Nail NATION

Business

President Trump imposes 10% trade tariffs on UK

On 5 April, US President, Donald Trump, announced tariffs on goods entering the US from 60 countries, including the UK, China, Japan and Taiwan. The tariff for the UK is 10%: the minimum rate imposed by Trump. This means that UK businesses are required to pay an additional 10% tax on the goods that they export to other countries. This could result in businesses passing on this cost to the consumer, or an increased interest in UK-manufactured products. It is likely that businesses in the beauty sector will be impacted significantly by tariffs set internationally, due to the volume of products manufactured outside of the UK. However, according to the British Beauty Council, ‘it is not yet clear whether beauty products will be subject to the UK baseline tariff, or if they could be subject to alternative tariffs covering products classed as pharmaceuticals’. Victoria Brownlie MBE, chief policy & sustainability officer at the British Beauty Council, comments: “It is difficult to underestimate the impact these new tariffs will have on the beauty industry as a sector that trades globally. The Council has reiterated this to government and is working with officials to build robust evidence on the effect this will have on UK businesses. We are also exploring potential policy asks that could relieve pressure on businesses.” Nico Shaw Núñez, director of regulation at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), adds: “The UK and the US maintain a strong trading relationship in relation to cosmetics and personal care products. In 2024, according to UK Trade Info, the UK exported approximately £360M worth of products to the US, with imports from the US accounting for almost double at £680M. This made the US our biggest trading partner outside of the European Union last year, a position that has been relatively stable over time. “The imposition of tariffs, where previously there has been none, will certainly affect this trading relationship. We cannot predict to what extent, but these tariffs will result in added costs to make UK products available to US consumers.”

Victoria Brownlie MBE

The GelBottle Inc launches affiliate & reward programme to empower nail pros

The GelBottle Inc (TGB) has unveiled TGB Insiders: a platform to ‘celebrate, engage and empower its most passionate partners’. It replaces the nail brand’s former affiliate scheme and has considered user feedback to build an improved programme. TGB Insiders is available to UK techs, and will be open to US pros in the coming months.

Members can enjoy:

• Perks and tiered rewards, such as discounts, early access to product launches and bespoke gifts. To move through the tiers, pros must complete tasks including creating content, sharing insights and engaging with brand communications.

• Earning opportunities, with commission earned on each purchase made through a tech’s unique affiliate link.

• A community of TGB members, where support and educational content is shared.

• The opportunity to showcase their talent and boost their personal brands, inspiring followers with TGB creations.

The programme is flexible, with members able to choose how they interact with its benefits. The GelBottle Inc encourages qualified UK nail techs aged 18+, who love TGB and sister brand, Peacci, to apply for TGB Insiders. They should be passionate about creating captivating content, and having over 1,000 Instagram and/or TikTok followers is encouraged. “We have worked closely with brand advocacy company, Duel, to develop a seamless, engaging and rewarding platform,” says Harriet French, head of PR & partnerships at The GelBottle Inc. “With TGB Insiders, we’re bringing our community closer to the heart of our brand, offering even greater opportunities to earn, connect and thrive within the nail industry.” For more information, visit www.thegelbottle.com

LONDON COLLEGE OF BEAUTY THERAPY RELOCATES CAMPUS TO SHOREDITCH

Prestigious beauty training centre, The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT), has outgrown its Ramillies House premises in Soho and relocated to Shoreditch.

Its new home on Fashion Street will allow the college to expand its provision and train more students. Plans include adding advanced courses to its roster of specialist post-16 diplomas and short courses in beauty therapy, make-up and hairdressing.

LCBT has partnered with the Scratch Stars Awards since the event’s inception 13 years ago, providing the venue in which finalists in the artistic and technical categories compete in practical challenges.

The campus move comes as LCBT prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, and the first students will begin studying at the Shoreditch premises in late spring, following a refit and installation of furniture and equipment.

LCBT was acquired by the Fashion Retail Academy in 2024: both of which form part of the Education For Industry Group. Its CEO, Lee Lucas, comments: “Over the last three decades, LCBT has had an enormous impact on beauty education, training thousands of students to take up careers across the make-up, hair and beauty industries.

“To continue this legacy, we have secured a beautiful campus building on Fashion Street in Shoreditch, where thousands more beauty students will learn the skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-growing industry.” www.lcbt.co.uk

Beauty brands unite to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers

Gynae cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, has launched the Get Lippy campaign this month, to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers. It encourages people to talk about the five gynaecological cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal, to raise awareness.

Beauty companies, including CEW UK, Centrum, Sure, Harvey Nichols, Elemis, Nivea, Rimmel and Wella, have offered support and will be donating 10% of sales from participating products this May. Ambassadors and key industry voices, such as Caroline Hirons, Hannah Martin, Ateh Jewel and Nadine Baggott, will also support the campaign.

Using fundraising, education and awareness initiatives, the charity aims to break stigmas, combat misconceptions of gynaecological cancers and inform people of the signs and symptoms of each type. This follows findings by The Eve Appeal that only 3% of people know all the types of gynae cancers, and one in six can name one type. The charity also found that 21% of under 25 year-olds have been embarrassed to go to the doctor with their concerns. To get involved, purchase a Get Lippy product from participating brands this month to fund research into risk prediction and screening. You can also raise awareness by posting and sharing the campaign to social media using #GetLippy. Informative resources and shareable graphics can be found via the charity’s Instagram account, @eveappeal.

Companies encouraged to switch from plastic bottles via eco-friendly project

Molded fibre packaging manufacturer, NBCo, has launched Fast Forward 50, an initiative to help beauty and personal care brands transition away from single-use plastic bottles.

The first 50 brands that sign up will be offered a free 200ml NBCo fibre bottle, allowing them to test the environmentally conscious packaging with their own products. The bottles are made from bamboo and bagasse: renewable plant materials that offer durability and protection against moisture and oxygen. They are suitable for liquids and powders and are certified recyclable and biodegradable.

With 86% of plastic beauty packaging not recycled, the project is designed to speed up adoption of plastic bottle alternatives and reduce barriers to entry. NBCo will work with brands to customise bottles and scale production, reaching the market in as little as three months.

“We know brands want to move away from plastic, but transitioning supply chains can feel overwhelming,” comments Alvin Lim, founder & CEO of NBCo. “By offering these first 50 bottles for free, we’re helping companies take that crucial first step – without risk or delay. The longer brands wait to transition away from plastic, the costlier it will be for the environment. We are providing the technical expertise to help make the switch easier, including the infrastructure, supply chain and even free products to trial.”

Beauty brands interested in taking part in Fast Forward 50 should email info@nbco.world to learn more or register.

Pleasure

Glitterbels to mark new HQ opening with nail education event

Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has unveiled Annabel’s Art Assembly: an education event running 9-11 June.

Taking place on the opening week of the brand’s new HQ, pros that take part will be the first to receive education in the renovated church space, which features a nail salon, shop, improved education facilities and more.

The fun-filled event will see Glitterbels co-founder & creative director, Annabel Maginnis, return to educating after five years. Offering her product, nail art and photography advice, she will lead three courses for qualified techs seeking to advance their skills and get more out of their Glitterbels products. Pros can choose to attend one or more of the sessions:

Annabel Maginnis

Gel Edition (9 June) – learn how to add texture and depth to gel polish designs, for example with 3D creations.

Acrylic Edition (10 June) – explore how to unleash creativity with Glitterbels’ L&P acrylic system and create Annabel’s ‘ultimate acrylic set’.

Ebony Shepherd

Builder-bel Gel™ Edition (11 June) – discover how to perfect nail structure and create fun, 3D artwork using the brand’s builder gel. Other opportunities will include meet and greets with Annabel, and the chance to network with like-minded pros. “With the courses taking place around summer, we’ve tailored them to what nail techs will be creating for clients and what will be trending around that time,” details Ebony Shepherd, Glitterbels creative brand manager. “When booking an Annabel’s Art Assembly course, pros can add a £25 voucher to spend in the HQ shop, or select a goody bag that they receive on the day worth £75: both of which are included in the course cost,” adds Annabel Maginnis.

Secure your spot at Annabel’s Art Assembly via www.glitterbels.com Watch Scratch’s interview with Annabel and Ebony about the event by scanning here

Explore TGB products with Try Me Kits

Giorgia Cappella

Brighton-founded company, The GelBottle Inc (TGB), has launched Try Me Kits, designed for pros eager to test the brand’s best-selling products before they commit. Available for £19 + VAT, the first Try Me Kit includes Original BIAB™, a seasonal Soak-off Gel Polish colour, Rubber Base and Extreme Shine Top Coat in 7ml bottles. “We know that making the switch to a new brand is a big decision, which is why we’ve created Try Me Kits. They are designed to give nail techs an effortless way to experience TGB’s essentials and best sellers,” shares Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc. “With these curated four-piece sets, pros can test TGB’s quality and performance in a simple, cost-effective way.” Try Me Kits are available via www.thegelbottle.com

Nailympia COMPETITIONS

REVEALED: the art themes for Nailympia Orlando’s turn-in categories.

Runway Nails – Stained glass. Three nails are to be displayed on a moodboard.

Reality Nails – Urban Shaman/Skater Girl/Steel City. One nail should be created per theme.

Flat Art – Retro diners & motels.

To Stiletto & Beyond – Visual symphony.

Extreme Poster Styling – Open theme.

To register to compete, visit www.nailympia.com

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

British company, Barry M Cosmetics, has rebranded to Barry M Beauty. Renowned for on-trend make-up and nail products, the company was established in 1982 by Barry Mero. The new identity is inspired by the silhouette of its iconic Nail Paint bottle. www.barrym.com

Amy Lambourne, a nail specialist from Reading, won Scratch’s monthly nail art competition, Scratch Snap, in March with a design fitting the ‘Fancy Feet’ theme. Entries were judged by Samantha Sweet, co-founder & chief commercial officer at Sweet Squared, and Scratch’s deputy editor, Rebecca Hitchon. Amy won a Footlogix Pro Starter Kit. www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratch-snap

Swiss beauty, nail and skincare company, Mavala, has unveiled a new brand identity for 2025. Its heritage spans 65 years, and its transformation includes a redesigned logo, modernised packaging and refined colour palette – each ensuring that ‘Mavala remains a timeless yet modern beauty authority’. www.mavala.com

PURE NAILS EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH HALO GEL POLISH PLUS

Holly Rodgers

Nails by Holly Rodgers featuring Halo Gel Polish Plus in Cerise Pink.

Professional nail product provider, Pure Nails, has introduced 42 highly pigmented shades in Halo Gel Polish Plus, a formula that boasts ‘flawless coverage with long-lasting results’. “Halo Gel Polish Plus application is smooth, and the shades offer amazing coverage with a gorgeous finish,” shares Pure Nails brand ambassador, Holly Rodgers of Hr Beauty, Lincolnshire. “My clients love the formula’s high shine and a popular colour is the punchy Cerise Pink.” Made in the EU, Halo Gel Polish Plus is free from TPO and HEMA and available in stylish black 12ml bottles. Six top and base coats feature alongside the shades to ensure durable, smooth nail finishes. Halo Gel Polish Plus is available via www.purenails.co.uk

OPI collaborates with Katie Barnes on range of nail tools

Following the launch of the Katie Barnes X OPI branded E-file in 2024, the two companies have announced a second collaboration: a range of nail and cuticle tools and E-file bits.

Katie Clark (née Barnes), a multi award-winning nail pro & educator, founded Katie Barnes Tool Range in 2017 to offer cost-effective, high-quality tools to the professional market. The collaboration with OPI aims to support a wider group of nail techs, and provide both beginners and experienced pros with precision tools to make their nail work easier.

Katie Clark

Belinda Price

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Katie Barnes to introduce the Katie Barnes X OPI tool range,” says Belinda Price, OPI UK&I education manager. “Katie’s expertise and dedication to the nail industry perfectly align with OPI’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-performance products.

“This collection is a testament to our shared passion for supporting nail professionals and providing them with the tools they need to excel in their nail services.”

The Katie Barnes X OPI tool range is available via www.katiebarnesacademy.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

8-10 May

Nailympia China

Nail brand, Muzer, is to host the first Nailympia China competition in Pudong, Shanghai. Nail pros from across the globe will compete in eight arena categories across two days, and the competition also features two poster and four turn-in competitions. For more information, visit www.nailympia.com

1 June

The Scratch Social @ Premiere Orlando

Discover the winner of North America’s Star Nail Artist: Season One, and network with nail pros and brand founders at the Scratch Social in Orlando. Tickets for the three-hour event, which takes place after the Premiere Orlando trade show on Sunday 1 June, include a goody bag, canapés and complimentary drink.

Scan to buy tickets

1-2 June

Nailympia Orlando

Premiere Orlando will also provide the setting for the fifth Nailympia Orlando, which welcomes nail technicians to compete across three divisions, in categories including Salon Nails and Flat Art. Arena-based categories will take place on the show floor across the two-day event, and will culminate in an awards ceremony in the afternoon of 2 June.

For more information, visit www.nailympia.com

6 July

The Scratch Stars Party

The hotly anticipated Scratch Stars Party returns to The Underglobe, London, offering an opportunity for members of the nail industry and their peers to celebrate the sector. The event will be hosted by TV presenter, Jeff Brazier, and feature live entertainment from garage duo, Artful Dodger. The winners of the 18 Scratch Stars Awards categories for 2025 will be revealed, and tickets include a prosecco reception, goody bag and two-hours of complimentary house drinks.

To purchase a ticket, visit www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars or scan here