Posts Tagged ‘nail tips’
How to Give Yourself a Psychedelic Pedicure
Sunday July 29th, 2007
This pedicure tip is a vivid way to show off summer toes in sandals, flip flops, or even bare feet. And with hippie chic a favorite look right now!
Step 1 – Start with your favorite OPI Nail Varnish Base Coat.
Step 2 – Apply two coats of your chosen varnish shade; let dry.
Step 3 – Apply two dots of your first accent shade, as shown.
Step 4 – Immediately apply two dots of your second accent shade.
Step 5 – While the dots are still wet, drag the point of a paper clip or a small craft brush through the wet dots to create the swirled pattern.
Step 6 – And Voila! Let dry.
Step 7 – Finish and protect your design with your favorite OPI Top Coat.
Step 8 – Finish with OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops.
Want inspiring colors? OPI turns Summer 2007 back into the Summer of Love with it’s new series: Psychedelic Summer Nail Varnishes, a selection of six gorgeously groovy Nail Lacquers!( Buy OPi Nail Polish Online: Strawberry Fields, Peace, Baby!, Can You Dig It?, Just Groovy, Tangerine Scene, and Make Love.)
Tags: foot care, foot care tips, nail tips, opi, pedicure
Posted in Beauty Tips, Hands and Feet
How to Give Yourself a Pretty Pink French Manicure at Home
Wednesday March 28th, 2007
French Manicure has prevailed as the ultimate in nail chic. From day job to dance floor, first date to wedding day, hip to haute couture.
It is a beautiful style that many women, since the 1970’s, have desired for their nails. It is chosen because it is very simple and gives nails a natural look. It also looks very clean, taken care of, and isn’t flashy or fussy. An added bonus to this particular style is that it matches everything. No matter what outfit or color you put on, the French manicure will match it. The creation of the famous French manicure can be accredited to Jeff Pink. He worked in Hollywood as a make-up artist. One day a movie producer asked him to come up with a color that would coordinate with all of his leading lady’s costumes. Now what makes a French manicure so French? The reason why we tack “French” on to the front of it is because the idea originated in Paris, France. (Source link and more history at: Wikipedia: French Manicure)
The following are tips and steps on how to give yourself a pretty pink french manicure at home with some product recommendations from Spa Boutique:
STEP 1 – Prepare and have all your supplies handy. You’ll need the following items:
- 4 types of nail polishes – a base coat and top coat (maybe try OPI’s 3-in1- strenthener, base and top) , a tip color (white, creme or pink), and a transperant color (a natural or pink). (check out OPI’s New Garden Party or OPi’s Soft Shades for pinks, whites and naturals)
- Nail polish remover (try OPI’s)
- Cotton pads
- Cuticle oil (I recommend Californa Mango Magic)
- Cuticle stick (also known as Orangewood stick)
- Emery board
- Hand & nail moisturizer (I recommend Skeyndor’s Hand Cream or OPI’s Avoplex Lotion)
STEP 2 – Make some time – don’t rush give yourself some time and do it right.
Find yourself a comfortable place in your home and have a side table for your tools. I can’t remember how many times I tipped a bottle of nail polish being in an awkward position and wished I set myself up better!
STEP 3 – Clean up and get rid of remnants of old varnish with a polish remover. Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover and wipe off nails.
STEP 4- Soften and repair dry hard cuticles. Put on a generous amount of cuticle oil and rub it in thoroughly.
STEP 5 – File and shape your nails with an emery board. With nail clippers, beauty scissors or a nail file, shape your nails evenly.
STEP 6 – Tidy up cuticles. Soften them in a warm water soak for 5-15 minutes. Or alternatively, you can also apply cutcile oil and moisturizer and wrap your hands in saran wrap – leave for about 10-15 minutes. After soaking in warm water or in saran wrap, gently push back your cuticles with the cuticle stick (also known as a orangewood stick) so they are all even with each other.
STEP 7 – Wash hands and clean away nail dust and grind. Wipe your nails with nail polish remover again to remove oil residues (if you don’t remove the oils your nail polish will flake away and won’t last that long).
STEP 8 – Apply base coat. Apply a clear base cost (in 2-3 stokes) – it prevents pigment (colors from the nail polishes) from seeping into your nails.
STEP 9 – Apply the tips for your french manicure. You can use pink, white or creme. Creme or pink has a more natural look than white. With a steady hand, carefully paint only the tip of each nail. A second coat may be desirable, depending on the thickness and opaqueness of the polish. Allow polish to dry between coats.
For a neater straighter line. You can use strips/stickers than come with some manicure sets. Or you can also make a simple homemade tool by taking a piece of carboard and cut a diamond shape and pull your nail through the hole. This will help you to apply the tip to your nails and not the skin around it! (see the video below for a demonstration)
STEP 10 – Apply the color. Make sure you don’t have not to much on your nail polish brush (maybe brush on inside of bottle to remove excess before applying on your nails) Let it dry and apply a second coat. Classic top colors are a transperant pink or beige.
STEP 11 – Apply a top coat. Use a hard clear color top coat – it seals the color and protects the nail.
STEP 12 - Wait for your nails to dry. You can use cuticle oil on your nails to avoid lint to stick to your tacky nails after 10 minutes. Ideally it is best to watch a movie and wait atleast 1-2 hours to avoid nicks and indentations and have that perfect french manicure that lasts!
STEP 13 - Tidy up your skin around your nails. Use a cuticle stick with a little cotton wrapped around the tip, dab it into your nail polish remover and wipe the skin around the nail carefully. Seal up your nail polish (you can wipe the bottle’s edge with a cotton pad and polish remover so it isn’t sealed shut for the next time you want to use it! )
To lengthen the manicure’s lifespan, make an effort to paint a clear coat on each night. If you are feeling especially creative and ambitious, kick off your shoes and match your tootsies to your fingertips!
FYI – We have incorporated VideoJug Video (below) on “How to Do a French Manicure” for an actual demonstration, feel free to visit their site for more videos:
VideoJug: How To Give Yourself A French Manicure
Tags: california mango, manicure, nail envy, nail tips, opi
Posted in Beauty Tips, Hands and Feet
Valentine Tips: A Home Spa Treatment For a Loved One.
Monday January 29th, 2007
Tips on Setting the Atmosphere
- Create a mini-spa haven in your home. It can be an entire room or a corner of your den, bedroom or bathroom depending on the service you want to treat them with.
- Candlelight will add another dimension to your atmosphere of relaxation. Be aware that paraffin candles scented with synthetic fragrances can contribute to indoor air pollution. To breathe a little easier, select candles made from natural waxes, such as soy or beeswax, scented with pure essential oils or naturally derived fragrances.
- Consider the scents for the desired mood: Light an aromatherapy candle (Lavender to promote relaxation and Rosemary Mint or Citrus to invigorate)
- Fill a pretty bowl with organic lavender buds or even some cinnamon heart candies and place in the room of the service
- Relaxing Audio. Turn on your loved ones favorite relaxing music to create a tranquil and stress free environment.
- Choose literature that is relaxing for your loved ones during a spa bath or pedicure. Magazines may be a good choice. (Business Magazines are out of the question – get your minds on relaxing no brainer stuff!)
- Start the experience out right! Surprise your loved one with a new fluffy robe and slippers just like most professional day spas do! Nothing feels quite the same as a high-quality bathrobe when receiving spa services. For the occasion present the robe with a wrapped chocolate heart to indulge during their service!
- Serve refreshing beverages. Slice an English Cucumber into 6-8 small discs (skin on) or slices of lemons. Place them in a pitcher of bottled or filtered water. Or serve a hot cup of herbal tea. Refreshing, nourishing and healthy beverages that are easy to prepare, as it is to drink.
- Have ample heated towels. Use a miniature cooler to store hot towels. Simply immerse the towels in steaming hot water, wring them out, and then store them in the cooler where they’ll remain hot for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a heated crock-pot to keep them warm over longer periods.
- Spa bowls: Have a quart-sized plastic or glass bowl on hand to hold water, body baths, salts, and other spa ingredients.
Ideal Services to Give at Home – time-efficient ways to practice these sensational spa indulgences at home.
- Manicure – Set up a TV table as your service table in a tranquil corner. Give your loved one a hand special treatment with a massage, cuticle treatment and a manicure. Start off with a hand scrub, then massage nail oils into cuticles to keep ragged, torn cuticles at bay. Complete the service with a natural nail strengthener like OPI’s Nail Envy or a sassy color from OPI.
- Pedicure – can include a relaxing foot massage or special foot scrub. Set your loved on up in a cushy chair with magazines and a refreshing drink. Use marbles or small river rocks in the bottom of a basin of warm water to combine a foot soak with a massage (maybe with one of Gehwols foot creams). Your loved ones can roll their feet over the stones or marbles to ease tired feet and soothe the muscles.
- Facial - can be very relaxing for anyone. Dim the lights with candles. Give your loved ones a facial cleanse with a cleanser/toner , exfoliation with a gentle facial scrub, and a mask to purify or hydrate. Maybe tag on a mini back massage or a back seaweed mask. Use sheets and comfy pillows for the experience. You will need some cotton pads and swabs: for application and removal of just about any product, especially around the face, large circular pads are the best.
- Stress Reducer Massage – For a special treat, try giving a full body massage to help release tension with an herbal massage oil. Use a sheet to help the process of purifying herbs, creams or oils as well as to protect furniture and other surfaces in your home. The best choices are natural muslin or pure, unbleached cotton sheets.
- Body Scrub – Offer a full body scrub for your loved one after they have bathed or showered. Have them enjoy this service laying down just like a massage. Use Cotton sheets and warmed towels. Scrub with a circular motion to whisk away dead, dull skin. Exfoliation is a key word in the home spa experience. To exfoliate you can also use a body glove.
- Essential Oil Spa Bath – Essential oils can help with physical conditions, rejuvenate the skin, eliminate waste, alleviate stress, enhance the mood, restore vitality and facilitate the regeneration of new, healthy cells. Fill bathtub with some bath salts and some essential oils (or you can also purchase Kneipps Thermal Bath Salts with essential oils). Their pores will also release toxins as they steam or soak. If you have a choice of essential oils to choose from, select one that suits your loved ones mood and purpose. Stress relievers, choose soothing oils like lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang. Good revitalizing and energizing oils are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil and juniper. (Warning – Never apply the oils directly on your face or skin.)Don’t have an inflatable bath pillow? Get yourself an extra pillow. Place a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry. Place another pillowcase over that.
Tips For Romantic Spa Interludes
- For a romantic bath, create a trail of freeze dried rose petals or scented silk petals leading to the tub, and float some of the rose petals in the tub. Scent the bathwater with rose bath oil, and enjoy some quality time. (Try Kneipp’s Wild Rose Gift Set)
- Create a sexy environment with candles – just a few strategically placed candles can set the tone for a soothing environment. And, of course, everyone looks fabulous in candlelight!
- Bathing with a friend can be enjoyable. However, be careful when filling tub with water as not to “overflow” … remember: your bathing partner will take up space so you will not need to use the normal amount of water.
- Serve a chocolate fondue with fresh fruit – an exotic way to experience the home spa with healthy fruit!
Suggested Products – Professional home spa products are the best and usually formulated specifically for their healing properties and mostly contain essential oils, microelements, natural minerals and vitamins. You should choose exfoliants, moisturizing facial creams , body lotions, cleansers, masks, massage oils, and aromatic bath salts with the desirable effect for your skin type. Professional Skin care products are optimum vs. homemade products (because of the invested R&D and expensive ingredients like algae and stabilized Vitamin C) If you don’t have the professional products handy, the second best is homemade recipes and here are a few:
Homemade Recipes:
- Homemade Herbal Bath – The simplest way to test all the power of spa therapy by your own experience is to prepare your loved one a tea bath. For tea bath you will need 2 or 3 tablespoons of tea by the way, don’t forget that green tea is much better for your skin comparing to black, and a tablespoon of chamomile tea or lavender, if you like its fragrance. Mix the herbs and put them into a piece of cheesecloth. Tighten the cheesecloth and put it for several minutes into already prepared bathtub.
- Basic Homemade Body & Foot Scrub – You will need: a cup of sugar (sugar will scrub dead cells of skin) and half a cup of any oil (almond oil is the best). Apply on wet skin, preferably after-bath. Add water and make a paste so it spreads easily. Apply it to your entire body and slough off the dead skin with big circular strokes. This salt scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and help your body get rid of any toxins. Note: you can irritate your skin by using brush too intensively, so be careful.
- Advanced Maple Sugar Body & Foot Scrub – Yields enough for a full body scrub. Take 1 1/2 cups of raw sugar, 1/3 cup Grade “A” Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, 1/3 cup Olive oil or Safflower oil, 20 drops Orange Essential Oil, Mix oil with syrup and essential oil., Mix well into sugar. Apply in circular scrub motion to wet skin. Rinse well. Enjoy soft and nourished skin!
- Homemade Apple Cucumber facial - Your face is special and delicate. The skin on your face is thinner and more fragile than your body. Treat your face with extreme care and gentleness. Take 1/2 cucumber (peeled), 1 egg white, 1/2 lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves, 1 drop lime oil.Combine all the ingredients and mix in the blender until smooth. Add the lime oil to the mixture and stir well.Let refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face and neck (make sure it’s free of any makeup). Keep out of eyes, the citrus will burn! Let the mask sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Your loved ones face will feel extremely smooth and will look radiant!
- Homemade Massage Oil – Take 1.5 cups canola oil, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp dried rosemary or orange peel or lemon rind, 20 drop of essential oil. In a medium bowl, mix canola, coconut, and scented oil together. Add dried ingredients and mix gently. Store in a sealable container. To use pour 1 tbsp onto hands and massage skin.
Tags: bath, exfoliation, facial tip, foot care, Gehwol, home spa tips, nail tips, opi, pedicure, valentine ideas
Posted in Beauty Tips, Body Care
How to Have Healthier Nails
Sunday May 28th, 2006
Take a close look at your nails. Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents or areas of unusual color or shape? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper care.
No nail care product alone can give you healthy nails. But following these simple guidelines can help you keep your nails looking their best:
- Don’t abuse your nails. To prevent nail damage, don’t use your fingernails as tools to pick, poke or pry things.
- Don’t bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection (paronychia). Because your nails grow slowly, an injured nail retains signs of an injury for several months. Maybe try SpaRitual’s Cuti-Clean.
- Protect your nails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals.
- Perform routine nail maintenance. Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers and an emery board to smooth nail edges. Never pull off hangnails — doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Instead clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.
- For weak or Brittle nails. Keep your nails short, square shaped and slightly rounded on top. Trim brittle nails after a bath or a 15-minute hand-soak in one of OPI’s soaks, either Espresso or Green Tea. Then apply a moisturizer.
- Apply a nail hardener, but avoid products containing toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause redness or irritate the skin. I suggest OPI Nail Envy – it’s a product that I cannot be without!
- Don’t use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the polish. When you do need a remover, avoid those that use acetone, which dries nails. (try Opi Polish Remover)
- Repair splits or tears with nail glue or clear polish.
- Moisturize your nails frequently. Nails need moisture just like your skin does. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturizing your hands. Be sure to apply a moisturizer each time you wash your hands.
- Moisturize at Bedtime – Moisturize your nails and cuticles at bedtime and cover them with cotton gloves.
It’s easy to neglect your nails. But a little basic nail care can go a long way to keeping your nails in healthy condition.
If you have any experiences with keeping nails healthy or would like to share anything with us, please post a comment or question below!
Pieces of the above tips was taken from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/WO/00020.html
Tags: california mango, nail envy, nail tips, opi
Posted in Hands and Feet
How long will it take for my nails to return to normal after removing my acrylics?
Thursday May 25th, 2006
I have had the opportunity to have acrylic nails and will never go through that process again as my nails weren’t getting the fresh air it needed and I will also afraid of getting fungus growth….
So how do you get them back to normal and how long does it take?
If your natural nails were filed properly in the beginning, and if you’ve been maintaining your artificial nails with regular visits to the salon, your nails will be in good condition after the acrylic nail is removed.
It took me a good two months for my nails to gain strength and look good. But I definately needed products to help me along the way as my nails were so brittle and weak.
To get your nails back in a natural healthy state, be sure to use OPI’s Nail Envy™ Natural Nail Hardener to strengthen your natural nails (I used it every second day – the large bottle last forever!) , and maybe condition your cuticles with Avoplex® Nail and Cuticle Replenishing Oil . After that I now have regular manicures to maintain healthy nail growth and it is a lot cheaper that getting acrylics done!
If you have any experiences with making your nails strongly after having acrylics or would like to share anything with us, please post a comment or question below!
Tags: nail envy, nail tips, opi
Posted in Hands and Feet
