Prada-inspired Nail Art for Spring!

Last year, we wrote a blog post about Prada’s Spring 2013 show in Milan showcasing a bold new take on traditional Japanese-inspired clothing. With the beginning of spring officially just a week away, we thought we’d share some nail art designs inspired by the same collection!

 
Related blog post: “Tips for Nail Art Perfection” >>

Tips for Nail Art Perfection!

Nail art is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to be expressive and even a little festive too!

Having trouble deciding what your next nail art should be? Here are some helpful tips to get your creativity flowing:

• Look at images on nail art websites or just Google “nail art images”. Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see something that inspires you!

• It’s best to come into a salon with a picture already printed out or email the salon beforehand. There’s a possibility the salon won’t be equipped to execute the design and plus, there’s nothing more disappointing than trekking somewhere for nothing!
• Although DIY nail art kits are super fun, letting a professional do it for you ensures you’ll have a pristine manicure without any stress or time wasted. Professional manicurists have a good idea what will work for the shape and size of your nails and can recommend ideas you may not have thought of.
• If you’re really into a type of pattern, fabric, or design, bring in a swatch or a picture and watch your manicurist do wonders to bring that design to life on your nails!
• If nail art isn’t your thing, but you still want to try something new, try picking out 2 or 3 or your favorite colors. Adding a small colorful embellishment (like a color blocking design, images like a heart or flower, or even crystals) to a nail or two can really elevate your manicure to the next level!

Here at SNY, we have talented nail artists on staff every day! Contact us beforehand with your idea and we’ll make sure to pair you with the best manicurist for your needs!

Creative Nail Designs

Looking for some creative and fun nail design ideas this fall? We’ve compiled a few:

Starry Night – Craving a little star-studded sky? This look can be as romantic or as galactic-glam as you like!

Adorably Dotty – Kate Spade’s Fall 2012 collection showcased polka dot nail art —  so fun and can be combined with a variety of colors!

Ombre, Ombre! – Ombre hair (color fading from dark to light) is still on trend and the look has translated into nail art as well. Celebrities like Rihanna rock the ombre effect (also called Gradation Manicure), and it looks stunning!

Fashion Forward French Manicure

Photo source: Elle.com

Elle.com’s Best in Show for 2012 features these two new trendy takes on the French manicure.

“The new French manicure follows just one rule: no white polish.” Also pair the manicure with a metallic shade to resemble jewelry.

LED Gel Nail FAQs

Repeatedly, clients want to know more about our LED Gel Nails so we decided to post some of our most frequently asked questions and answers:

Q: At another salon a gel soak-off takes about 10 minutes, why does your LED Gel Soak-off take longer?

 

A: Our Gel Soak-off takes about 45min to complete. After soaking off and removing the gel from your nails, our estheticians carefully perform a detailed dry cuticle care treatment. This treatment is very detailed and helps to extend the health of your nails and to prepare them for their next treatment.

 

 

 

 

Q: Can I request a soak-off even though I received a gel manicure from another salon? And how much extra does it cost?

A: Yes, we can still perform soak-offs for UV-cured gels, however, the process is a bit more arduous since in most cases we need to file down the whole nail first. Our soak-off price for UV-cured gels is $40. To save you time and money, we suggest going back to the salon you received your treatment and receive a soak-off there before coming in.

 

 

 

Q: Is your LED Gel Nails really long lasting?

A: Yes! If your nails chip or peel within 10 days of your treatment, we will gladly redo the nail for free! Because our LED Gel Nails last longer than a regular manicure or pedicure, it’s an ideal treatment if you’re going on vacation or will be away for an extended period of time—more time to enjoy your time away and less time worrying about your nails! To show you how durable our LED Gel treatment is, we documented a LED Gel Manicure performed recently:

Day 1

Day 7

Day 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to email us at: contact@shizukany.com or leave a comment here. We love hearing from you!

LED vs. UV Gel Nails

Before coming in for their first LED Gel Nail Treatments, some clients want to know: What’s the difference between LED and UV Gel Nails?

Basically, the difference lies in the gels’ ingredients and the light needed to cure, or dry, it. Our gel requires LED light to form an even protective layer over your nails. “LED” stands for “light emitting diode,” which refers to the type of bulb an LED gel lamp uses.

Our gels are made from a formula designed to respond specifically to LED light wavelengths, which dries the gel in 30 seconds. Most UV gels take about two minutes to dry under UV Light.

The end result — base coat, two coats of color plus one top coat — looks no thicker than nail polish and stays on your nails for at least 10 days. We guarantee it!

Learn more about our LED Gel Manicure or Pedicure treatments >>

What Color is Your Pedicure?

Lucky Magazine asks: What Color is Your Pedicure?

It all depends on your sandals—which, this summer, should be a decidedly brilliant shade of something.

Yellow looks so pop against the hot pink shoes.

This muted coral tones down the drama—but still looks exotic.

Deep blue-green, and drop-dead sexy.

So feminine! The soft rose sets off the shoes’ bold fuchsia.

Photo Source: Lucky Magazine

Upgrade from a Basic to a Classic Pedicure for added exfoliation and light massage >>

Reflexology for Happy Feet

Has the long winter left your feet tired and achey? Try a little reflexology foot massage to revitalize your tootsies before sandal season hits!

Reflexology is a practice that targets certain areas of the feet and hands with specialized pressure to increase circulation, relieve tension and improve organ function.

A good foot massage will help stimulate the thousands of nerve endings in your feet—keeping your feet (and body) happy and healthy!

Sweeten any spa pedicure by adding 10 extra minutes reflexology for only $20! >>

Celebrity Red-Carpet Manicures

Adele's Louboutin-inspired Mani

Adele’s super glamorous Louboutin-inspired manicure at the Grammy’s this month has certainly caught our eye! This lux look only works on longer nails, so take a month or so to grow out your nails, then visit our nail spa for this sing-your-heart-out celebrity treatment!

We also think Zooey Deschanel’s Tuxedo Nails from the Golden Globes are super adorable (and also do-able in our nail spa!)

Melt Away the Cold with Paraffin Wax

Skin conditioning during the cold winter months can be an ongoing task, so we like to encourage our clients to try different treatments to find out which works best.

A Paraffin Wax treatment for your hands and feet is an inexpensive, speedy, yet luxurious way to warm and hydrate your skin while relaxing stiff muscles and joints. The wax contains paraffin oil making it softer than, for example, wax used for hair removal. Because it’s softer, the wax melts at lower temperatures, so it won’t burn or blister your skin. Add a Paraffin Wax treatment to your favorite manicure or pedicure or get it on its own for a quick and soothing treatment for your hard-working extremities!

Here’s what our Paraffin Wax treatment entails:

• First our estheticians lightly massage your hands or feet using SpaRitual Organic Moisturizing lotion, with Geranium essential oil.
• Then you will submerge your hands or feet into melted paraffin wax until your skin is generously coated (for feet, the process is slightly different to ensure that hands and feet aren’t dipped into the same wax).
• Your hands or feet are then covered with plastic and then slid into terry cloth mitts to keep the wax warm.
• After about 5 minutes, the process is complete and the wax is removed all at once.

Your skin will feel deeply moisturized and softened without being oily or greasy.

Paraffin Wax treatment by itself:

Glam It Up with Stunning Nail Art

Looking for a fun new way to look dazzling at holiday parties? Check out these festive LED Gel Manicure designs created by the talented manicurists at SHIZUKA NY!                  Combine any of these nail art designs with our current 20% off LED Gel Manicure specials and get absolutely stunning nails for LESS until December 31st, 2011!

Call (212) 644-7400 or inquire online about pricing and appointment availability.

Request an appointment NOW! >>

Check out our current Holiday Spa Deals >>

Halloween Week Spa Specials

Hey Shizuka NY Insiders!

With Halloween right around the corner, you’ll scream at these Halloween Week Specials, good October 24th – 31st, 2011. Appointments are going fast, so reserve your spa TREATment now by requesting an appointment online, or calling (212) 644-7400.

Geisha Facial®, $90 (Reg $180) Save 50%!

Halloween beauty never looked so good! Save a whopping 50% on this exclusive facial, seen on TV broadcasts and magazines internationally for harnessing the unique Japanese geisha tradition of cleansing the skin with nightingale droppings. This 50 min. facial also includes cleansing and light pore extraction using products from the all-natural Shizuka New York Skin Care System, a camellia oil facial massage and a green tea Collagen Mask.

Gel Nail Manicure – solid color, $38 (Reg $50)

Show off your Halloween spirit with our solid color Presto LED gel nails. Better yet, bring in a sample of your costume and let us create a custom color just for you. Mix things up a bit with festive stamps, hand drawing and glitter for an additional $10 and up.

50 min. Shiatsu or Swedish Massage , $80 (Reg $105)

Almost as sweet as a bagful of candy, our Shiatsu and Swedish massages will leave you feeling rejuvenated minus the empty calories! Treat your body and spirit to a 50 min. massage by one of our highly skilled massage therapists.

Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel , 1.7 Fl oz/50mL – $56

If you don’t feel like carving pumpkins this year but still want to indulge your festive side, try Naturopathica’s best selling Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel. By utilizing pumpkins’ powerful carotenoid antioxidant qualities, this refining peel is formulated to slough away dead skin cells for a clean, clear and radiant complexion. For an additional $30, sample it by asking your esthetician to add it to your favorite facial (already included in some). Or, simply take some home for yourself and let your skin glow like a jack-o-lantern all year round!

Spa deals are available October 24th – 31st, 2011. Schedule your appointment now by using our online request form or call (212) 644-7400.

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Gel Nail Art in Time Out New York

The nail salon at Shizuka New York Day Spa was featured as one of NYC’s top ten nail art salons in Time Out New York. TONY featured our glitter gradation gel manicure as one of it’s most trendy styles:

Shizuka New York Day Spa
On the sixth floor of what looks like an ordinary midtown office building lies Shizuka, a serene space where manicurist Satomi Teraoka creates Japanese nail art as understated or outrageous as you desire. After being greeted with a cup of green tea, manicure devotees are presented with a case of faux nails showcasing the sun-filled salon’s most popular designs, including Teraoka’s signature “glitter waterfall” ($85). To create this effect, clear, light pink and glittery Presto gels are layered on the nails and dried under a LED light for 20 seconds after each application. Teraoka completes the mani with a few crystals and a glossy top coat. While gel manicures—which last about two weeks and cost $20 to get removed—are the salon’s speciality, they don’t skimp on other forms of nail art. Flowers, leopard spots and original designs can be brushed on with regular polish ($5–$10 per nail), and if you have a thing for bling, the ladies at Shizuka will completely cover your nails with crystals to create their Disco-ball manicure ($150). 7 W 51st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, sixth floor (212-644-7400, shizukany.com)—Leah Faye Cooper

Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

[Time Out New York]

Shizuka NY Celebrates 100 Spa Newsletters

The 100th Edition of our spa newsletter is truly the best yet, featuring exclusive spa deals and the best skin care tips from our first 99 newsletters.

100th Newsletter Spa Deals good through September 5th, 2011:
Signature Micro Facial – $120 (Reg. $160)
Nagomi Manicure & Sakura Pedicure – $80 (Reg. $100)
Eyelash Extensions – $200 (Reg. $250)

Get your appointment by using our online request form (promo code: 100) or calling (212) 644-7400.

Become a Shizuka NY Insider today by joining our mailing list!

More spa deals like these >>

4 Hours of Spa Bliss for $250

This March, we at Shizuka New York Day Spa are pleased to offer one of our most popular spa packages at an even better deal than normal.

The Total Body Spa Package, valued at $285, is available for $250 March 1-31, 2011.

Including a detoxifying Infrared Sauna session, a 50-Minute Swedish Massage, Classic Facial, Classic Manicure & Pedicure, this spa package is the perfect break from your hectic life.

Use our convenient online appointment request form (use the Promo Code “Spring Forward”) and you will soon be on your way to 4 hours of relaxation and rejuvenation!

11 Spa Deals for 2011

If you’re still recovering from the holiday season, take advantage of these awesome spa deals to ring in the new year. Shizuka New York Day Spa is offering 11 spa deals on our most popular facials, massage, body, eyelash and nail treatments through January 31, 2011.

Learn more about our 11 spa deals here >>

Holiday Nail Art

Save on festive holiday nail art with any Gel Manicure through December 31, 2010. Our nail artists recommend one design on the ring finger for a subtle display of holiday cheer.

Pictured at left: Christmas Tree with Crystal “Star” – $7/nail (reg. $10)
Pictured at right: Holiday Snowflake with Crystal Center – $5/nail (reg. $7)

Also, save on soothing and hydrating Paraffin Hand Treatments ($10, reg. $15) with any Shizuka NY manicure through December 31st.

To get these great looks, you can request an appointment online or call (212) 644-7400 for spa reservations.

LED Gel Nails NYC are a “Best Bet”

Our new LED Gel Nails are featured in a “Best Bets” post on New York Magazine’s “The Cut” blog.  As you may know, LED spa treatments are not new to Shizuka New York Day Spa…

Anyone who has sat patiently through a professional manicure only to have it chip or peel a day or two later can appreciate the popularity of the gel system, which lasts weeks. This is especially important during the summer months, when chlorine and humidity are punishing to traditional polish. Until now, the standard gel manicure was set with UV light, which not only made the process take at least an hour, but exposed the hands to damaging rays. Shizuka New York has introduced an updated gel manicure system that uses LEDs instead of UVs. Not only is it healthier, it takes about half the time to set and the results are just as pretty. Best of all? Shizuka offers a no-chip guarantee: If your gel nails chip or lift within ten days of treatment, they’ll reset them for free.

We are currently offering a introductory offer of $40 for the LED Gel Manicure NYC (one color) that lasts through Labor Day, September 6, 2010. This is 20% off the list price of the manicure!

FYI, the LED gel manicure pictured above also uses gradation (color blending, +$20) and sparkly glitter gel (+7). However, a single color is equally stylish and the results speak for themselves!

With Shizuka New York Nail Salon’s 10-Day No Chip Guarantee, we will also fix LED gel manicures that have chipped or lifted within 10 days of the initial treatment.

Read more about our LED Gel Nails.

[NYMag.com - The Cut]
Photo by Melissa Hom