Nail art on the rise in Europe

(Japan Nailists Association)

After celebrities including Rihanna were spotted wearing elaborate nail art on the red carpet and following reports in various beauty media outlets, this phenomenon previously associated with Japanese beauty trends, European beauty fairs such as the Mondial Spa & Beauté in Paris are now including nail art in their programs.

Longer, 1980s-inspired nails appeared on several runways this season (and Gareth Pugh's show even featured small chains on acrylic nails), and judging from beauty fairs' lineups, nail art usually reserved for the likes of the Tokyo Nail Expo is preparing to enter the mainstream.

For the first time this year, Paris-based Mondial Spa & Beauté (opening March 13) will run an exhibition for nail art and organize a nail art contest under the motto Glam & Rock. Professionals will be invited to take part in the competition, offering their false nail creations live on stage in front of a trade audience.

There will also be a special presentation by nail artist Luc Tuison (of ABC Nailstore), who will introduce the 'stiletto nail,' a technique to make hands look leaner through longer nails, similar to the effect stilettos have on legs.

Other trends dealt with at the event include the medical spa (a fusion between beauty spa and medical practice), sustainable products, LED light in anti-aging, and caramel waxing.

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