Painting nails is an art form. Those who have attempted the task on their own, know what I am talking about. The nail bed is like a tiny canvas where it is imperative to stay within the lines. Manicurist Ana-Maria is a leader in her craft. With her editorial work, her own salon, New York’s Onyx Salon and Spa, and a bevy of celebrity clients including Adrina Lima, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Mariah Carey and Rachel Weisz, Ana-Maria is the go-to lady for perfectly painted nails.
I asked Ana-Maria my favorite beauty questions. Here are her answers.
INDUSTRY BREAK: Like I always say, “I grew up in the salon.” My mom is a manicurist (she started early as well, at 14 years old) and as a kid, I was always in the salon so I developed a passion for doing nails. My dad insisted that I go to college so I graduated from Law School in Europe. In the United States, I started as a hairstylist’s personal assistant and slowly shifted to doing nails, bringing a smile on mom’s face and sadness in dad’s eyes.
FAVORITE LOOK: When I discovered nail foils, I had to come up with a way for them to last at least a week, since they tend to come off if they aren’t sealed. I like it because clients always tell me how many compliments they get on their nails. It doesn’t look like nail polish or decals or Minx or anything. It is a very cool look of it’s own.
Essie Nail Polish
Essie Nail Polishes – I love all of their products but the polishes, specifically. They have great consistency for quick application. Since they came out with “good to go” top coat, I love them even more.
OPI Polish
OPI – I like their polish bottles and they have good brushes for professional use (long enough to grab the right amount of polish to apply). With their long brush, you don’t get cramps in your fingers.
China Glaze
China Glaze– Whenever I need a bold fashion color, I check their collection. They have strong pigments in their colors that don’t look watered down.
Barielle Intensive Nail Renewal Oil
Barielle Intensive Nail Renewal Oil – This product helps prevent breakage and dry nails for people that like to use gel or acrylic on their nails. It’s a great treatment for nails and hands if you mix a few drops with the hand moisturizer.
Deborah Lippmann Intensive Nail Treatment
Deborah Lippmann Intensive Nail Treatment Cuticle Remover – This product saves me a lot of time when I’m backed up with clients. It works amazingly well on cuticles for quick removal.
