Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann. Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Barneys New York
From lacquering up the digits of red carpet darlings like Scarlett Johansson and Kate Winslet to divas like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey to lithe models on the runways in New York City, she has evolved into a nail visionary.
After wrapping a successful Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week, we invited Lippmann to chat live on Twitter with her fans.
Read on to get the scoop on Lippmann's most popular fall nail polishes, how to care for your cuticles, what it's like working with Lady Gaga, and the healthy living rules that helped her lose 80 pounds over the past two years.
What's the most popular nail color in your line this fall? - @Fashionalities
Deborah Lippman: It's been a toss up between Across the Universe and Bad Romance. But holiday shades just launched.
What was the first nail polish color you ever wore? - @BrainZilian
DL: When I had my first professional manicure, I had them apply a French. I thought I was so cool.
Where do you get your inspiration for your nail polish colors? - @geminicole and @LovelysInstinct
DL: I work in fashion so directly from a designer, from a trend I see early on, from my customers, nature...anywhere!
What nail polish did you wear on your birthday (October 18)? - @msmorev
DL: Bad Romance because I was wearing a L'Wren Scott aubergine blouse and I wanted an edgy nail. I give HB [Happy Birthday] as a party favor. But I wore Happy Birthday last year on my birthday. It does make me happy year round.
If you could create a shade with any Hollywood star -- present or past -- who would it be and why? - @sarah_weiss
DL: Hmm...there are so many. Billie Holiday, one of my favorite singers, I created Lady Sings the Blues in her honor but would have loved her input. Marilyn Monroe is a no-brainer. I imagine the most genius red ever with her. Oprah, I have had the honor to work with her many time and would love her input on the perfect naked nail.
What was it like to do Lady Gaga's nails? - @Stylesip
DL: I am happy to report that Lady Gaga is everything you want her to be and more. J'adore!
Deborah Lippmann's Bad Romance nail polish inspired by Lady Gaga. Photos: Getty Images | Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann
DL: I saw a need for women to be able to shop in luxe stores and get long-wearing nail color and high-quality hand and foot care. It was a leap of faith and I am blessed to have the daily support of my partners -- my husband, Jude and brother, Mark. Family!
What comes first, the polish name or the polish? - @sayra718 and @Liz_Toronto
DL: The color always comes first but I do keep an ongoing list of potential names.
My cuticles are a pain. What's the best thing I can do to keep them healthy? - @msmorev
DL: Dry cuticles can be the bain of our existence. Do not cut them. Apply cuticle remover to entire cuticle and push back. If there is any hanging skin after a good "pushing," you can nip with a cuticle nipper then hydrate with cuticle oil. We should hydrate our hands and cuticles every time we wash them. Try my Rich Girl -- it does the trick and isn't greasy. Well maintained cuticles are key to beautiful hands. You can watch my "how to" video at DeborahLippmann.com for tips.
Being a singer...what is your all-time favorite song to sing? - @PurpleLabNYC
DL: You might have to come hear me sing at Feinstein's New York November 7 or 8 to hear me singing some new and old [tunes] and telling celeb stories! That's like asking my favorite polish color.
You look amazing! What gave you the drive to make a life change, lose weight? Got any fitness secrets? - @danaoliver
DL: Thank you! Needed to be good to my body and love myself. It has been a gradual process with the help of Shape Magazine. Eating right is key. I switch up my workouts. I lift heavy with Alexander Gruezo pilates reformer -- helps me live in my body. I work on thinking positively instead of beating myself up when I eat something "bad." Rule #1: never eat standing up. Everyone wants to know the one thing to help them. I say, 'it's just not one thing.' I have my own three rules of five. 1. Don't go five days between workouts (no excuse). 2. Don't go five hours without eating. 3. If I gain five pounds, back to basics.
What other celeb polish collaborations do you have in the works? Adam Lambert would be badass! - @coulditbeJenG
DL: I can't tweet and tell but I have some fun things coming down the pike! I wanted to do Adam's nails for the Idol finals but it didn't happen!
What colors will you be leaning towards for Spring 2011? - @sydneybristow8
DL: My spring shades are soft and one has my signature glitter. I used them at Badgley Mischka and Narciso Rodriguez during New York Fashion Week.
Watch the video below to learn more about the nail polishes Lippmann used for Badgley Mischka's Spring 2011 Fashion Show.
Want more nail inspiration? View this do-it-yourself gorgeous gray manicure video!
