The other day I was in a meeting at work, casually admiring my female co-workers’ festive nails. One had a flawless manicure in rich mulberry. Another had a set of gel nails in shimmering pastel pink. “You guys,” I said. “Your nails look amaze.”
“Oh, thanks!” Mulberry replied. “I went to a holiday party this weekend. I figured I’d be holding a glass the whole time and people would be staring at my hands, so my nails might as well look good.”
I smiled and looked down at my nails, which is when I stopped smiling. They were painted, an accomplishment. But they’d been painted by me, a week ago, and the polish was growing thin and flat. The color was OK, sort of a spicy persimmon. My cuticles were a mess. And my hangnails? I just can’t.
Sitting there, I realized that despite feeling frazzled most days of the week, a set of pretty nails is a small effort that makes me feel (and look) like I’ve got it together. Even if you prefer nails au naturel, it’s a glorious thing to set aside 30 minutes and indulge in a little self-pampering–especially during the season of holiday parties, shopping and making sure Santa shows up.
The next day I visited Red 6 Nails in Northbrook. Just as I suspected, I can now take on the world.
You with me? Then check out these north suburban spots that really, well, nail it.
Northbrook
Red 6 Nails
3510 Milwaukee Ave.
Xquisite Nails
1036 Willow Road
Concept Nail Spa
507 Waukegan Road
Glenview
Heavenly Nails & Spa
1625 Waukegan Road
UB Spa Nails
2200 Waukegan Road
Pure Therapy Spa
1218 Waukegan Road
Deerfield
MG Nail & Spa
810 Waukegan Road
Minnie’s Manicure
20550 Milwaukee Ave.
Queens Nail Boutique
45 North Waukegan Road
Highland Park
Serene Nails
818 Central Ave.
The Nail Shop & Spa
473 Roger Williams Ave.
Queens Nails and Spa
1896 First St.
