Jan 31, 2013 >> #NailBattleRoyale! Meet Astrowifey & Spifster
We put these two Chicago nail hot shots to the test—and although we could only crown one champion, both are nail pro’s in our book. After our #NailBattleRoyale shoot, we stole five minutes from each as they cleaned up their station. Take a look at these well-polished nail artists as they dish their favorite trends this season, whose celeb mitts they’d like to sit down with, and more.
QUESTION: WHEN DID YOU LOVE AFFAIR WITH NAIL POLISH START?
ASTROWIFEY: Around Sophomore year in high school when I realized I can do so many fun things with nails. I was always an artist when I was younger, and particularly was drawn to painting. Using painting techniques, I soon applied it to nails, and thats when blogging about nails began.
SPIFSTER: 2008, prior to that I was a nail biter. Nail polish was my introduction into womanhood. One color led me to endless possibilities
Q: HIGH SCHOOL IS TOUGH. PROUDEST MOMENT?
A: Getting accepting into my favorite art program called After School Matters. This program really just encouraged me to push myself and continue to keep art in my life. You had to apply to the program and get accepted, and you even got paid! At 15, I was in heaven!
S: Singing lead in my high school’s musical. Everyone said I slayed! Even my tough loving mother.
Q: NAIL TREND OF THE MOMENT?
A: For Spring 2013, I have seen a lot of sheer iridescent shades, slightly tinted. I’m loving this look on almond shaped nails. For a while it has been all about the opaque flat shades, so it’s refreshing to see such a chic look and twist on nails on the runway. I still love almond and oval nails, even on shorter nails.
S: Black designs on a clean natural nail.
ALL TIME FAVORITE NAIL COLOR?
A: I love Pink Parka from Essie. It’s a super pigmented hot pink! My bottle is completely done, and I cant seem to find it anywhere or anything close to it. Indie brand FlossGloss also makes a bright coral called Fastlane which is pretty spicy! I like bright colors.
S: That’s a hard one. What draws me to a color is its ability to stand alone without designs. Zoya has a color called Audrina. The most passionate pink/purple I’ve ever seen. NEVER needs anything but a top coat.
OUT OF ALL THE DESIGNS YOU’VE DONE, ANY STANDOUTS?
A: I love working on anything that is street art or artist inspired. So far my favorite sets have been inspired by Fafi, Dalek, Chicago street artists like Nice One and Goons, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring.
S: A client requested simply something graffiti like. The results was the perfect blend of vibrant colors and city grunge. “Spray painted” words such as “dope” were on the nails. It had paint splotches and drips. Really enjoyable.
WHAT PAIR OF CELEBRITY TALONS WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET YOUR PAWS ON?
A: Hmmm, hard one. Probably the Queen, Lady Gaga. Her nail game is always on point, and always crazy. It would be a fun challenge. But really I want to show love to a local artist, Kid Sister. She came out with the song Pro Nails, and I just love that her nails are always flossy and bossy.
S: BEYONCE. That’s my Virgo sister. I already got the perfect design for her in my head.