#1: BEST FOR CUSTOMISED TREATMENTS
MD Dermatics Medicure Hand & Nail Centre, Level 1 Metro The Centrepoint, tel: 8133-2555
The offerings here read like a delectable superfood menu. For customised manicures from $39, you can choose between options such as a Goji Berry Soak or Manuka Honey Drizzle, a Cranberry-yuzu or Grape Wine Scrub, and a Peach or Lemongrass Lotion. The nail spa also boasts a selection of 800 nail colours, as well as heavy-duty hand and nail treatments such as callus therapies, chemical peels, anti-fungal treatments and anti-ageing care.
#2: BEST FOR FOOT REFLEXOLOGY
Hands + Feet Studio, 44 Siglap Drive, tel: 6448-7187
Unlike many nail spas where your manicurist doubles up as masseuse, this contemporary feet-grooming haven always has two dedicated professionals roped in – a manicurist for the nail work and a massage therapist for foot reflexology. Besides an excellent foot massage, the spa’s skin-brightening OP (Organic Potato) Treatment (manicure $68, pedicure $78) is also exemplary. It includes a unique sea salt scrub, and a thick layer of organic potato mask freshly whipped upon request.
#3: BEST FOR SKIN BRIGHTENING
Lacquer & Spa, #B1-01/02 Marina Bay Sands Hotel Coach Bay, tel: 6688-7773
For fair, supple hands, try the Lumi Hands Mani, $100, at this premium nail spa. After a classic manicure, dead skin cells are exfoliated with salt crystals from the Alps before your hands are wrapped with a special mask infused with alpine herbs and glacier water. To complete the treatment, an anti-dark spot cream and velvet dry oil are massaged into your skin for an added glow. In addition to a well-curated list of products, this spa takes pride in offering trend-led nail art services such as a chic reverse French manicure.
See: Stylish nail art designs from Fall/Winter 2016 to bring to your manicurist
#4: BEST FOR WEDDING PREP
Nail Alcove, 59B Temple Street, tel: 6226-6278
Quirky, intimate and design-driven, this is a hidden gem in an old shophouse in Chinatown. Everything from its decor to its laid-back vibe makes it the perfect sanctuary for pre-wedding couples struggling with stressful prep work. While bridal nail packages are not uncommon, this nail salon also offers special packages for grooms-to-be. It includes a gentlemen manicure and classic organic wild thyme pedicure. Brides may also enjoy a classic gelish manicure, spa pedicure and whimsical nail art inspired by literature, anime or fashion, like Alexander McQueen.
#5: BEST FOR TIRED SOLES
Renaza Nail Spa, #02-18/19 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, tel: 6844-9288
Located in the CBD, this is an excellent pit stop to revitalise your soles. Just before your pedicure session begins, your feet will be treated to a nourishing milk soak inspired by Cleopatra’s milk bath. If your pair is in need of extra care, try the spa’s Callus Treatment, $50. Besides commendable foot care, gelish manicures with fancy nail art are also extremely popular at this spa. Simply come with a tear sheet, or ask the nail artists for recommendations.
#6: BEST FOR EXPRESS FIXES
M’pir Nail Bar, Level 2 Tangs Orchard, tel: 6732-9001
Located within Tangs Orchard, this is the shopaholic’s perfect respite. Take a break at the plush nail stations and enjoy amazing paint jobs with premium nail lacquers such as Angel Pro Gel and Morgan Taylor. Its high-quality quick dry topcoat is also perfect for express manicures and pedicures, which start from $15. Further perks include indulging hand treatments, and complimentary premium brews from Teapigs or a cup of Nespresso.
#7: BEST FOR HAND AND FOOT MASSAGES
Hui Aesthetics, #01-80, 57 Eng Hoon Street, tel: 6323-2821
From warm service to machine-free treatments and soporific massages, it’s all about the personal touch here. In fact, this nail spa in Tiong Bahru feels like an elegant and airy living room of an old friend. For an indulging session, try the luxurious hands and legs treatment, $78 and $88 respectively. This includes exfoliation, a massage gel, a hydrating mask, a nourishing cream, a deft massage with three serums, and a warm paraffin treatment. It’s an amazing mood and skin booster, especially if you’re suffering from dry skin or a bout of blues.
#8: BEST FOR NAIL ART
The Nail Artelier, 666 North Bridge Road, tel: 6298-8028
This is an art-centric nail haven at the entrance of Haji Lane. Here, nail technicians regularly create masterpieces on the tiniest canvasses. Having worked with top magazines and beauty brands, they are highly creative and versatile, so you’ll never have to settle for simple floral designs. Peter Rabbit, as well as Elsa from Frozen have inspired some of the spa’s creations. As long as you come with a photo or have a theme in mind, your nail artist can create something truly unique for you. Nail art starts from $8 per nail.
See: Chic nail art designs that are perfect for summer
#9: BEST FOR SERIOUS NAIL AND FOOT REMEDY
Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez, Remede Spa, Level 2 St. Regis Singapore, tel: 6506-6888
Each step of the Bastien’s Manicure, $145, and Bastien’s Pedicure, $195, is meticulously thought out to maintain your nails and skin in optimum conditions. For instance, your fingers and feet are not soaked as this causes the skin to swell up. According to studio manager and podiatrist Steve Desobeau, this could result in the therapist removing more skin than needed, which then leads to your skin growing back thicker. He recommends an average wait of two to three months before your next foot care session if you do not have serious issues with your feet.
Other differences include the use of diamond-encrusted drills to buff nails and sterilised medical grade tools like lancet and scalpel to remove calluses, and a natural horn buffer to polish your nails – no nail polish is used as it harms the nail plate (our nails were still shiny after a week!). The treatments end with invigorating massages, too.
It’s the place to go if you have issues like cracked soles, ingrown nails and calluses, or if you require extra care – for example, diabetic patients and expecting mothers. You can also opt for the ultra-relaxing Bastien’s Duo, $285, where your hands and feet are worked on at the same time by two therapists in a synchronised motion, to restore vitality to your nails, hands, legs and feet.
Main Image: Nail Alcove
An adapted version first appeared in Simply Her’s May 2015 issue.
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