My nail education
30 Sep 2010 12:00 PM |
Posted by Editor
As I sit and admire my recent manicure by Sally Hansen I am inspired by the fact that my hands can actually look this good! All gorgeously womanly and soft… there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
So I ask myself, “why can’t I seem to keep my hands like this on a day-to-day basis?” It seems as though I’m constantly painting my nails, but when it comes to keeping your nails in tip-top shape, chipping paint isn’t the only thing to worry about!
Here are the tips I’ve learnt from the nail gurus at Sally Hansen:
- Nourish your cuticles. When it comes to your hands and nails, moisture is your best friend as it ensures your cuticles stay healthy and protect your nails effectively.
- Make sure to have a hand cream handy. There is always a spare moment to apply a quick dose of cream (hello traffic lights!). If you’re a low maintenance girl, look for a lotion that combines cream and cuticle care in one.
Try: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure For Severely Dry Hands
- Apply a base coat, two coats of colour and a shiny topcoat. These are all necessary for a gorgeous, long-lasting manicure. You can apply a topcoat every couple of days to enhance shine and help polish to last longer. But remember, when polish starts looking a little scabby, it’s important to start again!
- The main lesson. It’s not always about having a fabulous nail colour, we have to care for the hands as well. As you know, they start to show the signs of ageing very quickly – and what are nice nails when they’re on rough, tired-looking hands?
Littlebeauty x
What are your top tips for hand and nail care?
Member Comments
(26)
Posted by:
Blissful Beauty
(Member since 2007, Australia)
Every night before going to bed, I apply a good quality hand cream and foot cream so that my hands and feet stay soft and nourished. I also apply cuticle oil a few times a week and give my natural nails a good buff weekly between polishes. : )
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 12:24pm)
Posted by:
rang
(Australia)
I always buff my nails every week so they have a very nice natural polished look, also i make sure that i do this prior to putting on nail polish because it makes the nail polish flow and set smoothly because there are no ridges on my nails
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 12:53pm)
Posted by:
April99
(Australia)
Dont let your hands be soaked in water for too long because it weakens your nails.
I learnt this the hard way !
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 12:54pm)
Posted by:
Little Jo
(Australia)
All of those tips are fab! I love my nails and am lucky enough to have a fabulous friend who is a excellent nail tech. I swear by cuticle oil and I use the L'occitane hand creams xox
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 1:05pm)
Posted by:
FRIEND
(Australia)
Oh yes L'occitane handcreams rock Glamglee! Aswell as using cuticle oil and buffing, those seem to be the basics to a sweet manicure. Littlebeauty is so gorgeous :D
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 1:52pm)
Posted by:
Lovely2
(Australia)
Wear gloves while washing and cleaning work at home as detergents etc weaken the nails.Apply Vaseline hand cream on nails and hands.Always buffer nails before taking bath as after shower nails are more prone to breakage.
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 1:53pm)
Posted by:
dancr
(Member since 2008, Australia)
I just recently received but am yet to use the Sally Hansen Complete Care 4-in-1 treament. Using a good hand cream and cuticle oil daily I think is really important (-:
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 2:12pm)
Posted by:
sarahnh BD
(Australia)
I must admit that I'm addicted to cuticle oil. Also for a beautiful clean and sleek look, always trim your cuticles with cuticle clippers. The end result is AMAZING!
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 3:58pm)
Posted by:
muraljewel
(Australia)
If I know I'm going to be home all day long I take olive-oil and sea salt mix together, then pour the mixture all over my hands and rub together like I'm washing my hands with soup. Once done I rinse with warm water and put cotton gloves on so the oil really soaks in. The salt ex-foliates and the oil is like a moisturizer. I also will make a big batch of this and scrub my whole body with this just before getting in the shower.
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 5:34pm)
Posted by:
muraljewel
(Australia)
oops sorry for the typo. I was in a rush to type this.
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 5:35pm)
Posted by:
OnAWhim
(Australia)
It's great to know that despite all the fabulous products out there, one can still 'make-do' with around-the-house ingredients when things are tight! Thanks muraljewel!
Olive oil is also the cure-all for cradle cap...
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 7:09pm)
Posted by:
jatz
(Member since 2008, Australia)
I just always wear a SH nail hardener, so my nails are nearly always painted. I hate wearing gloves so need the hardeners to keep my nails strong. I am always using hand cream especially in winter. Loved your article Littlebeauty....nice nails to.
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 7:52pm)
Posted by:
SMP-kitten
(Member since 2008, Australia)
I love that ring! Gorgeous!
I keep a nail buffer in my handbag just in case and always keep hand cream in my bag. Currently MOR Orange blossom hand cream. Smells divine. Also very handy when a stinky person sits near you on the train :P
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 9:31pm)
Posted by:
Frannybee
(Australia)
Gorgeous ring on gorgeous hands!
A quick safety note - please, Beauties, don't apply hand cream at the lights! If you're applying cream or fiddling with packaging, you're not paying attention to the road, and slippery hands do not grip a steering wheel well. Wait until you reach your destination safely!
Posted on:
September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 11:07pm)
Posted by:
Boopook21
(Australia)
Nice little article! I shall try the suggested product. I am a low maintenance girl.. at times xD Well with things like hand cream and the like I'm not so good with up keep =(
May I just say, that is a lovely ring you have there =)
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 12:53am)
Posted by:
VivaliciousChic
(Australia)
Usually after removing nail polish from my nails, i always let them rest for about 3 days, then put on some nail strengthener clear polish. And yes, cuticle nail is very important and hand cream. cant live without those.
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 8:49am)
Posted by:
melmeko
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I recently got to talk to a couple of lovely ladies from Orley and Essie who gave me some wonderful advise. Its definitely about moisture, the more the better. I have cuticle oil and also use sweet almond oil on my hands and nails. Another couple of products that were highly recommended to me were the Orly Nail Defense and the Essie Protein Base Coat. I had a hard time deciding which one to pick from but have recently ordered the Orly. Fingers crossed it helps my nails somewhat as they are pretty damaged and mainly just dehydrated, apparently it is not so much just from washing up it is more so just the dryness that is the issue. They told me that regular household dishes are not going to exacerbate the situation, unless you have them actually soaking in water for extra long periods of time. I am also using the Lanolips Extensive Hand and Nail Balm which is wonderful and finally a good one for the handbag is the Burts Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter. I am keen to see the reviews for the new Sally Hansen trial team nail protector things :)
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 1:53pm)
Posted by:
Nyxen
(Australia)
Interesting article I always have problems with my cuticles so I'm off to get some cuticle oil.What is a good brand to get?
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 4:21pm)
Posted by:
Maddi1234
(Australia)
This is a good article :)
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 4:40pm)
Posted by:
bh'sAnnalise
(Australia)
Great tips Littlebeauty. A rich handcream and heated cuticle oil always helps when you're doing a D.I.Y manicure!
Posted on:
October 01, 2010 (Oct 1, 2010 5:08pm)
Posted by:
Chicklet
(Member since 2008, Australia)
To keep you hands looking nice don't forget to protect the backs of them with sunscreen. They can be one of the first areas to show age.
Posted on:
October 07, 2010 (Oct 7, 2010 9:02pm)
Posted by:
Beautalicious
(Australia)
Always wear gloves when doing the dishes or anything that has chemicals like cleaning the house. I like to keep hand lotion by my bed, in the car, in my handbag, on my desk and in the bathroom anywhere that reminds me to just nourish my hands.
I am loving reading everyones tips. Doing a little bit each day helps to keep your hands looking lovely all the time.
I hate when my nails are looking awful and I need to shake someones hand, nothing worse.
Because I am getting busier and have less time to do my own nails I have got gels, that way they always look professional and clean and easier for me to look after.
Posted on:
October 13, 2010 (Oct 13, 2010 3:08pm)
Posted by:
Bittersweet1991
(Australia)
DONT BITE YOUR NAILS ! OR BUFF !
Posted on:
December 01, 2010 (Dec 1, 2010 3:28pm)
Posted by:
Chrissie lawes
(Australia)
mmm im just learning the whole nail tech thing at home, and was looking for some tips on here, but something i did just read is there is no such thing as cuticle help....cuticle is the dead skin so no products should be called cuticle nourishing or moisture cream? am i confused now
Posted on:
December 13, 2010 (Dec 13, 2010 10:43am)
Posted by:
Amydeville
(Australia)
I've always got Innoxa hand creams with me at work and home and in my handbag! no matter where I go I keep my hands and nails very hydrated!
Posted on:
January 10, 2011 (Jan 10, 2011 5:56pm)
Comment on this article
Posted by: Blissful Beauty (Member since 2007, Australia)
Every night before going to bed, I apply a good quality hand cream and foot cream so that my hands and feet stay soft and nourished. I also apply cuticle oil a few times a week and give my natural nails a good buff weekly between polishes. : )
Posted on: September 30, 2010 (Sep 30, 2010 12:24pm)