27 Christmas Nail Art Ideas To Take To The Nail Salon These Holidays
Bring some festivity to your fingertips.
19 Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas Your Digits Need Right Now
Get ready to fall in love with these fingertips.
Succulent Nails Are The Most Eco-Friendly Nail Trend You’ve Ever Seen
That’s certainly one way to get a green thumb!
7 Ways You Never Knew You Could Use Vinegar As A Beauty Product
Say hello to your new fave beauty allrounder.
What Happened When I Put DIY Mani-Pedi Products To The Test
You’ll never have to go to a salon again.
5 Low-Maintenance Manicure Ideas
Groomed nails are a must-have, especially during the summer but who wants to spend half the day waiting for their polish to try? SHESAID has nailed some of the best summer-ready shades which are perfect for summer and dry in a matter of minutes.
RELATED: Nail Trends You Should Try From MBFWA
Glitter
Many women often shy away from glitter since it seems rather too for a refined look. A feature nail is a fun way to incorporate some colour without entry stepping out of your comfort zone. Paint your nails a shade of nude or baby pink, then coat 1-2 nails with a translucent glitter.
Pale nudes
Lighter shades such as nude or a classic French pink are best-suited to girls with a no-tolerance policy on manicures. They only require 1-2 shades (not counting the top-coat), and last for ages!
Nail art
Stickers are a fantastic way to play around with a traditional manicure without being tied down to one particular colour. Have fun with a few fun stickers and colours which can easily be removed with acetone-free nail polish.
Opaque colours
If you are going for a colour, make sure the shade is extremely pigmented so you won’t have to keep re-applying the colour. Darker shades of red, purple, and black are all popular choices and won’t take long to apply.
Sheer
Play it safe and stick to sheer or pearly shades which are easy to apply (even for beginners!). Make sure your nails are properly groomed and don’t have a yellow or orange tinge since the polish will only emphasise this colour.
Tip: Strengthen your nails from the outside with a treatment before applying any polish. This life saviour is a pearly-pink (which looks just like nail polish itself), and will give your nails a much needed detox!
Images via Zimbio, Into The Gloss, Le Fashion Image, Glitter and Nails, PopSugar
Nail Trends You Should Try From MBFWA
While everyone else might be focusing on the hair and beauty trends from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, we have recently come to appreciate the beauty of nail trends.
RELATED: How To Get Ombré Nails At Home
We’re going to take you through some of the biggest shows of fashion week to reveal just which of the nail trends will be big during the summer.
Feature nails
Where: Maticevski
Since OPI was the official nail partner for Maticevski SS 2015 runway show, you can guarantee that the colours looked amazing.
There were two main looks that went down the runway: Soft pastels and dark gunmetals. Glitter polishes were added over the top as a feature, and the looks were finished off with OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat before strutting it down the runway.
Neutrals
Where: Daniel Avakian
For Daniel Avakian’s return to the runway, a stunning neutral manicure and pedicure was prepared for all models backstage. Karon McKendrick Taylor for FABY Australia kept nails looking round and trimmed, which worked perfectly to complement the clothing and open-toed sandals for spring.
Shades of Pink
Where: Ellery
Kym Ellery’s collection was the first show to open MBFWA at Carriageworks, and was inspired by women from post-impressionist paintings. Melisa Giraldo worked together with OPI to create a look which suited the entire collection.
A clean base was achieved with the OPI Clean Ridge Filler, then two coats of the OPI Put It In Neutral, and finally a sheer-pink beige from the new OPI SoftShades Collection.
A classic topcoat of OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat was applied to give a glossy sheen.
Classic white
Where: Jennifer Kate
For her debut show at MBFWA, Jennifer Kate tried a fresh look for the models walking down the runway. FABY Australia created a stunning white nail, which is perfect on all skin tones and ideal all-year round. A matte top coat was applied over the top to give nails a lived-in look.
Images via Lucas Dawson
How To Nail The Latest And Greatest NYC Trends
The NYC nail trends forecast for 2015 is hot, hot, hot! In the lead-up to New York Fashion Week 2015, from February 12-19, celebrity nail artists have been hard at work backstage fine-tuning their handiwork on the plethora of new nail trends for 2015.
RELATED: Nail Polish Colours For Summer
Here, Nicole Lee, co-founder of NYC-based cosmetic brand LAQA & Co. Cosmetics gives SHESAID readers the low-down on what varnishes we need to buy now to stay on-trend.
“This year we’ll be seeing sweet pastels, metallic hues, clean whites and the new favourite, negative space: graphic polish designs that show a little bit of naked nail,” Nicole says. “We’ve also seen huge requests for subtle spring sparkles, a classic white with a touch of gold.”
Top 3 hot US nail brands you need now:
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Created with the editorial manicurist in mind, the NYC brand’s Nail Lacquer range is densely pigmented, quick-drying and super long-lasting. The result is lots of colour using very little product, for nails that are camera-ready just moments after application. Best of all, the OCC range is 100 per cent vegan and cruelty free.
Top picks include Pool Boy, $24, an opaque turquoise, which is akin to a summer holiday in a bottle. Cheaper than a plane ticket, spoil yourself with this adventurous blue!
Next up, Black Metal Dahlia, $24, is perfect for a powerful handshake. This red demands attention and is pretty, deep and long-lasting.
- Lime Crime: Founded by make-up renegades from Los Angeles, Lime Crime is committed to producing the most kick-arse, true-to-colour, cruelty-free and vegan cosmetics possible.
Top picks include Milky Ways, $15, a glam, creamy, vanilla splash of white. This is effortless chic for off-duty glam.
Next up, Parfait Day, $15, is a delicious candy-sweet pink akin to a strawberry milkshake. This baby is perfect with the “bambi eyes” trend and a nude lip.
- LAQA & Co.: This NYC-based cosmetic brand aims to deliver convenient products with an effortless, professional result. Packaged in unique artwork by young, emerging artists, these babies are precious, little pieces of art with a percentage of every product purchased contributed towards the artists themselves to further their potential.Top picks include the Gold Fleck + Pink Manicure Duo, $22, a double-ended polish pen with random-cut gold fleck. Simply brush over touch-dry nails for the latest nail trend. Love!
Next up, check out pretty melon shade Tweedledee Nail Polish, $18, an awesome shade perfect for pool parties, cocktail hour and the list goes on.
Finally, the fabulously named, Ankle Biter Nail Polish, $18, (pictured) is worthy of attention for its divine, rose-gold hue.
All nail brands are available for sale at Lulu and Lipstick via www.luluandlipstick.com.
DIY French Manicure Tutorial
A French manicure is appropriate for an evening out, wedding or simply a low-key look to wear at the office. Why pay empty money on a salon treatment which will only end up chipping, anyway? With just a few simple products, you can recreate this look at home, but also add your own signature touch.
What you will need:
Nail file
Nail polish A (for the tip)
Nail polish B for the rest of the nail
Clear nail polish
Nail tapes
Remover
Small brush
Instructions
1. Wash your hands, and avoid using a moisturiser at this stage. The oil could make the nail bed very greasy, and will interfere with a flawless application. Instead, file down your nails and clip them to your desired length.
2. If this is your first time, use a sticker as a guide. This will help to create a perfect curve on the tip of the nail. Press down the sticker, leaving as much or as little room as you want to create. Then take nail polish A and completely paint over the area. Make sure the nail dries completely before peeling the sticker off. Repeat this step for each nail.
3. To make your nails dry faster, simply run them under cold water or fill a small bowl with ice water, and submerge your hands for a few seconds. Take nail polish B and paint the complete length of your nail. Allow it to dry before applying a top coat. To make your nails last longer, apply another coat of top coat.
Images via Instructables, Essie
10 DIY Beauty Tips For Skin, Hair And Nails
Look and feel your best by incorporating some new beauty techniques into your makeup and skincare routine, which will revolutionise the way your skin looks and feels. From how to make your mascara last longer, to softer legs, here are just a few tricks you need to know.
Shaving rash
Ever find that your pores are irritated by constant shaving, and even a shaving gel isn’t doing the trick? Try using baby oil to achieve softer legs and a closer shave. It will also leave skin feeling deeply moisturised, and will avoid rashes or breakouts.
Hair mask
If hair is feeling rough and lacklustre, massage raw coconut oil into the ends 2-4 times a week to repair problem areas. Apply to damp hair for 20 minutes, then wash off well with shampoo and a deep, nourishing conditioner.
Dry mascara
Make your favourite mascara last longer by adding just a bit of your favourite eyedrops. This will keep the formula intact, and won’t irritate sensitive eyes.
DIY teeth whitener
Want to brighten the appearance of your teeth without the use of annoying teeth strips? Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda and three drops of hydrogen peroxide before brushing all over your teeth. Remember to rinse well with cold water afterwards.
Nail polish remover
Out of nail polish remover? No problem! Apply a clear polish over the existing colour, then wipe off with a tissue or cotton wool. This will completely remove any residue left on the nail.
Perfect winged eyeliner
For a flawless cat eye flick, use a small piece of tape or a post-it note extending from the bottom lash line. Apply primer, eyeshadow and finally trace the line that is left by the tape. Remove to reveal a flawless application!
Shiny hair and scalp
The secret to shiny hair has been hiding in your pantry all along. Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar to increase the level of shine, and also to salvage a dry scalp.
Acne, fat and wrinkle solution
Before you’re tucked into bed, use an ice cube and massage it over your face and any problem areas. This will help to minimise the chance of breakouts or wrinkles. Also helps to reduce swelling, redness and inflammation on other parts of the body.
Chapped lips
Bring life back to dry, chapped lips by combining honey, olive oil and sugar into a fine paste. Then apply directly onto the top and bottom lips in a circular motion.
Know your primer
There are many different types of primers which can be used before applying makeup. Green is use to counteract redness and inflammation, while lavender is a must-have for women who wish to brighten up their complexion.
Make your own using Milk of Magnesia mixed with distilled water and apply with a cosmetic sponge or Beauty Blender.
Image via Southern Girly.
5 Quick Ways To Dry Nail Polish
At home do-it-yourself manicures are a great option to save some money, and also get creative with your nail art. The downside to this, is waiting for your nails to dry completely. We’ve all had those experiences when we think the nail polish has dried, but get a dent (or two) on freshly painted nails, oh the agony! Here are some quick ways to dry your nail polish, which won’t feel like an eternity.
1. Cooking spray
Pop into your local hair and beauty supplier and grab a can of nail enamel dryer. This miracle spray is cheap and cheerful, and will dry your nails in no time. If you find yourself without this miracle in a can, head into your kitchen and look for some cooking spray. Yes, cooking spray. Lightly spray a coat onto your nails and sit back and watch them dry in no-time. The mixture also works wonders on repairing broken cuticles.
2. Ice
Running your hands under cold water helps the polish to dry faster, but if you have a little more time on your hands, use ice instead. Fill up a small bowl with water and ice, and keep your fingertips dipped in for about 2 minutes. Beauty is definitely pain! Remember to moisturise your hands after this step, to avoid any cracks or broken skin in the making.
3. Hair dryer
Using your hair drier on the cool function will help to dry nails faster than ever before. Remember not to focus just on one area, and hold the hair drier 30cm away from your nails for best results.
4. Freezer
This step is similar to trick number two, but probably a little less painful. Stick your hands in the freezer for a few minutes, and quickly watch how fast your nail polish sets and dries. This is a great tip if you’re on-the-go, and need to head out of the house as soon as possible. Leave out the top coat if you’re short on time.
5. Wait it out
If you choose to apply 1-2 layers of nail polish, try and wait until the previous layer has dried completely before adding a new one. This will prevent any smudging down the line, and will help to set and dry faster than just layering everything on at once. Stick to thin layers of polish, and if the consistency is thick, it’s time to throw the polish out.
Do you have any tips to dry nail polish?
Image via Beauty Bulletin
By Felicia Sapountzis
Eat Your Way To Healthy Nails
Healthy hair, skin and nails come from the nutrients we put into our body, which makes everything stronger, thicker and less prone to breakage. With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to keep your body moisturised; not forgetting to target nails and cuticles as well. Focus on incorporating our five best foods mentioned below, which will leave you with healthier nails before you know it.
Eggs
Spinach and eggs are full of iron which contribute to healthy skin, nails and hair. People that suffer from an iron deficiency usually have nails which are soft, prone to regular breakage, and brittle. For strong nails, start your day off with eggs and add a side of spinach (or baby spinach), to your lunchtime salad.
Almonds and walnuts
Legumes are loaded with omega-3 essential fats which prevent nails from splitting. Grab a handful of almonds to snack on everyday for strong nails, or sprinkle over yoghurt for a healthy afternoon treat.
Flaxseed
Like almonds, flaxseeds are filled with omega-3 fats, as well as protein and fibre which is essential to a balanced diet. They are easy to incorporate into your diet, even if you aren’t the biggest health food fan. Sprinkle a table spoon of flaxseed over your breakfast cereal, you won’t even taste the difference!
Whole grains
Whole grains are essential to a balanced diet since they are filled with iron. Iron promotes nail growth and avoids nasty breakage. Look for wholemeal bread and use this instead of rye or white since there is no added health benefits in the latter. Your nails will thank you for it.
Berries
Filled with plenty of antioxidants, berries are a yummy treat which will no doubt help to avoid nail breakage. Blueberries and raspberries are best to snack on, since they are readily available and are proven to also reduce stress.
Image via Beautiful On Raw
By Felicia Sapountzis
Top 5 Spring Nail Trends
Your best and most stunning fashion accessory may just be at your fingertips. Literally. This spring, the top nail trends put your hands in the spotlight and feature quirky, colorful styles to suit every personality. As the weather warms up, try one of these fun new spring nail trends.
A Hairy Situation
The moustache trend has taken over T-shirts, barware, jewelry, stationery, and even the grills of our cars. It’s about time nails got in on the action! Top off your mani-pedi with some carefully crafted black handlebar accents or, for fail-proof perfection, try a set of ultra dapper mustache nail stickers to get the look.
Go Bold or Go Home
After an endless winter, uour favorite brands are turning out lines of vibrant hues that call to mind the rosy sunsets, exotic birds, and umbrella-topped drinks featured in the tropical getaways of your dreams. OPI’s latest Brazil collection features such vivacious shades as “I Just Can’t Cope-acabana,” “Toucan Do It If You Try,” and “Red Hot Rio.” Take the dare and opt for something that screams “Carnival” the next time you coat your claws.
What a Drip!
Throw caution to the wind and embrace a tip-topping trend that kicks French manicures to the curb. Draw outside the lines by adding a color drip accent to the top of nails. Have fun by first painting nails with different outrageous base colors of any kind then get to work creating contrasting color splashes on top. Big drips, little drips, dots, dashes, and more spring into action with the aid of a simple toothpick or try Sally Hanson nail art pens to really get your creative juices flowing.
Single Me Out
Add a little something special to your average manicure by letting one digit per hand stand out from the crowd. Paint both ring fingers in a shimmery or jewel-toned variation of the color you’ve chosen for your other nails. You can even experiment with intense glitter glazes like Nails Inc. Special Effects 3D Glitter Nail Polish or hunt down shades that play up the color of your eyes or match your birthstone.
Get Naked
Even in the midst of all these zany color choices, never doubt the beauty of the natural skin you’re in! Make like Zooey Dechanel and other trendsetting nail nudists by simply adding a layer or two of a quality clear base coat and decorating with a few, well-placed gold studs. It’s clean, classy, and gives your nails a little room to breathe.
Valentine’s Day Nails (Straight From NYFW!)
We’re head over heels in love with these pretty pink and red nails from the HONOR A/W 2014 show at New York Fashion Week – just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Lead manicurist Deborah Lippmann explained her inspiration: “After viewing the collection with the designers — a beautiful terrarium inside a snow globe — I was drawn to the red and pink florals. I choose to accentuate the bright pinks seen throughout the collection with my newest bubblegum lacquer, Break 4 Love, a collaboration with Inez van Lamsweerde. The peek-a-boo crescent of my timeless Parisan lacquer, It’s Raining Men, matched the bold reds seen in the finale.”
Here’s how to get the look with makeup tips from Deborah for the perfect manicure:
1. “Nails are shaped into a short-medium length oval; prepped with Cuticle Remover, nourished with Cuticle Oil and cleansed with 2 Second Nail Primer.
2. One coat of Gel Lab Base Coat is applied prior to nail lacquer.
3. Deborah applies two coats of It’s Raining Men, a timeless Parisian red.
4. An offset coat of her new Break 4 Love bubblegum techno babe, is applied so that a sliver of the right side of the nails reveal the It’s Raining Men lacquer.
5. Gel Lab Top Coat seals nail polish to prevent any chipping and add high shine.
6. Lastly, cuticles and hands are massaged and hydrated with The Cure and Rich Girl SPF 25 Hand Cream.”
What do you think of Deborah Lippmann’s pink and red nails for Valentine’s Day?
