Recently I had the pleasure of checking out Lily & Roo Nail Salon in Kitsilano. Lily & Roo is a new nail salon in a super convenient location in Kitsilano making it perfect for a quick pick me up. Read about my experience and have a chance to win a manicure and pedicure for yourself!
The Manicure
Since it was December, I wanted to go for a manicure that evoked feelings of winter and Christmas without making it too cliche. I found some inspiration on Pinterest of a burgundy nail with Christmas tree. Once I got there and showed my technician my idea, she also gave me an idea to do a glitter ombre on another nail and I love how that idea turned out!
If you don’t have any nail art ideas in mind, Lily & Roo has some pre made nail art designs on acrylic nails so you can find one you like!
The classic manicure is $30 and if you do it with gel it is $40. It’s not a rushed process at all and it took about an hour for me to get in and out! The nail salon is meant for you to relax and enjoy your “me time”.
I used to dread nail shaping and cuticle care. I’ve had some salons really hurt me so normally I only go for a polish change. I was very impressed that the whole process was painless at Lily & Roo! These are included in your manicure services. It still hurts me to see my nails buffed but at least I have beautiful oval shaped nails!
The manicure service includes the cuticle clean up, nail shaping, polish application, and a quick masssage. I love the extra touch of using a hot towel at the end to wipe off the conditioning cuticle oils and just as an added relaxation point. Lily & Roo is also available for pedicures and offers discounted services for kids! Here is their full services list. You can easily make an appointment online!
The Space
Lily & Roo created an inviting space that is modern and inspired by nature. The open concept studio is decorated with the most beautiful dried flowers custom designed by another local Vancouver business. Nothing beats supporting your neighbours! There is a row of chairs along the wall for pedicures. Then there is a large marble counter top for manicures.
This driftwood is just one of the many decor pieces around Lily & Roo. I am obsessed with their decor and honestly spent a large chunk of time admiring their interior design choices.
Near the entrance, they’ve put down a couch if you are waiting for an appointment. They are currently running the show with two nail technicians in a large space. So it’ll feel relaxing and not cramped. Also, with nicely spaced out appointments, you’ll likely not have to wait for any delays.
The Products
One thing that sets Lily & Roo apart is that they use only toxic free products. This is especially beneficial if you have children or pets at home. Additionally, they select brands that are vegan and cruelty-free. So, animal lovers, you’ll feel at home here!
For normal polish, they have a rainbow of selection from Zoya and Deborah Lippmann. It covers all the colors you might want but is curated enough so you are not completely overwhelmed.
Here’s a few darker shades from Deborah Lippmann that’s perfect for the fall and winter time. These nail polishes are pretty expensive so it definitely feels like a luxurious nail salon.
Zoya is a more affordable nail polish brand but is surprisingly hard to source in Vancouver. They are well regarded as one of the best nail polish brands so I’m glad to see it at Lily & Roo!
For gel polishes, Lily & Roo uses Bio Seaweed Gel. I don’t get gel nails that often, but if you do, it is worth switching to this brand. It does not contain any of the hazardous chemicals typically seen in other brands such as formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, BHA or solvents.
Here are a couple other products used in my appointment. The lotion was really nice as part of the hand massage.
Overall, I had an extremely enjoyable experience at Lily & Roo. The atmosphere is elegant, relaxing and perfect for some me time. I am super pleased with the Christmas tree nail art and also their recommendations for the glitter nail.