Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know how.
1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Using a glass or crystal file. (emery boards are too course for natural nails) File your nails, using gentle strokes around corners of your nails as this can weaken them filing too much.
3. Begin to shape your nails. The most popular shape to use is sqoval or square, but choose what is most suited to your hand and finger shape.
4. Check to see how well you have done. Run your nails over an old pair of pantyhose. Your nails should not snag the hose.
5. Apply a softener to your cuticles rub into your nails. (cuticle oil or crème) Allow to sit for a minute or so.
6. Gently push back the cuticles. This should not be painful. If hangnails are present, carefully clip them.
7. Wash your hands with soap, warm water and scrub your nails with a nail brush (you can pick one up at Sally’s) for a few minutes making sure you scrub under nails as well.
8. Apply hand lotion and begin to massage the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand. This will help to circulate the blood. Work your way over the remainder of the hand and then repeat giving equal time to the other hand.
9. Before color is applied to nails, they must be cleaned and the easiest way to do this is with an orange stick that has been wrapped with cotton. Dip into nail polish remover (I prefer zoya remove+) and then rub over the surface of the nail. Check the nail for any creamy residue. When none remains, your nails will be ready for polishing.
10. Always use a basecoat and other treatments. (ridgefiller if you have ridges like me) Time for color. Pick up a small amount of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail. (I prefer to leave a little gap at the cuticle) Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done. The nail should be completely colored in three strokes. (keep practicing you will get better) Allow to set for a minute or so before applying the second coat.
11. You don't have to wait until polish is dry to the touch, then apply your top coat. (I prefer seche vite from Sally’s) Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your manicure, it will protect your nails from chipping. Make sure to wrap the top coat around your tips (free edge of nail)
12. Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next time.
Tips:
If your nail polish is too thick, try thinning with a polish thinner from Sally's. (never use polish remover it will ruin your polish) Never ever throw thick gloopy polish away...polish will last forever just apply your thinner...it will be back as new (*_*)
To prevent the cap from sticking, coat it with a little Vaseline to prevent this from happening.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Argh! TD raises prices on Essie
Remember last year when H2T raised the price on Essie to $8 and we were all scared that the other etailers would follow? Well, TransDesign has finally followed suit. It took them several months, but as of today, the price on Essie is now $8. VNS still has them for $4, but you have to email them to send you an invoice if you want a color from a collection older than Winter 09/10 (they've recently changed their site so you can now purchase OPI and Essie without having to be a pro). You can also get them from Amazon and eBay sellers for discounted prices.
I know it was speculated that Essie was putting pressure on the etailers to raise their prices. Makes sense from a business standpoint when you consider that Essie.com has an online store as well, and I'm sure the etailers were cutting into their sales. But from a NPaddict enthusiast collector standpoint, this really sucks. It's kinda turning me off Essies and if it weren't for the new Resort collection looking like a thousand kinds of awesome, I'd be ready to say I was taking a break from buying Essies. Hopefully, the other outlets won't be raising their prices until after the Resort collection releases.
What this has ensured is that I really have no need to purchase from TD in the future. True, they carry Misa, but aside from that, I can see all my business being directed at VNS from now on.
I know it was speculated that Essie was putting pressure on the etailers to raise their prices. Makes sense from a business standpoint when you consider that Essie.com has an online store as well, and I'm sure the etailers were cutting into their sales. But from a NP
What this has ensured is that I really have no need to purchase from TD in the future. True, they carry Misa, but aside from that, I can see all my business being directed at VNS from now on.
Healthy Nails
Nail are composed of keratin - a type of protein - and minerals. Nails provide protection for your finger tips and are meant to be strong yet flexible, smooth and glossy. Nail health relies on sufficient supplies of protein, B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iodine and iron. When your body isn't receiving enough of these vital nutrients, or doesn't absorb or assimilate them properly, the deficiency may surface on your nails. Abnormal or unhealthy nails may also be the result of a local injury, a glandular deficiency such as hypo-thyroidism, or a deficiency of certain nutrients. Below is a list of nails problem and the probable solutions:
Darkened or Pale, thin lack-of-color nails. Probable cause: Anemia or iron deficiency.
Dry Nails that split or break easily. Probable cause: Lack of vitamin A, calcium, and protein. A protein deficiency can opaque white bands to appear on the nails or cause them to become dry, brittle, and very thin. Insufficient amounts of complete protein and/or vitamin A slow down the rate of nail growth (which is also affected by various drugs). A shortage of vitamin A or calcium in the diet may also cause dryness and brittleness.
Fragile Nails with horizontal or vertical ridges. Probable cause: Vitamin B deficiency. A lack of the B vitamin causes nail to become fragile, with horizontal or vertical ridges appearing. Horizontal ridges can also be a signal of a hormonal imbalance and sometimes appear during menstruation. Vertical ridges may signal anemia or iron deficiency or may results from aging or dryness.
Fungus Nails: Probable cause: Lack of friendly bacteria and/or too many antibiotics. A fungus infestation found underneath the nails can also be a sign of the insufficient intake of B vitamins. A intake of Acidophilus (a good bacteria) will help fight off bad bacteria. Artificial nails or damage nails commonly create fungus under the fingernails. A blend of two or more of the following essential oils applied to the nail will also help with fungus. Tea tree, clove, eucalyptus, and/or niaouli.
Hang Nails: Probable cause: Frequent hang nails usually indicate an inadequate intake of vitamin C, folic acid, and protein.
White spots on the nails. Probable cause: iron and zinc deficiency. White spots on the nails can be cause by a zinc deficiency.
Any nail abnormality indicates that the diet is not adequate. A well-balanced diet supplying all essential nutrients is recommended for all around healthy nails.
Darkened or Pale, thin lack-of-color nails. Probable cause: Anemia or iron deficiency.
Dry Nails that split or break easily. Probable cause: Lack of vitamin A, calcium, and protein. A protein deficiency can opaque white bands to appear on the nails or cause them to become dry, brittle, and very thin. Insufficient amounts of complete protein and/or vitamin A slow down the rate of nail growth (which is also affected by various drugs). A shortage of vitamin A or calcium in the diet may also cause dryness and brittleness.
Fragile Nails with horizontal or vertical ridges. Probable cause: Vitamin B deficiency. A lack of the B vitamin causes nail to become fragile, with horizontal or vertical ridges appearing. Horizontal ridges can also be a signal of a hormonal imbalance and sometimes appear during menstruation. Vertical ridges may signal anemia or iron deficiency or may results from aging or dryness.
Fungus Nails: Probable cause: Lack of friendly bacteria and/or too many antibiotics. A fungus infestation found underneath the nails can also be a sign of the insufficient intake of B vitamins. A intake of Acidophilus (a good bacteria) will help fight off bad bacteria. Artificial nails or damage nails commonly create fungus under the fingernails. A blend of two or more of the following essential oils applied to the nail will also help with fungus. Tea tree, clove, eucalyptus, and/or niaouli.
Hang Nails: Probable cause: Frequent hang nails usually indicate an inadequate intake of vitamin C, folic acid, and protein.
White spots on the nails. Probable cause: iron and zinc deficiency. White spots on the nails can be cause by a zinc deficiency.
Any nail abnormality indicates that the diet is not adequate. A well-balanced diet supplying all essential nutrients is recommended for all around healthy nails.
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