I have a lot of plans for my fingertips over the next couple of weeks. Some of which may involve holding a glass of rosé. But first there will also be typing, product testing, more typing, overdue spring cleaning, house decorating, gardening, and oh my gosh more typing. Life is busy. (Hence the thirst for rosé.)
So what I don’t have time for is chipped nails or a lengthy manicure appointment ahead of a much-needed sunshine getaway. No, this situation calls for a one-and-done mani that will see my nails through house decluttering, last-minute deadlines, frantic packing, overstuffed-suitcase zipping, and finally… ah…. the corking of something pink and cold.
Which is where my latest discovery comes in. Now, I’ve been a convert to Builder In A Bottle (BIAB) manicures ever since I discovered that this tough overlay worked a treat for my flimsy nails, staying intact where regular gel manis would quickly crack. Technically, you’re advised to get it redone after three weeks, just because of the regrowth line, but I can usually squeeze it out to four.
Which is good, because I scarcely have time to breathe, let alone to BIAB, and picking it off is not an option.
The only downside to BIAB I can find is that the average appointment takes at least 90 mins, by the time I’ve had the previous overlay soaked off, my cuticles tidied, a neutral-colour BIAB base painted on, and then a final colour applied over the top.
I know I could save time by skipping the colour topcoat, but I find the neutral BIAB base colours a bit boring on their own, not being blessed with elegant, influencer hands. I prefer them with a chrome shimmer, cat eye, or French tip – all adding even more time, of course.
It was a matter I mentioned at my last appointment (in one of the excellent Townhouse salons), as I debated which shade to go for. ‘Well, if you’re thinking red, why not just use the Love shade of BIAB instead of neutral?’ suggested my manicurist. ‘It’s such a nice alternative to the nudes. It’s the perfect red for summer, you won’t need anything over the top – I think you’ll love it just as it is.’
And so it proved. To my eye, the Love colour is the equivalent of drinking chilled red wine in warmer months. It wouldn't be my first choice in winter when I’m craving Merlot tones and tastes but it's absolute heaven in summertime. If the ‘summer out of office’ button had a colour, it would be this cheerful and life-affirming ta-rah! of a hue.
At 70 mins, it was the fastest BIAB appointment I’ve ever had, and the result was as bright as my mood when I checked the long-range holiday forecast. I can’t wait to whisk my summer Love away, and I’m fully confident it’ll be in shiny, pristine condition on the flight home. I hope to say the same for myself.
