THE BEST IN BEAUTY
FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

top flight:

nail salons

From organic treatments to artful polish, here are the best salons for
your mani-pedi needs.

JINSOON FLAGSHIP NAIL SALON, TRIBECA / PHOTO COURTESY OF JINSOON

Want to give your pores the deep cleaning they deserve? We know who to call. Need to find out the latest in lasers? We’ve got the woman for you. Dying to know Demi Moore’s kundalini guru? We have her info and are sharing it with you in our series of Top Flight files on Violet Code–approved beauty experts and destinations.

Below, a selection of our favorite nail salons on both coasts to keep you properly polished.

esNAIL

Los Angeles, CA

Using Japanese art techniques, this very upscale salon considers nail polish a fashion statement and offers the Rolls-Royce of manicure treatments—the unlimited design gel esNAIL Special—for $120.

es-nail.jp

HORTŪS NAILWORKS

New York, NY

A favorite of makeup artist Violette, the cozy Hortūs uses food-grade organic ingredients in its services (even employing a soy-based, acetone-free polish remover), ensuring purity without compromising artistry.

hortusnailworks.com

JAUNT

Southern California / by appointment only

Founded by Chanel celebrity nail artist Ashlie Johnson, this mobile nailcare experience is inspired by the essence of ’70s surf culture and travels inside a vintage VW bus for one-of-a-kind events.

jauntbeautyco.com

JINSOON

New York, NY

Jin Soon Choi—nail artist and founder of the Jinsoon nailcare line—has several NYC salons offering innovative Korean-inspired manicure and pedicure treatments that incorporate milk and honey or cucumber and mint soaks.

jinsoon.com

OLIVE + JUNE

Los Angeles, CA

Sarah Gibson Tuttle’s reinvention of the mani-pedi experience is the focus at these fun, minimalistic boutique salons, where expert manicurists focus on precision shaping and cuticle work.

olivejune.com

LEFT: OLIVE & JUNE, LOS ANGELES, CA
RIGHT: TENOVERTEN, AUSTIN, TX

PAINTBOX

New York, NY

Sophisticated nail art and a seasonal collection of edited nail designs and colors (in step with runway and editorial trends, of course) are the main draws at this Soho destination.

paint-box.com

TENOVERTEN

New York, NY / Austin, TX / Los Angeles, CA

Offering clean, eco-conscious manicures and pedicures in a luxe setting (the salon even distributes iPads to clients for entertainment during dry time), TenOverTen uses entirely nontoxic products—you won’t find gels on their menu.

tenoverten.com

VALLEY NAILS

New York, NY

West Coast transplant Nina Werman opened Valley in 2006 with one goal in mind: pampering without pretense. Fashion-focused clients flock to the laid-back salon for one-of-a-kind nail art in a cool downtown setting.

valleynyc.com

VAN COURT

New York, NY

In-the-know women visit Van Court for chic, subtle nail art and impeccable waterless manicures and pedicures—the nails are not soaked prior to being painted, a technique that ensures treatments are ultra-hygenic and long lasting.

vancourtstudio.com