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Book This: Get Your Nails Done By Emily Blunt’s Manicurist

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A good manicure can set the vibe for the whole day. When we want to feel polished and pretty, we’re all about the nudes; when we’re getting gussied up for a summer concert, cue the nail art. Suffice it to say, we’re always in the market for the next best thing in lacquer. So, we nearly did jazz hands when we learned that Katie Hughes, the global color ambassador for butter London, will be at Ulta this week. That’s right, the woman who creates bespoke colors for Dannijo will be here to help you nail that perfect manicure.
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As she packs her bags for the Windy City, Hughes chatted with us about the career, her collaboration with Libertine, and getting daring with Emmy Rossum. You’ve got to hand it to her: Hughes has her fingers on some mighty fine pies.

So, how does one become a global color ambassador? Sounds like a dream job to us!

“I broke into the nail industry through assisting as a makeup artist and trying to learn that craft, really. Nail techs were hard to come by back when I began, so I got a great head start. I've always been a perfectionist and that really helps me in my career...I guess [that's] what makes me stand out, too. I opened my own salon in my early 20s, where I also began to develop a passion for cosmetics. Several years later, I moved to London to train under some of the industry’s most renowned makeup artists such as Sharon Dowsett and Alexandra Byrne, honing my skills and developing the style and technique I am known for — blending tones and colors to create unique, yet flawless, makeup and nail looks.

I started working with butter London during London Fashion Week for the A/W ’12 season. I live in London, and as a London Fashion Week regular, it was a natural fit. We had a successful season, and I truly enjoy butter London products. From there, the relationship grew, and I now represent them as their global color ambassador.”

What are you packing for your trip to Chicago?

“I’m constantly jet-setting from one place to the next, so wherever I’m heading, I’m always sure to have a few essentials packed away in my bag: Some fabulous statement jewelry to dress up a look, a few colorful blazers and of course, my butter London staples like the Lippy in Tea with the Queen and the Holiday Handbag Cuticle Oil.”

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Speaking of Chicago, what will you be doing with Ulta while you’re in town?

“We have two in-store events lined up. We’ll be at the State Street store on May 2 and will then head over to the Oak Brook store on May 3. I’ll be there with my team from 12 to 5 p.m., offering complimentary manicures with some of the season’s trendiest shades.”

We hear you’re teaming up with designers to create some bespoke looks. Who are your favorite designers to work with, and what’s the collaborative process like?

“I loved working with Libertine since the show had such a fun, playful energy. We also created bespoke looks for Dannijo and Nicole Miller. Each designer has such a unique point of view so it’s always an amazing, creative experience to translate their vision into a nail look.”

Who are your celebrity nail crushes?

“I recently did the cover shoot for InStyle magazine with Emily Blunt. She’s such a classic beauty and almost everything looks good on her! I’ve also had the pleasure to work with Emmy Rossum. She’s stunning and has such an amazing sense of style. She’s also willing to try some creative looks, so we’ve done some fun nail-art looks together. I really want to polish the nails of Zooey Deschanel. I love the creative nails she always does.”

But before she does Zooey’s nails, you’re up! So, call the Ulta closest to you and book that appointment pronto.
Ulta State Street, 114 South State Street (at East Monroe Street); 312-279-5081.
Ulta Oak Brook, 2155 West 22nd Street (at Midwest Road); 630-573-9324.


Photo: Courtesy of Butter London

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