BellaSugar

20 More Out-of-the-Ordinary Manicure Ideas

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:50 -0800

I've seen so many great manicure and nail art ideas lately that, after my last slideshow, there were still a ton of examples I wanted to share with you. So here they are - 20 adorable, wildly creative ideas for your manicure or pedicure. Whether you're off to a party or just having fun, they're sure to grab attention and get you compliments. So click through and get ready to have some truly rockin' tips.

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15 Unusual and Fun Manicure Ideas

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:19 -0800

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary manicure? You've come to the right place. These creative manicures can give you ideas for your own designs, making it all the more likely that you'll nail a unique look. Click through and get inspired.

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Trend Alert: Metallic, Bejeweled Nails

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:59:37 -0800

Katy Perry isn't the only celebrity hopping on the sparkly, encrusted nail bandwagon. Beyonce had similarly wild nails with heart-shaped jewels on them last night at the MTV Europe Awards, and Kristen Bell was sporting iridescent foiled nails recently, too. I think this trend is so creative and cool, but what about you? If you want to get the look, try Lippmann Collection's Celebrate polish trio or OPI's Designer Series.

Fake 'Em Till You Make 'Em: Acrylic Nails 101

BellaSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:03 -0700

There are few people with long, perfect nails who aren't using at least a little - and usually a lot - of acrylic nail powder. Acrylic powder is a polymer that, combined with a setting agent, creates a resin with properties similar to your natural nails, except even stronger and more flexible. Which means it's a great way to cover up a myriad of nail issues, and a life-saver even for non-biters and people who've never had a chip. To learn about the best ways to use acrylic for yourself, keep reading

Trend Alert: Short, Bright Red Nails

BellaSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:18 -0700

You can tell that Fall is fast approaching, because tons of celebrities have been getting serious with short, rounded, bright red nails. This week alone, Hillary Duff, Lo Bosworth, and Mel B. all sported them. A classic red in the right shade family is flattering on every skin tone, and the perfect manicure to start Autumn off right, so I've put together a bunch of the best ones out for your perusal.

NARS Nail Polish - $16.00	Priti - Nail Polish - Japanese Rose - .43 oz. - $12.50
Lippmann Collection Lady is a Tramp Nail Color - $16.00	butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer, Charlie Dickens - $14.00
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color,Cinna-snap - $4.99	essie nail colour Polish, Wicked - $8.00
NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel - $5.00	SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Sowing Seeds Of Love - $10.00

Nailed: Amazing Designs on 260 Fingers

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:41 -0700

Thought you'd seen impressive nail art before? Not 'til you've seen these. The digits here take it to a whole new level. They're 3-D, impossibly fun, and more creative than your average Jeff Koons sculpture. Click through and prepare to be amazed.
Source: Flickr User pinky-anela

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Once Bitten, Twice Shy: Five Ways to Stop Nibbling Your Nails

BellaSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:00:24 -0700

Every nail biter knows that it's a bad habit: you get bacteria from the environment into your mouth, age your hands, wear down your teeth, and generally end up feeling pretty bad about yourself and your willpower (or apparent lack thereof). But biting your nails isn't about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps for a lot of people. Instead, it's an automatic reaction that has to be overcome by other means, because will alone doesn't work when you don't notice you're doing something or have no other means of release. To help those of us for whom nail nibbling is all too natural, I've put together five smart tips that promise quick results - just keep reading

How-To: The Two-Minute Crescent Manicure

BellaSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:00:41 -0700

French tips may be timeless, but sometimes even the classics need a little shake-up, and that's where this fresh take on the manicure comes in. The crescent manicure has been around forever, but it's all over the runways and glossies this season, and it's one of the best ways to liven up a look without much time or effort. There are only three steps, and once you know a couple of tricks, application's a snap.

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Tea Tree Oil Will Cure What (N)ails You

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:38 -0700

Earlier this year, nearly 70 percent of you told me that you bite your cuticles. I have a confession. During particularly nervous moments, I sometimes do a little chomping myself. Ack! Recently, a manicurist gave me a little talking to after discovering my dirty little secret. Her solution? Tea tree oil, an antiseptic essential oil with antibacterial benefits.

Not only does this product help heal cuts and tears when rubbed into the delicate nail bed area, it provides hydrating effects, and carries with it a clean, uplifting aroma. Added bonus? Because of its strong, slightly camphor-like smell, it won't taste all that appetizing, and that just might inhibit you from biting. Try Beauty Secrets Tea Tree Oil ($5.99) to get started on your way to obtaining those soon-to-be-gorgeous hands.

Photo by Jon Fravel

Do You Wear Fake Nails?

BellaSugar — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:00:18 -0700

Back in college, I had a love/hate relationship with fake nails. While I loved that my nails almost always looked polished and pretty, I hated the upkeep - and the fact that I could never seem to get the relief I needed when I had a scratch. Do you hear me on that one?

Maybe you prefer a natural looking fake nail, or perhaps you like to make a statement with the bold, like these soon-to-be-available Neon Limited Edition French Nails from Kiss ($6), for instance. Give us the scoop. Do you wear nail enhancements? And if so, how colorful do you go with your color and design choices?