Beauty Tips for Nails

The appearance of the nails tells us a lot about the health condition of a person, so caring for the nails and keeping them clean and healthy is very important. Below are few beauty tips for healthy nails-

Diet plays an important role in keeping the nails in good health. Have a wholesome diet. Include food rich in calcium, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B and zinc in your diet. Milk, eggs, curd, sesame seeds, figs, peanuts, almonds, chick peas, greens, sprouts are all rich in calcium. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Take 1 tsp of gelatin and dissolve in a little boiling water, cool it and use it in your fruit juice. You can take this for a week. This treatment helps if your nails are prone to splitting.

Soak your nails in warm olive oil once in 10 days to keep them healthy and well nourished.

Massage nails with lemon rind or fresh lemon juice and wash it off after sometime. This also removes strains from the nails.

Natural home remedy for Brittle nails

Massage your cuticles with a good quality moisturizing cream or vaseline. This will improve blood circulation around the nails and also preventsbrittle nails.

Massage nails with olive oil or pure almond oil. This is very effective in treating brittle nails.

Soak your fingers in warm salted water for 5 minutes. Pat it dry and apply a moisturizing cream.

Do’s and Don’ts

Avoid direct contact with detergents, cleansers and other cleaning fluids.

Wear gloves to protect your hands and nails while doing house work and other messy work. This helps to prevent brittle nails.

Always use good quality nail polish. Do avoid wearing or keep your nails free of nail polish occasionally, so that your nails can breathe.

Trim your nails after a bath or shower as it makes them softer and will result in a more even cut.

Have manicures on a regular basis.

Avoid the habit of nail biting.

Finally drink lot of water and be free of stress. These simple natural tips will help you to have healthy and beautiful nails.

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

Cracked feet is a very common foot problem usually caused by dry skin, over weight, prolonged standing, use of harsh products, not taking proper care of the feet, etc. Using an oil based moisturizing cream to massage your feet twice daily helps to reduce the problem. Drink enough water and have a nutritious diet.

Natural remedies for treating Cracked feet:

Before retiring to bed, wash your feet well, pat dry, apply Vaseline or petroleum jelly and slip on a pair of cotton socks. If followed regularly, your feet will become soft within a few days.

Mix fresh lemon juice, castor oil, rose water and apply it after cleaning your feet.

Soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes, to which a tbsp of rock salt and juice of 1 fresh lemon is added.

Olive oil can be applied regularly to have a soft feet.

Mix equal quantity of castor oil and coconut oil, add a pinch of turmeric powder to it and make a paste. Apply this paste on your cracked heels.

Mix rose water with glycerin and apply it to your feet daily to cure cracked heels naturally.

Neem oil mixed with turmeric powder can be used to treat cracked feet, though it is very messy.

Before going to bed at night, wash your legs well, pat it dry and apply a little coconut oil on your heels.

Melt a little paraffin wax, mix it with mustard oil and apply on cracked heels. Rinse it off after an hour.

Rubbing lemon rind  daily for a few days also helps.

These natural remedies will help you to get rid of cracked feet, if problem persists, consult your doctor.

Natural Foot Care Tips

Most of us take care of our face but the feet is the most neglected part of the body. In fact the legs bear the whole weight of the body. So we should include foot care in our daily routine. Here are few foot care tip to take care of your  feet, the natural way.

• Soak feet in a large basin of  warm water to which 2 tbsp of mineral salt is added, for about 10 minutes. You can place pebbles in the large bowl and roll your feet back and forth giving slight pressure as it gives a massaging effect. Scrub using pumice stone to remove dead skin. Wash your feet well, then pat it dry and massage with a moisturizing cream. This treatment also relieves pain.
• You can add juice of one lemon or a few neem leaves to the water in which you soak your feet.
• Rose petals or 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil can be added to the water to give a spa effect at home.
• Hot (bearable) and cold treatment  improves blood circulation. Soak feet in hot water first, and then in cold water. Do this for 5-10 minutes and end with cold water .

Exercise for your feet:

Exercise will improve blood circulation to your feet.

Hold your ankles with your hand and rotate it with your other hand both clockwise and anticlockwise. Do this for both the legs.

Also rotate each toes with your hands.

Bend the toes forward and backwards. Point your toes downwards as far as possible then flex them as high as possible. Do this for both the legs.

Drop few pebbles or marbles on the floor and try to pick them up with your toes.

Walking is considered one of the best exercise for your legs. Go for brisk walk at least 5 days a week.

Daily care 

Take a few minutes to massage your legs with coconut oil or olive oil everyday before bath.

After shower, dry your feet well in between toes with a towel to prevent fungal infection.

Do’s and Don’ts

Avoid heels as far as possible. Doctors of podiatric medicine believe, heels are medically unsound and attribute postural and  safety problems.

Buy good fitting shoes which is comfortable for you, see to it that, there is some space for the toes to move. Walk around the stores for a few minutes to check if you are comfortable with it.

Shop for shoes later in the day.When buying shoes, always try shoes wearing the socks.

Try these simple tips and take care of your feet the natural way.

Hand Care Tips-Home Remedies for Chapped hands

Hands are as important as your face. Do you know that your hands can show your age as it ages faster than other parts of the body. They do so much work that they should be given special care. Nothing can be more unattractive than dry uncared hands and unkempt nails. So never neglect your hands. Here you will find few natural tips to take care of your hands.

Hand Care at home

The most important thing is to keep your hands well moisturized. Apply a good hand lotion or a rich nourishing cream before going to bed.

Exfoliate your hands with a mixture of Bengal gram flour (besan),milk and fresh lemon juice regularly.

Tips for soft hands:  

Mix 1 tsp of Glycerin, half teaspoon of lemon juice with a few drops of rose water and apply it twice a day.

Blend banana, add 1-2 tsp of honey to it and apply it on the hands. Wash it off after it dries.

Mix a tsp of honey with a tbsp of beetroot paste, 2-3 drops of glycerin and apply it for soft hands and legs.

Rub peel of lemon to soften rough elbows.

Natural Home remedies for chapped hands:

Wash hands, pat dry and apply vinegar diluted in a little water and put on a pair of soft gloves. Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and pat it dry.

Wear gloves while doing housework like washing dishes to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals.

Massage your hands with olive oil or sunflower oil. This is an effective home remedy for chapped hands.

Mix fresh cream with a tsp of sugar, few drops of lemon juice and massage your hands till the sugar granules dissolve. 

Massage almond oil or almond oil mixed with egg yolk and a little honey on your hands. Wash with warm water after 15-20 minutes.

Apply coconut oil mixed with petroleum jelly to cure rough, chapped hands.

Natural scrub for dark hands
Mix almond powder, sugar, milk cream and lemon juice together and use as a scrub.
Mix white of an egg, 1 tbsp glycerin, little honey and powdered barley to make a soft paste. Apply it on your hands, leave it to dry. Then it wash off with warm water.
Follow these natural treatments regularly to have soft and beautiful hands.

Pedicure and Manicure at home

Everyone loves to have beautiful hands and lovely legs. It is possible to get lovely hands and legs with proper care and beauty treatment at the comforts of your home.You do not have to spend a lot of money on costly beauty products or on beauty parlors, when you can do manicure (for hands) and pedicure (for legs) at home. Regular manicure and pedicure helps to improve blood circulation, removes the dead skin and relaxes your body and mind. Follow these easy  steps to give yourself a  manicure and pedicure at home. The method and steps are almost the same for both. So what are you waiting for? Get started and pamper your hands and feet and feel the difference.

Things required

A plastic tub or basin
Baby Shampoo
Sea salt/rock salt – 1 tbsp
Lemon – 1
Rose petals (optional)- few
Dettol /anti-bacterial liquid soap – 2-3 drops

Nail polish remover
Cotton wool
Nail cutter/clippers
Nail file (comes along with a nail cutter)
Nail brush
Orange stick
Cuticle cream
Cuticle nippers
Moisturiser

Base coat
Nail polish
Top coat (optional)

Method

1. Clean your hands/feet well with soap and water. Remove any old nail polish using cotton and nail polish remover.

2.Take lukewarm water in a basin, add a few drops of baby shampoo, a tbsp of rock salt and juice of 1 lemon. Soak your hands/feet in it for 10-15 minutes. Then lightly scrub and clean your nails with a soft bristled nail brush.

3.For feet – Rub with pumice stone underneath your feet to remove dead cells. (especially on the balls, sides and heels of your feet). Then wipe your hands/feet dry.

4.Cut the nails with a nail cutter and remove dirt  from underneath the nail corners. (since the nails will be soft after soaking, it will be easier to cut and clean.)

Hand nails- File your nail’s sharp ends and  shape then as desired.

For toe nails- Wipe toe nails and cut them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. File them using the nail file.

5.Apply cuticle cream to the base of each nail and rub over your nails and message gently. Gently push back the cuticles using the orange stick in circular movement. You can use olive oil also instead of cuticle cream.

Trim cuticles (any loose dead skin) while they’re still soft using cuticle scissors or nippers. I suggest that you avoid this step as it is best done by a professional.

6.Wash  hands/feet, pat them dry with a turkish towel (dry well between the fingers and toes)

7.Massage your feet and hands gently with a moisturizing  lotion or cream.

Wipe nails  with cotton wool to remove any excess  lotion or cream left on the nail bed.

8.Now it is time to apply nail polish.

Apply a base coat first and let it dry. Then apply 2  coats of your desired nail polish. Then finish it off with a thin top coat. This will help your nail polish last longer.

For feet – Separate the toes by placing cotton in between your toes or use ready made toe separator to separate the toes before applying polish.

9.Lastly wrap orange stick in cotton wool, dip it in polish remover and remove traces of polish left on the skin to give a neat appearance.

If you do not want to paint your nails, just leave it as it is or you can buff your nail with a nail buffer.

Give yourself  home manicures and pedicures once in a month following these simple steps/ tips and pamper your hands and feet!

PERFECT NAILS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HAVING CLOSE TO PERFECT NAILS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY:

Start experimenting with nail colour at least one month before your wedding day.  Try layering complimentary shades starting with whites and pinks, then moving onto bolder colours to determine what type of essie bride you will be.  Whether you choose one perfect shade or two that are better together, you will end up with your perfect hue!

Treat yourself to regular manicures and pedicures two months before your wedding day.  This will help to ensure that your hands and nail beds are in perfect health and ready for their close up!

  WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR ACHIEVING A PERFECT MANICURE EVERY TIME?

Start with a clean nail. Choose the Essie basecoat that suits your nail type and apply. Do not underestimate the power of the base coat – it prevents dark polishes from staining the nail and can help fortify nails, too. Then apply two coats of essie polish, waiting two minutes in between drying time. Finish with the Essie top coat of your choice.

ADVICE FOR BRIDES

The big day is not about wearing what’s on trend. It’s about what’s right for you. Wear what you like – find the colour that makes you feel radiant and beautiful. Go with your heart.

 BEST WAY TO KEEP A MANICURE FOR LONGER? 

Re-apply your favourite Essie top coat every day, or every other day, to extend the life of your manicure

BEST WAY TO KEEP CUTICLES IN TOP CONDITION?

Moisturize cuticles with Essie apricot cuticle oil daily. It’s rich in Vitamin E to nourish and soften cuticles.

How to Give a Manicure

With certain supplies, and this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, both woman and men can give themselves manicures without visiting expensive beauty salons.

Here are everything you need for a perfect manicure. You can buy manicure supplies in beauty supply stores, either online or locally.

• A nail file and/or nail clippers
• Hand moisturizer
• Cuticle stick/orange stick
• Warm, soapy water
• A shallow bowl
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls or Q-Tips

1. First you'll need to remove all old nail polish, if any. Take a cotton ball or Q-Tip and soak in nail polish remover. Apply to nails with polish and rub until no nail polish is left.
2. Wash hands.
3. Cut or shape nails. If you have extra long nails, you may want to cut or file them down. If you are just shaping your fingernails, take your nail file and file the corners of your nails. Avoid a "sawing" motion; this causes nails to become brittle and may break. Instead, take the file to a corner, and use an upward motion to the center of your nail. Repeat for the other side. Shape your nails into ovals, or, if you choose, file the top and leave the corners pointed for a square shape.
4. Soak fingertips. Fill your bowl with warm, soapy water. Any soap will do, but I would recommend an anti-bacterial hand soap or one with some moisturizers. Dip in your fingertips and let soak for a few minutes. This softens up the cuticles and loosens any dirt under your fingernails. Dry off hands when done.
5. Remove dirt from under nails. Make sure the whole area looks and feels clean.
6. Push back cuticles using the stick. Push back gently as far as possible. You may cut the cuticles if you wish, but sometimes this may cause infection.
7. Moisturize hands and cuticles. Use a good lotion to make your hands nice and soft. Take your time with this step; it is very relaxing.

If you're a man, that was your last step to a self manicure. If you're a woman, read on:

• Carefully apply nail polish. Use even strokes and take your time. Let first coat dry, then add second coat for more shine. For even more gleam, a top coat will finish the job. Just make sure your nails are completely dry between coats to avoid clumping and smearing.
• Let nails dry completely before touching anything. If you mistakenly smudge one of your nails, you can either remove all the polish from that particular nail and start again, or try to touch it up as best as you can. After you're sure they're dry, you have the option to moisturize again, then you're ready to go.

You can give yourself a manicure every week. But if you do it right, it'll last a lot longer than that. A good tip is to find a good, solid brand of nail polish and stick to it.

Fingernail Health

Fingernail health will keep you from suffering from some painful tissue conditions. Get those long fingernails you've always wanted, it isn't too difficult if you take some simple precautions.

Long fingernails have been the envy of women for ages and research is still being done today to find a way to create the perfect nail tonic that will turn dry, cracked and brittle nails into long, strong beauties in two weeks or less. As of right now, there are no real miracle applications to make this happen or wed all be running around with three inch nails asking the guys to pick things up for us and open our soda cans. There are, however, a few ways you can build up the strength of your nails, get them to grow a bit and maybe keep them from splitting or breaking so easily.

One of the natural enemies of fingernails is water. Water softens up the fingernails and makes them prime target for disaster. Couple water with a vigorous activity such as cleaning, scrubbing, scraping, washing dishes, doing laundry, etc. and you may as well kiss your nails goodbye. When you clean, wear rubber gloves no matter what. Even if your task will only take a minute or two, don those gloves. Rubber gloves keep your nails dry and they protect them from activities that normally cause nail breakage, like taking wet laundry from the washing machine.

At night, you can condition your nails while you sleep. Get some white cotton gloves and before you go to bed, slather on a generous amount of hand cream and put the gloves on over it. This well help condition your nails to make them more flexible and as an added bonus, your hands will be baby soft!

What you put inside your body can be just as important as what you do to the outside of it. If you want to have good strong nails, you have to be sure you are getting good nutrition. Calcium is a necessary nutrient for strong fingernails and you need plenty of vitamin D to help your body absorb it. When women are pregnant the often find their nails growing better than ever before, this is because of the bodies increased ability to absorb nutrients during this time.

Finally, never bite your nails and do not use them as tools. Nails can be great for picking off stickers, etc. but if you use them like letter openers, they are going to disappear faster than you can grow them.

Pedicure Tips

A step-by-step guide to help to achieve a professional looking pedicure in your own home, saving time and money.

Giving yourself a professional looking pedicure at home is a snap if you follow some simple steps. Pedicures can be done alone of course, but they are so much more fun when you invite a group of girlfriends over for a pedicure party. Here are tips to help you achieve salon quality results without the expense.

You need the following materials, which you can find at beauty supply stores:

• Pumice stone or dry skin buffer
• Toe separators or cotton balls/roll
• Emory board
• Cuticle remover
• Orangewood stick
• Color nail polish
• Base coat
• Top coat
• Nail polish remover
• Quick dry spray
• Nail clippers
• Dish pan
• Cotton balls
• Towels
• Cuticle nippers, if desired
• Lotion
• Nail buffer, if desired
• Paper pedicure slippers, if desired.

1. Thoroughly saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and use it to remove any old polish you may have on your toenails from you last pedicure. Gently pressing the cotton ball on the nail for a moment before wiping the nail with a circular motion will make it easier to remove the polish.
2. Fill the dishpan with enough warm soapy water to cover your feet. Soak for at least five minutes.
   Note: Whenever you are working on one foot, the other foot should be soaking in the warm water.
3. 3. Dry your foot and apply the cuticle remover at the base of each nail. Wait one minute for the remover to soften the cuticle. Use the wedged end of the orangewood stick to push the cuticle back. If desired, carefully snip off the excess cuticle. Repeat this procedure on the other foot.
   Note: If you like, you may trim your cuticles with cuticle nippers. I don't recommend this if you aren't experienced at it. Once you start trimming cuticles you have to keep doing it every time you give yourself a pedicure. You may nick yourself in the process and bleed. This will not make for a relaxing pedicure experience!
4. Using the nail clippers, cut off any nails that are too long. Length is a personal preference, but make sure the nail is shorter than the toe. Be careful not to cut the nails too short as this can cause ingrown toenails and can be quite painful. With the emery board, file the nail into a square shape.
5. Use the nail buffer to smooth any roughness or ridges on the surface of the nails.
6. Wet the pumice stone in the dishpan. Rub any areas of dry or flaking skin gently with the pumice stone. Rinse the foot and dry. You may also use skin-buffing sponge instead of the pumice stone.
   Note: Do not ever use a filing tool that cuts your skin or allow one to be used on your feet. Not only is it unsanitary, but you may cut too deeply, causing pain or even drawing blood.
7. Apply a generous amount of lotion to the foot, massaging it in and taking care to cover all the foot, especially the dry and flaky parts. Massage the lotion up your legs to your knees. Close your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, allowing your skin to soak in the soothing lotion.
8. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and go back over your toenails, making sure that all lotion residues are removed. This is important, since the polish will not stick to any surface that still has lotion residue on it.
9. Press the toe separators between the toes, so that each toe is not rubbing on the next.
   Note: If doing a group pedicure, make sure that each person has his or her own pair of toe separators, for the sake of hygiene. If toe separators are not available, use cotton balls or a roll of cotton. Be very careful to keep the cotton away from the nails themselves, as cotton fibers will ruin the look of the polish.
10. Brush 1 coat of the base coat over each nail. Allow it to dry for one minute.
11. Apply 2 coats of the nail color. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes.
12. Apply the top coat. Allow it to dry for 1 minute, then spray your nails with the quick dry spray.

If possible, allow a half hour for the nails to dry completely. If you don't have that much time, carefully remove the toe separators and slip your feet into open toed shoes. Be very careful that the wet nails don't touch the shoes or other toes. You may want to use the paper "sandals" that are available at beauty supply stores to preserve your polish until it is dry.

This entire procedure should take about an hour. After your nails are dry, you can look down often and admire your handiwork. Your pedicure should last about 2 weeks or even longer if you apply more coats of the topcoat. Have fun!

Ten Steps to Give yourself an at Home Manicure

This is a fun, easy, and safe way to achieve polished fingernails without paying the higher beauty store prices when going through these ten steps. This is for adults only, or to do with adult supervision for younger girls, always keeping safety in mind, and always putting the products up safely after use.

Before beginning, wash your nails thoroughly, even with the polish on your fingernails. Try to get your nails clean underneath your nail cartilage where it is not attached to the skin before beginning. If you notice growths, tiny knobs under there, or any redness or dirt substance that does not come out from under your fingernail bed, stop this process, and go to see a medical doctor.

You will need:

• 1 pack of cotton balls (cotton wool balls)
• 1 fingernail polish remover
• 1 emery board
• 1 nail trimmer
• 1 cuticle remover
• 1 bottle of fingernail polish
• A couple of paper towels

Nail polish removing.

Firstly, take out as many cotton balls as needed one at a time, and safely douse each fingernail with nail polish remover, until your whole fingernail is your natural true color (colour). It is available now at the stores in bottle or sponge form.

For the sponge type, you have to dip your finger into the container, usually a plastic one, and swish your finger around frequently checking it to make sure your fingernail polish is coming off.

For the fingernail polish in the bottle (without a sponge embedded in it), you have to carefully tip it over using the cotton ball at the top to stop the liquid from spilling out and it is recommended that you have some paper towel handy to wipe off any excess fingernail polish remover that spills over as a result.

Whichever fingernail polish remover you choose, swab your fingernails one by one until they are your natural color (colour).

If you frequently use nail polish, your natural nail can become tinged with yellow, not to be confused with bold yellow, and not red or green, or swollen. If your fingernails or fingers start to become red, green, or swollen, seek medical attention immediately.

If you are doing ok and your nails are now their natural color (colour) go to step 2.

Filing your nails with an emery board.

Next, you should have what is called an emery board. An emery board is usually a very inexpensive fingernail board used for filing down rough nail surfaces that is rough on the surface at least on one side. An emery board should not be used to scrape your natural nail surface at all. It will make your smooth fingernails rough.

You can use the emery board quite effectively on the end of your nail, in order to give it a consistent shape and make the tip of your nail smooth, not rough. Emery board comes in all shapes and sizes, and you can even look for one to fit your personality or wardrobe color-wise. As soon as you are done smoothing the tips of your nails in a uniform manner, proceed to the next step 3.

Trimming your fingernails.

A fingernail trimmer is used in your home nail process when you want to reshape or shorten your nails more efficiently than with an emery board.

You can make your fingernails shorter using fingernail clippers, which are clippers that are small in size, designed to fit your nail shape and be able to cut your fingernail without doing any damage, but care should still be taken.

You should trim your nails at least once a month if they are healthy. Never trim unhealthy, discolored (discoloured) or brittle fingernails. Never trim your nails to the quick, which is the place where your fingernail cartilage meets your skin.

Be mindful of safety, even at this stage of the process. If you have hypoglycemia, or any other disease such as Parkinson’s or nerves, do not clip your own fingernails if you might have an issue of safety. Some fingernails are hard and take some sharper fingernail cutters to cut through them. If this is the case with yours, you may want to consider going to a salon or a simple medical visit and have a professional trim them, however, if not, trim away. This is mostly a basic and fun procedure for most people.

Then start with step #4.

Cuticle removing.

Next, you need to use your cuticle remover to remove your cuticle, or actually push it down. Your cuticle is that soft skin that forms at the bottom of your fingernail at the place where your fingernail cartilage and your skin meet. Its job is to cover the place where your nail cartilage meets your skin, and make a smooth transition for that to happen. As your fingernails grow, your cuticle skin stretches, and this process of removing your cuticle pushes back that excess to promote your nail growth and health.

Again, you would want to check your cuticle area for rashes, redness, swelling, discoloration of any kind, and if any of those issues are present in your cuticle, seek the advice of a medical professional before pushing it back.

If you find that it looks pretty much like your fingernail and finger color (colour), but with a different smoother and softer texture, go ahead and push the cuticle back with the cuticle remover, which is a little stick like device with a softer but firm tip made especially for the cuticle. It is not a cutting type tool. It looks a little shorter than a chopstick, but has a necessary soft tipped end to make sure that your cuticle does not get damaged.

Push back your cuticles one at a time using the cuticle removing tool. These are available from nearly any beauty supply store, or store that carries fingernail accessories of any kind. These are also relatively inexpensive.

It is important to note that if at any time in your process your nails start to bleed mildly or a lot, stop this procedure at once. This is not likely to happen in a normal fingernail manicure, but it may be a warning of a problem with your own nails that may need medical attention.

Pick a color (colour)

Now you are ready to pick out a nail polish color (colour) from your own home nail polish collection. Pick out a color (colour) that matches your skin coloring (colouring), outfit styles that you wear, or shade of lipstick.

If you polish your nails frequently, make sure that you give them one or two days to air out and breathe naturally to promote healthy nails in between polishes.

Application of finger nail polish color (colour)

Each bottle of nail polish comes with it's own applicator inside the bottle, attached to the handle of the fingernail polish bottle. Just unscrew the top and scrape off the excess fingernail polish on the fingernail polish brush applicator on the side of the bottle itself. You can use a paper towel for this process, but you may end up with paper towel residue mixed into your color (colour) so I would not recommend it.

Also, you need to make sure that you have a steady hand for this in order to get your finger nail polish on your fingernail area only, not on your skin. Skin always needs to breathe, and cannot with polish on it.

When you are ready, take the applicator holding non-dripping color (colour) to your nails, brushing from the base of your fingernails upward towards the top tip of your nail. Make sure you coat your whole nail evenly. Starting at the base of the nail and applying polish in an upward motion helps you evenly coat your nail.

Correcting polish mistakes.

If you make a mistake, take a paper towel and douse it with nail polish remover, as you did with the cotton ball in step one, and try to get the excess polish off your skin using the flat edge of the paper towel. Then, if you need to re-coat that fingernail, go ahead. If not, great. Just move on to the next fingernail until you are done.

Second coats of nail polish.

Wait at least ten minutes before applying a second coat. You should not paint over your nails until the previous coat is completely dry. Without air, or low to medium speed fans blowing on them, it will take about five minutes for your fingernails to dry. Using high-speed fans near your wet nail polish can move your fingernail polish around your fingernail and mess its even coat up.

Quick drying nails.

You can buy the quick drying kind of nail polish at the stores, or a quick drying, clear sealer that is painted over the color (colour) of your nail polish to quicken drying if you are in a hurry.

As a reminder, do not attempt to polish your fingernails in an area that does not have proper ventilation and do not polish your nails around close to infants.

Save and print this article to have your own home fingernail painting party repeatedly.

This is a fun and easy way to polish your own nails at home without paying the higher priced salon prices. Save this article, and print it out for your own fingernail painting party. Use this time as a de-stressing technique for you while beautifying your fingernails, or use this time as a special and fun group nail polishing time, inviting your closest family and friends to have a home nail polish party with you. 

Natural Manicure

Hands are one of our most expressive features that need to be moisturized and cared for to keep them looking their best. Often we spend personal time on your face and hair but don't think twice about the way that our hands look... could it be that our hands are our most neglected feature?

Make it up to your hands by pampering them with a manicure and a hot home-made cocoa butter treatment!

Basic manicure

Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water for 3 minutes and apply a tablespoon of heated moisturizer or home-made cocoa butter hand and nail treatment. Work the moisturizer into the base of each nail.

Use a small piece of soft cotton flannel or cuticle tool to gently push back your cuticles on each finger and thumb. Trim your nails and remove any jagged edges.

Massage a dab more of the butter into your hands and fingers one by one, working into the palm of your hand and up your wrist. If possible, have a partner perform the massage on your hands and fingers so you can relax.

Buff your nails with the flannel cloth or the buffered side of a nail file but be careful not to buff so hard that your nails burn.

Cocoa Butter hand and nail treatment

In a double boiler heat and melt the following items:

• 2 tablespoons Beeswax
• 2 tablespoons Cocoa Butter
• 4 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
• 1 tablespoon Anhydrous Lanolin

When melted remove from the heat for several minutes until it is only warm. Add 20 Drops Sandalwood and Rosemary Essential Oil and stir again until it is completely mixed. This mixture can then be stored in a jar for up to 4 months and requires no refrigeration. In cold climates, it may harden slightly but can be warmed and will soften prior to use. A jar of homemade hand and nail cocoa butter treatment would be a wonderful addition to a gift basket filled with nail polish, file, cuticle scissors, nail buffer or nail clippers.

Protecting our hands

Depending on what type of work you do, your hands can receive a lot of abuse from weather, harsh chemicals and cleansers, dirt, grease and heat. Our hands can become dry, cracked and rough with thick hard fingernails and unattractive calluses.

Wearing gloves when possible can certainly help protect our hands from the elements but applying a good moisturizer frequently can be a wonderful protective coating as well.

To avoid sun damage blotchiness and premature aging of our skin we need to remember to use a good sunscreen of at least a SPF-15 or more.

Avoid soaps that have a high alkaline content. They can strip your skin of it's natural oils and leave it dry and tight. Choose a mild gentle soap that is pH balanced to keep your hands young and supple.

You can also soak your hands in a citrus castor oil solution strengthen weak and brittle nails. Add 5 Tablespoons of Warm Castor Oil to 10 Drops of Orange Blossom Essential Oil and Sandalwood for a refreshing citrus soak. Soak your fingertips for about 10 minutes and then manicure as normal and follow up with a moisturizer.