The sight of chipped polish, broken tips, or dry cuticles immediately prompts us to book an appointment at the nail salon, but what if I told you that our routine manicures were responsible for the tarnish of varnish? Earlier this week, I received my first medical manicure—a waterless procedure that forgoes soaking the hands—courtesy of Christian Louboutin and the Bastien Gonzalez Studio at One & Only The Palm in Dubai. Also called the dry manicure, this unique approach is one of the best methods for extending the nail color since the nail beds don’t get saturated with water.
Upon entering the salon, I was greeted with an overwhelming selection of color palettes in Christian Louboutin Beauté Pops, Nudes, Noirs, and the stunning new Scarabée limited edition collection. I eventually settled for the subtle pink Madame Est Neu (US $50; AED/SAR 184) from the Nudes. The medical manicure was carried out in three steps:
The manicure started off like any other with the removal of nail polish. Skipping the warm bowl of water, my cuticles were treated and pushed back with the Bastian Gonzales Unguent Oil for Nails and Cuticles (US $24; AED/SAR 88).
Next, my nails were buffed to appear brighter and more iridescent.
Lastly, I was given a calming hand massage before my nails were coated with the Loubi Primer, followed by two coats of Madame Est Neu, and topped with the Loubi Gloss.
The entire process took approximately 45 minutes and was a relaxing experience overall. I may just have to schedule another appointment for next week.
Here’s a dry, DIY light nude Christian Louboutin manicure that you can attempt at home:
Apply one coat of the Loubi Primer and follow with two coats of Sweet Charity.
Draw a triangular shape at the base of each nail with a striping nailbrush and fill in the top part using Tutulle.
Repeat the above step 3mm lower, and fill in using Me Nude, before finishing off the mani with one coat of Loubi Gloss.
For a darker nude manicure, follow the same steps but replace Sweet Charity with Just Nothing, Tutulle with Me Nude, and Me Nude (in the third step) with Zoulou.
Star Products:
The Nudes
Sweet Charity
US $50; AED/ SAR 184
www.sephora.com
The Nudes
Tutulle
US $50; AED/SAR 184
www.sephora.com
The Nudes
Me Nude
US $50; AED/SAR 184
www.sephora.com
Manicure Set
Loubi Primer and Loubi Gloss
US $55; AED/SAR 202
us.christianlouboutin.com
