If you’re new to using make-up, and the whole beauty world is feeling a little overwhelming start with these beauty basics: Determine your skin type. Skin is classed into four different categories; oily, combination, normal or dry. Oily skins tend to have large pores on the nose and forehead, the skin appears shiny, and if…
nail polish
Why you shouldn’t bring children to your appointment
Have you ever wondered why many nail salons (or hair salons) ask you not to bring your children or grandchildren with you to your appointment? It’s definitely not because nail technicians or hairdressers are evil, children-hating beings, most of us love children, and I’m definitely not writing this to make anyone feel bad. I just…
A-Z of Nail Terminology
How good is your nail terminology? If you have your nails done by a professional, or you use nail care products, you may have heard a few of these words, but do you know what they mean? ACRYLIC Known by nail technicians as Liquid and Powder (because all nail enhancements, including gel polish, are a…
Should you save or splurge on make-up?
Save or splurge? Do you really need that new product that’s being advertised on TV? Is it really worth the hype? What products should you be saving your money on, and when should you be spending more? I’m sure we’ve all made that one rash beauty purchase at some stage and bought a well-hyped up…
How to have fabulous feet
With summer on the way, make sure that you have fabulous feet to go along with those strappy sandals! Yes, people do notice your toenails, especially if you’re wearing sandals, jandals, or going barefoot on the beach. If you don’t like the feeling of having someone touch your feet and won’t pay to have a…
Do nails breathe?
I’m sure somewhere along the line we’ve all heard someone say, “I’m taking a break from painting my nails. I need to let my nails breathe.” But, do nails actually breathe? This next excerpt is written by Doug Schoon, an internationally-recognized scientist, author and educator, with over 30 years experience in the cosmetic, beauty and…
What colour nail polish will suit me?
In the same way as certain lipsticks, eyeshadows and other make-up colours suit certain skin tones, the same applies to nail polish shades. Now, I’m one of those people where anything goes on my nails. I’m not too fussed about what colour I wear or what nail art I have, as I tend to experiment…
How to look after your hands
Dry hands and uneven cuticles can be unattractive, uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, especially in winter when extremely dry skin can snag, crack and bleed. Looking after your hands and cuticles with a few simple tips can help to keep them soft, supple and nourished and make them look years younger! As with most things,…
Gold Leaf Nail Art Tutorial
This Gold Leaf Nail Art Tutorial is created using gold leaf foil and is fairly simple, so it may be possible for it to be recreated at home using traditional nail polish (if you have the patience to wait for the coats to dry), even though I did this using gel. I’ll do the steps…
Marbled Nail Art Tutorial
For this marbled nail art tutorial you’ll need: – Nail polish remover – lint-free wipes or cotton pads – an orangewood cuticle stick or cuticle pusher – 180-grit buffer or a buffing block (the ones with 4 different sides) – a 180-grit nail file – base coat – three contrasting nail polish colours of your…
What you need to know about different nail shapes
Have you ever noticed some of the more “exotic” nail shapes out there, while watching TV or paging through a magazine? This article explains the difference between the nail shapes and whether or not they’re suitable for natural nails or can only be done using acrylic or hard gel extensions. The first four nail shapes…