“What’s On Your Nails?” with Jenna Hipp, Green Celebrity Manicurist

What’s On Your Nails? is a series focusing on my fellow beauty bloggers and industry insiders, their favorite nail polish and other hot nail topics.Some of you may remember my interview from last summer with Jenna Hipp. She’s not only a sought after celebrity manicurist but she’s taken on the challenge of being eco-friendly in an industry that can be very chemical laden. With Earth Day fast approaching, it seemed apropos to interview Jenna for this week’s What’s On Your Nails, no? As you’ll see in her pic, Jenna is a former model and beyond gorg. She fits right in with her stunning A-list clientele like Jessica Alba and Fergie. So read on to see what nail shade she’s deemed the new “it” color and which nail fanatic technique she feels will become a mainstream hit.

Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about yourself.
People know me in the industry as The Green Celebrtiy Manicurist. My main concern is providing clients (and myself!) with a safe and tranquil environment, free of harmful chemicals and carcinogens.

What is your favorite nail polish?
My personal favorite, Orly’s Country Club Khaki is not only the new “it” color, but the inspiration behind this year’s Lacquer Layers trend. It’s affluent, adaptable, multifaceted, accomplished, and extremely luxe while maintaining the utmost in comfort. Look for it on your favorite celebs as it is quickly replacing last year’s staples. Buy it while you can, as this ‘in demand color’ hasn’t yet made into Orly’s permanent collection!

What is on your tips and toes right now?
Spa Ritual’s Treasure is my favorite of the week. It surprised me completely because when I initially saw the color, I didn’t think I would like it at all! This hue uncovers and celebrates the new awakenings of the ’09 collections while being a powerful and bewitching. It’s perfect for redheads and pale skin as red and pink undertones appear neutralized and even. Try it. You’ll be surprised, too!

Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
Proper nail care and hygiene is always a necessity- personally and socially. Though I don’t feel nail polish is an actual necessity, it sure will make you feel a lot better about yourself, just like your staple makeup products. Start thinking of your nail products as cosmetic and keep your very favorite products in your everyday makeup bag. This way, on-the-run touchups are as simple as putting on your lipstick. I feel there is an unnecessary gap between the cosmetic and nail worlds, even though both are equally as important. Would you ever forget to pack your mascara? I didn’t think so!

How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
More than I would want to count!

How often do you change your nail polish?
Because of my work, I’m unable to wear nail polish very often. I’m sure most manicurists have this same issue. On the other hand, (no pun intended!) I am testing colors on myself all the time. In any given day, I might have changed the color 10 or 15 times!

Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
Pure Virgin Coconut Oil – Coconut oil does not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing. It’s also effective in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smooth and supple. Even very tough skin will become more evenly textured, with a healthy “shine” and supple feel. If used regularly, pure virgin coconut oil penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin while strengthening the underlying tissues.

Lemon Juice – Lemon juice is a citric acid, which is a part of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) group that helps slough off dead skin cells while helping new cells to grow underneath. This allows for more flexibility and elasticity.

What do you think will be the big nail trend for spring/summer?
Keep a lookout for a new trend called “Lacquer Layers”. Customize your own nail color by painting nails with two different shades of polish. Orly’s Country Club Khaki topped with Orly’s Tennis Anyone? will surprise you. It’s actually one color other than sheer pink you might actually wear! Additionally, “Lacquer Layers” encourages individuality and creativity with the ability to combine endless possibilities, plus it’s a great way to utilize polishes from previous seasons that you were thinking of tossing. [editor’s note: read Frankenpolish & the Art of Layering for my tips on the trend]

Trend setting colors from the SpaRitual Cherish Collection (pictured):
“Delight”, a nail lacquer true to its name, is positively hard to come by. Unique and innovative, lovers of Balenciaga and Armani will be the first in line to demand this cool, trend-setting color of the season.

“Love” is in the air…and now at your fingertips. One coat to create a flirty, yet sheer unexpected burst of color. Two coats to tell the world how you really feel. My top bright of the season, Love is all bottled up. And for once that’s a good thing!

What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Acrylic French manicures with the long, square tips is completely over, plain and simple. So is the French Pedicure. I just can’t understand why anyone would purposely paint their toes to make it LOOK like they needed to be cut. It’s beyond me! [editor's note: you're preaching to the choir girlfriend!]

What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
The biggest mistake people make when painting their nails is NOT USING base coats. Base coats not only make the lacquers last longer, they also protect the nails from getting stained by the lacquer. A great base coat also creates a guide for the nail polish so it can glide on and grip to the nail much easier. Be sure to use nourishing basecoats free of DBP and other harsh chemicals as nail polish is topical and still absorbs into your body.

Thanks Jenna, for all your great tips and insight. You’re a champ! And kids, make sure you visit JennaHipp.com to check out her portfolio of work.

image credit: David Muller Photography