[Exclusive Interview] 'The Real' Host Adrienne Bailon Talks Oxygen's 'Nail'd It', Rihanna, J. Lo & Zendaya Manicures And Her "Fingertip Fetish"
Adrienne Bailon, host of TV shows The Real and Nail'd It has a passion and obsession for all things nails. A diehard fan of nails since she was a child, Bailon has created her own line of nail polish, Fingertip Fetish. In an exclusive interview with Mstars News, Bailon discusses the new Oxygen nail art competition Nail'd It and also dishes on her boyfriend's nails and how to get the best look for your fingertips this holiday season.
How did you first get involved with Nail'd It?
I've actually always been a huge fan of nail art, I was obsessed with nails and hands and even started my own nail polish line called Fingertip Fetish about a year and a half ago. I think the great thing is that it was an organic connection to the show -- that I had a huge passion for nails, and I've got a great fanbase that follows me on nail art that I love. I think that when I heard that there was a nail art competition show, I was like, "I absolutely want to be involved. I wanted to be a part of it. This is my passion I want to learn more about it."
Do you have a favorite contestant on the show?
I think all of them are kind of my favorite. I love the fact that they are so passionate about their craft and that they are so amazing at their craft. I think they're all phenomenal. You know what I love the most about all the artists on the show? Their camaraderie and the fact that they -- for the most part -- really support each other. I think that's awesome to see in the community of nail art.
What do you think is the hottest nail trend right now? With the holiday season coming up, what do you think will be trending for Thanksgiving and Christmas?
I'd say metallics, you know, gold leafing. I'm obsessed with gold leafing. Obviously, with all Christmas stuff the fact that there is real gold leaf on people's nails, I think it's gonna be super hot. Metallics and rose gold nail polish are really hot right now. I'm loving that negative space. You know maybe somebody will draw a house, negative space through the window -- the possibilities are endless.
You mentioned you love gold leafing. Is that expensive?
No it's not at all, actually. I recently got it done, and I think maybe it was like an extra $5.
What is the worst nail trend that you have ever seen?
I don't love duck nails, where the nails are really wide on top. I am not a fan of that!
You are planning a relaunch of Fingertip Fetish. What can we expect from that?
I'm excited. I'm hoping to relaunch probably around Christmas. I'm so excited for the new line. What can you expect from it? To find more about me. The fact that it's such an organic line, the fact that it's literally sold out of my parents garage; it's literally very home-grown. Every nail polish that gets sent out has a hand-written note by me, and I want to keep that part of it, but I think that the nail colors and the bottles are going to be even better this time. I'm so excited. Packaging is everything!
What are your thoughts on men getting manicures? Nowadays, a lot of guys are going to the nail salon.
I love it. My boyfriend [Lenny] gets his nails done. I love going together. Getting your nails done with your man is so much fun. Having them help you out choosing the color, I love that. I think it's great to get a man's perspective on nails and to sit there to get your nails done with him. I am personally am a fan of buff nails, not so much of clear polish but a great buff nail is amazing.
How does your boyfriend feel about getting pedicures?
He loves it, especially when we go on vacation. There's nothing better than having a man who's well-groomed, toes are great. He can have his toes in the sand. He can be confident about them. It's all good.
What makes a good nail technician?
Someone that's creative that can take your ideas and make them come to life. I think that's amazing, to be able to sit down with a nail tech and say, "Hey this is what I want, this is my idea," and that they can bring that vision to life. This is what the show is all about, finding someone who can artistically create a beautiful nail but also has the skill and the technique to be able to have a well-manicured nail. There's nothing worse than getting your nails done, and the designs are great but your cuticles are crazy. So it's important to have that balance, someone who puts as much time and care in the manicure as well as the art.
Are there any particular celebrity manicures you love?
I love Rihanna's nails, I love Jennifer Lopez's nails, Zendaya from the Disney Channel -- they always have some really awesome nail designs and I love that.
With The Real being based in L.A., what do you miss most about New York?
The fact that I don't drive, and I used to be able to walk everywhere in New York, hail a cab or jump on the train. Being here in L.A. without a car can be difficult.
Are you spending the holidays with your family in New York, or with Lenny's family?
I'm spending it with my mom and my mom's family in New York. I'm really excited about it. I cannot wait to be home.
Oxygen and MStars News would love to offer YOU the opportunity to indulge in premium nail art too with our Nail'd It MStars Mani Contest! To enter show us your #MstarsMani. Tweet (@MStarsNews) or Instagram (@MStarsNewssns) us a picture of your nail art and hashtag #NailedIt, #ShowMetheMani and #MStarsMani. Then in 75 words or less tell us what your nails say about you. The winner will receive a gift card worth $150 Amex gift to a top nail salon anywhere in the U.S. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the United States of America only. Winner will receive prize in the mail at mailing address they provide to MStars News once the winner is notified as being the winner. Contest void where prohibited by law.