Michelle Humphrey is a Maybelline New York nail expert, who works on celebrity clients such as Lily Allen and regularly works on cover shoots and editorials for magazines.

 

 

1. You’ve got a pretty exciting job! What first attracted you to the nail industry and where did you start out?

I started out going to nail salons when I was about 15 and it became an immediate interest. So I decided to buy a kit online and started doing my own nail extensions at home.
A few years down the line I completed an NVQ in nail technology and got qualified.
I spent over 7 years working in salons then finally met my agent. We’ve been working together for a few years now and things are going great.

 

2. We bet you’ve worked on loads of celebrities during your career, got any funny stories you can share with us?

Once I was on a location shoot at Dulwich college, all very grand and respectable. We had various dogs being shot with the talent throughout the day. The day was going well until one of the dogs pee’d on the talents shoe!!

 

3. What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve been given (and wish more people took onboard!)?

Good things come to those who wait?… No it doesn’t, good things come to those who work hard!! If you have a goal you wish to achieve, you have to put the effort in, things don’t just happen.

 

4. Let’s talk nail trends… What are you loving right now? And what don’t you like?

Nail trends… Trends have been really mixed up over the past few seasons, with what I call the anti-trends. Think dark nails in summer and bright nails in the winter. This just goes to prove how nails are a personal thing and anything goes.

Right now I’m really into anything neon or 90’s themed (think tie dye, smiley faces etc.) Maybelline New York just brought out their Bleached Neons range and the shades are stunning.

 

 

5. Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs?

I get my inspiration from many things, it could be anything from a pattern, to a colour scheme or something textural. Nails and make up are partners in crime and should also marry well.

 

6. What might a typical day at work involve for you?

A typical day will start around 8 or 9am. I’ll turn up to a studio or location with my kit and grab a coffee. Once the model or talent arrives, we’ll have a chat with styling, hair, make up and photographer to come up with a look that suits. Sometimes I’ll find inspiration through the wardrobe or make up plans for the day. I’ll do the manicure or make a set of nails and change the colour/design throughout the day if required. No two days are ever the same, I love how diverse things always are.

 

 

Michelle is represented by LMC Worldwide.

Check out more of Michelle’s fabulous handy work here!

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