Quarantined Beauty Routine: How To Remove Dipping Powder or Gel Polish

At some point, we will leave our homes.  Why not enter the world with glowing skin and healthy nails?  During this time, it’s easy to become lazy.  The phrase that comes to mind, nobody will see me right?

Although that may be true, the effects of neglecting yourself can have an impact.  One simple self-care tip is to do a manicure at home.

Featured Photo from Good Housekeeping.com

Many people are puzzled about removing their previous nail applications.  Before being quarantined, everyone retreated to their favorite salon for either dipping powder or gel polish.  Now there’s a question, “How do I remove this?”

With a few simple steps, you can remove your dipping powder/gel polish and have a manicured hand from the comfort of your home.

Dipping Powder Removal
  1. File down the powder with a buffer block.  At least to the point, where the nail polish has been removed.
  2. Soak the nails in a bowl of acetone for 15-20 minutes or place acetone in a cotton ball and wrap with foil.
  3. Wipe away the solution as it soaks off.

Please note, the solution can be messy as it’s removed.  Be sure to place a towel underneath the nails!

Bonus Tip: The last step, soak your nails in warm oil to restore the health of the nails.

Gel Polish Removal
  1.  File the nail until the top layer of the polish is partially removed.
  2.  Soak the nails in a bowl of acetone for 10-15 minutes.  The remaining polish will start to peel up.
  3. Use a metal nail stick to scrap the remaining pieces of polish.  If the polish will not bulge, use a file on the nails.
  4. Soak your nails in cuticle oil for 5 minutes to restore the health of the nails.

 

At-Home Gel Manicure Removal Video 

 

If you want to take at-home manicure to the next level, invest in a professional manicure/pedicure kit from Amazon.

This small machine ranges in price starting at $25.00 and up.  The longterm investment is that you can have a ready-made manicure any time!

Another trendy option, in the meantime, is to try Press-On Nails.

Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors

Polish slip-ups can happen but not with the Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors. They’re the newest innovation in at-home manicures. Just wrap your cuticles, paint on color and then peel away any mishaps. This means each hand (yes, both) will get the same, flawless results. It’s really that simple. Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors give you the freedom to paint your nails at home, mess-free.
Sally Hansen Big Polish Guards Cuticle Protectors slip on so you can paint your nails then peel away any mistakes. Find the super-flex guard that fits your nails to create a barrier and ensure a flawless polish line, every time.
Formula & Benefits: Provides a perfect manicure for both hands, Salon precision at home, Super-flex guards that fit all nail shapes, No mess, no fuss, no polish clean up.

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Shade Plum Euphoria

Skyy Hadley and Lauren B. Beauty Products

Spring is arriving, and that means warmer weather and no more dry hands. Luckily, you can keep your hands and nails in-tact and looking healthy with these tips from Skyy Hadley and products from Lauren B. Beauty!

Many people don’t realize, but taking care of your cuticles is the best way to keep your nails looking their best. Skyy Hadley, owner of As U Wish Nail Salon, is a firm believer in tending to your cuticles for strong and lustrous nails. Follow her tips below for the best results:

  • Always use a cuticle oil/cream. Having dry, scraggly cuticles is not a good look and may even make you want to pick them, which can lead to a bacterial infection. Using a cuticle oil can make your manicure last longer. Keeping the nail beds and areas around your nails moisturized will make the nail polish stay in place longer. A cuticle oil is a great way to make a two day old manicure look like you just walked out of the salon
  • If you don’t have cuticle oil or cream available, you can use anything from your kitchen! Olive oil, baby oil, or even Vaseline are quick go-to solutions
  • NEVER cut your cuticles, they should only be pushed back. Cuticles are designed to protect your fingers from infections, and bacteria. You should only cut the dry skin around the nail and not the actual cuticles themselves

To keep your hand and nails looking and feeling fabulous, these luxurious products from Lauren B. Beauty are the ultimate in nail care innovation

  • Lauren B. Beauty Cuticle Oil ($20)
  • Lauren B. Beauty Nail & Cuticle Balm ($30)
  • Lauren B. Beauty Nourishing Hand Crème ($24)

Zoya Nude Nail Polish Collection

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Wearing a shade of nude or neutral nail polish is considered to be the latest beauty trend. Nude shades are very popular because they coordinate with any look.  This particular nail polish hue also accents the hands while giving the appearance of longer nails.

Zoya shared their nude collection earlier today on Instagram.  The gorgeous array of shades will compliment any skin tone.

Visit their site to purchase and learn instructions for applying Zoya nail polish.

Beauty Tip:  Use a hair dryer directly on the nails for a quick finish!

 

Sally Hansen Mega Manicure Essentials

Nail experts know that the proper foundation is essential for flawless color laydown. Sally Hansen introduces two treatment products designed to prep and prime for the perfect manicure.

Sally Hansen Big Primer Base Coat

Smoother color goes prime time! Big Primer Base Coat™ delivers the smoothest base for the ultimate color experience. The advanced formula fills in ridges and imperfections so color can glide on seamlessly and helps protect nails from chipping. This nail primer is enriched with a silk fiber blend that helps to level out the nail surface for a “just-buffed” nail effect, so you can feel confident wearing it alone or under polish.Take your nail surface to the next level with this formaldehyde- and toluene-free formula.

Sally Hansen Big Primer and Cuticle Oil 2

Sally Hansen Big Cuticle Oil™

Condition and nourish dehydrated cuticles and nails with this luscious Coconut scented oil! Sally Hansen’s Big Cuticle Oil™ provides much needed moisture for ragged nail beds. This quick-absorbing formula leaves cuticles and nails deeply hydrated, soft and healthy-looking while helping to defend against harsh, drying environmental elements faced daily. The formula is enriched with Coconut, Apricot Kernel oils plus Vitamin E.

Sally Hansen Big Primer and Cuticle Oil

Treat Yourself — Worry Free Pedi Foot Bath

Who doesn’t love a pedicure? A nail spa’s warm soothing footbath is
a relaxing break from a stressful day that also primps and pampers your
tired, achy, worked feet. But with risk of whirlpool tubs containing
microbacteria that can produce warts, MRSA, athlete’s foot and toenail
fungus, how relaxing can your spa day really be?

Worry Free Pedi™ offers fast, effective sanitizing effervescent
tablets that you add to your pedicure bath. Available in individually
wrapped packs, you simply carry a tablet with you to the salon and drop
it right into the footbath.

Just one tablet eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and fungi.

While most nail salons and spas clean out their whirlpool baths between
clients, they actually are not reaching the major source of the
bacteria. Infection-causing bacteria lurks in the jet blowers of spa
tubs. Some spa baths disassemble for proper sterilization, but many do
not. Worry Free Pedi™ reaches and eliminates those bacteria and brings
you a safe, clean and relaxing pedicure experience.

Using Worry Free Pedi™ could not be simpler. Just bring an
individually wrapped tablet with you to your next pedicure appointment,
drop it into the bath prior to turning on the jets, and the effervescent
tablet goes to work immediately.

So while you may have already come out unscathed from past pedicures,
infection can be picked up very quickly and unknowingly. Common grooming
practices such as shaving your legs before a pedicure open your pores
and make your skin susceptible infection, or a simple cut or nick from a
manicure tool can increases chances for infection. For less than $1.75 a
tablet you eliminate risk and quit the game of staph infection Russian
Roulette.

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Worry Free Pedi™ are available in packs of 8 tablets for $13.99 and
will soon be available at Walmart.com and kmart.com. For more
information, visit www.WorryFreePedi.com.

Pretty Summer Feet – Beauty Tips

52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16. Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc - Beverly Hills, CA, USA - +1 (310) 505-9876
52079154 The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival Lowriders Premiere held at The Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, California on 6/2/16.
Eva Longoria FameFlynet, Inc – Beverly Hills, CA, USA – +1 (310) 505-9876

Since we learned to walk, our feet have been supporting us. They walk us anywhere we want to go. They get us to the bus stop with three seconds to spare. And they dance into the early house in crazy high heels. For most of the year, we take our feet for granted. But in the summer months when the socks come off, we can no longer ignore them. Follow our simple steps to pretty summer feet.

  1. Scrub

This sounds obvious but in the summer months we sweat more. It’s important to keep feet clean and smelling fresh. Wash your feet at least twice a day. Scrub them with a brush and warm soapy water. Or, create a DIY foot scrub. Apply a generous amount of foot cream to keep them moisturized.

  1. Comfortable Shoes

The summer months are a great excuse to ditch the high heels. Not all of the time, of course, but for at least some of the time we can enjoy flats and sandals. Combine style and comfort with a pair of sandals, like Uggs. Shop around for an Ugg coupon code and other promos.

  1. Heels

Heels can be a problem area. They are a pressure point on our feet, and often hard skin builds up. After a while, it becomes dry and can crack. This is unsightly and painful. Treat yourself to regular at-home pedicures to remove hard skin. Use a foot file or pumice stone and gently rub away the problem areas. Always apply a good quality foot cream to prevent skin from drying out.

  1. Toenails

Keep toenails neat and short. Cut them regularly with toenail clippers. Cut straight across to avoid ingrowing toenails. File rough edges with an emery board.

Toenails are prone to fungal infections, and so it is important to keep them trimmed and clean. Apply some tea tree oil after cutting, to prevent infections.

  1. Nail Polish

Nail polish is the final touch if you’re wearing peep-toe shoes or sandals. However, don’t wear it all the time. It is important for your nails to rest.

  1. Blisters

Blisters are more common in the summer months. People tend to walk more when the weather is warmer. Blisters are caused by rubbing. Make sure your shoes fit well and wear them in before wearing them for long periods of time. Opt for shoes with absorbent insoles to absorb sweat. Or, alternatively, wear socks. This will prevent your feet slipping and sliding inside your shoes and rubbing against the sides. Keep some plasters in your handbag in case a blister develops.

  1. Sun Protection

When applying sun cream, don’t forget your feet. They need protection like every other part of your body. Apply a sunblock liberally and ensure you keep it topped up throughout the day.

  1. Smelly Feet

Your feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body. Odor is caused when the sweat breaks down. To prevent smelly feet take the following precautions:

  • Keep feet clean
  • Don’t wear the same shoes every day
  • Apply antiperspirant
  • Use insoles that can be removed and replaced
  • Wear shoes that allow air to circulate

 

Follow these simple steps to pretty, sandal-ready feet.

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Sally Hansen Special Effects for Summer Nail Collection

This summer, it’s time to get cultured—with pearls, that is. Sally Hansen introduces Pearl Crush™; a collection of eight new Special Effect polishes that give nails an eye-catching, shimmery finish. Inspired by the season’s iridescent trend, the Pearl Crush™ polishes have a unique combination of pigments that interact with layers of large, faceted glitter particles. The resulting effect: a 3D crushed pearl look that plays off light, lending a lustrous, vibrant look to summer manicures. Choose a softer tone or go dark—either way; you’ll want to wear these precious “pearls” everywhere you go!

SHADES: Oy-ster It Up!: Aw, shucks—this true white with faceted glitter catches the light beautifully, She Sells: Whether on the seashore or the city streets, this pale blush hue is pretty, pink perfection, Lady Crab: No need to pinch yourself—this dreamy hot pink really is as steamy as it gets!, Rainbow Fish: Casting off icy tones, this iridescent blue is quite the catch, Shell & Tell: The secret is out: A lovely lilac like this doesn’t come around every day, Mer-Mint: This splashy, soothing seafoam green is loaded with sea-inspired shimmer, Silver Scallop: Reflect on this modern take on metallics—a shape shifting silver that appears constantly in motion and Clam Digger: This lava-rock black stands out with flecks of phosphorescent-green glitter.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: This limited-edition Pearl Crush™ collection, SRP $5.99, is available beginning June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

REATE A DAZZLING GRADATED LOOK WITH NEW SALLY HANSEN® INSTA-OMBRE™ NAIL COLOR

 

It’s official: Ombré is the look of the decade. From runways to red carpets, from highlights to home decor, a gradated wash of color is perpetually on trend. Now, Sally Hansen makes it easy to create a sparkling ombré manicure with new Insta-Ombre™ Special Effect.

Available in eight high-impact glitter shades, this clever and innovative ombre-in-a-bottle makes it easy for women to achieve the look in just three simple steps. First, apply one coat to clean, dry nails. Next, apply a second coat from mid-nail to the tip. Finally, apply a third coat to only the nail tip. Voila: A radiant, wash of ombre color at your fingertips.

As the first and last word in nail color, Sally Hansen offers eight shades to match every mood: Copper Cap: Beige that grows into a warm, copper glow, Cobalt Coat: Blue, from barely-there to intense, Layer On Lilac: A cool-toned take on purple,  Scarlet Spark: A true red that fades into a whisper, Gold Grade: Metallic glitter, from quiet to saturated, Fuchsia-Nista: A bright pink with the slightest hint of violet, Jade Fade: An enviable emerald hue, Grey-diant: A stunningly sparkled fade from light to black.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: This limited-edition Insta-Ombre™ collection, SRP $5.99, is available beginning June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

SALLY HANSEN INTRODUCES BIG PEELOFF BASE COATTM

Everyone wants a manicure that looks perfect, resists smudges, and removes easily. Traditionally, it hasn’t always been easy to achieve those desired results. Now, however, Sally Hansen introduces a nail essentials to simplify and improve the at-home manicure regimen: Big Peel Off Base CoatTM .

For nail-art aficionados, glitter girls, and anyone else who lives for regular manicures, Big Peel Off Base Coat changeseverything. Nail polish remover can be harsh on nails, leaving them dry and brittle—and therefore, prone to breakage. Hard-to-remove special effects such as glitters, textures, and shimmers can damage nails further by scraping the nail surface and can be a time consuming removal process.

That all changes with the introduction of Big Peel Off Base CoatTM. This fast, convenient easy base coat makes it easy to remove glitters and other special effect polishes in a single step. Just paint on the base coat, which quickly dries to a transparent finish. Apply nail polish as usual and enjoy the manicure. When it’s time for a change, simply peel off the polish in one fluid movement. No scrubbing, soaking, or fussing—just a clean, healthy-looking nail.

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PRICE & AVAILABILITY: Sally Hansen’s new Big Peel Off Base CoatTM , SRP $5.99 each, will be available in June 2015 at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Review – Must Have Product

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There are so many wonderful uses for the natural moisturizer Jojoba Oil.  This is considered to be a liquid wax that’s proven to work wonders on the hair, skin, and nails.

My first introduction to Jojoba Oil was through a routine hair appointment.  My hair is in a natural state (relaxer free) and my beautician suggested using JoJoba Oil on my scalp for nourishment.  I was excited to try this product because it’s important to understand your individual hair and follicle needs.

Jojoba Oil this is the perfect product for moms because pregnancy can often alter the skin.  For example, some women experience dryness or even worse stretch marks.  It’s suggested that you simply place a small amount in your hand (a little goes a long way) and massage into the skin.  The oil can be used on your face, legs, stomach area…basically the entire body.  It works as an all – over body moisturizer so don’t hesitate to apply as needed.

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Lastly, I am someone who has dry cuticles and nails.  My beauty regime includes adding moisture to the hands and feet.  When visiting the nail salon, my manicurist always applies two coats of olive oil to my nails.  But when I’m at home, I like to use two drops of Jojoba Oil on my cuticles before bedtime to serve as an all natural product with no chemicals.

The Jojoba Company’s 100% Natural Australian Jojoba Oil is reasonably priced and can be purchased at www.thejojobacompany.com

Additional Tips –

Visibly balances and soothes the skin

Is a great way to gently cleanse off makeup

Helps smooth lines, wrinkles, or stretch marks

100% paraffin free

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake Spa Getaway – Media Event Recap and Photos

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake hosted a media event at their new location in Columbia, Maryland. Invited guests enjoyed mini spa treatments, artisan vinegars, and the opportunity to participate in their exclusive Yoga Wall or Bare Essence class.

Haven On The Lake

Haven On The Lake

Overlooking a beautiful lake connected to Whole Foods Market, The Still Point in Columbia’s considered to be a wellness spa.  Members and Non Members can partake in a variety of services to renew, restore, and rejuvenate the mind and body.  For example, the wellness spa offers nutrition services to design a health program for individual needs. Manicurist perform natural nail services using Deborah Lippmann products (infused with healing ingredients and non toxic chemicals) and provide a therapeutic massage.  If you’re searching for assistance with fatigue, weight gain, detoxification, and hormone rebalancing, The Still Point at Haven On The Lake has doctors on staff for Naturopathic Medicine.

Haven On The Lake

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In addition, the wellness spa offers traditional services such as a hydrating sugar polish, warm salt glow, contouring wrap, healing wrap, detoxifying wrap, and sunless tanning.  I had a wonderful experience visiting the new location and indulged in a theraputic hand massage with Toma Skin Therapies products and exfoliation with epsom/sea salt.  The aromatherapy from Toma Essential Oils also provided a relaxing scent when entering the wellness spa.

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Style + Life + Fashion

Haven on The Lake has become my new favorite wellness spa in the Columbia area.  I am planning another visit (in the near future) to endulge in a renew manicure and acupuncture service.  To learn more about Haven On The Lake click here and follow them on twitter for updates.

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If you like this post: The Still Point Girls Spa Night