Easy Nail Color - Nic's Sticks.

I can't even remember what I was looking for at Target when I saw these handy polish pens, OPI Nic's Sticks - Paint & Go Nail Laquer.

A few quick pumps, and you paint on this almost water-like polish. The polish is much thinner than what I would expect. It takes a good two coats to make the color even, but once finished, the color is vibrant. Shine brilliant. Overall, nails are polished, very quick and beautiful. I pump before I being and once or twice more for each hand. So much simpler than dipping and swiping polish in and out of the bottle.

Best of all, Nic's Sticks are DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde-free. In a nice array of colors and at a price point of just $6.99 too.

Nailtiques Home Mani Tips.

If you are one who is sacrificing a bit on your beauty routine, and now do your own at-home manicures, the nail care experts at Nailtiques has shared with me some fabulous home mani tips.

 

First thing is first - be prepared. There’s nothing like digging through your bathroom drawers to ruin your manicure.  Make sure all your tools are lined up before you begin and be sure to protect your workspace from any spills with towels. You will also need the essentials ready: 100% cotton balls, nail polish remover, nail files, cuticle pusher, paper towels, one small bowl of warm water, and most importantly - good lighting.

On to the tips- 

Go Bare:
Use 100% cotton balls and acetone-free nail polish remover to slip back into your natural shade.  Synthetic cotton balls and wadded-up toilet paper need not apply.  Quality cotton balls will remove your polish more efficiently.  Nailtiques® Non-Acetone Remover has aloe and conditioners to help prevent dry, brittle nails and cuticles.  For the best results, soak the cotton ball with remover, then gently remove all layers of color or treatment with a gentle back and forth motion.

 

Soften Up:
Nailtiques® Cuticle & Hand Conditioner to each nail before soaking in warm water.  For extra moisture, add a few drops of Nailtiques® Oil Therapy to the warm water.  Take time to dip one end of the stick in water, then wrap the end with cotton.  Relax and breathe deeply while your nails soak.  After five minutes, gently push back your cuticles using the cotton-wrapped cuticle stick. 

Rank and File:
Nailtiques® Two- Sided Cushioned Sponge Files.  The green side gently shapes nails, while the pink side buffs away stains and ridges.  Always file in one direction; and never in a back and forth motion. Tip: When buffing, pair with Nailtiques® Oil Therapy to add extra shine.

Get Polished:
Before you start painting, you’ll need a blank canvas.  Make sure your nails are free from excess oils and creams to ensure that your polish stays put.  Apply Nailtiques® Nail Protein, the perfect primer for your polish.  You don’t have to be Picasso to turn your nails into a masterpiece.  Don’t over-apply.  Three strokes is all it takes!  One in the middle and one on each side ensures a perfect application.  Polish that is too thick is likely to smudge when wet, or peel, once dry.  Not one for color?  Apply two coats of Nailtiques® Nail Protein instead of polish to keep your nails healthy, flexible and strong.  Three formulas are available to improve any nail type – from dry and brittle to weak and peeling. 

Extra Credit:
Maintenance is a must for making your manicures last, so nourish and protect them!  Massage in Nailtiques® Oil Therapy, Cuticle & Hand Conditioner or Cuticle & Skin Gel to keep nails and cuticles moisturized and to stimulate nail growth.  This simple step can be done right at your desk or when you’re on the phone with a girlfriend.  Moisturize nails daily.  Every three days or so, apply a fresh layer of Nailtiques® Nail Protein to keep your manicure looking fresh and fabulous.

The Best Top Coat EVER - Poshe'.

Shiny polished nails are a must for me. I love having my nails done, and while gel nails have probably the best shine and seem to last for weeks on me, I have decided to go the natural route. And believe it or not, I have been doing my nails myself ((shudders)). So, I started some searching for a top coat that not only sealed the polish and left them shiny, I also wanted one that was fast drying. My last requirement, which I know should have been up higher on my list, was for it to be free of Formaldehyde and Toluene. 

As I was going through countless topcoats, I read this article over on Blogdorf Goodman about Poshe' and then followed that up by doing a search over on All Lacquered Up (why I didn't ask Michelle in the first place is beyond me!). This made me quickly decide to make a quick trip to Sally's Beauty Supply, and I picked up my bottle of Poshe' Super-Fast Drying TopCoat.

 

So, Poshe' comes pretty highly recommended, even by the editors of Allure where it has won countless awards, amongst others. It is formaldehyde and toluene free, and promises everything else I wanted in a top coat.

In a word, amazing! Poshe' promises to have your polish dry to the touch in a minute and totally dry in five minutes. And guess what? It does. I was afraid to touch my nails at the minute point, but I did - and WOW. They felt dry. Then I took the ultimate test and went to the ladies room right at the five minute mark. And my nails lasted through that and a hand washing. And they were perfect. Shiny, dry, and ready to go. Beautiful! After three days, I added another coat of Poshe' and it has now been a week, and they are just starting to look worn.

Here is what the creators have to say about Poshe' Super-Fast Drying TopCoat:

• Dries To The Touch in 1 Minute
• Dries To The Nail in 5 Minutes
• Highest Gloss Of Any Product On The Market
• No Formaldehyde
• No Toluene
• No Nitrocellulose
• Cannot turn yellow, even in tanning beds.
• 2 UV Inhibitors
• 2 U.S. Patents
• Chip Resistant
• Protects Nails
• Self-Leveling
• Non-Dragging
• Ideal For Nail Art
• No UV Lights or Heated Dryers Needed
• A True Topcoat - Must be applied over polish or basecoat
• 5 Time Winner - Allure Magazine's

You can pick this wonder up at Sally's Beauty Supply for $7.99. It really is the best top coat ever!

Essie's Neon Nail Color Collection for Summer.

I mentioned that one of my must-have Summer products was a bright pink polish for my toes. This year, so far, my favorite polish is called Short Shorts and it is from Essie's The Neon Collection.

 

There are four colors to choose from, from the top:

Shorty Pants - an electric neon yellow
Short Shorts - a bright flamingo pink
Bermuda Shorts - a vibrant violet
Mini Shorts - a super hot orange

 

You can scoop up these polishes individually for $8 each, or in the 4-piece mini set for $18. Shop online at essie.com or at fine nail salons that carry the Essie products.

"plan you summer spa vacation on spas of america"

CHANEL Robertson Boulevard Nail Colour Collection.

You know you will want this colour collection from CHANEL. It is the new and exclusive to the Robertson Boulevard CHANEL Boutique to coincide with the opening of their newest boutique.

The four limited edition shades in the Robertson Boulevard Nail Colour Collection will be sold exclusively in-store at the Robertson Boutique starting on May 30th, but will become available online to the masses come July.

You can jump on the waiting list now at CHANEL.com. 

   
The four fun shades:
MELROSE - A fun, hot pink destined to become Spring's must-have pedicure
RODEO DRIVE - A purple splash, girl power meets the power lunch
L.A. SUNRISE - A primary yellow, as bright and cheerful as its name
L.A. SUNSET - A warm tangerine, just the thing for an afternoon shopping splurge

Each colour will retail for $25 - but worth it I am sure.

Which color are you looking for?