Nails - Salon Spy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
performed by committed professionals; the ultimate in hand and foot opulence.”
Mink’s treatment list is packed with hand and nail treatments; ranging from a simple polish change through to 75 minute manicures and pedicures using indulgent scrubs, masks and moisturisers. Highlights include a Belgian Chocolate and Kona Coffee Bean Manicure, a White Chocolate and Cranberry Pedicure and the OPI Everlasting Polish, which, using OPI’s Axxium gel range, promises chip-free nails for two to three weeks.
As well as using OPI lacquers and Axxium gels, Mink offer treatments and retail products from CND, Essie, Cuccio, Murad, Toxic Twins, 100% Pure and Max Benjamin.
Mink also caters for younger clients with Princess Manis and Pedis for the under 13s, and there’s also a Male Manicure and Pedicure, whilst Hen Parties and Ladies Days are always popular, with some booking out all 18 therapists. Whilst Mink is not licensed to sell alcohol, parties such as these are invited to bring their own champagne, whilst Mink will provide Fresh Chocolate Dipped Strawberries to add that extra touch of indulgence.
Head Therapist Kate explained that her favourite treatment to offer is the 75-minute Milk and Honey Pedicure, featuring a sea salt scrub and extended foot massage accompanied by the optional add-on of a 20-minute Hot Stone Massage.
Other ‘Little Extras’ which can be added to treatments include Paraffin Wax available in five different fragrances, Extended Foot and Leg Massage, and an Extended Hand and Arm Massage. As well as natural nail manicures and pedicures, acrylic and gel nail enhancements are also offered.
treatment review:
Head Therapist Kate Tokarska was to indulge me in a manicure and pedicure using OPI’s Axxium Gel polish, or the OPI Everlasing Polish as termed on the Mink treatment list.
I was shown to one of ten nail bars and settled into a stylish purple velvet chair. Kate discussed the treatment and explained that first she would manicure my nails, and brought over a display of OPI’s Axxium Gel colours. Because OPI are constantly updating the Axxium range with their most popular lacquer shades, the choice was quite overwhelming. I opted for Black Cherry Chutney on my fingers, and Chick Flick Cherry on my toes.
After tidying my cuticles and filing the free edge of my nails to a short square, Kate began the application of the Axxium Gel, firstly to my fingernails only, leaving the thumb nails until last. The application consisted of a clear base gel, which was cured under the UV lamp, followed by two coats of the coloured gel, each of which was again cured under the lamp. The colour was sealed in with a coat of UV Top Sealer, again cured under the UV lamp.
Kate used two separate lamps simultaneously, one for each hand, so she could work quickly. She explained that the treatment usually takes just 35 minutes (although on this occasion it took longer as we were chatting so much!).
Next we moved to the pedicure area so I could sit in one of the ten pedicure chairs. I sunk my feet into the warm bubbling water whilst adjusting the mechanical massage option on the chair. Kate brought me some magazines, I closed my eyes and relaxed. She tidied my toes, removed the dead skin and calluses from my feet (which were aching and sore after two days at the trade show) and removed the excess cuticle. Next she applied the Axxium Gel in the same way as before, and finished the treatment with a gorgeous foot and leg massage using a White Chocolate butter.
The most impressive aspect of both treatments was that as soon as Kate had finished, I was ready to go. No waiting for the nails to dry, no walking down the street in flipflops, as the colour had been cured using the UV lamp, I simply slipped on my shoes and skipped my way back to the RDS!
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salon spy
The pedicure area.
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