BellaSugar -- You're beautiful.

Do You Stay Polished During Winter?

bellasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:01:50 -0800

Even though it happens every year, part of me wishes I could avoid winter altogether by hiding in the back of my closet with my summery shoes. Better yet, in a closet of a resort on a tropical island . . . but I digress.When trading sandals for boots, it can be harder to justify spending time (or money) on pedicures. Don't get me wrong, I still treat myself to an at-home buff and polish from time to time, but since my feet hide in boots, it's not a big deal if my piggies aren't perfectly painted. Do you change it up with the switching seasons?Source

Do You Stay Polished During Winter?

Yes, I'm a year-round pedicurist.

No, I don't worry about it.

Other — I'll explain in a comment.

Doing Drugstore: Total NailRx Fill Me In

bellasugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:01:33 -0800

Even though I know that months of painting (and repainting) toes can do a number on my nails, much to my chagrin, my surfaces have ridges I swear weren't there in seasons past. Hoping to smooth things over, I walked my bumpy toes over to my local Walgreens where I discovered this peachy miracle worker. The Total NailRx Fill Me In ($8) comes fortified with silk powder to fill in those unsightly gaps while making nails super-strong.

The surface smoothing base coat did exactly as the name implied and totally evened the playing (er, painting) field. The one downfall to note is that it actually dries to a subtle coral. While I like the hue alone, if you're going for glossy sheers or applying a color, it can change the shade up top.

Two Ways to Paint Your Nails Smudge-Free

bellasugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:51 -0800

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to paint my nails with the opposite hand. Although I haven't become quite dexterous enough to master painting perfection, I have mastered two smudge-proof techniques just by using my little ol' pinky fingers to help me along the way. Try out these two tips below. They really do work, I pinky swear. (Groan.)

Pinky first — Start polishing your pinky nails first. Then, work inwards toward your thumbs. This way, you won't accidentally smudge over any already-painted nails. Frustration over.
Ready, steady — Ever get shaky hands while polishing? Avoid annoying mess-ups by using your painting finger pinky as an anchor. Just place the pinky finger of your wand-holding hand on the table to steady your strokes — kind of like a little kickstand.

Source

Milk Does a Beauty Good

bellasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Heidi Klum will be the latest addition to the long list of celebrities who have appeared in the wildly popular "Got Milk?" ad campaign, Vogue UK reports. The German model and Project Runway host will be featured wearing a customary Bavarian maid outfit, alongside a milking cow — just in time for Halloween.

All this talk about this healthy, white drink got me thinking, just what is it about milk that does a body good, in terms of beauty, of course? According to the California Milk Processor Board, people have been using milk for beauty purposes for hundreds of years. In fact, Bella favorite, Cleopatra, used to bathe in milk for radiantly smooth skin. Check out some more milk beauty benefits below:

Milk has . . .

Proteins, lipids, vitamin A, B6, calcium, biotin, and potassium to make hair soft and shiny. Drink away.
Alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acid that, when applied to the skin, help to exfoliate. Psst — this also translates to antiaging benefits, too.

For three more benefits,

How-To: Choose a Nail Shape

bellasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:11 -0700

When I was little, I knew of only two nail shapes: dagger (like that of my then mean older cousin — ouch) and bitten down to the nubs (like me — also, ouch). While you can wear your nails however you please, I've got some guidelines on choosing which nail shape might suite you best.

Generally speaking, try to match the shape of your cuticle to your free edge (the part you are filing). This will give you the most complementary finish. Another basic guideline is to shape the nail to give the illusion of elongated fingers. Remember to file nails in one direction, and check out some more tips below:

Oval — Looks good on most, particularly short, wide fingers.
Round — Great for short nails and those with very active hands, since round tends to break less.
Almond/Pointed — Elongates petite hands and fingers. It's also a very of-the-moment style, according to nail guru Deborah Lippmann.
Square — Works well to balance out long, narrow fingers.
Squoval — Softens wide nail beds. Also works well for short, wide fingers or long, big fingers.

Source

An Easy Way to File Nails

bellasugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:40 -0700

I will be the first to admit that keeping my nails in tip-top (sorry, bad pun) shape is a difficult goal for me. A few years ago as I was doing a little shaping action of my own, my friend, who supplements her income by working as a part-time manicurist, laughed out loud. "It's called an emery board, not a saw," she said.

So, apparently, I was doing it wrong. She told me all about the "short, short, long" technique, and I've never looked back to my overly aggressive tree-logging ways.

In order to achieve smoothly filed nails, it's best to start off by using a fine grit emery board, which is very gentle for natural nails. Starting on one corner of your nail, moving towards the center. File in a "short, short, long" motion, using the "long" motion to blend, smooth, and help mold your nails into the shape you desire. Then, repeat this step on the other corner.

Just remember to always file in one direction, otherwise you'll get jagged results. It's pretty simple once you get the hang of it — and your polish will last longer, too.

Source

Tips For Mixing Your Own Nail Polish

bellasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:00:54 -0700

Just as makeup artists mix their own colors for fashion shows, so do nail technicians. If all goes well, the colors hit stores in the following season. Until then, though, you can do as they do and make your own color.

"Everyone has half-empty enamel bottles lying around at home," says Roxanne Valinoti, CND Nail Ambassador. "These make it easy to custom-blend new colors from existing colors already in your collection." The trick? Valinoti recommends starting with a lighter color, then adding a darker shade drop by drop until you get the hue you're hoping for.

Alternatively, you can use a piece of waxed paper as your "palette," blending polishes there for a one-off manicure. (That's what I did for the picture you see here; sorry that my finger looks like Lowly Worm.) When you're done, you'll have a nail color that's uniquely yours — unless, of course, a trend-spotter sees it and decides to put it into production.

Inkjet Printer That Gives Manicures

bellasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:55:22 -0700

Behold! The Inkjet Printer That Gives You a Mani Are the latest nail color trends just not enough for you? Are the airbrushed designs offered by nail artists not creative enough? Then hit up this salon in Oakland, which now houses an Inkjet printer with the ability to print digital images on your nails. You can bring in any JPEG, they upload it, and you put your hands inside the printer and voila. Printed nails!

Bella Quiz: Nail Polish History (and More) Quiz Part Two

bellasugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:22 -0700

I had so much fun doing research for the nail polish history quiz a few weeks ago, that I decided to put together another set of questions. This time I've changed it up a bit, and expanded the topics to include not just polish, but other interesting nail care facts, as well. So, take my quiz below, to see if you can achieve great lengths, or if you are short on knowledge.

Source

Deborah Lippmann Talks Nail Trends, Part Three

bellasugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:51 -0700

Deborah Lippmann, founder of Lippmann Collection, had a busy New York Fashion Week. After giving Mariah Carey not one but two manicures during Fashion Rocks (she wore Fashion during the Stand Up To Cancer performance and then Rhapsody in White for her solo) she did the nails at Rodarte, Zac Posen and Zegna (which, if you read my post on nail techs at FW, you know is no small feat). Still, she took a minute to talk to me backstage about a multitude of nail topics, the first being trends and the second, neutrals.

For today's installation of my interview with Lippmann, where I get the scoop on how to paint your nails like a pro,

Deborah Lippmann Talks Nail Trends, Part Two

bellasugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:00:22 -0700

For today's installation of my interview with Lippmann, I got a genius tip for choosing a neutral nail polish and I discovered a secret from her past,

Deborah Lippmann Talks Nail Trends

bellasugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:00:53 -0700

Deborah Lippmann, founder of Lippmann Collection, had a busy New York Fashion Week. After giving Mariah Carey not one but two manicures during Fashion Rocks (Mimi wore Fashion during the Stand Up To Cancer performance and then for Rhapsody in White for her solo), she did the nails at Rodarte, Zac Posen and Zegna (which, if you read my post on nail techs during FW, you know is no small feat). Still, she took a minute to talk to me backstage about a multitude of nail topics, the first being trends. To find out the fate of the French pedicure and whether you can stop asking for "squoval" nails

The Unsung Heroes of Fashion Week

bellasugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Nail technicians, despite their increasing Fashion Week importance due to the increased interest in bags and shoes, are usually relegated to performing their jobs while the models get their hair and makeup done. But changing polish eight times a day can be a nightmare for both models and pros. Exhibit A: On the left is a photo of model Coco Rocha showing me her manicure from the Thakoon show. Problem is, we were at Matthew Williamson. Today's New York Times has an interesting story where the writer, Natasha Singer, goes undercover with Creative Nail Design as a nail technician during New York Fashion Week. Give it a read, but be prepared to witness possibly the most unglamorous aspects of Fashion Week!

Black Gold! Dark Nails Get a Sparkling Update

bellasugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:49 -0700

It's safe to say that when it comes to nail polish, black is the new neutral. But if glossy darkness is beginning to bore you, here's a cool way to update it. I ran into a friend the other day and loved her nail polish so much that I had to snap a picture:

She got this look by using a base coat, then slicking on two coats of Essie nail color ($8) in Licorice. After that, one coat of glitter polish (such as Essie's Golden Nugget) adds a not-too-crazy amount of sparkle. On short nails, it keeps that rocker-girl attitude in a color that's now considered a safe-bet neutral.

Does Your Thumbnail Tell If You're Right or Left Handed?

bellasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:00:11 -0700

Somewhere over the years — I think it was during the high school days — I remember hearing that you can supposedly tell a person's handedness by looking at his or her thumbnail. Hmm...curious. Whether it be an old wives' tale or has some scientific merit, tell me if this theory is true for you.Compare your two thumbnails. Is one more squared-off at the base, particularly where your cuticle meets your lower nail bed? If so, does it correspond to your dominant hand or is this all a bunch of poppycock?Source

Does Your Thumbnail Tell If You're Right or Left Handed?

Thumbs up.

Thumbs down.

I can't tell either way.

How-To: Solange Knowles's Polka-Dot Manicure

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:00:39 -0700

Call me crazy, but Solange Knowles is rapidly becoming one of my favorite celebrities — and not just because of her famous big sister. Her music is catchy, and she seems content letting big sister B be the pop superstar of the family. Plus, she's willing to take some risks with her style. Case in point: This polka-dot manicure.

If you want to recreate Solange's nails at home, here's what you'll need:

Black nail polish (try Sinful Colors [$1.99] in Black on Black)
White nail polish (like Sephora by OPI [$9] in A-ha! Moment
Top coat and base coat
Wooden toothpicks

After painting nails with a base coat, paint them with black or white polish. (For the white polish, you'll need two coats.) Then, dip a toothpick into the opposite color. Carefully place a drop of the polish on your nail, repeating until you have the pattern you want. Let nails dry for up to 30 minutes, then seal with a top coat. Easy!

Source

How-To: A Lightning-Fast Manicure

bellasugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:00:40 -0700

You're running late for a hot date or you've got tickets to a concert. You want your nails to look amazing, but don't have the time to do the full-on manicure treatment. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to do a quickie manicure. Here's how:

Step one: Rinse hands with warm water. Apply an oil-based salt (or sugar) scrub to soften and exfoliate hands and nails. Spend some time working the product into each nail, pushing back cuticles as you go. Rinse again with warm water.
Step two: Quickly remove any residue and oils from nails twice (trust me) with nail polish remover. Keep pushing back those cuticles.
Step three: Choose your polish. This is more of a suggestion than a step, but I highly recommend using a medium-to-lighter shade for your speedy manicure, as dark shades aren't as forgiving of errors. Think about using a polish with a built-in base coat or a quick dry formulation. You're in a hurry, folks — this stuff's got to dry.
Step four: Paint! The optimal way would be the "sandwich" way — base coat, two layers of color, and top coat. This is a five-minute manicure after all, so we've got to cheat a little and do a few short tricks. The best way to paint is in a three motion process: first apply one stroke down the middle of your nail, then blend by painting one stroke on each side.

For more specific product and polish suggestions

Product Review: Ahava Nail Hardener

bellasugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:07 -0700

The Dead Sea has long been lauded for its beauty benefits, as it has a higher concentration of minerals than anywhere in the world. The Israeli skin- and haircare line Ahava uses research conducted on such minerals in its products. I'd been a devoted fan of Ahava Nail Hardener for years, until one day it disappeared from my apartment. Weeks went by with me searching in cabinets and drawers, under the bed, in different purses (did I take it somewhere?), until the guy I was seeing — a guitarist — came clean: he was using it to strengthen his nails. So was his whole band. And they wanted more.

The idea of getting $14 nail polish for a bunch of rockers was so entertaining that I did, and before long, their girlfriends, mothers, sisters, and houseguests were on the Ahava Nail Hardener train. And for good reason: this product dries fast, doesn't smell quite as bad as similar products, and leaves nails looking and feeling healthy using minerals and calcium from the Dead Sea. Nails have a natural-looking gloss and seem to grow faster and stronger. Give it a try, but please don't steal mine.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Trend Alert: Naked Nails

bellasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:19 -0700

It used to be that if you wanted to be considered glamorous and put-together, you wouldn't dare walk out of the house with chipped nail polish — and now chipped nails have become a trend. Now, some celebs are taking it to the next level. With all of their wealth and fame, they gaily roam the streets with naked nails.

My guess is that they're either in between manicures, or they're enjoying a break from the stress of putting on and taking off polish. Then again, with a good buffing, naked nails can look shiny and healthy — much more chic than chipped polish, I think. Do you hope this trend sticks around, or do you prefer a more "finished" look?

Source and Source and Source

Essie's Energetic Autumn Collection Has Arrived!

bellasugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:09 -0700

Get a load of these six, sexy, shiny, and rich fall nail polishes from Essie. They sell for $8 each or you can buy the set for $45. Instead of being ultratrendy — think neon, dark, or metallic — the colors are a collection of modernized classics. I like to think of them as a mix between Fall and Spring shades, which I guess proves my point about them being traditional and suitable for wear all year round.

For details and close-up product shots of each of the shades,

Black Is Back and It's Badder Than Ever

bellasugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Celebrities are always a season ahead of the game, so it's no wonder that we've seen some of the most gorgeous gals in young Hollywood gearing up for Autumn with black nail polish. Over the past few days, I've spotted your favorite and definitely one of my favorite Fall nail colors on Mischa Barton, Rihanna and Lauren Conrad.

I can't believe that even though it's smack in the middle of summertime, these ladies aren't afraid of crossing over to the dark side. Tell me: Are you just as excited as you were last year about the return of black nail polish?

Source and Bauer-Griffin Online

Trend Alert: French Manicures

bellasugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:00:29 -0700

I've got a hefty laundry list of qualities I don't like about Heidi Montag, but what I do love are her gorgeous nails. Whether they're gold or burgundy, they are always long and perfectly manicured.

I thought that French manicures were on their way out, but then along comes Heidi and Britney Spears bringing this classic back again. Most of you think they're tacky and should be saved for formal occasions only. For the rest of you who are still loyal fans, here are two great at-home French manicure kits I think you'll love.

Sephora Easy French Manicure Duos ($8) is a double-ended nail varnish that houses either a beige or a pink color on one side and a clear base and topcoat on the other. However, if you're looking to create the white tip, you still need another product. I suggest this French Tip Pen ($8) since it's so easy to use.

For one more easy-to-use French manicure kit,

How-To: Healthy Nails

bellasugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:00:20 -0700

I've been a nail-biter for two solid decades and what remains of my once elegant hands are so very sad. My nail beds are short and stumpy and my cuticles are pink, jagged and puffy. Every year I make a resolution to stop gnawing my nubs, and this time I'm going to do it. If you're wondering how to keep your hands healthy and looking their best, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

A nail should ideally have smooth skin folds (the area around your nail), flesh-colored cuticles (not raised or puffy) and a white lunula (half-moon shape at the bottom of your nail bed). Nails should also be consistent in color and free of horizontal ridges and dents. If your nails have any of these conditions, it could be indicative of illness.
White spots on your fingernails are OK. They are caused by injury and will typically grow out. However, red, black, green and yellow spots should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Avoid picking at your cuticles. This can lead to cuts and infection. Have a manicurist push them back manicures with clean tools (you don't want to contract a fungus).
Moisturize your cuticles and nails often. Whenever possible, apply a hydrating cream and wear white, cotton gloves before bed (as a deep conditioning treatment).
Short, square shaped nails (with rounded edges) are the easiest to maintain. Keep them covered with a hardener, polish or treatment that is free of toluene, DPB and formaldehyde. Also, I recommend an acetone-free polish so you don't dry out your nails and cuticles.
Did you know that nails grow around 0.1 millimeters a day? This means that your nails take about four to six months for full re-growth. So be patient if you don't see results instantaneously.

Source

Anna Sui Has Sweet Scented Nail Polish

bellasugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:00:08 -0700

The other day, a friend of mine stopped by with a bottle of Anna Sui Nail Color ($13). Instead of her getting excited over the shine, the shade, or about its long-lasting quality, she was kvelling about the smell. I reluctantly took a whiff, sure that the fumes would knock out the next generation of growing brain cells, but I was pleasantly surprised that the scent was masked by a floral scent.

Apparently, most of Anna's products are enhanced with tea rose and peony extract. She has a fondness for roses — remember those wicked lip gloss rings I talked to you about last year?

Tea rose has been proven to help alleviate stress, calm nerves and revitalize and uplift the senses. It also helps reduce the symptoms of hay fever and allergies (sounds like it contains a natural antihistamine). Peony extract comes from the foot of the flower and it helps moisturize and keep your nail beds healthy.

My friend gave herself an at-home manicure and she's reported that it's already day four and so far there's been no chipping or peeling — it must be the flower power! Are you interested in checking out any of the 39 colors in Anna Sui's nail color range?

A Little Slice of the Italian Riviera Right Here at Home

bellasugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Recently, I introduced you to the new world of Borghese nail lacquers and their awesome double brushes. Since I'm such a fan, I thought you'd like to hear about the most recent Summer 2008 launch called Portofino Del Sole. The collection includes six shimmery shades that were inspired by the breathtaking landscape in Portofino, Italy — a Mediterranean port and destination for the rich and lavish.

I'm not much of a shimmer fan when it comes to my nails (especially reds or lavenders), but I'll rock just about anything on my toes. After trying out Florentine Gold, I'm smitten. Not only do I love the authentic, yellowy pale gold color, but I gave myself a quickie pedicure last night and was pleased that it didn't streak at all and that the polish dried relatively quickly. Also, I'll remind you again that the lacquers are free of DBPs, toluene, and formaldehyde — and they leave you with a long-lasting shine. What else is there to say besides, bellissima!

To read a description of each of the shades in the collection,

French Pedicures: Chic or Tacky?

bellasugar — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:00:10 -0700

About two thirds of you say that French manicures are classy, but what about French pedicures? They're not my favorite, but I see quite a few women wearing them now that it's flip-flop season. What's your take? Source

French Pedicures: Chic or Tacky?

So chic!

So tacky.

Trend Alert: Grenadine-Colored Beauty Products

bellasugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:11 -0700

Grenadine is a sugary, pomegranate-colored syrup often used in cocktails to give them a sweet flavor and a pink tint. It's a popular mixer that has been around for ages, so it's really no surprise why cosmetic companies are inspired by its allure. Here are a few new Summer 2008 grenadine beauty products for you to check out.

Chanel Sheer Lip Colouring Pencil ($27) is a bright, yet sheer poppy (coralish-red) colored lip liner that glides on creamy and stays moist. It's great to wear alone (I like mine with a clear gloss on top, so it looks more like a stain) or under a lipstick to create depth and definition. Also, I love that it comes with its own sharpener.

Nailtini Grenadine Nail Lacquer ($12) is a bright pink DBP-, toluene-, and formaldehyde-free nail polish that can be layered with either a black- or white-base coat to make nails lighter or darker. I love this concept and the fact that Nailtini polishes dry so quickly. To check out more cocktail-inspired shades from this line, click here.

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Color in Grenadine ($7.99) is a shiny brick brownish-red lip color that is intended to last all day long without having to be reapplied. It involves a two-step process — first you apply a slick color and wait for it to dry and then you apply a clear topcoat. Check out pictures of my lips to judge for yourself if this is something you'd be into.

New Product Alert: Addicted To Speed

bellasugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:00:57 -0700

Brand-new from the Lippmann Collection is a quick-dry polish called Addicted To Speed ($20). Despite its strong smell (P.U.!) and hefty price tag (that's 20 bills for a top-coat, sheesh) it really does work to get your fingertips functional again in a few minutes.

Although your nails won't be thoroughly dry, they'll be touch dry and non-tacky which means that you can put on your coat, dial the phone and begin to go on with your day (a nice change from the waiting game of manicures).

The directions say to hold off for about two minutes after you've applied your final coat of colored-polish and then paint on an even, thin coat. Tip: You don't want to glop it on like you would with other brands; this is important for optimal results. It provides a high-shine finish and it contains UV protection to help preserve your polish color. All things considered, are you excited to try Addicted To Speed?

Trend Alert: Orange Nails

bellasugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:00:13 -0700

We've been seeing a lot of hot pink nails lately and we've heard everyone go on about neon nails, but the only one who's really been wearing any of the other super-bright shades has been Rihanna.

I predict that all of this is about to change. With the warm weather setting in and Lindsay Lohan getting on the orange-nail bandwagon, something tells me that this trendsetter is going to jump-start a neon-nail bonanza. Here are two new bright Summer orange lacquers I think you'll love.

Essie Mini Shorts ($8) is part of the Summer Neon collection. Out of all four colors, the orange is by far the most fun and the boldest.

If you're scared to test it out, just close your eyes and think of it as a really bright coral or melon shade. Or, you can try it on your toes (like I did). It's vibrant, but addictive.

To check out one more neon orange nail polish,

Bella Brand: 'Tini Beauty

bellasugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:00:08 -0700

At the end of 2004, Southern Californian Michelle Olsen decided to launch her own beauty brand that has evolved into what we now know as 'Tini Beauty. The concept was inspired by Michelle's love of cocktails and has its own unique twist — everything is layerable. Much how like you can blend your own ingredients to create your own signature drink, all of the items can be mixed and matched to customize your nail and lip colors.

Nailtini contains nail lacquers in 22 colors, two mixer shades in white and black (which can be used as a base coat to lighten or darken the polish), nine toppers, and a base coat. Also, new for Summer is the Margarita collection, which contains three shades of Rita (Classic, Mango, and Strawberry) and Sugar Rum (sparkling clear) topper.

Liptini contains 12 lipsticks, 11 topper glosses, 10 lip and cheek stains, five shimmer stains, and six mixer pencils that can you can apply as a base to help alter any of the lip colors. The most interesting to me are Banana Flip, a bight yellow creamy pencil that can warm up or cool down a lip tone and Ice Water, a lip balm in a pencil form that makes any of the lip products appear more sheer. I think this idea is fun and is something that you and your girlfriends could play around with together. Do you think you'd be interested in becoming a makeup mixologist?

Product Review: Borghese Nail Lacquer

bellasugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:00:25 -0700

Earlier this year, Borghese launched a nail care division, and they have created a collection of amazing products. Without going into each and every item, the main event is their nail lacquer ($7.59). The creamy and self-leveling polish (this means that it manages to somehow side-step streaking) comes in 48 shades that range from pale pink to deep melons and browns.

What's great is that they are free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde, but what makes them stand apart in a crowd is the coolest brush I've ever encountered.

They call it duale curve tip, because it contains two brushes that are fitted side by side in the handle so that it covers your entire nail bed in one fell swoop. OK, so I'm exaggerating a little bit — it covers all of my nails besides my wide thumbnail all at once.

The polishes contain proteins (to hydrate and strengthen), olive leaf extract (to seal in moisture), ground up semi-precious jewels (for intense shine) and Vitamin E (for a silky texture). The lacquer is creamy, brilliant and dries fairly quickly. For the large bottles, I also think the price is fair. Think you'd be interested in trying out a new Borghese nail polish?

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

Chipped Nail Polish: The New Trend?

bellasugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:17 -0700

Today's New York Times reports on the dubious "trend" of having chipped nails. Apparently, having less-than-flawless nails is not a complete beauty disaster:

“Before, when nail polish was chipped you absolutely had to run and get it fixed,” said Ji Baek, the owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge and a manicure doyenne who has noticed the Olsens and Lindsay Lohan with less-than-impeccable polish. Now, clients like hers are “wearing perfectly-tailored clothes, they have $5,000 bags and equally fabulous shoes, but their nails are chipped and they’re saying, ‘I don’t care.’ They don’t want to be too perfect.”

Of course, Baek adds, there's a catch: “Chipping is cool, but chipping in a schleppy way when you don’t have a $5,000 handbag is not as cool." Oh, so that's all we need! Great.

Joking aside, the story explains that women, particularly the younger generation, don't flip out about having less-than-flawless manicures. While I agree that there are certain occasions (job interviews, your wedding) that require neater nails, I've always felt that life has bigger things to worry about than an imperfect manicure. Are you with me?

Trend Alert: Bright Pink Nail Polish

bellasugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:00:00 -0700

More and more celebrities are jumping onto the summertime neon nail polish bandwagon. We've seen hot pink shades since April, but it seems like they are brighter and more popular than ever now. Rihanna likes pink, orange, and yellow, and yesterday we spotted Lauren Conrad and Christina Aguilera both wearing electric pink. How cute would it be if Lauren had on Whitney from Zoya's Hills-inspired collection? For those of you who like to match your nails to your lipstick, check out this bevy of pretty pink polishes to go with your favorite bright pink lipstick — have fun!

Bauer-Griffin Online and Pacific Coast News Online

Back to Basics: The Best Base Coats

bellasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Finding the right base coat is a critical first step in creating the perfect at-home manicure. If you use one that doesn't have a decent adhesive quality, then the color you've just applied is likely to peel off quickly.

An instant peel or chip on your freshly manicured hands feels like a big waste of time. Here are three brilliant base coats that I've been using for years — and as always, if you have a favorite of your own, please tell me what it is in a comment below.

As far as base coats go, I've always considered Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 ($9.50) a treat because it's fairly expensive. Also, I think it's nothing short of a miracle worker on weak, peeling nails, so if I can muster up the self-control to let some actual white tips grow in, I reward myself with a coat of this keratin enriched base coat. If you're a first-time user, it is recommended to apply one coat every other day for a week without color, and then apply it as a base coat and a top coat to your next manicure.

Borghese Brilliante Base & Top Coat ($6.74) dries quickly while providing a thin, yet adequate base for your manicure. It contains granules of gemstones for added shine, proteins to help your nails grow stronger and it seals in moisture for healthier nails. Also, it's toluene, DBP and formaldehyde free.

For one more drugstore base coat option,

Essie's 2008 Summer Color Craze

bellasugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:00:06 -0700

Although the new Summer 2008 Essie Nail Polish Collection isn't inspired by the girls of The Hills, the colors are similar to the Zoya Gossip collection. The range contains six sexy coral, rose, orange and pink shades perfect for adding a punch of happy color to your nails or toes. Don't let the provocative names scare you off; even good girls need to shake things up a little bit in the summer. My personal fave is secret stash, a bright, glossy magenta. What color is catching your eye?

To read a description of each of the colors,

Just What You've Been Waiting For: All About Nail Fungus

bellasugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:00:31 -0700

Here's the main thing you need to know about nail fungus: AVOID. Seriously, the best way to treat this stubborn condition is to prevent it in the first place. I've compiled a few suggestions on how to do just that, plus some treatment options if you wind up with an infection.

What it is: Nail fungus is an infection of the nail bed. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the nail, then spreads to the entire nail. Full-blown fungus usually makes the nail thick, brittle, and yellowed, with crumbly edges to the nail. (You can see pictures if you like, but you've been warned: it ain't pretty.)

How it's transferred: Fungi thrive in warm, dark, damp places, then happily transfer to your toenails or fingernails.

How to avoid it: Never walk barefoot in a public place such as a shower or swimming pool; instead, wear flip-flops to protect your feet from potential fungus hangouts. If you've battled nail fungus before, wear shoes and socks that "breathe," rather than nylons or socks that trap moisture. Take your own tools to nail salons, and never use the Jacuzzi-type foot-soaking tubs — they're harder to sanitize, so you risk picking up someone else's fungus.

To find out how to treat nail fungus,

Essie's 2008 Spring Bridal Collection

bellasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:01:44 -0700

This 2008 Essie Bridal Collection is just the type of classical peachy, white and muted pale pink polish range that I like to see from time to time. For those of you blushing brides who are interested in attaining the quintessential French manicure, or, for the rest of you who are just looking to paint on a neutral nail, you'll be on Cloud Nine with these colors. My bets are on Happily Ever After on becoming the next cult color, but I'm partial to No Pre-Nup (wink) — how about you?

For a brief description of each of the shades

How to Fix a Broken Nail

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:26 -0700

I don't love the gym, so Fit and I joke that it's progress when I merely think about exercising. Well, the other weekend I played soccer and was excited to tell Fit about my burst of fitness — until I noticed that I'd broken the nail of my big toe. ("It's a sign," I told Fit. "Exercise and me are not meant to be.")

There are much worse things in life than breaking a nail, but a bad split can be painful. And in some cases, like mine, there's no way to remove the broken part without exposing your nail bed. Fortunately, there's a pretty simple way to repair your nail. To learn how to do it,

Do You Prefer Your Nail Polish With or Without Shimmer?

bellasugar — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:00:31 -0700

I'm not sure why, but I am much more inclined to put a shimmery polish on my toes than on my nails. There's something distracting about having luminosity on my fingertips that deters me every time I'm about to give myself a manicure. Do you have a strong preference toward plain or glittery nail varnishes?Source

Do You Prefer Your Nail Polish With or Without Shimmer?

I like a little shimmer in my polish.

I prefer a matte polish.

I like both equally.

Undecided

Psst! Zoya Has Some Summer Gossip

bellasugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:00:43 -0700

Looks like The Hills is unstoppable. Zoya has created six new shades of toluene-, formaldehyde- and DPB-free nail enamel and three new shades of sheer shiny lip gloss. They're named after LC and company.

It makes sense, especially since Whitney and Heidi are setting nail trends of their own. You'll appreciate that these colors are much more likable than some of the characters, and they're perfect for your upcoming party circuit. My favorite shade is Elodie, a vibrant melon-colored polish. Check out the colors below and let me know what color you like the most. Even if it turns out to be Heidi, I'll forgive you.

For a description of each of the nail polishes and lip glosses,

File This Under Nail Care

bellasugar — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:00:00 -0700

After discovering my first glass nail file, I've been hooked. Unlike emery boards, glass nail files never go dull; they need only a quick rinse under the tap to be good as new. My Sephora file is a grid of teeny, tiny upraised rough glass nodules. Think frosted glass, but maybe a tad rougher. The file is thin, but sturdy enough for me to feel confident that it won't break when my klutzy self inevitably drops it on the floor.

You use it just like any other nail file, but it feels significantly less abrasive. There is no pulling or snagging on the nail tip, which prevents cracking, peeling, and splitting of the nails. In fact, it is so gentle that you can use it safely on acrylics or on damaged or fragile nails. The only drawback? Using it reminds some people of nails on the chalkboard. But if you're interested in checking out a glass file, it's a relatively inexpensive investment. A company called 95° and Sunny makes hand-painted ones — or you can always start out with my $8 special from Sephora.

Trend Alert: Melon Nails

bellasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:00:42 -0700

Get ready to see many more melon-colored nails this spring. Check out Kristen Bell promoting her new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. While her fingernails are a quite bright, there are tons of varying raspberry and fruit-punch colored polishes to choose from. Here are three of my favorite juicy melon-colored nail lacquers.

L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish in Mango Get Em ($4.99) is a quick-drying, toluene- and formaldehyde-free polish that claims to last seven days without chipping. It also contains a strengthening pro-keratin ingredient and results in a high-shine finish.

For two other melon-colored nail polishes,