Nailing It With Celebrity Manicurist Lisa Logan

You may not think you know celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan but no doubt you've seen her work. The Harlem native has pampered the digits of supercouple Beyonce and Jay-Z (she's on B's rider). She's contributed her beautifying skills to magazines like Vanity Fair, New York, Lucky, Essence, Allure, Glamour and Giant. She's worked on ad campaigns for uber-brands such as Macy's, Target, Rockawear and L'oreal. Provided her expertise on makeover shows courtesy of MTV? Yep. Lisa has done all of those too.

Over a chicken cesear salad in NYC one a recent sunny afternoon, the petite Pisces dished on how she broke into the biz, the latest nail trends for summer (they might surprise you) and the importance of wet wipes.

PPT: Who are some of your clients (past and present)?
Lisa: Eve is one of my longest standing clients, along with DMX. I’ve been working with Jay-Z for about five years. Then there's Beyonce, Kayne West, Eva Mendes, Angela Bassett, Roberto Cavalli, P. Diddy, Lauren London, Lauryn Hill, Anne Hathaway, Vivica A. Fox, Judge Hatchett, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Charlize Theron and Dwyane Wade.





PPT: Do you travel at all for work? Where has this job taken you?
Lisa: A lot of the expected places like LA and Miami. But I've also spent a lot of time in Toronto and last summer I went to St. Tropez.

PPT: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Lisa: I enjoy knowing that people value my work and that a loyalty developed between me and so many of my clients. Beyond the quality of my work, people trust me. I've been in meetings that TMZ would love to attend. I understand that celebrities are not looking for friends, I'm there to work.


Lisa with Vivica A. Fox

PPT: What do you enjoy the least?
Lisa: I have had people question my prices in the past. I'm like 'If you want a ten dollar manicure then go up the block.' My job is to offer convenience - you've never had to leave your home or stop working on the computer to receive my services. I come in and do my job and leave without a trace.

PPT: What are the top nail trends going to be for the summer (for fingers and toes)?
Lisa: Summer is an opportunity to express yourself in a way you typically can't in the winter so shimmers are nice for that. A lot depends on your lifestyle. Do you work in a corporate or creative environment? If you do want to wear the bright nail trend that is hot right now be sure you have a generous nail bed. Otherwise your nails will appear too short and stumpy. Also, stay true to who you are. The black nail polish trend that was hot a little while ago wasn't and isn't for everyone. I'm more interested in proper nail care than trends.

PPT: How can PPT readers avoid getting infections at their local nail shop?
Lisa: Don't salon hop. Stay committed to one manicurist so that if something does go wrong you can pinpoint who might be responsible. Think the same way you do about your hairstylist. And of course, make sure that your tech is properly cleaning his/her tools before they service you.

PPT: What are some of your fave products?
Lisa: I've been a fan of this cult classic from Essie called Ballet Slippers for years. I also like Moon Over Mumbai by OPI. For more racy looks, I love Navy Venom from Sally Hansen. I'm so impressed by it because you only need one coat! I actually just used it for a Teen Vogue shoot. To keep feet smooth, I like to use Carol's Daughter salt scrubs for the body. I actually use them for pedicures.

PPT: What type of moisturizers should one use to keep heels in check and ash free but without attracting dirt especially during the summer months while wearing flat sandals?
Lisa: Walk around with wet wipes! They are perfect in a quick fix.

PPT: Most people outside of the media/fashion industry have no idea that a manicurist can lead the type of life you do. How did you get into the field in this capacity?
Lisa: I literally started off making about forty dollars a week. Now I can earn up to two thousand a day. I slowly built up my client base. I've been doing nails for thirteen years and working in the industry for nine. This didn't happen overnight. Persistence is key; I don't give up. Last but not least, I'm blessed. I've been able to attain this career by the grace of God.














Anne (The Devil Wears Prada) Hathaway and Lisa




Lisa with Mr. D. Wade



Click here to view more of Lisa's work.