PopSugar

Would You Wear Katy Perry's Manicure?

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:22 -0800

Katy Perry recently tweeted this picture of her new manicure, saying, "Diamonds ARE girl best friend." Cookie Monster cadence aside, she may be on to something. What do you think of the sparkling nails that she sported at the MTV Europe Music Awards? Would you wear them, or is this strictly a pop-star look?

Product Review: Bliss Manicure's Best Friend

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0700

I've been completely addicted to Manicure's Best Friend from Bliss (on sale now for £7.50) ever since my best friend introduced me this tiny, yet precious cuticle cream a couple of weeks ago. It's been my saving grace for dry, swollen, red cuticles and it's amazing how much it prolongs the life of my manicures - I'm talking three, maybe even four days!

Maybe you don't pick and peel like I do, but after doing dishes and chores regularly, my cuticles tend to become cracked and straggly. Instead of leaving them alone, I have my way with them. This cream helps undo some of that damage and is most definitely buying me time until I can kick my hideous habit.

It's easy to apply with a dainty, pointed applicator (all you need is one teensy drop on each nail). It absorbs quickly, it's not greasy whatsoever, it comes in a portable tube small enough even for a clutch, and to top it off, I'm a big fan of the fresh, lemony scent. I keep it next to my computer and use it at least three times a day to help moisturise and sustain my mani's.

Do you have any beauty weapons to pass along that your friends have told you about?

Tea Tree Oil Will Cure What (N)ails You

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:38 -0700

Earlier this year, nearly 70 percent of you told me that you bite your cuticles. I have a confession. During particularly nervous moments, I sometimes do a little chomping myself. Ack! Recently, a manicurist gave me a little talking to after discovering my dirty little secret. Her solution? Tea tree oil, an antiseptic essential oil with antibacterial benefits.

Not only does this product help heal cuts and tears when rubbed into the delicate nail bed area, it provides hydrating effects, and carries with it a clean, uplifting aroma. Added bonus? Because of its strong, slightly camphor-like smell, it won't taste all that appetizing, and that just might inhibit you from biting. Try Beauty Secrets Tea Tree Oil ($5.99) to get started on your way to obtaining those soon-to-be-gorgeous hands.

Photo by Jon Fravel

Are Your Nails Usually Painted?

BellaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:01 -0700

How important is a manicure to you? For some friends, like PartySugar at Yum, having polished nails is a beauty necessity. (She does a DIY manicure every Wednesday.) But you might be surprised to find out that as much as I like the idea of manicures, I usually don't have painted nails. I keep my nails clean and groomed, but I rarely sport polish these days. Why? Because I play guitar - sadly, not this awesomely - I wind up chipping the polish almost immediately. What about you? Are your nails usually covered with lacquer, or do you leave them bare?

Photo by ashendove

How-To: "Green" Your Manicure

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:00:51 -0800

Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate - all chemicals considered dangerous for our bodies and the environment, and yet they are still found in many nail products. Sophie Uliano is the author of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life ($15.25), where she discusses everything from choosing an earth-friendly lipstick to preparing eco-conscious treats.
Last year, Uliano appeared on Oprah with her friend Julia Roberts to celebrate Earth Day. And now, she has some tips for greening your manicure, along with specific product suggestions she shared with me. Uliano recommends mixing up a "gorgeously green" bag to take with you to your next manicure. Find out her suggestions when you read more.

Non-toxic polish: Try No-Miss Nail Polish ($7), which can be found at Whole Foods. Uliano also recommends Spa Ritual Nail Lacquer ($12).
Paraben-free lotion: Uliano likes SpaRitual products. Try Instinctual Moisturizing Lotion ($28) or Cuti-Quench Cuticle and Skin Conditioning Creme ($15).
Soy-based polish remover: Uliano calls Priti's Soy Nail Polish Remover ($22.50) "awesome."
Tea tree oil: For a foot and hand soak try Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil ($9).

Six Steps to Perfect Manicures

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:28 -0800

If you're thinking of polishing your nails, I've gathered up tips to help this process go smoothly from start to shiny finish. Grab a file and some polish, and get your nails in shape.

Get healthy nails	Choose a shape	Fix broken ones
Easy ways to file	Mix up your own polish	Paint smudge-free

Tip No. 3: Surviving Valentine's Day When You're Single

DearSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Being single doesn't mean you should let your pampering go by the wayside, and Patty Brisben agrees. To see the advice she's offering up in her third tip, read more.

Many women who live in colder climates neglect to have their toenails done because they aren’t donning flip flops or peep toe heels, but this Valentine’s Day, give yourself a treat by indulging in a full deluxe Mani/Pedi. After all, you deserve to see some beautiful toes peeking out of your bubble bath! Also, let’s not forget there are plenty of single eligible bachelors out there, and you will feel that much sexier if you do find yourself in a passionate V-day rendezvous!

To see all of Patty's tips, click here.

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Learn How to Polish Like a Pro With This DVD

BellaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:16 -0800

The other day, I told you about the Bring It Home Beauty DVDs, which were produced by a professionally licensed mother-and-daughter team. The premise? To help you save money by teaching you how to do beauty services at home, with the help of their instructional videos, of course.

Much like the Hair Edition Volume 1 DVD ($24.95), the Natural Nail Care DVD ($24.95), has a low-budget feel. However, the hour-long video is quite comprehensive, covering everything from basic (and spa) manicures/pedicures, a men's manicure, a French manicure, polishing, and repairing broken nails.

Is it glamorous? Uh, no. Super close-ups on toes and heel shavings might make you squeamish, but who said beauty is always easy on the eyes, anyway? For me, I suppose the drier nature of the material is somewhat like watching paint dry - literally. While I prefer their hair video much for its content and better overall value, I'd recommend this natural nail care DVD for anyone who really enjoys doing manicures and pedicures on yourself or others, or for anyone who wants a basic grasp on nail care.

Would You Do Karaoke While Getting a Manicure?

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:00:44 -0800

I've heard of martini and manicure nights, but I've never heard of a karaoke manicure before. If you happen to live in Chicago, or have plans to visit, why not swing by My Nail Fetish salon, where they offer more than just a polish change?

That's right - you can belt out some tunage while your nails get a tune-up. While one hand is being worked on, you can pick up the microphone with the other one, as song lyrics are played on a TV above the nail tech. Would you be willing to sing the latest Beyonce tune while you're getting a manicure or not?

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Do You Bring Your Own Polish to the Nail Salon?

BellaSugar — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:00:11 -0700

It’s safe to say that those who wait-list for a $20 nail polish are probably just as meticulous about their manicures. Demanding perfection, they're likely regulars at the polish station and won't settle for just any old color. Still, nail salons often stock multiple brands of professional products, perhaps for those less Type-A of us. Which camp do you fall in?

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