Style & Substance

Step into a realm of vibrant nail art opportunities with Shellac™ Vivid: a range of high opacity, bold additions to CND™’s much-loved gel polish line

Are you craving a nail product formula that’s ideal for detailed linework, smooth to apply and streak-free? Consider adding the CND Shellac™ Vivid range to your collection: seven intensely pigmented and bold primary and secondary shades.

Building on its longstanding commitment to supporting creative expression and nailcare, CND™ has introduced the hues to empower nail artistry. Offering full colour coverage in one coat, the Shellac™ Vivid formula is perfect for hand-painting, stamping and dotting. Standout shades are Black Tuxedo, an intense black that’s great for outlines, and White Gloves, the brand’s ‘brightest white gel polish’ that glows under blacklight and is ideal for highlights and French tips.

“The chemistry of Shellac™ Vivid means that nail artists can mix shades, creating custom colours to suit the requests of clients,” shares Nataliya Al-Ta’ai, senior education manager, CND™ EMEA & Asia. “For enhancement services, CND Brisa™ Gel and PLEXIGEL shades can be customised using Shellac™ Vivid at a 5% ratio, to complement clients’ skin tones. The formula provides a non-bleeding medium for all nail art techniques, from dots and fine lines to crisp French tips and intricate designs.”

Nataliya Al-Ta’ai

Shellac™ Vivid stays put when applied to the nail, so there’s no risk of colour running or bleeding. Its high opacity provides one-stroke coverage and ample time to perfect a design before curing. “Chrome powders can be burnished directly into the top film of Shellac™ Vivid, without CND Shellac™ No Wipe+ Top Coat, allowing for faster chrome application,” Nataliya continues. “The possibilities are limitless, ensuring every client is offered a unique and personalised look.”

Vegan-friendly, Shellac™ Vivid is removed via CND™’s Butterfly Removal™ method. The formula features tiny ‘tunnels’ that release from the nail in a tidy and efficient way when penetrated by acetone. The product flakes off the nail in minutes, with no filing or buffing of the natural nail required.

“The creativity of nail artists’ has no limit, but even amateur pros will benefit from adding CND Shellac™ Vivid to their kit,” Nataliya shares.

THE SHADES

BLACK TUXEDO – an ultra-black that absorbs white light and is ideal for outlines, accents and dramatic effects.

WHITE GLOVES – a radiant white that glows under blacklight and is perfect for highlights and making colours pop.

RED CARPET – a classic red that commands attention.

YELLOW TAXI – a sunny shade suited to dots, dashes and bold accents.

SHAMROCK GREEN – an engaging green for rich details and to bring nature-inspired looks to life.

LAZULI BLUE – a bold blue to add depth or contrast to designs.

BLUSH PINK – a delicate pink for backgrounds and rosy accents.

“For the past decade, the chemists in the CND ™ research & development team have been dedicated to developing the CND Shellac ™ Vivid formula, designed to thrill nail professionals with its high opacity, hyper-pigmented, bold and vivid colours.”

COVER CONCEPT

The nail art that features on this month’s Scratch cover was inspired by an Yves Saint Laurent dress from 1965, featuring the abstract design of Dutch painter, Mondrian. Famed for his use of geometric forms, grid structures and primary colours, his style has been mirrored by Giselle Caballero (@egobeauty.ca), a nail artist, educator & judge from Canada. Her work work demonstrates the intensely pigmented colours and detailed linework that can be achieved with the CND Shellac™ Vivid range.

The CND Shellac™ Vivid collection is £104.45 + VAT. Shades are £14.95 + VAT each. Available from 1 May via www.sweetsquared.com

Nail art by CND™ education ambassador & international Team CND™ member, Samantha Birkett-Leigh, showcasing design possibilities with Shellac™ Vivid.

Shellac™ Vivid in Lazuli Blue, mixed into Brisa™ Pure Pink Sculpting Gel to create a jelly blue gel.

A funky French tip alternative using Shellac™ Vivid shades: Shamrock Green and Black Tuxedo.

Waves created using Shellac™ Vivid shades: Lazuli Blue, Yellow Taxi and Blush Pink with Black Tuxedo fine lines.

A stamped style created using Black Tuxedo with chrome powder.

TECH TALK

“I have used CND ™ products since 2015 and the brand continues to excite me with its innovations. I know that Shellac ™Vivid will be popular with pros and clients alike, and I love that the shades can be mixed and used with PLEXIGEL. The thick consistency of the formula offers a controlled approach to nail art. Apply thinly, as one coat gives great coverage, and get creative!”

Hannah Beth Clayton, business mentor, educator & CND™ UK ambassador