As we start to welcome the first tentative rays of summer sun, we Mancunian ladies can start to consider the possibility of ditching the boots and embracing skyscraper sandals.
But nothing strikes fear into the heart of most women than the thought of having to unearth feet that have been hibernating under thick woolly socks and boots for the last five months.
In the heart of the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s China Town is a little slice of pampering heaven that can transform even the most cloven of hooves into pedi-perfect tootsies.
Drawing inspiration from world-class spa resorts, Bali Health Lounge is now offering luxury Shellac pedicures that last for up to 6 weeks.
Perfect for your summer holidays, this chip-resistant and high-gloss treatment will leave nails looking pristine even when exposed to the sea and sand.
Not only is this fuss-free pedicure incredibly low maintenance, you only need to add cuticle oil every few days, but it’s the perfect way to spend a luxurious 90 minutes.
The Shellac Deluxe Pedicure treatment promises ‘to revive and condition your feet and nails’ and it certainly delivers.
A lemongrass-infused bowl of water greets you as you kick off your slippers and sink back into a luxurious leather seat.
After an initial consultation the nails are filed and shaped and a delicious-smelling almond scrub is applied to both the foot and lower leg to slough off any rough skin and boost circulation.
I was a bit apprehensive at the thought of someone massaging my feet as I’m quite ticklish, but the pressure was firm enough to alleviate the day-to-day stresses of commuting on foot without being too rough.
A rich and creamy lotion was applied to the feet and lower legs, which was then encased in warm booties to boost the effects of the product.
Add to this a blissful ten-minute session on a rejuvenation massage chair which erases any tension in the back and neck and you’re in pampering heaven.
The most stressful part of the whole experience was choosing which colour to go for.
Gone are the days where you have to wait for half an hour before tentatively walking on freshly-polished feet.
Within minutes of the vivid pillar box red being applied to my nails it was set under a UV light and was immediately smudge and chip-resistant.
Because of this there’s no need to wear flip flops post-pedicure, a good thing considering our precipitation-heavy Manchester climate.
As I left this pampering oasis I felt utterly relaxed… and relieved not to have to puddle-jump my way back to the office.
Many beauty products make outlandish promises, but Shellac’s claim that it goes on like a polish, wears like a gel and is removed in minutes is true.
Two weeks on, the pedicure has survived several dance classes, shopping marathons and the general wear and tear of wearing enclosed shoes, and it looks as fresh as the day it was applied.
One thing’s for sure, I’ll certainly be back for some pre-holiday pampering.
For more information about Shellac pedicures click here.
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Picture courtesy of balihealthlounge.com
