Manicures in Manhattan

WHY IS New York City the only place on earth in which a manicure – no, not the polish and shape that costs 35 quid at Nails Inc., a proper one – doesn't cost the same as a week's rent? Instead, it's just about a tenner... cheap enough to have your hands looking presentable ALWAYS (almost a requirement before they let you through customs). Pure digital heaven (and I don't meant that in a sexual sense, obviously).

My hands look 10 years younger after a Manhattan manicure (or just a Manhattan but the latter has more to do with the quality of my vision). No less than 5 people complimented my mani after I nipped down to my favourite super-secret mani salon in NY between meetings last week (no joke, they spoke right at the nails). Anyway, I had forgotten what sheer bliss it is to let a woman (wearing an improbable name tag... no way 20 of you all have first names (Western ones, natch) starting with the letter J) buff, nip, clip, push, rub, wash, shape, paint, paint and paint my nails some more. All for the price of two Starbucks runs. And in the same amount of time it would take me to do, say, a SINGLE NAIL on my own at home (I once timed how long it took me to do a passable at-home manicure... the length of a feature film).

Compared to the shoddy – to downright painful, indifferent and inept – nail treatment I've had elsewhere, the salons of New York are an anomaly in nailcare. And like many other things – hot dog vendors and Tinsley Mortimer – the best manicure in the US is something I've only been able to find in New York. Do you pay attention to your nails? If so, where have you had the best manicure of your life? Do share!

Online beauty find: Oscar Blandi Every Other Day Set

Hunting the endless game grounds of the internet, I came across a wicked product today (and one that most certainly appeals to people like me with a penchant for two day-old hair).

WHAT | Oscar Blandi Every Other Day Set

WHERE | Online at Skinstore.com and Amazon.com for $48.00.

WHEN | Every other day, silly.

 WHY | Because washing every other day saves your blow out and your hair (not to mention the health of your wallet).

 HOW | On the in-between days, use his fantastic Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray (3.2oz). On the wash days, use the Pronto Wet Instant Voluminizing Shampoo and Conditioner (8.4oz each).

Le Labo City Scents at Liberty of London

Cult New York perfumier Le Labo is exclusively offering their city scents in Liberty of London for the month of October. Get limited quantities of all their city scents right now: London (Poivre 23), LA (Musc 25), Tokyo (Gaiac 10), Dallas (Aldehyde 44), New York (Tubereuse 40) and Paris (Vanille 44).

The reason you care? Because these city scents are usually only available in their respective cities. As far as I know it's the first time you can get the whole lot in one go (without the advantage of an around the world plane ticket). 

Plus, you get to schlep your bum to Liberty's superlative beauty hall. What better way is there to waste a lunch break?

Le Labo City Scents available exclusively at Liberty of London until the end of October 2009.