If you told me last week I'd be sitting in the Beauty Studio in Superdrug Oxford Circus getting a sparkly green manicure with pink dots (Wicked vibes, obviously), while casually learning how to have the big conversations about death.. I'd have asked what you'd been smoking. But here we are, and honestly? It was brilliant.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
The lovely team at Marie Curie and Superdrug have teamed up for Mani Curie – a pop-up free nail bar that's as clever as it is kind. The idea is simple but genius: while you're getting pampered with a complimentary gel manicure, you chat with Marie Curie experts about navigating those tricky end-of-life talks that most of us dodge like they're contagious. 🌼
And yes, I got the VIP treatment. Celebrity nail artist Shea Osei who is Cynthia Erivo's go-to manicurist worked her magic on my nails. As you probably know we photographed the red carpet for both of the Wicked premieres, so of course I had to represent with some emerald sparkle and cheeky pink dots. We giggled, we chatted, and it felt... normal. Which is exactly the point.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
Meet the nail queen herself: Shea Osei 👑
Meeting Shea was the cherry on top of an already fabulous (and surprisingly deep) experience. This Essex-based wizard has been slaying celebrity nails for years – she's the one behind Cynthia Erivo's show-stopping Wicked looks (those green ombré talons and black foil moments that had everyone talking), and she’s worked her magic on stars like Maya Jama, Candice Brathwaite, and even Madonna (plus her daughters Stella and Estere for a birthday glam sesh with chic nudes and gold leaf accents).
When I asked her which celeb she’d love to get her hands on that she hasn’t yet, she didn’t miss a beat: Beyoncé.
“Her nails are usually quite basic and don’t fit the rest of her fabulous style”
Shea laughed. What would she do? Something amazing to match Queen Bey’s golden energy – think luxe gold foil, maybe layered with intricate textures and that signature high-impact shine. We’d all be queuing for tickets to that appointment, right?
Shea’s not just about the glamour though – chatting with her at the pop-up showed how she turns every manicure into a real connection. No wonder she’s the perfect fit for Mani Curie.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
My sparkly Wicked-inspired mani (and why Mylee is a game-changer)
Shea gave me the ultimate fan-girl gel manicure: a base of sparkly dark green polish nodding to Cynthia's Elphaba energy, with pink spots on every second nail to represent Ariana Grande's Glinda (because what’s a Wicked tribute without both queens?). We’ve photographed Cynthia multiple times over the years, but our absolute favourite looks have always been from the Wicked press tour – those ethereal, show-stopping moments where the nails stole the scene right alongside the outfits.
She used Mylee gel polishes for the whole thing, and I’m officially obsessed. Mylee is brilliant for delivering salon-quality results at home or on the go – highly pigmented so you get rich, vibrant colour with fewer coats, super long-lasting (up to three weeks without chips or lifting), and they cure quickly under the lamp for that glossy, professional finish. Plus they’re HEMA-free, vegan, and kind to your nails. No wonder pros like Shea love them – my mani still looks fresh days later
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
The big reveal (and hand-modelling readiness) 🫶
The big reveal had me grinning like the Cheshire Cat. These nails aren’t just pretty – they’re practical superstars. They’ll work perfectly for all the photos I have to do as a hand-model (holding everything from cocktails to picking up fancy food ), and because they’re proper gel, they’ll last a lot longer than my usual nail polish. No more mid-shoot chip panics or emergency touch-ups. Just flawless, sparkly confidence from every angle. Mani Curie really delivered on the self-care and the story-telling!
I loved the toolkit they shared – proper gold. Highlights include:
- Don’t wait for a crisis – start while there’s still time and choice.
- Use everyday moments and shared memories (manicures clearly count!).
- You don’t need perfect words – listen more than you speak.
- Humour can help lighten the mood... but read the room, obviously. (We had a few giggles about green nails and green funerals. Too soon?)
Radio and TV star Yinka Bokinni kicked things off with a gorgeous pink daffodil mani, and Shea was there dropping wisdom as well as polish. The quotes from everyone involved were genuinely moving – Saiqa from Marie Curie, Yinka, Shea O, and Superdrug's Simon Comins all nailed it (pun very much intended).
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
The stats that hit different
New research from Marie Curie shows that a whopping 43% of UK adults actively avoid talking about death and dying. Yet nearly a third (30%) later regret not having those chats with loved ones while they still could. Oof. One in five want to talk about end-of-life plans but have no idea how to start. The top excuses? Fear of getting too emotional, not wanting to upset anyone, awkwardness, saying the wrong thing... sound familiar? 😢
Marie Curie and Superdrug basically said: "Right, enough of that. Let's make it as easy as getting your nails done." Because why not? Self-care moments are already little pockets of calm – why not use them for something meaningful too? 🥰
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
What actually happens at Mani Curie
- Free gel manicure (yes, really – book quick, they go fast!) 💅
- Expert tips from Marie Curie staff on starting those conversations
- A relaxed, judgment-free zone where death chat meets daffodil designs (a sweet nod to Marie Curie’s logo)
- And a goodie bag featuring hand, lip, feet and skin skincare goodies from O'Keeffe's - thank you, we can't wait to have baby soft skin.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
Why this matters (with a side of sparkle) ✨
Marie Curie isn’t just a cancer charity – they support people with any terminal illness, and their work with families is lifesaving (or rather, death-softening). This partnership with Superdrug has already raised an incredible £17 million since 2013. Absolute legends. 🤯
The pop-ups are rolling out across the UK (Marble Arch on 16th July was the one I hit, more dates coming), and they’re the perfect follow-up to their End of Life Salon events. Beauty + bravery = a winning combo. 🥇
So next time you’re debating whether to bring up “the conversation” with a parent, partner, or mate... maybe book a manicure first. Nothing says “let’s talk about mortality” quite like fresh nails and a friendly expert by your side.
So sorry, our images are copyrighted to the photographer.
If you'd like to purchase them, you can find them all here.
Fancy getting involved? Head over to Eventbrite to sign up while spots last. And if you do go, tell them Sidetrack London sent you – and maybe request the Wicked special if Shea’s around. 💚
Big love (and impeccable cuticles),
Cat xoxo
Comments & reviews 1
Comments on this feature (and Instagram), other features at Superdrug Oxford Circus, and venue star reviews.
Such a lovely event - mixing the sad of end-of-life with pampering, glam and a little celeb gossip to make everything easier to talk about. Totally emotionally yet totally fabulous! 💅
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