Did you know that Sam Biddle, the award winning, world-renowned nail artist and Orly ambassador, started life as a mobile technician? This vibrant, supremely talented lady joined the International Education Team for Orly—a natural nail brand now available on Nykaa—in 2012, and now travels the world conducting workshops. We got the opportunity to catch up with her last month.
“Like Jeff (Jeff Pink, the brand’s founder) I believe the health of your nails is so important. And Orly a vegan, 12-Free Nail Lacquer range, has managed to create line extensions and treatments that do just that. Take the Orly Tough Cookie Strengthening Okoume Treatment, a wonderful product that strengthens dry, brittle, sensitive nails, or the Orly Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment that promote fast natural nail growth and strengthens peeling and splitting nails, there’s no death of lines to help make your nails naturally beautiful,” says Sam. Another of Sam’s favorites is the Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops made with a blend of Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil to nourish and hydrate dry cuticles and brittle nails.
Sam—and we—are particularly excited about Orly Epix Flexible Color that wears like a gel and removes like a polish. This two-step hybrid system dries faster, lasts for over a week, has an inbuilt smudge-fix technology and delivers a high shine finish without the need for fiddly lamps. “There’s no need for a base coat. Perfect for girls who don’t have the time to visit salons but want beautiful gel nails,” says Sam. All you have to do is apply a luscious coat of your favorite Orly Epix Flexible Color and top it with Orly Epix Step 2 Flexible Sealcoat with an inbuilt smudge-fixing technology that creates a durable, scratch-resistant, high-shine, finish.
Orly, the pioneer of the now iconic French Manicure began at the backroom of a beauty store in Los Angeles with just three employees. Today, Orly rates among the largest nail polish companies in the world and Jeff Pink is hailed the “Godfather of the Nail Industry”. Sam says Jeff invented the French Manicure to enhance the natural nail. “I think the Orly French Manicure pinks are the best in the business. They have a hint of yellow and compliment the natural nail bed beautifully. And the Orly White Tips French Manicure Tip is very white, not gloopy and greyish, perfectly contrasting with the pink.”
Any advice for sporting your best nails yet? “Always use a base coat like Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat + Topcoat to prevent stains and make your gel polish last. Your base coat acts like a double-sided Velcro. It has a polymer resin with shock absorber qualities so the polish sticks on. And don’t skimp on a top coat because its designed to absorb shocks and prevent chipping.” Another invaluable tip: “Oil your nails and cuticles daily. It’s the best way to make your nail bed healthy and rehydrate your nails. I personally love Orly Cuticle Therapy Créme.”
