Hand Painted Giraffe

My latest design using Akzentz Gel Play colors to create this soft - almost watercolor effect. 

Online Gel Painting & 3D Design Tutorial is now available!

Welcome to my 1st Video Tutorial – Head to Tail Fish! In this tutorial In this Tutorial I will be teaching you to hand paint a fish (in 2 parts – head and tail) and using 3D Gel Powder to create a 3d effect to the design.

I am using Akzentz Gel to create this design and in this tutorial I have included all the fine detail for you to be able to follow and re-create the design.  I have sectioned this Tutorial into 3 parts for that very reason – to ensure I have included as much detail as possible.

In Part 1 I will show you how to create the background and then the shape and body of the fish.  We then paint the fish using various colors to blending techniques.
Part 2 is adding in more detail and finishing the base of the fish to be ready for part 3 which is the 3d component.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial!
Go to  https://mylably.com/course/head-tail-fish-gel-paint-3d-design/

 

PBB - ACNE & PIMPLE TREATMENT

Acne and pimples are caused by excess oils in the skin, which traps dirt into your pores of the surface layer of the skin which then leads to inflammation and breakouts.
By treating Acne & Pimples with IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments the light targets the acne causing bacteria, therefore most people see an automatic reduction in the size of pustules.
Post treatment your skin may feel warm and quite tight, but there is no down time.
Home care is very important for acne treatments. Here are some tips and home care advice to help reduce acne, pimples and congestion.

• Do not squeeze active acne
• Use a good cleanser (for acne) by doing this it will help with the build up of dirt, oils and bacteria.
• Use a good clearing cream to help with congestion and clearing acne.
• Do not use any abrasive or aggressive scrubs, exfoliants or stripping products.
• Use a good mineral make-up (Bodyography) range on your skin, this will help as there are no nasty ingredients such as oils and parabens and this makeup will allow your skin to breathe and not clog pores.

Once acne is under control and there is no active acne, doing a hydrodermabrasion will increase cellular health, cell renewal, maximise hydration and most of all giving you skin a deep exfoliation to keep skin clean and pores unclogged which in turn keeps the skin healthy, clean, clear and youthful. Also drinking plenty of water is super effective to flush out toxins.

Information on pricing can be found on our website http://www.purebronzeandbeauty.com.au/
We have packages and payment plans available.

PBB Salon Nails

Both these sets are a natural nail overlay using Proformance Gel by Akzentz.  This provides a safe protective coating over the natural nail to give the nails the strength and durability to cope with everything we do with our hands!  Maintenance is generally every 3 weeks but some clients with the shorter nails can extend that to 4-5 weeks.  So in saying that, these nails will last and we do not soak and scrape the product off the natural nail during maintenance we gently file back the nail and re-apply the gel.  We have over 100 colors and glitters to choose from!

Video Tutorials

Hi Everyone! I am excited to announce I have become one of the instructors on the Lably Tutorial Website for online nail tutorials. I will be uploading my 1st class hopefully by the end of this week so keep an eye out and i look forward to sharing many more designs with you! Here is a sneak peak of my 1st class design coming soon!.
https://mylably.com/

VIVid - Akzentz & PBB - Nails

This client has a set of Akzentz Proformance Natural Nail overlays, therefore these are her own nails with a hard gel overlay.  I have painted them with Gel Play Black, Nude, White and Glitter Silver.  I will be creating a tutorial for the feature nails which I call 'Strie' painting soon, so I will post up the info here.

PBB - Product Review on Bodyography Liquid Foundation

Bodyography foundaion
Benefits and Features
•Provides medium to full buildable coverage
•Remains weightless on the skin
•Long lasting formula keeps your makeup on all day
•Oil – free formula is safe for all skin types and allows your skin to breathe
•Imparts a natural and youthful glow
•Made in the USA
•Gluten Free
•Vegan

Bodyography Natural Finish Foundation is a highly pigmented long-wearing oil-free liquid foundation enriched with licorice extract and vitamin E to revitalize, brighten and hydrate tired skin creating a flawless complexion. Photo Control Technology and High Reflective Index System help to soften fine lines and create a natural glow, while nourishing your skin. With anti-oxidants, vitamins A and E, Jojoba and Grape Seed oil, this weightless anti-aging primer fills in fine lines and wrinkles, prevents collagen breakdown and gives the skin a silky smooth, long lasting, flawless base. The result is a silky feather weight foundation with an exceptional flawless finIsh allowing skin to look it's best! Adding Bodyography Veil Foundation Primer (which is their best seller) under your foundation will extend the wear of your foundation. It is a weightless anti-aging primer fills in fine lines and wrinkles, prevents collagen breakdown and gives the skin a silky smooth, long lasting, flawless base. It is now available in the original clear, bronzing and shimmer formulas and 3 colour correcting formulas. Come in and we can match the perfect colour to suit your skin tone!
Benefits and Features
•Extends wear of foundation
•Won’t irritate sensitive skin
•Over time, aides in evening out skin tone
•Extends the wear of foundation & controls oil and shine
•Creates a uniform canvas for flawless makeup application
•Softens fine lines and wrinkles
•Non comedogenic silicone formula won't clog pores

Gel Art Design Book - Sneak Peak

It's Ready for Pre-Order! Gel Art Design Book

It's READY for Pre-Order!!! Gel Design Book by Viv Simmonds. 16 Designs showcasing Gel Designs using Akzentz Gel Play and 3D Gel Powder. Designs range from simple to more advanced.
Available for pre-order until Wednesday June 15th 2016 on our store http://vividnails.com.au/

VIVid Nails - My Book is nearly finished!!!

I am in the final editing stage of another small nail art book for Professionals based on all Gel Play designs.

The book contains 16 Designs that range from simple to more advanced.  

They cover hand painting and some 3D Gel Design.  I will post up Pre-Order details here when it is ready!

VIVID NAILS ACADEMY - SPECIAL OFFER!

Good morning!  we have released a 'Special Offer' for any registrations on our Gel Certification Course - a FREE Nail Art Kit valued at $100.

We cover all areas of Gel Applications from Gel Manicure & Pedicure, Gel Overlays using Soak Off & Hard Gel and Gel Sculptured Extensions using Soak Off (soft gel) and Hard Gel as well as Salon Nail Art. 
The course is very comprehensive and includes all nail & skin science, anatomy & physiology, product knowledge and all the practical components. 

The Classes are conducted one-on-one with an Akzentz ACE Educator closest to you.  We have Educators in Cairns, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney & Melbourne.

You can start anytime and self pace through your course.  Therefore once the deposit is paid you can arrange a mutually agreed time with your Educator and get started as soon as your kits and Text Book arrive.  You can then take the time you need to complete your homework activities and assignments and when you are ready you can contact your Educator to arrange your next class.

To enroll, contact Viv Simmonds

AKZENTZ AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
c/- Pure Bronze & Beauty
44 Wingara Avenue, East Keilor 3033
03 9336 0688
viv@vividnails.com.au
www.vividnails.com.au

PBB - Salon Nails

These nails are a natural nail overlay using Akzentz Proformance Enhance.  They are then painted with Akzentz Options Chai on the pinkies, forefingers & thumbs, Coral Essence and Coral Glitter on the middle finger and Gel Play Glitter Silver over 1 coat of Chai on the ring finger.

Nailpro Feature 2016

Las Vegas - Here I come again!

So excited!  I am heading over to Las Vegas and visiting the IBS show!  It has been so long since I have seen my USA friends so I can't wait! 
I am especially looking forward to spending time with the Akzentz Team and doing demo's at their stand so - for my International friends - if I don't see you at the class or when I am browsing the show, please come visit me at the Akzentz stand!

VIVid Post

 NEW GEL PLAY COLORS BY AKZENTZ

So yesterday I had a real play with the new Akzentz Gel Play Colors and I have to say....OMG!!!  they are awesome!  I cant show you any pics of what I did as yet as this was a design for my Gel Play book - nearly finished - 1 more design to go! 
The 2 glitters are very similar to Ice but softer colors and the texture is so much smoother and silkier!
applying them is a dream for full coverage and blending them - brilliant!  The other colors are so vibrant and pigmented!  The white has a violet undertone so the result is a bright solid white in application.  Flame Red is a cross between a red & orange with almost a fluro effect - very bright! The Sun Yellow is more pale that the Gel Play Yellow but bright and the Lime Green is brilliant for leaves or floral designs.  I have to say, Gel Plays are my absolute favorites from Akzentz as I can do my designs but when painting full coverage color for clients at PBB it is faultless!  Applies evenly every time, smooth and so pigmented the color is always true and vibrant.

They are available on our store in 4gm pots - the intro Mini's sold out yesterday!  www.vividnails.com.au

Left to Right...  Icy Violet, Snow Blue, Sun Yellow, Flame Red, Lime Green, Titanium White

PBB Post - IPL Hair Removal

So this I had to share.  We introduced IPL Hair Removal into our salon in the past year and I have been amazed by the results we are getting.  I will post up some testimonials soon from our clients.

However, today I am going to share my testimonial - so to speak ;)  For most of my adult life I have been waxing my arms.  I hated every time I did this as I did not like the discomfort of waxing, the sticky feeling after but I did LOVE have smooth arms for a week or so!  And that was it - 1 week to 2 at the most before I had regrowth coming through.  Being that I had and have always had dry skin, my skin would become bumpy and rough and that I did not like!
So over the years I went to many salons and asked about having IPL or Laser on my arms.  I received the same response each time 'your skin is too dark and your hair is too light - it won't work'.  This bugged me to no end as I was desperate for a solution.
When seeking out the best machine to introduce into the salon I found my answer!  The machine I purchased has a hand-piece to treat blond and red hair.  It also has the setting to treat darker skin types!!!  A WINNER!
So, 5 weeks ago I shaved my arms and Jess performed IPL on my arms.  The treatment was completely painless - not even any discomfort at all, so this in itself was brilliant as waxing always hurt me.  Over the next few days following my treatment I was waiting for the short spikes to start coming through as I had shaved my arms prior to the IPL Treatment.  Nothing....waiting....nothing!

So in conclusion to this testimonial, I am about to have my 2nd Treatment today.  Prior to shaving again I did have some regrowth which was soft but more importantly, you could barely see them.  I estimate I lost at least 50% of my hair growth from the one treatment which for me was the best thing ever!!!!  I had to start my treatments as soon as the summer (short sleeve and singlet wearing) season had finished so that I would not be exposing my arms to the sun.  Therefore by next summer coming, I will have completed my treatments and be HAIR FREE!  I am also treating my legs, bikini & underarms and all with the same brilliant results!  I just had to share my arm story as this has been an incredible result for me after wanting this for so long!

Below is a pic of a male client that is very dark skinned that I treated and the results after 1 treatment, 8 weeks later!

For anyone intersted in IPL, we have a deal going for the cooler months - 15% off any treatment! (Valid until September 1st - excluding Facial Treatments).  

We also offer package deals and payment plans.

Prior to 1st Treatment

8 weeks after 1st Treatment!

Hi again to all new people visiting me!

I have so much to share so keep an eye out here for regular updates on everything - from VIVid Nails, Akzentz Gel, Nail Training and information about treatments and services we perform in my salon - Pure Bronze & Beauty.

I look forward to sharing with you all!
PS. Feel free to ask me any questions. 

Viv
xx

Gel Certification Course

We are now offering a Akzentz Gel Certification Course.  Our courses are conducted by my highly trained and skilled Award Winning Education Team situated in various states across Australia.  The training is conducted one-on-one giving the student the maximum benefits in learning.

Our Akzentz Professional Gel Certification Course will cover everything you need to know about Gel Applications & Techniques.

Course Content:
* Unit 1 - Gel Manicure & Pedicure (Using Luxio & Options Gels)
* Unit 2 - Gel Natural Nail Overlays and Enhancements (using Options & Proformance Gels)
* Unit 3 - Salon Nail Art (using all Akzentz Gels)

You will receive training by one of our highly skilled and advanced trained Akzentz ACE Educators over 6, 3 hour classes.  You will be provided homework/practice assignments that you will need to complete before you commence your next class.
A Professional Akzentz Gel Kit will be provided valued at $680 as well as hand outs and your curriculum.

Upon completion of this course you will receive 4 certificates, Akzentz Luxio, Options & Proformance
Certificates and a certificate from VIVid Nails


Students can commence at any time, they just need to coordinate a mutually agreeable day and time with their educator.
For further information, contact me via the contact details listed on the sidebar of my blog.

Akzentz Rustic Flower

Akzentz Gel Play Ombre

Akzentz Cobalt Blue Design

Akzentz Pink Inspiration

Designer Acrylic Stiletto

Designer Stiletto using Akzentz Gel

French with a Twist

French Stiletto with Flowers

I'm Back!

Hi Everyone!  So I am back!  been a number of years since I have blogged!  I am now currently the Director of VIVid Nails which is the exclusive importer of Akzentz Professional Gel Products for Australia & New Zealand and in conjunction with that I have a Nail Training Academy where we provide training in all areas of Nail Technology & Design from Novice to Advanced.  I am also the proud Owner/Director of Pure Bronze & Beauty, a Tanning & Full Service Beauty Salon.

Being that my work has 3 different components - Salon work, Importing Nail Products and Distribution and Training, it is a mission to cover all 3 specialties with different websites, facebook pages, instagram accounts - to name a few.  So!  this is a way (by blogging) for me to share it all in the one place!

I hope you enjoy my posts and I look forward to sharing my experiences and updates on the life of a Salon Owner, Importer & Trainer in the Nail & Beauty Industry!

I will be catching up on quite a few years so I will be posting up a number of things over the next week or so!  Hope you enjoy!
xxx
Viv Simmonds.

Milady's Text Book - Cover by Viv Simmonds

VIVid at the Sydney Expo...

ONS - August Tour with Catherine Wong and Viv Simmonds...

Due to the incredible amount of positive feedback from our first ONS Tour in Australia, we decided to do another!!! This time it will be Catherine Wong and Viv Simmonds. Catherine has mastered the technique of Gel Painting using ‘The One’ Gel and will be showcasing how simple and quick it is to create some of the gorgeous designs she has created with Gel.

Viv will be sharing with you the some more new techniques and shapes used for creating the most simple and gorgeous Nail Art using Color Acrylic and Gel!

You will receive a beautiful certificate signed by Catherine & Viv at the completion of the day, a door prize awarded to 1 lucky attendee in each state and a $30 Gift Voucher to spend on the Day.
Cost of Class: $100

To Register for this class, email viv@vividnails.com.au for a Registration Form
to fill out online and email back or print a registration form off the website www.odysseyaustandnz.blogspot.com and fax or email back to us.


Schedule…
Sydney - Monday August 15th
Brisbane - Tuesday August 16th
Adelaide - Wednesday August 17th
Melbourne - Thursday August 18th


You do not need to bring anything but a camera, notepad and pen. Venue’s will be posted on the odyssey website as they are confirmed for each state. Registrations open now.