist on the French polish, the Silver tip Minx polish.

Our service began with a thorough hand and foot wash, scrub, massage and total mani/pedi to prime our nails just crying out for rejuvenation. Once towel-dried, a Shellac Base Coat is applied to toes and fingers – one thin layer which cures in 10 seconds, and provides the foundation for the Shellac system about to come.

Next our choice of Shellac Colour Coat, is applied twice, and cured between each coating. This is followed by the Shellac Top Coat which provides the durable final layer and seals the deal with a mirror-like finish. A small portable UV Lamp is used to cure the layers immediately, and create the scratch-resistant, high-shine finish I will be receiving. Finally, each nail is wiped with alcohol to remove the sticky film. Voila! Perfection in Nails.

Throughout our treatments we were offered copious amounts of herbal tea, coffee, water and glossy celeb magazines to keep us occupied whilst being beautified.

• Result: My classic French shellac manicure and pedicure was flawless, perfectly shaped with complete symmetry along the curvature of the tips. The slight pink shimmer of the base coat (colour: Negligee) made the finish all the more special for a bride. To add to the ‘bridal effect’ my technician, placed beautiful blue crystal like studs on to the base of my big toe nails, a great touch for brides looking for their something blue! Four days on and my nails still look as fresh as when I left the salon. This is major bonus for brides who don’t want to worry about their nails chipping on their big day. We highly recommend getting shellac manicure and pedicure a day or two before your wedding.

• Result: Alice – Alice’s Minx Shellac Manicure and Pedicure was pretty similar to mine and in her own words: “Not only are my eyes thrilled, but so is my nose, for Shellac does not produce any toxic odour, and does no damage to nails. It is free from formaldehyde, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and toluene, but manages to last over a fortnight with durable shine that resists chips, scratches, and smudges. The lighting minx touch is something completely new to me. I am in love and would recommend it to any modern/hip bride to-be!”

Cost:

• Shellac Hands & Feet – Classic Colour – AED 280
• Shellac Hands & Feet – French – AED 290
• Silver Minx Hands – AED 220
• Silver Minx Feet – AED 260

To book an appointment for your bridal nails at NStyle – Mall of the Emirates, contact: Tel  +971 4 341 3300.  Follow their Face book page here.

Photography Credit: Alice Hartley

Reviewed By: Rhiannon Downie and Alice Hartley