Beauty Expert: Summer Nail Tips from Celebrity Manicurist, Tracylee Percival

I have to admit that I love to get my nails done and I'm pleased that I can call one of the industry's best, celebrity manicurist Tracylee Percival, among my personal Glam Squad. Tracylee is a formidable force in the manicure industry with a long and impressive resume: a recent stint with Damone Roberts, magazine cover clients like Olivia Wilde, Veronica Webb, and M.I.A (and the models on the cover of Harper's Bazaar above,) and private Manhattan elite clients like major magazine editors and fashion designers like Alice + Olivia’s Stacey Bendet. In between her jam-packed schedule, she also sneaks in expert MINX manicure workshops and teachings around the country and consults with hot up-and-coming brands like Ginger&Liz. Oh, and, well, she also does my nails. :)

I realized that you should be privy to the regular advice and tutelage I receive on a regular basis from this fabulous woman. Here are some hot summer tips from the Mistress of Manicures, my beloved Tracylee:

FSB: So, as a celebrity manicurist, can you tell us what colors you're loving for this season? What's hot for summer?
Tracylee Percival: I'm in love with blue/teal polishes for the summer, like Zoya Nail Lacquer in "Robyn" ($7.) It looks great on every skin tone and it just looks so fresh and clean. I'm also doing a lot of white polished gel nails, which I can't get enough of!


FSB: What are some of the common mistakes people make when they get manicures/pedicures done? Are there some things we should be sure to ask for/avoid?
Tracylee Percival: The biggest mistake that I see daily is that customers allow the nail technician to cut the live tissue at the base of the nail (cuticle area). Cutting into live skin tissue will not only result in uneven, thicker regrowth of the tissue (which will make you want to cut it again, a vicious cycle), but it can also lead to infection. The skin is there to protect the matrix of the nail and prevent bacteria from entering the body. So never have live tissue cut! Your nail technician should only be pushing back the cuticle attached to your nail plate, and gently, sparingly trim any dead tissue.

Another mistake I see is that people allow nail techs to cut the corners of their toe nails.  I've even seen some where they've cut into the side of the toenail, trying to make it look thinner! This will not only lead to ingrown toenails (which are very painful) but it's another action that can also lead to infection. Toenails should be cut or filed straight across, gently softening the corner edges. You should never have anyone cut into the sidewalls of the toenail EVER.


FSB: Do you have any tricks for a good home mani/pedi? Perhaps some tool recommendations to go along with it?
Tracylee Percival: Use an orange wood stick to clean up nail polish along cuticle. You can also keep your  pedicure longer by purchasing a callous smoother/foot file and, here's the trick, only use it on slightly dry skin after a shower or bath (never wet, it's less effective) to keep callouses under control.


FSB: What about fall trends? Are you seeing anything from the runways that you're excited about for the upcoming season?
Tracylee Percival: I think the we will be seeing dark-colored nails this fall in deep burgundy/blood red, eggplant purples and black/white nails.  What I am most excited about this fall is we'll be seeing a lot of texture in nail finishes, whether it be the illusion made by layering techniques or from using textured materials being applied to the nails. Exciting stuff!

FSB: You work on plenty of celebrities. Any fun stories? C'mon, you can tell us. :)
Tracylee Percival: My job is full of fun stories! As someone that is in an industry built on trust,  mum's the word when it comes to all my clients confidentiality :)  Sorry.

I tried, folks, but then again, I wouldn't want her spilling all the girl talk I spew when she's doing my nails! Hope these nail tips help you look your most fabulous and gorgeous best this summer. Remember her advice about what not to do! It might save you a lot of pain and an infection!

And the winner of the bottle of Deborah Lippmann nail polish is...

Kelsey! Looks like you'll have some sparkly nails for when your boyfriend comes to visit. I'll email you for your mailing address so I can get this right out to you!

Another contest coming up today! Many hugs, FSB fans!

Birthday Giveaway: Enter to Win Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish!

You know, I'm a little behind on the giveaways, aren't I? Ok, so let me catch up.

I love Deborah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday" nail lacquer so much that I want to give away a bottle.  In honor of my birthday, one of you will win your very own bottle. All you have to do is leave a comment below that states what YOU want for YOUR birthday this year. I'll pick one winner at random tomorrow morning and will send it out to you.

Good luck!

Obsession of the Day: Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Happy Birthday

 I'm currently obsessed with all things birthday-related and with perfect timing, this polish (which I've been waiting to try since I saw it backstage at Fashion Week in February) arrived in my hot little hands this past weekend and quickly became my new obsession.

In case you're unfamiliar with the name, Deborah Lippmann is a legendary manicurist and a beauty industry icon. The list of her accomplishments is staggering: countless magazine covers and shoots; the go-to woman for designers when planning beauty looks for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; and a list of celebrity clients that stretch a mile long, including (but certainly not limited to) Cher, Martha Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Renee Zellweger, and Mary J. Blige. I had the pleasure of meeting her last fashion week backstage at Lela Rose (and writer Lauren met her backstage at Alice + Olivia) and both times we were treated to a viewing of this, my new favorite nail polish: Happy Birthday.

A rich, thick clear nail polish that stays with possibly millions of tiny flecks of colored glitter contained within. This nail polish is mind-blowing because it looks amazing layered on its own (I recommend three coats for a truly dazzling effect) but -- and I've tried at least 30 swatches this weekend to make this claim -- it looks good as a shimmering top coat over almost any nail color known to man. Sick of your nudes not looking so great? Red boring you to tears? Grab a bottle of this and turn your entire nail wardrobe upside down in such a good way you might want to get two bottles: one to keep at home and one to keep in your handbag at all times. Your manicurist should just order a set: it's just THAT GOOD.

And please don't wait until your birthday to use this fabulous nail polish: it's a perfect way to add a dash of glamour to your life at anytime.

Because, really...we're fabulous. Shouldn't EVERY DAY be our birthday?

Deborah Lippmann "Happy Birthday" Nail Lacquer ($16), available via her website

Beauty Directory: Get Mind-Blowing Skin and a Posh Mani-Pedi at Wei Lang Spa

I've recently made some changes in my life and after a stressful couple of weeks (moving, changing jobs, etc), my skin was in need of some serious TLC. That's when a sweet angel from heaven named Rebecca (a friend) made a recommendation for a little rejuvenation and happiness: the Wei Lang Spa.

Located right below Houston in New York's ultra-hip Soho shopping district, I ascended to the fifth floor and was buzzed into an immaculate day spa that one can only describe as impossibly chic. I was greeted warmly and then escorted back for a facial with Anne. After discussing what I do to my skin (not a lot), the condition of my skin (dry, I don't exfoliate as often as I should) and what I wanted to get out of the facial (hydration, soothing experience where I just needed someone to pet me like a cat for an hour), Anne got to work on what I can only describe as One of The Best Facials Of My Entire Life.

I almost feel badly for putting that in print but I'm not kidding: Anne is magic. I fell asleep during this facial. That's how gentle and soothing she is. A mixture of masques were applied including Cle de Peau (which I believe Wei Lang is the only salon licensed to administer the Cle de Peau facial in the US) and I emerged with skin that positively glowed from the inside out. Wei Lang also uses Sco, Colorscience and IS Clinical products. Only the best, people.

Next up was a mani-pedi. Now, this is an exclusive spa, folks. There aren't tons of other clients running around. There's one pedicure station, one manicure table. You are the only focus in the room at that time and it's pure heaven on a stick. My manicurist got to work, giving me a fantastic manicure and pedicure with Chanel colors that are just gorgeous (she has Peculiare, people - just saying). MAC, Zoya, Chanel - it's manicure magic. My mani-pedi and face looked so amazing that I actually had to book an emergency blowout to make sure that the whole package was worthy of my glowing hair and skin. I would have dressed better had I known my skin was going to look that good.

As an exclusive day spa here in Manhattan, Wei Lang offers a very concise menu of services: facials, makeup applications, nail services, waxing and massage are what's offered and the reason is very simple: whatever they do, they do it WELL. The prices are absolutely affordable, from $130 for a Wei Lang signature facial (what I received and I will be going back for more, no doubt) and between $25-55 for nail services. Click the link below for more information and a menu of services.

I try not to promise to return to a location but I will break that tradition: Wei Lang Spa has found a customer in me.

Wei Lang Spa
584 Broadway (between Houston and Prince), #506
New York, NY 10012
212.925.7570
by appointment only

FTC disclosure: services received for review

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Backstage at ADAM with MAC, Redken, and Deborah Lippmann

The Scene: A number of bloggers marveled at how calm the scene backstage was. They may have been blind. Models were being shuffled between and among the various stations, often getting their hair, makeup, and nails done at once. There were tons of fashion news outlets interviewing the experts – flashes and bright lights became part of the background. Show coordinators hurried about the backstage area on their walkie-talkies and Blackberries. A power outage at one of the hair stations caused a stir.

Overheard Backstage: “I only know how to get in backstage. The front [entrance] is for pedestrians.”

The Products: Makeup: MAC Fluidline gel eyeliner in Rich Ground, MAC eye shadow in Cork, MAC Mineralize blush in Laguna, MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl

Hair: Redken Spray Starch, Redken Workforce Volumizing Spray

Nails: Deborah Lippmann nail lacquer in Fashion, Deborah Lippmann high gloss top coat

Get The Look: Makeup: Romy Soleimani wanted to create an “earthy warrior” look, perfect for a “wild, sophisticated, nomadic woman.” The look is rendered entirely in warm, rich tones – even the mascara was brown! To start, Soleimani made a soft cat eye with a medium brown shadow, smudging it with her fingers to keep things perfectly messy. She also drew a light line under the eye with the same brown shade, and applied a light coat of mascara. Using an angled brush, she dotted a bit of gel eyeliner closely along the upper lash line. Next, Soleimani brushed the models’ eyebrows upward with brow gel and filled them in using the appropriate shades of pencil eyeliner. She then used minimal liquid foundation to even the models’ skin tones, and applied Laguna blush liberally to create a dramatic, contoured cheek. A bit of Cream Color Base went under the eyes, as well as a very light layer on the forehead, nose, and chin. This look is easy and sexy, and is certainly adaptable from the runway to reality.

Hair: Stylist Rudy Lewis crafted a similarly tribal, “ethnic” look for the models’ hair. The focal points are the tightly-pulled, controlled sides, messy mohawk on top, and a “woven, messy, lived-in” fishtail braid. To achieve the look, Lewish blew the model’s hair straight and, using Redken Spray Starch, pulled pieces from the sides of her head back toward the center of the head and pinned them there. With the remaining hair in the center of the head, Lewis created a small pouf, teasing and spraying to secure the height. This hair was pinned on top of the two side pieces. With all of the model’s hair in the back, Lewis divided it into two segments to create the fishtail braid. Then, using a blush brush covered in hairspray, as well as his fingers, Lewis touseled and generally messed up his handiwork. The final look was “windswept” and soft, and interacted with the great textures in ADAM’s line.

Nails: For models’ nails, Deborah Lippmann used two coats of Fashion, a grayish, “dirtied” taupe from her eponymous line. The color was finished with high-gloss top coat, so that the “earthy” manicures would stand out on the runway.

Holiday Beauty: The Pampermint Pedicure

After racing from one end of the city to another working, events, epic levels of Christmas shopping and the holiday party circuit, my feet were freaking killing me. You know what I mean, that aching, murderous pain where you want to just take your feet off and put them somewhere. Well, my little overworked heel-loving maven, I need to tell you about the fabulous Pampermint Manicures and Pedicures at Eve Salon here in NYC.

Available through January 31st, the Pampermint Manicure ($20) and Pampermint Pedicure ($40) are fabulous winter treatments exclusive to Eve. Each service is 45 minutes of sheer bliss where your technician uses peppermint oil-infused products to revitalize tired muscle tissue, soothe your skin and calm your anxious mind. In addition to a vigorous and mind-blowing peppermint sugar scrub, you'll receive a massage that will have you melting into the chair and a steaming hot cup of all natural hot cocoa, which comes with a shot of peppermint schnapps if you so desire.

So if you wonder what's the cause of my shiny disposition (and my sparkling red pedicure), I'll confess to my new personal favorite holiday treatment. An amazing gift idea or just something lovely to ease your worried mind and body, book these fabulous treatments by calling 212.807.8054.

Then cool your heels with a little peppermint lovin' and let the pampering begin.

Top Five Hottest Nail Polish Colors for Fall

When planning your fall wardrobe, you want to pay attention to all the details, right down to the tips of your fingers and toes. I sat down with magazine editorial manicure favorite Tracylee Percival (featured in Lucky magazine October and November this year) to get her top picks for fall's hottest nail colors:


Zoya Matte Velvet Nail Color in Posh ($6): this plush red will be all the rage with those who love the classic red nail with a little bit of a current twist.


Zoya Dare Nail Color in Pinta ($6): an inky violet color that has a creamy finish, this is for those who crave "polished" drama in their nail color.


OPI Collection de Espana in Suzi Skies in the Pyrenees ($8.50): grey is everywhere for fall and this deep charcoal hue is an amazing touch of the trend for your fall nail options.


OPI Collection de Espana in Give Me Moor ($8.50): deep wine hues are back for fall, so release your inner wine snob with this deep Cabernet hue.


Essie Mink Muffs ($8): for those who are afraid of the dark (nail hues, that is) or crave more of a refined, less edgy look, this plush taupe color is a great "nude" nail color that is lower maintenance but just as beautiful with fall's vibrant hues and knits.

When planning your fall wardrobe, don't forget about your nail colors wardrobe. With these polishes, you'll stay on top of the trends while remaining impeccably groomed in the process. Sounds like a win-win to me.

60 Second Beauty Tip: How to Get Summer Smooth Feet At Home

Last Friday, I carved out a little time to get a Minx pedicure with Tracylee Percival, manicurist to the stars and salon manager of the uber-rocker-fabulous Suite 303 in the Hotel Chelsea. More to come on that later for Social Diva but check out the photo above. Could you DIE? It's amazing.

Because I had less-than-spectacular feet when I sat down for the procedure (they looked like I'd been dragging rocks barefoot through Middle Earth, I am so not kidding), I asked Tracylee for her advice on daily maintenance. Tracylee says that the major mistake most women make is that they file their feet in the shower, which isn't that effective. When you're done showering, blot your feet, then turn and file your feet AFTER the shower: your feet will have absorbed the moisture and are damp, which makes filing off dead skin super effective for spectacular results.

Here's another (and most important) point: the foot file has to be completely DRY, not wet. Buffing with a wet foot file is not effective. Follow your efforts with a good foot cream and you're ready to go.


Tracy used a long, angular file like this Heel to Toe Foot File ($2.89 at any Sally Beauty store) on me and the results were mind-blowing. Note the pointed edge which gets between toes. At $3 for this tool, there is no excuse to have nasty feet, folks. None at all.

Tracylee gives one of the best mani-pedis on Earth and the Minx pedi is the BOMB, as shown in the photo above. If you need to book her for a professional shoot or industry function, contact Vue Mgmt 212-431-5780. If you want to book a private appointment with her at Suite 303, call 212-633-1011. I promise you will walk out a shiny, happier person with one MAJOR pedicure.

Fabulous Organic Beauty: Sabon NYC

I was recently invited to Sabon NYC's shop in Soho to experience their amazing beauty products. I have to say, if I were surrounded by these hand creams, soaps, bath and beauty products all day, I cannot imagine how I would ever want to leave. These products are just to die for: body scrubs and creams that penetrate deeply without having to slather on handfuls of products, soaps that clean without stripping - all made with the best, most natural ingredients.

You hear a lot about organic products - it's a big buzzword in the beauty industry. Let's be honest for a moment about why these products are good for you. Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed or otherwise ingested into the body in one way or another. The less harsh chemicals you use, the less you have to worry about apologizing for "eating" things you shouldn't. Make sense? Moving on...


As a bath product enthusiast, I highly recommend the Organic Body Scrub ($30) for gentle exfoliation that leaves a hydrated glow, followed immediately by Organic Butter Cream ($39). A little goes a long way and the scent is pleasant without overpowering. As a desk or handbag staple, their Organic Hand Cream ($18) is a hand-softening, cuticle smoothing miracle.


If you're in NYC, I recommend stopping by the Soho boutique for a truly luxurious experience. Otherwise, get thee to the website and get to shopping. You deserve gorgeous, glowing skin this summer and Sabon is a fabulous way to get it.

60 Second Beauty Tip: How to Fix Rough Cuticles

I unfortunately have a nasty habit of picking at hangnails to the point where if I really get going my hands look repulsive. I used to ruin my hands on a regular basis until Lulu, a fabulous nail technician with Creative Nail Design, taught me a trick that has given me the most gorgeous, smooth and laceration-free fingers on Earth.




When you have broken skin or picked cuticles, take a regular nail file and gently file the spot down until it smooths out (it doesn't and shouldn't hurt), then apply Creative Nail Design Rejuvenator ($11.49). The copper peptides and other ingredients in the formula heal rough spots and broken skin within mere minutes (I'm not kidding.) Problem solved!

60 Second Beauty Tip: How to Fix Rough Cuticles

I unfortunately have a nasty habit of picking at hangnails to the point where if I really get going my hands look repulsive. I used to ruin my hands on a regular basis until Lulu, a fabulous nail technician with Creative Nail Design, taught me a trick that has given me the most gorgeous, smooth and laceration-free fingers on Earth.




When you have broken skin or picked cuticles, take a regular nail file and gently file the spot down until it smooths out (it doesn't and shouldn't hurt), then apply Creative Nail Design Rejuvenator ($11.49). The copper peptides and other ingredients in the formula heal rough spots and broken skin within mere minutes (I'm not kidding.) Problem solved!

For The Guys: Let's Talk March Madness and Those Magic Hands

Guys, we love our sports, we love our men and we love our sports-loving men. In honor of the men who love us (and the ones who want to do so), we’ve got a little contest that might just cause March Madness in your home or office.

Jack Black, a top man-friendly skincare line, is offering a little contest in celebration of all things college basketball. Click here to enter your top two picks and game-ending scores for the final NCAA Tournament match-up and if you win, you will automatically be entered in a drawing to win $500 worth of Jack Black products! The contest ends on April 3rd at 3 p.m. CST so what are you waiting for? Take it to the hoop!



Hey dude, by the way, when is the last time you threw on a little hand cream? Hey, we’re all for rough and rugged but caressing our soft skin with ragged cuticles and calloused hands is less than sexy. Ouch! Here’s a solution: slather on some Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer ($15) and smooth those jagged edges. Click the link above or head to Sephora to pick some up post-haste. After all, there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows how to take care of himself.