Minx Nails

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Have you ever found something so awesome you want to keep it a secret but you know you have to share it?

This is my dilemma. I found one of the most awesome treatments in the city – it's unique, it's relaxing, the finished result is dramatic and people go gaga for it. I want to keep this to myself, but I'd be remiss if I didn't leak it to the rest of you.

I was in the market for something really special for New Years Eve – a mani or pedi that would outshine everyone else. Lady Gaga had worn this amazing gold nail polish on the cover of Flare in December 2009 and that was exactly what I wanted. It took me a year, but I found it!

The product she's wearing actually isn't a polish, it's Minx Nails. A celebrity favourite (you've probably seen Katy Perry and Rihanna rocking one of the various Minx looks), it's not available just anywhere in Canada. So, I turned to the ladies at Upper Village Spa on Eglinton Ave in Toronto.

The spa is easy to get to – hop off the subway at Eglinton West station and head east on Eglinton to address 1112.

What I love about this little place is how cozy and removed it is from the hustle and bustle of city life. Walk off the cold street and up the stairs to a serene, tranquil space that's warm and inviting.

You're treated to comfy couches and hot tea or coffee while you wait – which isn't long. Although the staff at Upper Village is relatively small (compared to the bigger spas around the city) they do a lot of business, and are very punctual.

Sonia – my technician – sat me down and got straight to work on my Minx pedicure. Right now they only carry Gold and Silver Lightening (if demand picks up though, they'll bring in more designs). I opted for the Gold.

At $70, the service isn't cheap, but when you factor in the quality of the product and the full procedure, it's definitely worth it. If you're planning on getting a Minx Pedicure, make an afternoon of it, because it is a process that takes time to get right. Each “sticker”, because they come in generic sizes, must be shaped to your individual nail. Not just anyone can do this, it takes someone with a bit of a creative flair.

Sonia has been in the industry for about 10 years, and is absolutely amazing at what she does (although I'll sheepishly admit she had a bit of a tough go with me because I've got weird feet).

Once the sticker has been shaped correctly, it's warmed under a lamp so the adhesive backing is more effective. She then smooths it out over the nail, trims the end and buffs off any excess material.

While she worked we talked about weird things... would you eat a bug? Jump out of a plane? How about dinning at Au Noir, that restaurant where all the waiters are blind and you eat in the dark? I love how down to earth the staff at Upper Villages is.

When all's said and done with the Minx application, there's a wonderful pedicure (it's so nice to soak cold toes in warm, scented water on cold winter days) and voila. There's no pesky drying time either, once you're done, you're done! And you've got a fabulous, enviable look your friends will die for.

Trina, the owner of Upper Village, said a lot of her clients like to get Minx done before heading off to vacation destinations that are warm and sandy. The Minx holds up well on the beach, and lasts a LOT longer than traditional pedicures – up to an amazing 3 months! This would be what makes Minx stand out against cheaper competitors out there, like the Chic Prints by OPI for Sephora.

Actually, to get the product off takes a bit of work as well. Using a blow dryer to warm the Minx, take the edges and peel - sort of like a band-aid but don't rip it! Gently is best. Or you can set up an appointment at Upper Village and have one of the girls do it for you. Regardless, you'll be left with a bit of residue (again, like with a band-aid) but that comes off easily with nail polish remover.

But to keep your Minx looking its best while you have it, regular care and cuticle oil to keep the nail bed healthy and clean will ensure longevity.

Upper Village Spa also offers a lot of other great services and products (like the amazing Lamp Berger) at really competitive prices (and I'm not just saying that). Definitely check them out the next time you need a mid-winter pick me up, massage or waxing. They also have gift certificates, and it IS Christmas time, so share something wonderful with your friends!

Visit them online at www.uppervillagespa.com or give them a call at 416 782 1539.

Hilary Lauren Fox
		About the author:
		Sometimes she's a redhead, sometimes she's a blonde. Some days it's H&M, and on other days, it's Chanel. What ever the mood, she is a woman who is passionate about the arts, fashion and social media. Born in Toronto, Hilary Lauren Fox is an only child to artist parents - mom was an illustrator and pattern maker, dad was a painter. Rather then studying the arts as her parents hoped for, Hilary opted for a degree in psychology with dreams of working in a clinical setting. But after graduating she realized that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and that the arts was in her blood, applying her education within the art and fashion world.
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