The Nail Files, Part 3

Basic polish application tips.

But first of all...pretty picture to share. OPI's Sand in My Suit from the South Beach collection (spring/summer 09) - a very nice neutral. I love nail polish names - color tagline - "Can you 'bare' this nude front shade?" Too funny. I've been digging pale colors for the last few weeks, for some reason - maybe wanting springtime.

I do love to do my nails, but I don't like having to do them every day. My twin sister, Heather, (not identical - she looks like a very cute version of Claudia Schiffer) called today to get a specific step by step instruction on polish application to prevent peeling. So here are my basic tips on how to polish your nails and make that mani or pedi last. If you want a more complete mani/pedi at home see Ji Baek's book, Rescue Your Nails, which I have told you, I think is fantastic. But this will give you my quick method for polish change.

Step 1 - Take off your current polish. (duh)

Step 2- Wash hands well.

Step 3 - Moisturize and let it sink in for a few minutes.

Step 4 - and this is the MOST important step - just before you polish, swipe your nail beds again with polish remover. You could also use rubbing alcohol or vinegar. Basically you just want to make sure there is no residual dirt or oil on your nail. If there is, your polish will peel like crazy. Heather asked about acetone vs non-acetone (she was getting info for a friend). Here's my take - acetone is harsher but it does the job quicker. As often as I change polish, I use non-acetone strengthening remover. But I do have acetone for that last pre-polish swipe because it is magic.

Step 5 - Base coat. Everyone has a favorite. My personal favorite is Sephora by OPI's Nail Hydrator ($9). This stuff is perfect for my dry, peeling nails. It's the only thing that saves them. None of the strengthening formulas that I tried before worked. This does. I am a big fan. Yes, I should wear gloves more often when doing dishes, but usually I am just too rushed. This compensates a bit.

Step 6 - Color. 2 coats. (3 if it's Essie - I have such issues with that brand, but they do make a few of my favorites.) We'll save colors and brands for another post because I could go on for days. Of course it is my blog and that's what it's for....

Step 7 - This is actually the 2nd most important step. It could be the most important, but if your nail beds aren't free and clear of oil (step 4), nothing will help. Enough blabbing... Top coat. I swear by Seche Vite's Quick Dry Top Coat ($10). This stuff seriously rocks. It is the absolute best top coat I have ever tried in terms of longevity and chip resistance. It has the fantastic added benefit of being quick dry, so your nails are good to go in no time at all. Your nails look so so so glossy and it wears like iron. If you are smart enough to remember to refresh your top coat every few days, your mani/pedi will last even longer. I need to remember that more often...

Do you have any favorite products or techniques to share?

The Nail Files, Part 2

Just a little tip for the day...

I wish I could claim that I am as good about moisturizing my feet as I am with my hands. Yes, I should sleep with moisturizer and socks often, but if I do it once every 2 weeks, I'm doing well. I don't have a favorite foot cream, I find they all work pretty well.

So here's my tip - when you are about to do some form of low-impact exercise, be it walking, biking, even just maybe running around the mall doing errands - before you go, slather your feet in a heavy foot cream and then throw on socks. The heat of your feet really helps the cream sink in and moisturize your feet. The effect is basically like a foot mask. It's amazing! I would NOT recommend doing this with something high impact where you need grip with your feet (and haven't tried it in that sense yet).

And if that doesn't sell you on a little extra activity, maybe this will. One of my favorite quotes from my favorite makeup guru - Bobbi Brown - An hour of exercise does more for your skin than an hour at the dermatologist. (And yes, I should follow my own advice more.) Something to think about...

The Nail Files - Part 1

I've been wanting to post about nail polish ever since I started this blog because, as my friends, know, I love nail polish. I mean I really really really love nail polish. And I love to keep up with the latest collections. (You know how I don't always have the right name for the J Crew colors, especially the not-current ones? That space in my brain is occupied by nail polish colors) I love to get manicures and pedicures, but I usually do it myself as I find it to be a relaxing evening activity. So this is the first Nail Files post, where I will specifically talk about my not-exactly-rational nail polish love. (Still, it is less expensive than a designer handbag addiction.)

First of all, here are the best resources I have:

1. Favorite website - All Lacquered Up. I have been a devoted fan for well over a year, way before I even discovered all the fabulous JCA blogs. Michelle is a source of lots of great information and her swatches are amazing!
2. 2nd Favorite Website - Community Nail Polish Gallery. Great for looking at colors on lots of different people. Very helpful, especially if Michele (#1 above) hasn't swatched a particular color.
3. Best Book Ever - Rescue Your Nails by Ji Baek, of Rescue Beauty Lounge. I dream of being able to go to RBL some day. I don't own any of her polishes, but as soon as I'm off shopping ban, I'm ordering one or two. Her formula is supposed to be one of the best on the market - but we'll talk colors another time. If you are serious about doing your own nails and having them look good, read this book - even if you think you know everything. Trust me, you'll learn something.

And to start our conversation...What is the absolute #1 best thing ever you can do for your nails? Same as your skin - moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I like to try new ones and I have a few favorites. I keep moisturizer in the following places:

1. Bedside table - Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream
2. Purse - Sample size Nail Tek Advanced Hydrating Creme
3. Kitchen Junk Drawer - Sally Hansen Flawless Hands Skin Brightening Creme SPF 20
4. Powder Room - Soap & Glory Spa Endless Glove Hand Cream
5. Car - Soap & Glory Great Shakes Hand Cream

What are my favorites? I love the Aveeno Hand Cream (have gone through several tubes), but my new favorites are the 2 Soap & Glory hand lotions. I will definitely repurchase those. I don't love the Sally Hansen lotion for moisturizing, but I love the SPF.

And where am I most likely to remember to put on hand lotion? In the car. I try to do it whenever I wash my hands, but sometimes in the morning, you're running around, getting the kids ready for school, getting yourself ready... You know how that goes, right? But how often are you in your car, just sitting there at a stop light or in traffic? Perfect time to put on a little lotion.

One last tip (from Ji's book) - You know how you have those random eye or face creams that didn't work on your face? They stung, or they were way too heavy? Guess what...they make perfect hand lotion. It stung? (Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Brightening Cream, that's you, sorry) Great exfoliating on your hands. It was too heavy? Think of the moisturizing benefits. If you are like me and you grabbed some of these face failures at Target (and can't return it), it's a great way to use them up. Ditto on the samples (Estee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer Creme) that you got at the department store or Sephora and realized there's no way you can use them on your face. And in a pinch, lip balm on your cuticles works.

Now, if that doesn't sell you on moisturizing often, maybe this will - just using moisturizer will make your hands look 10 years younger. Yes, I said 10 YEARS. Wow, I'll take that!