I Finally Got Minxed! (And My Nails Will Never Be The Same.)

Although it now seems like it was decades ago, I recently traveled to Washington D.C. for Inuaguration Weekend. I had to return to work Tuesday so I missed the swearing in but I was determined to take in at least some of the energy in the District for my new prez. Plus, I got to spend lots of QT with Mr. TK. And don't go feeling sorry for me, lots of folks don't have jobs now that need them so I tried not to complain about having to return a day early. I'm so glad I followed my gut and went for the abbreviated trip. (More on that in the next post.)

Anyhoo, in preparation for my getaway, I got MINXED! (see pics below) The fabulous manicurist to the stars, Lisa Logan, wanted to hook me up for the festivities and who am I to turn down such a sweet perk? Lisa figured giving me the MINX treatment was a good way to show off her work to some new potential clients. And boy, she was so right! I received compliments from a jillion people on the Gold Lightening MINX she applied to my nails. (They sorta looked like shimmering coins on my fingertips and became a real conversation starter.) But when folks saw Obama's face on my thumb, they darn near lost it! Different races, ages, income levels - you name it, everyone had something (good) to say. In hindsight, I think folks in D.C. were high on Obama love that weekend. LOL The best compliment probably came from Jesse Jackson, Jr. who I bumped into at a brunch honoring Hill Harper, Kerry Washington and others for their contributions to Obama's campaign. JJ Jr. literally stopped me and gave a thumbs up after he peeped my tricked out Obama nail. Who woulda thunk it?

I have to admit that my MINX were very delicate; I wished they lasted a bit longer. But I kept them for a week and that is pretty standard for a basic manicure. I would certainly get them (and pay) again for a special occasion. However I don't think they are too practical for a working gal like me who washes dishes regularly. And I highly doubt I'll get someone's face on my nails again but it was a fun thing to do once, especially with the President.

Are you based in the NYC area and interested in getting the MINX treatment for yourself? Leave me a comment and I'll put you in touch with Lisa.

PPT EXCLUSIVE: Beyonce and Solange Rocking MINX - The Latest Nail Trend

Everyone is buzzing about Mrs. Shawn Carter’s new video for Single Ladies (I am predicting a lot of hush engagement rings will be doled out this Christmas…) so I managed to get the insider scoop on some behind-the-scenes action of Bouncy and her younger sis Solange. These days, they are both sporting a new development in nails called MINX. My girl, celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan gave me the 411 on MINX recently and admitted that she is quite excited about this creative treatment because of the versatility it offers. (Know that Lisa doesn’t easily excite.) Obviously both Beyonce and Solange have ridiculous schedules: shooting ad campaigns in Bermuda one week and videos in NYC the next. With MINX, Lisa is able to take her clients from sizzling gold metallic to striking platinum in mere minutes without sacrificing the nail’s health which is of utmost importance to her.

Basically, MINX is a film; not a polish so there is no smudging, no chipping and no drying time. This flexible film is applied with heat and pressure and also allows for logos, graphics and other designs to appear on the nail in much less time and effort than the airbrushing of the 1990s. Plus the nails don’t look fake. Ladies, you can even apply MINX to your toes to enhance a pedicure as Beyonce did with the Gold Lightening film in the pic below. Solange showed her support for our next president Barack Obama on her MINX nails (peep his image in the 5th pic from top) while shooting her latest video T.O.N.Y. How freakin’ cool is that? Guess we can expect a cameo from Cee-Lo in that upcoming T.O.N.Y. video, huh?



The "glove" above made an appearance in Beyonce's Single Ladies video...

For more information about how you can be the first person in your town to rock MINX, click here. Are you willing to try this latest nail trend? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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.