Nu Essence Beauty Salon: Karora Spray Tan and Two Week Manicure Review and Pictures

Nu Essence Beauty Salon has been on my radar for a while.  Located on South Anne Street, just off Grafton Street - the main shopping street in Dublin - it's the perfect spot to squeeze in a spot of pampering as part of a gruelling retail therapy regime!

I dropped in ahead of an event filled weekend to try out their two week manicure and spray tan, using the Irish natural and organic brand, Karora. This was only my second ever spray tan so I was a little nervous but the lovely Fiona put me quickly at ease. She talked me through everything,  put my fears at rest and displayed the most meticulous attention to detail that confirmed I was in completely expert hands.

And speaking of hands, mine were transformed with a very thorough manicure and a pretty, peachy nude shade - very Chanel SS13, don'tchaknow -  from Jessica's Geleration line. Like Shellac (which is also on offer at the salon), this is a two week manicure with layers of gel, which are set onto the nail with a UV lamp.  The result? My nails looked glossy, understated and chic - I was very impressed!

The facilities impressed me, too. Unlike other salons, Nu Essence have a dedicated tanning chamber - a welcome change to a pop-up plastic tent. Plus, the salon is spread over several floors of a lovely old Georgian building, giving it plenty of character and charm.

I walked out completely transformed - groomed, bronzed and feeling considerably more glamorous than when I'd arrived. Sadly I also walked out into the bucketing Irish rain but, in a final flourish of exceptional customer service, the lovely receptionist had nipped out to grab me a cab.

And the real test of the treatments? Over a week later, both the tan and my mani are going strong. There's no patchiness or streakiness in my colour and my nails are a chip free zone.

Fluff and Fripperies was a guest of Nu Essence but a two week manicure is normally priced from €30, and a spray tan from €18. It's also worth keeping an eye on their website and Facebook page, where special offers are posted regularly. 

Are you a fan of either of these treatments?