BellaSugar

Would You Wear Katy Perry's Manicure?

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:22 -0800

Katy Perry recently tweeted this picture of her new manicure, saying, "Diamonds ARE girl best friend." Cookie Monster cadence aside, she may be on to something. What do you think of the sparkling nails that she sported at the MTV Europe Music Awards? Would you wear them, or is this strictly a pop-star look?

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

Are Your Nails Usually Painted?

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:01 -0700

How important is a manicure to you? For some friends, like PartySugar at Yum, having polished nails is a beauty necessity. (She does a DIY manicure every Wednesday.) But you might be surprised to find out that as much as I like the idea of manicures, I usually don't have painted nails. I keep my nails clean and groomed, but I rarely sport polish these days. Why? Because I play guitar - sadly, not this awesomely - I wind up chipping the polish almost immediately. What about you? Are your nails usually covered with lacquer, or do you leave them bare?

Photo by ashendove

How-To: "Green" Your Manicure

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:00:51 -0800

Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate - all chemicals considered dangerous for our bodies and the environment, and yet they are still found in many nail products. Sophie Uliano is the author of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life ($15.25), where she discusses everything from choosing an earth-friendly lipstick to preparing eco-conscious treats.
Last year, Uliano appeared on Oprah with her friend Julia Roberts to celebrate Earth Day. And now, she has some tips for greening your manicure, along with specific product suggestions she shared with me. Uliano recommends mixing up a "gorgeously green" bag to take with you to your next manicure. Find out her suggestions when you read more.

Non-toxic polish: Try No-Miss Nail Polish ($7), which can be found at Whole Foods. Uliano also recommends Spa Ritual Nail Lacquer ($12).
Paraben-free lotion: Uliano likes SpaRitual products. Try Instinctual Moisturizing Lotion ($28) or Cuti-Quench Cuticle and Skin Conditioning Creme ($15).
Soy-based polish remover: Uliano calls Priti's Soy Nail Polish Remover ($22.50) "awesome."
Tea tree oil: For a foot and hand soak try Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil ($9).

Six Steps to Perfect Manicures

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:28 -0800

If you're thinking of polishing your nails, I've gathered up tips to help this process go smoothly from start to shiny finish. Grab a file and some polish, and get your nails in shape.

Get healthy nails	Choose a shape	Fix broken ones
Easy ways to file	Mix up your own polish	Paint smudge-free

Learn How to Polish Like a Pro With This DVD

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:16 -0800

The other day, I told you about the Bring It Home Beauty DVDs, which were produced by a professionally licensed mother-and-daughter team. The premise? To help you save money by teaching you how to do beauty services at home, with the help of their instructional videos, of course.

Much like the Hair Edition Volume 1 DVD ($24.95), the Natural Nail Care DVD ($24.95), has a low-budget feel. However, the hour-long video is quite comprehensive, covering everything from basic (and spa) manicures/pedicures, a men's manicure, a French manicure, polishing, and repairing broken nails.

Is it glamorous? Uh, no. Super close-ups on toes and heel shavings might make you squeamish, but who said beauty is always easy on the eyes, anyway? For me, I suppose the drier nature of the material is somewhat like watching paint dry - literally. While I prefer their hair video much for its content and better overall value, I'd recommend this natural nail care DVD for anyone who really enjoys doing manicures and pedicures on yourself or others, or for anyone who wants a basic grasp on nail care.

Would You Do Karaoke While Getting a Manicure?

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:00:44 -0800

I've heard of martini and manicure nights, but I've never heard of a karaoke manicure before. If you happen to live in Chicago, or have plans to visit, why not swing by My Nail Fetish salon, where they offer more than just a polish change?

That's right - you can belt out some tunage while your nails get a tune-up. While one hand is being worked on, you can pick up the microphone with the other one, as song lyrics are played on a TV above the nail tech. Would you be willing to sing the latest Beyonce tune while you're getting a manicure or not?

Source

Do You Bring Your Own Polish to the Nail Salon?

BellaSugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

It’s safe to say that those who wait-list for a $20 nail polish are probably just as meticulous about their manicures. Demanding perfection, they're likely regulars at the polish station and won't settle for just any old color. Still, nail salons often stock multiple brands of professional products, perhaps for those less Type-A of us. Which camp do you fall in?

Source

A Quick Tip About Manicures

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:00:56 -0700

Ever get frustrated with your manicure? Whether you do it yourself or have it professionally done, it's a real bummer when your polish starts to chip or peel the very next day. I just picked up a little tip from Neri Ortega, lead manicurist at The Butterfly Studio Salon in New York City, that I'd like to share with you.

After your hands have been massaged or moisturized, clean your nail bed twice with nail polish remover. Doing it twice is important, so that there is no oily or creamy residue left on your nails. I knew that this step was important, but I thought that one sweep of soaked cotton ball would do the trick. Apparently this is where I've gone wrong. An emollient-free and dry nail bed are the keys to a long-lasting manicure.

Now don't be shy. The next time you're at the salon, if they only clean your nails off once, ask them to repeat the process. There's no harm in speaking up if you want your manicure to stay intact.

Source

DIY Spa Treatment: Manicure

BellaSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:00:22 -0800

So many people always ask me why they can't achieve a salon-quality manicure at home, so I thought I'd break down the technique and the tools for you. DIY manicures are not only a great money saver, but I happen to think they are a relaxing weekend ritual. Here's what you'll need:

Cotton Balls
Paper Towels
Nail Polish Remover
Emery board
Cuticle Cutter
Cuticle Remover
Wooden manicure stick
Base Coat
Nail Polish

Step 1, Remove Old Nail Polish: Begin with clean, dry hands and be sure there is no dirt under your fingernails. Then, wet the cotton balls with nail polish remover and one at a time, press down firmly on the nail and then pull away so that you get most of the polish off in one fell swoop. Repeat until all of the nail polish is off.
Step 2, Trim and File: Next, cut your nails to the desired length, or, if they are short, you can simply file them to a uniform length and/or shape. Popular nail shapes include variations on rounded edges, long and short squares and pointy tips.

For the final two steps, read more.

Step 3, Cuticle Maintenance: After your nails are shaped, take your oil or cream based cuticle remover and dab a generous amount over each cuticle. Then, soak your hands in warm soapy water for a few minutes. You can do this at the sink or with a bowl filled with mild soap. Remove your hands from the water, dry them and push your cuticles back with the wooden manicure stick. If they are red and swollen just leave them be. If they are healthy (pink) you can gently trim them with your cuticle cutter. Do not over-trim.
Step 4, Base Coat and Color: Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry for about thirty seconds. This will act as an adhesive for the polish. Next, prepare to add color to your nails by shaking the nail polish bottle to mix the ingredients. Wipe the front and back of the brush off on the tip of the bottle so that you coat your nails evenly. Begin at the base of your nail and steadily bring the brush towards the tip. Wait a few minutes before applying a second coat. Wait another few minutes and apply a top coat for added shine and protection against chipping.