Jessica Peris, owner of The Beautique. Photos: Jade Hansen.
The Edit is a new series that showcases Canberra’s fashion and beauty offerings. Produced by Jade Hansen, The Edit is a modern women’s guide to keeping chic in our capital city.
This week on The Edit, I had the opportunity to spend a sunny morning with Jessica Peris, Canberra’s very own beauty aficionado and over endless cups of tea, I quizzed her on all things manicures.
A great manicure is good for the soul – at least that’s my personal belief and I am always happy for the 30+ minutes of downtime. I recently ran an Instagram poll asking Canberrans to share their favourite nail salon and Jessica Peris’ name was at the forefront, making a Q&A with her essential.
The Beautique is a welcomed change from the unflattering fluorescent lights and overly glossy, tired interiors that most high-street salons possess, making this little utopia the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some self-care. So, for those wanting to achieve an impeccable, longer lasting manicure, read on. I began by asking Jess about the impact a manicure can have.
JP: We specialise in gel polish and nail art at The Beautique, but it is important that all manicures begin with healthy nails. Our hands are a focal part of our body, people notice them, making nail care a primary concern. We believe having your nails maintained gives you that polished edge and a boost to your confidence. Your hands and nails say a lot about you.
JH: Canberra’s climate is harsh, does this affect how we should care for our hands and nails?
JP: Most definitely! Our freezing winters and harsh sun in summer means our hands and nails go through a lot. Our general dry climate can cause our skin and hands to crack and dry out. It is important to use sunscreen and hand cream daily (and reapply throughout the day), furthermore, wearing gloves while washing the dishes, gardening or using chemicals is a must.
The Insta-worthy rose quartz sink.
JH: Do we need to cut our cuticles?
JP: Cutting dead skin from around the nail is essential in creating a clean, neat line. However, over-clipping can do more harm than good and leave you open to infection – this is a job for a professional and it’s important to only cut loose dead skin. Usually, a gentle pushing back of the cuticle is all that is needed to elongate the nail plate. It is important to keep your cuticles nourished with a cuticle oil to maintain a manicured look and avoid dryness – healthy cuticles equal healthy nails!
Tea time in the salon is all the time.
JH: Do you have any tips for making a manicure last longer?
JP: Gel polish when applied correctly should last 2 -4 weeks and in some cases 4-6 weeks. If using regular polish, a top coat can be added every couple of days, this will help to prevent chipping and extend the life of your mani. Furthermore, keep your hands and nails moisturised and as mentioned above, be sure to wear your gloves.
JH: What are your tips for a successful DIY manicure?
JP: There are no shortcuts to perfecting a DIY manicure, it’s a skill that improves with practice. A few tips to get you started:
- File your nails – always in one direction
- Buff until you have a slight shine, any more can cause weak nails
- Don’t be tempted to skip the base coat – a quality base coat will give a more professional finish
- Make sure your polish isn’t past its used by date or too thick – apply two coats
- Always apply a top coat
- Finally, allow for adequate drying time – have patience and most importantly don’t do your nails before bed!
The Beautique by Jessica Peris: 96/235 Flemington Road, Franklin.
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