When I decided to start my own blog I wanted to have the first post to be very special. Fortunately for me, I happen to be friends with one of the most talented nail technicians in the Tri-State area Danielle Lubin. You may have come across her nail art designs while scrolling through Instagram or read about her as a nail artist to watch by the Huffington Post. She has been backstage doing nails for Essie and Kiss Nails for NY Fashion Week and has worked at the League of Lacquer booth at New York Comic Con. But beyond the polish lies a beautiful, intelligent, passionate and extremely talented artist who is just getting started. And as Shakespeare once said “And though she be little, she is fierce!”

Full Name
Danielle Rose Lubin

Hometown
Garwood, NJ

Zodiac Sign
Pisces

What inspired you to become a nail technician?
A lifelong nail biter, I decided to make a change for myself and try to keep my nails neatly manicured.  All my efforts to stop nibbling (and my blooming polish collection) collided with my love of art and color, and before I knew it painting tiny pictures on nails was my number one passion.  In order to (legally) bring my love to the masses, I had to become certified!

How long have you been doing nails?
I’ve been a licensed nail tech for two and a half years, but I’ve been obsessively painting my own nails for about five years.

How do you come up with the name 10th Story Nails?
I love the social aspect of doing nails. By the time I’ve finished decorating your 10th nail, we’ve probably traded at least 10 good stories!

Name some career highlights to date.

This past year has been really exciting!  I worked with Essie and Kiss Nails for several shows at Fashion Week, and my very first nail appeared in print in the December 2014 issue of NAILS Magazine.  For the second year in a row I worked at the League of Lacquer booth at New York Comic Con, and shortly after I was named in Huffington Post as a nail artist to watch.

What are your top three favorite nail polish colors?

Blue, green, and purple! I think jewel tones are timeless.

What do you think the nail trends will be for Spring 2015? Popular colors?

Marsala is the 2015 Pantone color of the year, and I think it’s going to be very popular on nails too. Nudes and neutrals were on almost every SS15 runway, and I predict they’ll be all over our nails too

What is your favorite nail care product? Or nail must have?

A good cuticle oil is your fingertips’ best friend and will keep your nails hydrated and conditioned for optimal polish or enhancement wear time. I adore the almond cookie scent and moisturizing powers of CND Solar Oil.

Favorite movie
I love all the Harry Potter movies, it’s too hard to pick just one!

Favorite lipstick
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Bauhau5” makes the BEST matte raspberry lip.

What is your holy grail beauty product that you cannot live without?
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in “Caviar Ink” – it’s amazing for a sharp cat eye or as a smudged out base for a smoky eye.

If you could travel anywhere in the world all expenses paid where would you go?
I would travel to Russia to study at one of their advanced nail academies. I don’t take vacations, I take NAILcations.

Any advise for those who are interested in having a career in the nail industry?

Nail art is a fun finishing touch to a great service.  Practice really does make perfect, and pursuing regular education outside of nail school will make you a better technician and artist than you could ever imagine.

Stay in touch with Danielle and check out her nail art by following her …..

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