My Go-To Salon for Manicures That Never Disappoint
I'm obsessed with Milky Club, a Moscow beauty salon that's been my go-to spot for manicures. I was surprised to find there weren't many reviews about this place online, so I thought I'd share my experience.
I discovered Milky Club through Instagram back in 2017, when I was a student and didn't have a lot of time or money to visit salons. Their Instagram profile was super well-done, and I ended up subscribing just to scroll through their feed. Fast forward to 2018, I kept seeing their beautiful manicure photos with unique designs, and I finally decided to book a classic manicure with a coat.
My first visit to Milky Club left a lasting impression – it was spotless, cozy, and the staff were super friendly. They even showed me the sterilization indicator on the tool package, which they opened in front of me. They'd always ask what I'd like to drink – tea, coffee, or champagne – and the staff would bring it over. There's a button to call the administrator on the reception desk, and they'd take care of it. Back then, Milky had only one studio on Old Arbat near Smolenskaya Metro.
I visited two rooms with nail stations, pedicure chairs, a reception area, a brow bar, and a sugar waxing room. I used to get my eyebrows waxed with hot wax, but I got tired of it and haven't done it anywhere since. However, there's a great technician on Arbat who does a fantastic job. I've tried sugar waxing a few times, but I'll save that for the pedicure review. This is still the main service Milky specializes in, and it's what interests me the most. By the way, from Monday to Friday until 12 pm, all Milky salons offer a promotion – free gel polish removal, even if you didn't get a manicure at Milky or just came in for a removal without any other services.
Occasionally, there are discounts on gift certificates and cosmetics sold at the reception area, but the network lacks an app for easy booking and bonus accumulation. You can book an appointment through social media or the salon's website, or with the administrator after your visit.
One of my first manicures wasn't exactly a success. All my reviews are honest, and I don't see the point in hiding anything. This was my 4th or 5th manicure at Milky, but I couldn't find the photos of my first ones in my archives.
I've had my fair share of classic manicures with Uno polish and a design swipe. The swipe lasted for a couple of days before it started to chip. At this point, Milky salon stepped up and did the right thing - after complaining on Instagram direct, they offered to redo the manicure for free since they have a 5-day guarantee. For me, it wasn't a big deal to swing by in the morning before a date on Arbat, and they were able to fit me in.
Fast forward to December, I booked another classic manicure with polish and design, this time with a different nail artist. I got lucky: the design turned out amazing, and I was thrilled with the result.
This manicure was after the New Year's one, and I booked with the same nail artist who did my holiday look. I discovered Milky studio on Mjasnitskaya Street near Turgenevskaya metro in the summer of 2018. It was more convenient to get there than to Arbat, so I started going there. When the studio first opened, I went for a manicure as a model, and they gave me the service for free. (If I find the photo, I'll definitely attach it, even the masters on the salon's job interviews do a great job).
Then I finally found my favorite nail artist. I accidentally went to her twice, and then I started booking appointments with her specifically. I've been going to her for two years now, and I only get my nails done by her. The schedule is always full, so it's best to book an appointment a month in advance. They open bookings for the next month on the 10th of every month, and I try to catch it.
In 2019, my work involved constant hand washing and equipment cleaning, so a high-quality manicure was more important than ever. With this manicure, I lasted for over a month because I worked shifts and couldn't get an appointment during the artist's free time.
In 2020, they came up with and created this design. I was blown away by the creativity and attention to detail. Despite the matte top coat, the manicure lasted for about four weeks, just like usual - around 4 weeks. I think it would have lasted for 5-6 weeks if I hadn't managed to book an appointment.
Then the pandemic hit, and after that, I had another shift-based job 2/2, and I've been going without a salon manicure for three months. In October, I finally landed a regular job and started working remotely, which means I can fit in a manicure every three weeks.
On my birthday, I wanted something like this, and with the help of my nail artist, we came up with this design. I love it when a design combines multiple colors and techniques, or when a design is done on one hand. Then I remembered I hadn't done a French manicure in ages, but the beige-white one looked too boring, so I went with lavender instead.
In May 2021, Milky brought in some new dried flowers, and I couldn't resist trying them out. The result was stunning, and I felt like a million bucks.
In June, I was completely stumped and asked the nail artist to do something to their liking. The result was a beautiful, delicate design that I've been rocking for a week now.
That's all I have to say about my manicure for now. I'll tell you about another service I'm completely satisfied with at Milky. They have a laser epilation studio near Mendeleevskaya metro, and I've been going there for three sessions already. The effect is noticeable! I'm glad I switched from shaving, which always left me with razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation. I'm planning to finish the laser course, which has seven sessions left. The studio is super convenient, clean, and the technicians are great.
I've been to Milky Club on Turgenevskaya, and recently they closed their lash extension service because it just wasn't drawing in enough customers. To be honest, I've only gotten lash extensions a couple of times in my life, and it was a real hassle to deal with them, so I wasn't planning on doing it again.
Despite some minor issues, I'm still giving Milky Club a solid 5-star recommendation. They're a relatively new chain, but they're really taking off and listening to their customers' feedback.