Vu Nguyen and the Art of Gelcolor

At the OPI Gamechanger training we got to see some of the nail art of Vu Nguyen. Vu had some nail boards showing his designs step by step and he used our very own Hannah to show a live demo.

I loved his freehand drawn rose. On the board it is painted in Alpine Snow on a dark blue from the OPI Euro Central collection, You're so Euro. For Hannah's nail he did the design on Black Onyx.

I tried it but was less successful.












Pamela

OPI Game Changer Training

Wow. The morning session is over and we have learnt heaps already. So many answers and some many ideas. Loving it!

So tell me, how long does OPI Gelcolor really last?

Well, that's a good question!  OPI Gelcolor should last for weeks after it is applied. It really does depend though on how it is applied, the state of you nails and what you do with them once they are done.

From the OPI Pro webpages

Two-plus weeks, depending on the condition of the client’s nails and how she uses her hands (e.g., exposure to chemicals, texting, typing, housework, picking, etc.).

These are Maddy's nails and she is wearing OPI Gelcolor in Bogota Blackberry.  It is three weeks old.  And it was put on by one of our newer team members who was practicing.  There is a black lash tint stain (job hazard sadly) and a bit of a hint of spray tan stain (another job hazard!)  bit other than that it looks great.  Maddy has had her hands in water for facials, pedis, manis and cleaning plus I am sure she is a good girl and does the dishes at home... well maybe.  She is a keen netballer so her hands have been through a few games in the three weeks and she has done clients nails including soak offs.  Pretty good indication of how well it can wear.

Now that isn't always the case and I have seen some nails not even make three days without chipping.  In that case it is often a soft flaky nail peeling off and taking the Gelcolor with it.  Luckily you can touch it up with polish.  After a few more applications the nails that are at the tips have been protected by previous coats and are less likely to split so Gelcolor can even help with fixing that.

UPDATE:  Maddy wore this OPI Gelcolor for four week before one nail chipped half off.  Amazing.  I would still say two weeks and change it but yes, it lasts and lasts if you let it.  

And today's gelcolor choice is.....

My Chihuahua Bites

A real classic OPI color that translates perfectly into OPI Gelcolor.  It goes on nicely with very little pull-back and two coats gives good coverage.  On me it looks pinky red but on other people it can look more reddy red if that makes sense.  I know it will to OPI lovers!!  This is a super popular color with our clients and the name always gets a giggle.  

I painted both hands myself.  Bit proud of that!!  Years of practice as I have worn polish since grade three.  Seems a bit odd looking back and thinking of someone that young with long red nails at school but yep, that was me.  Also weird my nails were longer then!  But I just see that as a sign of being a hard worker <giggle>.

Another arty idea for OPI Gelcolor

I have not yet tried much in the way of OPI Gelcolor nail art.  I have tried Ombre but have no photos so I will have to give that a go again to share.  I have thought about putting OPI Gelcolor Goldeneye as a rockstar style nail tip but never sat down and actually tried it.  This image from our trade mag has sort of done it with a Euro Centrale shade and glitter gel.  Feeling a bit inspired to try the same.

GelColor Endurance: Danica Patrick

Once you go matte....

Well I am not convinced about OPI Gelcolor Matte Topcoat.  I have seen it in trade mags and dismissed it as a fad but after seeing it on another blog I think I want to try it for myself.  I just put in an order that included three OPI Gelcolor basecoats but didn't think to add in a bottle of the matte topcoat.  And now I want it!!  Oh well I will have to wait till my next order.

Here it is with the Euro Centrale Collection

And here are some nail art ideas from one of our trade mags.  I am a bit tempted, maybe a bit more than tempted...