Beauty Busters: Leighton Denny
Leighton Denny nail polishes have always been at the top of my DIY manicure list, along with Nails Inc and OPI.
I first discovered Leighton Denny when I was kindly sent a sample of the Crystal Finish top coat. From the first application I was sold. Leighton Denny’s Crystal Finish is the best top coat I have ever used and I really am not exaggerating in any way; it’s chip-resistant and SUPER SHINY.
Before Crystal Finish, I struggled to find a top coat that achieved the same high-gloss of that in nail bars and salons. I found it frustrating that I couldn’t have shiny nails without getting a professional manicure. Yes, I had tried topcoats which gave the colour a bit of shine, but nothing that was really, really glossy and almost reflective! Crystal Finish is perfect, and it’s solid – it really seals the colour and strengthens the nail. On trying Crystal Finish, Mission: High Gloss Nails at Home was accomplished and I have bought it online ever since. No other top coat comes close.
So, when Kelly at TCS informed me that Leighton Denny Expert Nails is hitting the shelves of John Lewis this month, I was super excited: a Leighton Denny counter only an hour away from my home town? The phrase “kid in a sweetie shop” springs to mind!
John Lewis is the first nationwide store to offer the Leighton Denny range. Both seasonal and core colours, treatment products and accessories will be available, all of which promise to deliver professional results at home. I can confirm this promise will not be broken.
The man Leighton Denny is nail technician to the stars and has worked in the industry for almost 20 years. 2002 saw the launch of his flagship boutique in Harrods, and less than a decade later the brand is being sold in one of the UK’s top retailers. He says of the nationwide John Lewis collaboration: “I am delighted that the Leighton Denny Expert Nails products are now available in all John Lewis store. It is a fantastic partnership and I am proud to see the brand in such a renowned, British high-street retailer.”
With this news, the lovely Kelly generously sent me some samples of the new Leighton Denny summer range, The Gelato Collection. Doesn’t it sound perfect for summer? The collection is a summery assortment of three pretty pastels and three bright, sorbet shades (available in all John Lewis stores) and seriously, reading through the names made my mouth water! Berry Nice, Do Me A Flavour and Lolly Pop are the brighter shades, but I couldn’t wait to try out the pastels. Earlier this week I applied Inside Scoop (the colour of mint choc-chip, without the chocolate). I loved it and it’s right on trend for just now following Chanel’s ever so popular Jade last year. I think Inside Scoop would look too stark against black clothes, but will look amazing with this summer’s staple white dress. The colour itself is very pale, yet bright. The texture is quite thick – the first coat looks a bit streaky, but with a second coat (and a slick of Crystal Finish) the colour really pops. It’s a fun collection; Sundae Girl (candy-floss pink) is perfect for every day with a sugary twist, while Ice To Meet You (pearly white) is definitely the holiday nail colour of choice – great with a bikini and sun-kissed skin, but equally as gorgeous for warm, sultry nights and a flowing maxi dress – and white nails are so now.
If you haven’t already tried Leighton Denny’s range, then I suggest you hot-foot it to John Lewis ASAP as The Gelato Collection is limited edition for this season only. If you don’t manage to get hold of this season’s beauty must-have, the classic nude Supermodel is a great investment – as is the Crystal Finish!
Leighton Denny Expert Nails is available in all John Lewis stores nationwide from May 2011. Polishes from £11 each.
Top: Leighton Denny
Polishes left-right: Ice To Meet You, Inside Scoop, Sundae Girl
With thanks to The Communication Store for images and samples.
