By P.J. Gach
The holidays are upon us, and that means lots of activities and very little time for you. What is it about the holidays that make us so conscious of our hands? Is it because we’re at more parties? That means shaking hands, hugging and wearing jewelry – or is it the whole gift wrap, giving and receiving deal? Either way, people seem to notice your hands more often this time of year. However, the holidays are stressful with your additional activities and chores, so how are you going to keep that manicure looking fresh, when you can barely breathe? The last thing you need is to be at big company party and realize, just as your about to shake hands with the CEO, that half the polish is missing on all your digits.
Do yourself a favor and head on over to the Acqua Beauty Bar for their revolutionary nearly permanent manicure. It only takes an hour and the results will last at least three weeks. I had heard about it, but was skeptical, my manicures are lucky if they last the day. I made an appointment to see what was what.
This is no ordinary manicure. It’s the rage in Europe, and why not? A gel manicure won’t hurt your nails; it promotes nail growth, it’s thinner than the standard acrylic nail and looks natural. You can keep the length of your own nails, or have short extensions sculpted to your nails.
I met Stella; she literally took me into her hands. Her work combines precision with artistry. Every movement was sure, quick and beautiful. She first took off my polish and chided me for not using a base coat, then evened out the nails. My nails were cleaned and a thin coat of the primer was layered on them. They dried under UV light. It’s quick, painless and prevents smooshes. After the primer dried, I had a thin band (the white part of the French manicure) applied, then my mitts went back under the UV light. Then gel was applied. Each layer is very thin and lightweight. Did I mention that the gel is odorless? The process took almost an hour, and was worth it. You get to actually rest and relax, and the end result is flawless. It’s a glossy, natural looking French Manicure. The gel manicure allows you to wear them nude. You don’t need polish to cover up the work, because the nail looks completely natural, yet sophisticated. They look like your own, but better. Do you want polish? Yes, you can apply it over the gel manicure and no, it won’t ruin the gloss. I have washed dishes, walked the dog, run around and did all my normal things and they look fabulous. The nails are thin enough for me to be able to take out my contacts, zip, and button, wrap presents, name it and my nails never got in the way or damaged.
If you do one thing for yourself this holiday season, book an appointment to have the nearly permanent gel manicure at the Acqua Beauty Bar. It will last longer than you during this hectic season.
While you’re at the Acqua Beauty Bar, check out their other services. When I was there Saturday, men and women were enjoying manicures, pedicures, facials an the other spa treatments. You may spot a model or two partaking their treatments. Acqua also carries Sue Devit Studio cosmetics, Sonya Dakar, Epicuren, Burt’s Bees and Yon Ka skin care lines. There’s also Blue Wick soy candles, jewelry and other wonderful stocking stuffers.
Acqua Beauty Bar
7 East 14th Street
212-620-4329
The French Culinary Institute has a wonderful restaurant where apprentice chefs flex their muscles. The menu is seasonal; it changes every six weeks. Lunch is only $20.04 and is served Monday through Fridays 12:15 PM – 2:30 PM. Dinner is only $29.95 and is served Monday through Wednesday 6:00 Pm – 9:30 PM, Thursday through Saturday 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. If you don’t want a prix fixer meal, you can order a la carte or one of their daily specials.
And now every Monday in you can enjoy wines from a specific region of France – January will feature Bordeaux, February will feature Burgundy, March’s feature is Champagne (how can you miss that??), and April’s is Provence, Languedoc – Rousillon. You can also enjoy your own wine without a corkage fee. Reservations are preferred, so call 212-219-3300
The French Culinary Institute
462 Broadway
212-219-3300 (reservations) 212-219-8890
http://www.frenchculinary.com
If you want to see and learn about the latest holiday looks, the Avon Salon & Spa, located in the Trump Tower on 5th Avenue is having a Makeover Event on Friday, December 10th, from 12 Noon – 6 PM, and Saturday, the 11th from Noon – 6 PM. Learn the latest colors and tricks for the holiday season from their expert makeup artists, sip refreshments, and enter to win the”Getting Gorgeous” raffle. You can win a holiday package from the spa. Each customer receives a gift with any $25 purchase or more. Best of all, the event is Free! Call 1-888-577-AVON, option #4 to schedule your complimentary makeup lesson
Avon Salon & Spa
725 Fifth Avenue
1-888-577-AVON
Christmas Music… 
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