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Most women think that French manicure resembles the words sophistication and flexibility – nail polish job that is simple yet elegant; something that one can see on wedding brides to doting mothers. It is something that you can wear on your nails from day to night, casual to dressy. Also, this white tipped look will never leave you wondering if the white and subtle pink polish suits the outfit or complements the skin tone as it works well on all complexions.

And because of the classic-sophisticated look it promotes, most women spend too much money on salons to achieve this perfectly French manicured nails because they think that this process is a tough one. But in reality, this process is so much easier than one thinks as long as you have the proper nail tools and knowledge.

Hand and nails preparations are important before applying the nail polish. It can be executed by exfoliating the hands with the use of soaks and scrubs and massage. Then properly rinse off the scrub and thoroughly pat dry the hands.

Having the proper nail tools will greatly affect the quality of French polish and of money saved from buying the same nail tools over and over again. The tools include a base and top coat, tip guide strips, neutral polish and white polish. However, professional French manicure kits are readily available in the drugstores and beauty supply centers for a more convenient shopping.

Once you have the necessary nail materials, you can now proceed on trimming and filing your nails. Nails are usually shaped into squared tips with the length not too excessively long. More so, tend your cuticles as it may ruin the look. It is to be noted that when filing nails; move in one direction, from outer corner to center, and choose a nail file with a fine surface.  To achieve a square look, apply a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, just follow the contour of the nails; and for pointed ones, stroke the brush from each side to the center.

After the filing of nails is done, apply one coat of base coat over the entire nail. By allowing the nails to dry up after a couple of minutes, the nails are strengthened. Similarly, there are products that level fine ridges and imperfections making the surface smooth for polish application. Just make sure that lengths of the tips are relatively consistent all throughout.

After the tips have dried, apply a coat of translucent shell pink polish on the entire nail to set the whitened tip and complete the look.  The, allow ten minutes for the polish to dry. Or one may use of blow dyer to speed up the setting process. Finally, for extra shine and protection, brush up a clear, glossy top coat to complete the French manicure look.

Now that you know the basics of French manicure, try it for yourself and transform your nails into chic and elegant finger nails.

Do you love wearing peep-toe shoes? Or what about showing off your toes?

Well, if you do, then you better consider having your toenails designed at nail salons. Today, these nail salons are no longer hard to find because they sprouted like mushrooms in the city. They offer special services for grooming and caring not just for the hands and finger nails but also for the feet and toenails as well.

The art of grooming the feet is more popularly known as Pedicure. It is usually done by soaking the feet in a softening bath for less than an hour, getting rid of calluses and cuticles with the aid of nail clippers, shaping the toenail plate, applying feet moisturizers, and covering the toenail surface with protective coats like nail polish.

But now, the good old pedicure gets a make over through the introduction of toenail art. So what is toenail art all about? It is basically about making your toenails look more pretty and fashionable. However, this art can only be applied to your nails after all the steps in a traditional pedicure are completed. Once your toenails are disinfected, gel or acrylic coats similar to what is used in the fingernails are applied on the toenail surface. The client may then choose on the wide variety of toenail design he or she prefers. These nail designs will make your nails not just look more beautiful, accurate and well-attended but also protect toenails from injuries and conceal any imperfection of the nail surface.

Toenail designs are classified based on how these patterns are applied. Some designs can be applied manually by hands or with the use of some tools and techniques like airbrush, decals, or piercing. Hand made designs are the most common ones for these  only uses toothpicks to come up with any design depending on the client’s choice. As for the airbrush design, it is more expensive because a spray machine is needed. Decals, on the other hand, are the small stickers which are available in bookstores. Also, if you are adventurous enough, you can also have your toenails pierced by professional nailists.

More over, in choosing a design, themes must also be put into consideration as to what colors will be used for that specific pattern. It may be in reference to a season, occasion, or personality. Here, seasonal themes allow the client to choose designs that are associated with spring, summer, fall or winter. As for the occasion, as a client, you want to be in style with the occasion. If it is Valentines Day, colors similar in shades and hues with red are popular.

Lastly, a client may choose a design that is in line with his or her personality. Those with bold personalities may opt for black, red and neon colors. But for reserved clients, warm colors are more fitting. Remember that in toenail art, there is a specific design that is for you. But this does not imply that you cannot be experimental on choosing designs.

No.126 Fool's Gold

Gold is a color of elegance and style. You can wear it simple or glam. Because gold is basically a very wearable color, it can surprisingly add glamour or drama to both simple and light outfit to bold and glitzy fashion. But with whatever variation you choose, definitely you will not go wrong with gold nail polish.

For fall, gold is a perfect color to add to your outfit. Consider wearing liquid foundation in gold tones or those with tiny gold shimmers. Just apply it with a very light hand for a subtle and natural look. Blend it properly and pair it with matte eye shadow and blush. Makeup colors in plums are perfect to pair with a gold base.

You can also wear gold by adding a little gold dust over your eyes and make a bold statement. Apply metallic gold eye shadow along the crease and lash line. You will definitely dazzle everyone with your eyes. If you want to make it simpler, just dab a soft layer of metallic gold in cream to powder formula. Another option is to use metallic gold eyeliner. Use this alone or paired with greens, deep browns, or berry shades.

Another alternative is to just wear it in pieces of jewelry for a luxurious appeal. Earrings, bangles, long chain necklaces are the perfect gold to accentuate your look. Just make sure you wear the right pieces and the right sizes for a delicate yet glamorous style. Gold chains, solid gold cuffs and gold belt buckles are very fashionable. Evening bags and small clutches that sparkle and soft leather belts in gold are fun and sexy accessories. Just make sure that you do not wear “cheap” sparkle or those in foil-like materials.

And of course, wear it on your nails and look sassy. Gold nail polish, although not usually and commonly worn, is an easy to wear shade. It can look good on proms because it is a feminine shade. Just choose your gold shade wisely. Gold toned nail polish range from tarnished yellows to bronzy golds to translucent pale golds. Some gold nail polish can make you look matured and too old for your age. Other gold shades tend to be harsh on your complexion. The perfect shades are those that have a tinge of white or rose in them, or those that are on the cool shade.

If you aren’t brave enough to go for the gold, maybe you can pick a basic colored polish with a hint of gold. Golden plum is a good color to start. It has the right flash of gold because of its micro-glitter.

It looks like gold nail polish trend will now be sticking around the fashion world. If you are ready to glow and sparkle and if are not afraid of being noticed, then go ahead and carry the Midas touch.  Look and feel glamorous with gold nail polish and let the goddess within you shine.

nail art pen

What are nail art pens for? Is it a necessary tool in doing hand and toe nail art? If you have these questions in mind, then the following information may help you answer them.

When nail art was introduced, girls from all ages submitted themselves to the trend. But because girls are naturally artistic and interested in anything beautiful, some of the ladies challenged themselves to create or perform nail art in their own nails. Now, nail art is not exclusively available in nail salons as one can easily do a pattern or two at the comforts of their home.

Good thing cosmetic manufacturers noticed the trend immediately and provided easy to use nail art tools, including nail art pens. Today, such nail pens are available in various shades, colors and formulation. You can get the traditional colors or those metallic and glittery ones.

Nail art pens are basically the most essential tools in creating nail art. Because of the fine tip – whether a stripping brush or a metal’s tip – it is very easy to create fine strokes, dots, lines, and patterns.  Because our nail plate is a relatively small area, we need thin strokes to accommodate various application approaches and nail art patterns that make up a truly pretty nail art design. A nail art pen is specifically manufactured to create such fine polish or nail color application.

When using this type of nail art tool, it is important to have a fine grip in order to create a perfect stroke. A light hand may be helpful as well as it aids in controlling the amount of polish applied. With these fine nail pens and a steady hand, a more delicate look is achieved.

Now, nail art pens are included in various nail art kits. A basic kit contains several brushes, some nail art pens, and some basic acrylic paints. For beginners, the Internet is a good source to find tips on how to use such nail art tools. Different beautiful designs achieved through the use of nail art pens are also available online, usually with a step-by-step guide on how to create them. Just visit several nail art galleries online and in print and check how-to’s and tips so you can get started.

If you want more challenge, you can get advanced nail art kits with more paints and nail art pens. Most advanced kit has the famous silver and gold nail art pens in metallic form. But if you feel that you are close to a nail art expert, then a more advanced and complex nail art kit may be for you. Aside from additional nail art pens, it also contains acrylic nails and several decals.

Nail art is now considered a healthy form of self-expression. Aside from releasing creativity and improving imagination, it’s a very affordable form of fashion. And because nail art tools like nail art pens are now readily available and made affordable, more and more females are now expressing themselves in a remarkably fashionable and fabulous way.

Keep your nails strong, healthy and beautiful with these nail care tips.

Protect

The most important aspect in maintaining good looking nails is to protect them from damage. Fortunately, there are numerous ways for us to do this. One is to avoid submerging our nails in water for a long period. This can be very damaging as too much moisture can weaken the nails. The effect is splitting, breaking, and peeling nails due to overexposure to water.

Protect your nails from harsh chemicals as well. Most of the commercial products that we use contain chemicals that may be damaging to our nails. If possible, use only acetone-free nail polish removers as they are milder compared to acetone-based ones. But then again, limit your usage of nail polish remover as they can still dry out your nails.

Never use your nails as tools in opening containers, bottles, and cans. Use a bottle opener rather than your nails. Avoid the habit of opening letters using your nails, too. Avoid scraping things off or prying things open with your nails. There are corresponding tools designed to do such things.

Polish

To make your nails a little more resistant to water, wear nail polish or a clear nail hardener. Nail polish application does play an important role in proper nail care. It not only acts as a fashion style and accessory but it also aids in providing a protective layer for your nails. You can settle with clear nail polish if you prefer the natural look. Go for chic colored nail polish or eye-catching nail art if you want your nails to be more noticeable.

But whichever you choose, there are some things that you should still consider. You still need to prepare your nail plate prior to polish application. Clean, trim, file and buff your nails to create a clean and smooth surface. Apply a base coat so the polish won’t stain your nails. Both base coat and top coat will lengthen the life of the polish on your nails, which means lengthening the days before your subject them to the harsh chemicals contained in nail polish remover.

In general, you should not subject your nails to manicure and pedicure more than once a week.

Prevent

To protect your nails from water, wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, and doing other house chores. Use gloves as well when using bleach, solvents, and other cleaning products. Also, limit the amount of time that your hands are immersed in water. When removing nail polish, soak them in nail polish remover only in a few minutes.

Eat a healthy diet and go for foods rich in calcium and protein as they can help promote healthy and strong nails. Biotin, a substance in most dietary supplements, and Vitamin E contribute to healthy nails and hair as well. To keep the proper blood flow in your fingers, massage your nails with hand cream. Also, keep your nails at a considerable length to prevent getting caught and breaking.

Nail questions

Although several nail care products can help your nails grown healthy and strong, there are still many ways that you can do to improve your nails without spending some money. Here are some nail care do’s and don’ts that would only cost you some time and discipline.

1. Do pay attention to your cuticles. Push your cuticles back as little as you can to keep you nails free from problems. The less manipulation and pressure you put on the skin around your nails, the more healthy your nails will be. Nail problems usually occur from the damage incurred in over-pushing the cuticles. Over-trimming cuticles can damage the nail matrix which is responsible for healthy nail growth. Cutting too much cuticle will likely result to dented, peeling, brittle and unevenly growing nails.
2. Do moisturize your cuticles as often as possible. The protective barrier in the nail matrix will break down once your nails become dry and flaky. Prevent dryness by using moisturizer after long exposure to water, harsh detergents, nail polish and nail polish remover.
3. Do avoid excessive filing of your nails as this can break the nail’s structure. If possible, use only the gentles file, apply the gentlest filing pressure and avoid metal or exceedingly coarse nail files.
4. Do take time in allowing your polish to dry. try to avoid quick dry top coats or nail polish as they usually contain alcohol. Instead, use a quick-dry spray or oil after you’re done painting to keep smudges at bay.
5. Do touch ups on your polish. Make your manicure and pedicure last longer by applying a layer of top coat every other day. All it takes is a single layer and a little time to freshen up your polish and keep it nice-looking.
6. Don’t use nail products that contain Toluene and Formaldehyde. These are toxic compounds that are harmful to your health.
7. Don’t allow your manicurist or nail technician to touch your nails with nail tools that are not properly sterilized. Be careful in choosing a nail salon and a manicurist and make sure that their nail instruments are bacteria-free. Never risk your overall health for a cheap but unhygienic nail procedure.
8. Don’t pull hangnails. Gently cut them and leave the cuticle intact. Use a nipper and nip it quickly but gently. Prevent such hangnails by using some cuticle oil to moisturize both your nails and cuticle.
9. Don’t soak your nails in water for a long period of time. Avoid long exposure to detergent and soaps as well because it can and weaken your nails.
10. Don’t ignore nail inflammation. Again, never ignore cuticle or nail inflammation as they may be caused by severe health problems. Consult a dermatologist for the problem to be addressed best.

Take heed of these do’s and don’ts to keep your nails healthy and pretty. Nail care practices are as simple as most basic hygiene routines. Just take the time to understand the importance of taking care of your nails and the importance of following the proper way to care for them.

Just like in any primp and prettify routine, there are still not-so-pretty side effects that go with it. Application of nail varnish is not an exception. And although nail varnish problems can be remedied, prevention is still, as always, better than cure. So here is a list of most common nail varnish dangers (NVD) that you should look out for.

NVD #1:  Yellow stained nails

If you are fond of using dark nail polish, then you are more prone to having yellowish stained nails. Discolored nails resulting from excessive use of dark nail polish is linked to the chemical reaction between the nail varnish’s pigment compound and the nail plate.  Depending on the person, staining may occur within days or weeks of wearing the dark nail varnish. And although this is not harmful to the nails, it leaves an unsightly appearance.

Consider wearing dark nail polish once every two to three months to prevent staining. And of course, do not forget to wear a clear base coat. It does not only prevent staining, it also makes the polish look smooth and dry fast. Base coat is to nail polish as face primer is to make-up. both create a smooth surface for the actual beauty product to adhere to. And as an added bonus, it extends the life of the nail polish (or face make-up in the case of face primers) by about 50 percent.

NVD #2:  Nail is subjected to harsh chemicals such as drying agents, thickeners and hardening agents, alcohol, and acetone as in the case of nail polish removers.

Although nail polishes today no longer contain the banned toxic ingredients such as Dibutyl phthalate or DBP, other chemicals are still present. These chemicals, especially acetone, tend to dehydrate nails and make them brittle.

To solve this problem, consistently apply a hand and nail cream every night. Moisturize your hands and nails after a long exposure with water. If possible, wear gloves while doing household chores to protect your hands and nails from harsh detergents.

NVD #3:   Nail polish dries up or bubbles and you can’t use them.

Dried nail polish can be revived by adding some drops of acetone-free nail varnish remover. Be careful not to pour too much nail polish remover or your dried out polish will turn runny. Moreover, take note that this putting some nail polish remover can strip off the sheen out of the polish; but you can always apply a top coat to create shine. To keep it from thickening, you may consider storing it in the refrigerator. Just make sure that it is tightly closed.

Bubbles in your nail varnish can be prevented by rolling the bottle between the palms instead of shaking it. The vigorous shaking is actually the reason behind the bubbles.

NVD #4:  Nail varnish poisoning.

Again, remember that nail varnish still contains chemicals. Accidental ingestion and overexposure through inhalation may lead to poisoning. Remember to do your manicure in an open area and away from babies and children.

Even if you are just removing finger nail polish, you still need to take heed several considerations. Nail polish can really harm your fingernails and so proper precautions should be observed.

• Choose your nail polish remover carefully. There are basically two types of formulations for nail polish removers – acetone-based polish removers and non-acetone based ones. Generally, acetone-based nail varnish remover works better and faster but they can do more harm to your nails. They usually dehydrate your cuticles. Opt to use such for hard to remove polish only such as bright and neon nail polish and glitter nail lacquers. For the usual nail polish, go for the non-acetone based nail polish removers. They have hydrating oils that neutralizes the effect of the acetone. Acetone-free nail polish removers are less drying but they take time to remove the polish.
• Use cotton balls instead of tissues or cotton pads. Polish clings best to cotton balls because of its texture.
• Remember to rub your nails gently and in a circular motion. The cotton ball, although soft, is soaked in a chemical so you have to be careful in rubbing it onto your nails.
• Instead of rubbing your nails, another great option is to press the soaked cotton firmly onto the nail and hold it for 30 seconds. Move the cotton slowly while maintaining pressure and wipe down the nails to the tip.
• Perhaps the most advisable way to remove nail polish is to use a cotton and an orangewood stick. Just place the cotton on the orange stick and soak it with nail polish remover. Removing finger nail polish through this manner gives you more control.
• If there are some polish left around the cuticle, use a cotton swab dipped in the nail polish remover. But make sure you maintain contact with the nail and not the skin.

Take your time in removing your old nail polish. it is important that you pay attention to what you are doing or you may end up with extremely dry and damaged nails. Here are some more tips that you shouldn’t ignore.

• If your nail polish is too creamy, considering using specialized thinners than traditional nail polish removers as the latter can dry out your nails. These nail thinners are available in most beauty stores.
• Do not forget to wash your hands after removing your manicure. Clean your hands with soap and water to get rid of chemical and polish residue.
• Never skip applying hand and nail lotion. The moisturizing component of such lotions combats nail dryness and prevents your nails from getting brittle and fragile.
• Do not overexpose your nails to such chemicals – both nail polish and nail polish remover. Take some time off and wear your nails bare. Let them rest and breathe at least a day or two before you paint them again.

Observe these guidelines on how to properly remove finger nail polish and you are sure to maintain clean and healthy nails.

What do you do when you need to remove your old polish but then you realized that you ran out of nail polish remover? Would you go to a beauty store to buy one, settle for whatever remover you find at home, or just chip your nails off? Well, the third option is obviously a bad idea.

You’re lucky if you can find pure acetone at home as that will do in removing your nail varnish. Since nail polish removers that are acetone-based work faster than acetone-free ones, pure acetone can definitely remove the polish off your nails. But this is a strong chemical and it can definitely dehydrate your nails. Just barely soak your cotton ball with pure acetone and try it first. Add a little more if the polish seems to be difficult to remove. It is imperative that you wash your hands thoroughly after removing your polish with pure acetone. Use a good hand and nail moisturizer to keep your nails hydrated.

A deodorant spray might be effective, too. Spray some deodorant close to your nails and rub your nails with a soft cloth. Just be patient in wiping the polish off your nails. You can spray some more if you’re having a hard time removing it.

You can also try rubbing your nails with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure of the percentage as most 91% and 70% alcohol won’t work. Insect repellants with DEET content may help but this is not recommended as DEET is not safe.

Methyl ethyl ketone can also help since this is a common ingredient in most nail polish removers. Similarly, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, hexane, and shellite are other solvents included in the formulation of nail polish removers. But then again, you have to be very certain of the effects of these solvents and never attempt to experiment with them.

A safer option is to paint some more polish on top of the old nail polish. Wipe it off immediately so that the wet polish takes the dry one off your nails. Make sure you do this fast and that you wipe or wash of the polish before it gets dry. But doing this would mean wasting considerable amount of your nail polish. Try using clear polish so you won’t ravage any of your nail polish color collection.

If you intend to remove nail polish from clothes, fabrics, or wood, then you can try using paint thinner. Solvents such as methylated spirits, white spirits (used in lighter fluid), and turpentine can be good in removing nail polish stains as well. Be careful in using these as the fumes can be hazardous; better stay away from flames or burning cigarettes. Never ever try to use these solvents in removing nail polish on your nails.

Homemade nail polish removers may work but they may not be safe. It is still best that you purchase commercially endorsed products as these are tested for safety. You may be able to save time and money in preparing your very own nail polish remover but you cannot be one hundred percent sure that it is perfectly safe for your nails, overall health, and the environment.

Most of us equate black nail polish with the punk or goth look. But do you know that it is more than just a rebellion in a bottle? Black nails have been linked to defiance just recently. Before, black nails used to denote extravagant living and royalty. It all started in China where social ranking is signified through the nail colors people wear. The commoners are only entitled to wear pink nail polish while the royals wear black or red.

After that era, different nail colors emerged and black, in its lack of color, has been forgotten. It was in the seventies when famous rockstars again introduced black nail polish. and because black polish was worn by most male hard rock musicians, the nail polish color represented a whole new status.

Today, black nail polish has gone conventional. Now seen on the digits of famous stars such as Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba, black nails have invaded the mainstream and even the red carpet. Although it still connotes a bad look effect, it becomes sophisticated and glamorous when worn together with the right outfit.

To get the right look, identify first the type of look you want to display. For a Gothic look, don black clothing with your hair black and stick straight and pair it with your black nails. Wear black lipstick but go light and pale on the makeup for that rock chic look.

Skip the black clothing if you just want a traditional and more casual look. Pair black nails with tan outfit for your everyday day time look and wear it with denim over the weekends. Wear black nails together with simple jewelry for that sexy and edgy appearance. Look classy with black nail polish on short and well-manicured nails. Obviously, long, especially fake long, black nails appear scary and look like a costume for the Halloween.

And since this is a really dark color, your nails have to be neat and well-manicured as problem areas can easily be emphasized. Make sure that you apply black nail polish properly so it won’t look sloppy. Short and square shape nails look good with black polish. Buff and file to prepare your nails for a smooth appearance. Take your time in applying this nail polish shade as mistakes will certainly show. Immediately repair chips and cracks or such imperfections will be highlighted.

You can also try to get black nail polish in tones that are not 100% black. There are those that have a little blue, plum, or red in them. Black may not work for everyone but dark blue or dark violet can be great alternatives. Likewise, choose also those that are glossy and shiny, or those that have a little shimmer in them, for your look not to get too dull and matte.

And lastly, since this is a dark color, it tends to stain your nails. Make sure that you wear such color less often and never skip the base coat so you won’t end up with yellowish nails.