Long-Wear Miracle Manicure

Imagine a nail polish that’s virtually chip-free and stays fresh and fabulous for 14 days. Well, it’s not a dream it’s a reality and I tried it on Tuesday and have to say my nails have never looked better. OPI Axxium is gel polish that is applied and then cured under a UV light to instantly set and dry it. Yes, you walk out of the salon with 100% dry nails—how amazing is that? I had my Axxium mani at Toronto’s Earth Salon, a very funky little beauty spot on Scollard Street and my manicurist Audrey was fabulous. An Axxium service starts with a natural nail manicure followed by the application of a gel base coat, colour coat and a top coat, all of which are UV cured in between steps. OPI offers a number of their most popular shades in the Axxium line—I went with Miami Beet, a punchy pink. Audrey told me most of her clients do get 14 days from their Axxium service, and usually colour starts growing out before any chips appear. When it’s time for your Axxium to be removed, you need revisit the salon and have them do it for you as it does not come off with traditional polish remover. Is this not a service made for brides? Perfect wedding day nails that look as fresh on your honeymoon as they did at your party. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me.