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…
nails
Why I charge even if you don’t show up
Are you wondering why I charge even if you don’t show up for your appointment? Sometimes running late or not showing up for an appointment cannot be helped – traffic, emergencies, calendar mix-ups, forgetting to put your appointment into your diary or calendar, or accidentally double-booking yourself happens to the best of us. I get…
White Spots on nails
Known medically as Leukonychia, (from the Greek words leuko (“white”) and onyx (“nail”), white spots on the nail/s are most commonly caused by a minor injury or trauma to the nail matrix – the base of the nail under the skin – where the nail is formed. If you’re not sure exactly where your nail matrix is,…
Why nails split, peel or crack
Cracked, splitting and peeling nails have many causes, from infections to the normal side effects of getting older. The most common reason for split or cracked nails is unfortunately something we have no control over. Ageing. As we get older, our fingernails naturally become thinner and more prone to cracking and splitting. This is most…
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…
Press-on nails: All you need to know
What are Luxury Press-on Nails? Our luxury press-on nails are ultra-thin and cruelty free – we do not test on animals. Each set is individually hand-painted, with a range of pre-painted finishes to choose from, or you can choose to use the ‘design your own‘ option. If applied and removed correctly, our Luxury Press-on Nails will…
How to apply press-on nails
Once you’ve bought your set of Luxury Press-on Nails, you’ll need to size them and apply them. Step 1: Select the correct size Luxury Press-on Nail that matches the size of your natural nails, ensuring each nail fits your natural nail plate as comfortably as possible. The press-on nail should line up with the sides…
How to remove gel polish or gel extensions
Can gel polish or gel extensions be removed at home? Yes, they can, but I always recommend having gel polish or gel extensions removed by a professional. If, for some reason, you are unable to make an appointment to see me, or can’t get to a professional salon, then you can do it yourself using…
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…
Nail Anatomy
Do you know where your cuticle is? It probably isn’t where you think! In this article, we cover some basic nail anatomy, and show you what the different parts of your nail are called, as well as discuss a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to caring for your nails. CUTICLE The eponychium sheds…
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…
12 Beauty Myths Busted
Myth: a widely held but false belief or idea. Beauty myths, we’ve all heard them, sometimes we believe them, but what is true and what’s not? We’ve taken 12 common beauty myths and busted them. Myth 1: Chocolate causes spots and acne How many times did I hear this as a pre-teen and teenager? More…