May 30, 2013 >> I’ll have what she’s having: Chicago bartenders share their favorite nail color
Earlier this week we told you about the nail colors we’re most excited about this summer. Today, we’re turning to a group of Chicago ladies who use their hands—and show off their nails—on a daily basis: Bartenders! Whether they’re slinging drinks at a posh restaurant and shaking cocktails at your favorite neighborhood spot, these well-manicured ladies know how to quench your thirst. They also know a thing or two about nail colors, we had to ask: “What colors are you most excited to wear this summer?!?!?”
NIKKI FRIAR AT LE COLONIAL
937 N Rush St, 312-255-0088, lecolonialchicago.com
“I always wore black nails in the winter and would only do French nails in the summer…until I started going to a new nail salon, Nail Cessity. Now, I likes to wear pastels, and this summer I’m excited to wear neon coral and other tropical colors!”
PATTI FRANK AT SEPIA
123 N Jefferson St, 312-441-1920, sepiachicago.com
“Sephora and O.P.I joined forces for spring and came out with a bunch of awesome new colors. Some of my favorites are “Break a leg warmer,” “Leotards optional,” and “Is it payday yet?” I tend to stick to matte colors and neutrals. For bargain drugstore polish, my go-to is Sinful Nails. At $2 a bottle, you can’t beat it! It always goes on smooth and dries completely in minutes. They have a great line of bold colors that are quick and easy for touch ups.”
“Is it pay day yet?” by Sephora by O.P.I, $9.50
SARAH VONDERHAAR AT OLD TOWN SOCIAL
455 W North Ave, 312-266-2277, oldtownsocial.com
“As a bartender, I’m constantly using my hands at work. Finding a nail color that won’t chip or fade after one weekend can be very difficult but, just like every girl, I still want my nails to look great. Besides getting a manicure every week, I have found a few tricks that have helped me keep a clean manicure without the hassle of going to salon every Monday after a long weekend. A few of my favorites are Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Gold Silk. It’s a shade of copper with a slight shimmer that lasts through a long weekend behind the bar. The great thing about a nude or shimmer color is that even when it chips slightly from bartending, it isn’t as noticeable as darker, bolder colors.”
Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Gold Silk, $3
SONJA LILLJEBERG AT ADA ST
1664 N Ada St, 773-697-7069, adastreetchicago.com
This season, I’m loving the light blue/slate family for nail polish colors. My current favorites are both O.P.I. gel colors: ‘I’ll feel “blue” if you don’t!’ and ‘I don’t give a Rotterdam!’ Plus, I love the no-chip while bartending because using water often leads to chipped nails.”
“I don’t give a Rotterdam!” by O.P.I, $8