Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Nail Polish! - Part 2

Welcome to the second half of my summer nail polish surprise!  In my prior post I mentioned that I happened upon a shop called Life on a Sandbar in Nags Head, North Carolina while on a family vacation.   Once there, I saw a sign for a Del Sol Nail Polish.  I was familiar with Del Sol color changing T-shirts, since I purchased one once at a shop in Virginia Beach several years ago.  I didn't realize that  Del Sol offered nail polishes now, so I had to check them out. 

For those who missed my last blog and to those who are unaware, Del Sol makes t-shirts and now nail polishes that change color in the sunlight.  The colors in the products use a technology that was developed by NASA called SpectraChrome.  To explain it simply, SpectraChrome acts like a flower in sunlight, opening when it hits the suns rays to reveal the inner color.  With the nail polishes, it seems that you can have almost any color on the outside and then when the sun hits the SpectraChrome molecule, it opens to reveal it's inner color.  Nina, the manager at  Life on a Sandbar was extremely helpful in finding four polishes for me that had some extreme color changes in the nail polishes.  The second two I want to show you today are Electrik and Glitz & Glam.

I really liked Electrik, and so did some of my clients, because of it's frosted teal blue.  Again, the frosted color went on pretty smoothly, as frosts go, and the color was a gorgeous shade of teal blue.  

While you can't see it so well from these photos, Electrik goes from a teal blue to a Mint Green in full sun.  Check out the next photo to really see the difference.

Again, since I am such a "green girl" I just loved this one.

The next color I want to share with you is a glitter polish called "Glitz & Glam".  It is such a pretty medium iced blue that turns glittery purple in the sunlight.

Even better is a pic of Glitz & Glam in full sunlight!

I have some "die-hard" purple fans amongst my clientele (they know who they are) and I thought they were going to fall off their chair when they saw this color in the sunlight!

I would like to thank the folks at  Life on a Sandbar for introducing me to these fun nail polishes!  And if you wanted to see more of these colors, this is not my last blog on Del Sol color changing nail polish collections.  There are more on their way, complements of the Del Sol shop in beautiful Sedona, AZ.  

If you missed the first blog, check out "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Nail Polish! - Part 1"  

Don't forget to enter our Del Sol Nail Polish Contest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stay tuned for more Del Sol Nail Polish colors to come!

Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish! - Part 1

Summertime is for fun, sandals, beaches, sand and FUN polish colors!  Sure, you can wear a french but that's boring compared to what I found when I was on vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

I happened upon a shop called Life on a Sandbar in Nags Head near a fun kite store.  I saw a sign for a Del Sol Nail Polish.  I had been in a Del Sol shop in Virginia Beach, and purchased a T-shirt several years ago, so I was aware of the color changing properties of the Del Sol products.  I didn't realize that they offered nail polishes now, so I had to check these nail polishes.  For those who were unaware, Del Sol makes t-shirts and now nail polishes that change color in the sunlight.  I had purchased a cute black and white t-shirt that, in the sun, changed to beautiful pinks, blues, greens and violets.


The store's manager, Nina, was extremely helpful.  She started showing me the different polishes and found out that I was interested in colors with a more extreme color change.  She shared with me several different colors that were popular and had a great color change.  Nina introduced me to two glitter polishes and two frosted nail polishes.  I will be sharing them with you here in  two part series. (I will apologize now for the quality of some of the photos as some are a bit blurry.)


The first color I'll share is Spike.  Spike is a very pretty frosted mint green.

I loved the consistency of this frosted formula. I know frosts are sometimes hard to apply for most people.  They tend to look streaky, but this formula didn't seem to have that much of an issue to make it look smooth. Since I am a "green" girl, I fell in love with this shade without sunlight, but in the sunlight it turned a light lilac.

The second color I will share with you today has been, so far, my client's favorite!  It's called Ruby Slipper.

Sometimes I wish I was a professional photographer, but alas, my skills are more in manicuring than in photography. I wish my photographic skills were better, but you have to admit, the color change effects with the Del Sol Nail Polishes are stunning.  As I said, this is my client's favorite for now.

I will share with you the next two colors in Part 2 of "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish!" next week!
Enjoy the colors and remember, shop local where you can.  If you find yourself on the Outerbanks of North Carolina, specifically Nags Head, check out the shop Life on a Sandbar.  Nina is really helpful and they offer a Buy 3. Get one Free deal on their Del Sol Polishes. 

You can also find a local Del Sol store by going to http://www.delsol.com/stores.html.  Or you can purchase online at http://www.delsol.com/womens/nail-polish.html.

Bella10 is giving away a free bottle of Del Sol Ruby Slipper and CutiOil,1/2 oz and the 2 oz Refill Size.  To enter click on the link below.

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Don't forget to check out "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish!" Part 2.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself if Your Nails Are Breaking

I was recently asked by a friend for help with her nails... "My nails have been breaking a lot all of the sudden."  And if  you are having sudden problems with your nails breaking, peeling nails or split nails, here are the questions you need to ask yourself.  

Even if you are not honest with your nail technician, be honest with yourself.

1. How long are your nails when they break and how you are using them?  

        If they get too long they will break easier.  

        Don't wear the free edge (white part of the nail) longer than half the length of your nail bed. 

2.  Have you been using your nails as tools or jewels? 

        Here is where you ask yourself...
        "Does my nail look like a screwdriver?" "Can I use my nail like a screwdriver and not have it break?

        Also, if you love certain types of hobbies or work that is hard on your nails, use gloves.  They will protect your nails better than going without them.

        Lets be honest...  If you use your nail as a screwdriver, they will break.

3.  Have you been eating right within the last 6-8 MONTHS?  Is there Biotin in you vitamin supplements you are taking?  Are you drinking enough water?

        Healthy foods rich in natural vitamins and minerals along with supplements that have biotin will keep your nails (and hair) healthier than having a cheeseburger and fries.  

        Drinking your daily supply of water makes for healthier nails too.  It is a good rule to drink half your height in inches to that amount of ounces of water.  Example: If you are 5'4" tall, your total inches would be 64" tall.  Divide 64 in half which equals 32.  You should probably be drinking approximately 32 ounces of water every day.

      

4.  Are you keeping your nails hydrated with a good cuticle oil?  

        Lotion on your hands doesn't necessarily mean better hydration for the nails, they need oil to keep them flexible.  

        Lotion is made mostly with water and nails need water from the inside, not from the outside.  Which brings us to the next point.

Bella10's CutiOil was created with 
a specific blend of natural oils and vitamins to hydrate the cuticle and nail.
Regular daily use will minimize breaking, peeling and splitting nails.

5.  Have you been in a lot water or in a lot hot water lately?  Strong chemicals? Do you wear gloves when doing house chores?

        Water swells individual nail cells and softens the protein that holds those cells together, kind of like glue.  Being in water a lot will leach the natural oils which keeps your nails flexible and keeps the protein from drying out.  Hot water expands the nails further and when they are combined with detergents and cleaning chemicals, this will leach out the natural oils from our nails even more, leaving them dried out and brittle. Solution, use only warm water, not hot.  This will reduce the drying effect.  Also it is wise to wear gloves when using cleaning chemicals.

        Being in too much hot water = Your nails will be prone to splitting, peeling and breaking.

6.  Do you keep polish on them?

        Even clear polish adds a layer of strength and protection to the natural nail.  
        There are also gel polishes that can add strength without the constant application.  
        A warning on gel polishes though, they are very strong and if the gel polish is peeled off or removed incorrectly or if the nail is buffed too much on top of the nail, your nail will weaken dramatically!  It will be as if you have just removed artificial nails.

From "8 Tips on How to Grow Your Nails Faster and Stronger"

If you are recovering from Artificial Nails
and trying to get healthy natural nails back, check out
"The Secret to Artificial Nail Recovery"

Jessica Cosmetics Sping 2014 - Coral Symphony

Bright cream colors abound this season! 

This season, Jessica Vartoughian, founder and CEO of Jessica Cosmetics International, brings you to the coral depths of a warm gulf reefs filled with a glowing creamy collage of various pinks, corals and glowing whites!

I've always been a big fan of Jessica Cosmetics nail treatments and color polishes.  They last much longer than most of the major professional brands I've used.  As always, Jessica Cosmetic color polishes are Three-Free, that means they are Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) free.  Jessica Cosmetics nail colors and treatments have always had longer wear and less chipping, and now they have a new "STRETCH FORMULA" that stretches while drying to reduce chipping even more!  It expands as it drys so it will move with the natural nail for increased wear-ability.  Their colors are intense, rich, and they flow without the streaks or lines that you find in other brands.

So what are this season's colors?  I'm going to show you from left to right of the above photo but on my model's nails.  You'll notice that glossy Cream colors are hot this season!

Ocean Bloom is a lavender infused pink that is reminiscent of a sea flower.  I will admit that all of these colors just make me want to try snorkeling as soon as I find myself near the ocean.

Can Starfish look as vibrant as Starfish Glow?  This reminds me of a newer, more modern version of an 80's neon pink. (Yes, I was doing nails in the 80's)  I believe I may have actually seen this lively color on the tips of a starfish I received as a kid.

Monsoon Melon does not remind me of a desert monsoon that I see so often in the South West.  This color shines forth like a creamsicle on steroids!  And I don't mean that in a bad way! This coral is the height of summer fashion.  Try it, I just know you'll love it as much as my model and I did.

Tropical Sunset has to be my client's favorite color so far this Spring.  Hot coral and yes, Tropical Sunset is about the best name that could be given to this rich exciting color!

Do you want a bright, bright, pure white to give your nail art some pizzazz?  Use it as a french tip, as a base below your glitters or add more punch to your nail art.  This color does not streak!  It goes on smooth and flawless!

I think I found Barbie's color for this spring season!  lol  Conch Shell is the perfect pink for those that cannot part with their seasonal pinks.  The coverage is smooth, creamy and like all the colors in this collection, it is reminiscent of all the high colors you'd expect to see in a coral reef.

To see more of what Jessica Cosmetics 

has to offer for natural nail care, check out their website! 

www.jessicacosmetics.com

The Secret to Artificial Nail Recovery

Mary first came in to the salon on the last day in January 2013.  She had delayed in coming in to see me after she and I had a brief phone consultation right after Christmas of 2012.  She told me that she had a New Year's resolution goal to have her own natural nails again but she really didn't think it was possible.  She had been wearing acrylic nails for approximately 30 years.  I told her that damage happens from the first time you apply artificial nails due to filing across the top of the nail and persists with fills and lifting. I told her that if she was interested in getting her own natural nails back, I could help her achieve that goal.  I have seen all kinds of damage to the natural nail and, at the time, I was unaware of how chronically acute her nail condition was.  Mary has been involved in the beauty industry and she had delayed in seeing me because she was embarrassed by her nails. 

Day 1 - OMG!  

She had told me her nails were bad, and when I saw them, all I could think of was how long this process would take.  Mary had some of the worst damage I had seen in a long time and that damage was extensive!  This was no easy fix and the biggest thing she needed from me was encouragement! 

The ring finger on her right hand was practically gone!

I was truly concerned and told her that the most important thing she could do is to start treating her nails with Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Essential Oil) 2-3 times per day and use cuticle oil every day.  I examined her ring finger and noticed that it hadn't gone down into the nail matrix yet, but it was daringly close!  Any closer and a physician would definitely be required!

There was still Hope!
Her left hand was not as bad as her right but it still needed a lot of time to heal.
Mary's nail prognosis was hopeful but it would take time and patience for her to get her nails back, and it was still questionable on if there would be any permanent damage to the nail matrix.

Mary's nails were thin and ragged so I gently filed the edges that had a little "white tip" with a 400 grit file to smooth the edges.  I cleaned up her cuticle area and put some clear polish on what there was of her natural nails.  Her home regimen included Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Essential Oil) 2-3 times per day, Cuticle Oil 1-2 times per day and a coat of clear polish every other day.  She needed to come in about every 2 to 3 weeks for a manicure.  I also told her that if she noticed any of her nails getting worse that what she saw currently or any infection getting worse, she needed to contact her physician. (Thankfully, that was unnecessary!)

Day 100 - Marked improvement!!!

I am amazed at the improvement, just with Tea Tree Oil.  But now I notice another problem, and it is one that is common for this level of damage.  Mary has a tendency to pick at her fingers, especially if she sees an imperfection.  Mary's left hand is looking much better but her right is still suffering.  Her ring finger (which was her worst case scenario on Day 1) looks better than her middle finger. Her middle finger has been the brunt of obsessive behavior because it is one of the prominent nails of her dominant hand. Now it's time for focus on maintenance instead of cures.

I give Mary a gentle manicure and only smooth out the very tips of her nails so there is nothing to snag or catch her attention in that manner.  I start her on a regimen of nail polish to be applied every other day after today's manicure.  I still want her to treat her nails daily with Tea Tree Oil and cuticle oil, but now I want her to start with a clear polish on her nails to help her maintain some strength and I need to minimize any peeling or chipping that may draw her attention to her deficient nail.

As I mentioned earlier, this is "no easy fix", this takes time and patience.  In place of a regular top coat, I use a product I recently found at my local Sally Beauty Supply called Gelish Mini VitaGel Recovery

by Gelish brand Gel Polish.  This product does need a UV or LED light to cure it but I found that it works fabulously for damaged or weak nails.  I love the two different formulas, one is called Recovery and one is called Strength.  If you don't have a UV or LED light, you can use Jessica Cosmetics Restoration, for post acrylic damage, or you can try Starting Over, a Salon Sciences brand that you can purchase through your local Sally Beauty Supply.
When the nails look like they do at this stage, they still need a lot of care.  The nails need to remain covered with a strengthener made for recovering nails and remain covered for the duration of the regrowth.

I don't hear from Mary for a while again.  Finally, when I do hear from her, it is to take pictures of her nails again and the growth she has achieved!  I can hear the excitement in Mary's voice.

Day 200 - All I can say is WOW!

Mary is in awe of how strong her nails are and how great they look.  She never thought her nails could be this strong!

Mary's nails are now on the road to permanent recovery!  There is still some issues that need to be addressed, but her nails are strong, resilient and they look so-o-o much better than they did when she first came in.  Mary's nails can only get better from here and it is always gratifying to see the transformation from disaster to healthy nails!

Check out the right hand!!!  Amazing!  Isn't it?!

According to Mary, her nails have never looked this great or have they been this strong!  She says her nails were always weak and flimsy, now they are strong, yet flexible and withstand breakage even if she is a little hard on them.

It is amazing to my clients when they finally achieve healthy natural nail growth and they can't believe how strong and healthy their nails really are!

And the most important secret to artificial nail recovery is?... 

PATIENCE!

After patience, the three most important topical items for artificial nail recovery are;

1. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Essential Oil)  - great for damage recovery because it prevents and helps to heal bacterial and some fungal infections.
2. Post Recovery Nail Strengthener - gotta keep those nails covered to minimize nail anomalies and irregularities.  There is also a gel polish called Recovery, by Gelish, that can help with covering and strengthening the natural nail.  However, a UV lamp and regular and proper removal of the gel polish is required.
3. Cuticle Oil - to keep the cuticles smooth and the natural nails hydrated and flexible.  Of course, I recommend Bella10 CutiOil because of it's all natural blend that softens the cuticles and hydrates the nails.  When used regularly, CutiOil  will minimize breaking and peeling of the natural nails and help eliminate hangnails.

  Artificial Nail Recovery IS Possible!!!  If Mary can do it, so can you.  All it takes is Patience and a little Perseverance!  Take the challenge!  Your nails can be better than they were before artificial nails!

For more tips on natural nail care, check out

8 Tips on How to Grow Your Nails Faster & Stronger

Jessica Cosmetics - "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 Collection

I have always wanted to go to the Opera.  What an experience that would be...  Epic dramas, romance and intrigue all set to glorious music and colorful sets.  Glamorous men and women, dressed in their finest... "Velvet & Pearls" adorn guests and performers during the "Opening Night", from the "Overture" through the "Blue Aria" sung by the "Prima Donna" of the performance, and on to the "Standing Ovation".  Like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" sitting beautifully in the window box.

Prepare yourself for "A Night At The Opera"!

Shall I illuminate Jessica Cosmetics and "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 collection!  Prepare yourself for splendid attire and glorious color for your finger nails and toes alike!  This is no time to hide your dainty digits in long gloves with this season's luxurious color palette.

Starting with "Velvet & Pearls", this is a stunning Black shade that is as rich as velvet.  It applied smoothly and without streaking.  While I have never been a huge fan of black polish, this color has completely changed my viewpoint on the color.

An additional point about this color is that when it was removed, it did not smear or run all over the nail and cuticles.

 I find this is a color that can be worn on any skin tone and with any item of clothing!

The next color in this stunning collection is "Opening Night".   I found this shimmery fuchsia to be right in line with this season's fall fashion colors.

I found it to be a very vivacious color, wildly deep, and it would be great to wear on a party night when you are feeling just a little spunky!

Wear this color with purples, blues and blacks or with other fuchsia attire during this fall season.

 
"Overture"  is another of my personal favorites.  I just love iridescent coppers!  In the bottle, this color has hints of shimmery gold which blend in with the color beautifully on the nail.  "Overture" is warm and golden, giving a glimpse of the inner fire within all of us.

It will go extremely well with warm toned skin and wear well with attire in the emerald and linden greens that are showing for this fall, as well as blacks and corals.

"Blue Aria" is a creamy dark cobalt blue.  It reminds me of deep ocean waters.  Like deep ocean waters, it has mystery and allure.

Your darkest denims with love this color!  Paired with your favorite dark denim jeans, it can be worn with almost any color in this season's color palette.  Wear it with blues, greens, corals, purples, blacks and fuchsias.

Like the black, this color removes cleanly with polish remover.

"Prima Donna" is, as Jessica Cosmetics puts it, "a violet celebration of the inner diva". This is truly a complex purple that is spirited, mysterious and exotic.
 

In the bottle it shimmers with a very slight hint of red which, on the nail, helps give it it's vibrancy and energy!  Another perfect color for the fall season.

 This color works well on someone with a cool skin tone.   It combines well with fuchsia, black, blue and even rich corals for this season's colors.

Lastly, because I am such a green girl, I am thrilled to present "Standing Ovation".  In the bottle, "Standing Ovation" has hints of shimmering blues and golds and even a little purple.  This gives it it's rich shimmering emerald to linden green that is so popular for this fall season. (It'll also be great for Christmas!)

It works well with any skin tone and pairs well with the greens of this season, coffee browns, corals, blacks and even blues.

I do hope you have enjoyed this season's polish colors from Jessica Cosmetics .  They truly reflect the colors showing in fashion for this fall season.  Each color is sumptuously rich and vibrant (yes, even the black) and I am certain that you will love them all as I did!  They are available now and you can get them at Jessica Cosmetics online and at fine salons and spas internationally! In addition, Jessica Cosmetics colors are formulated with antioxidant vitamins for maximum conditioning and UVA/UVB protection from the sun.  They are quick-drying and Three Free (toluene, formaldahyde and DBP free)!  If you can't find them online, you can call 818-759-1050 and tell them Bella10 Nails sent you.  Each professional quality color is only $8.40. Grab your favorite or get the entire collection!

I hope you enjoyed "A Night At The Opera", I'll be sharing Jessica's Effects "Glitzy" collection soon.  If you like glitter, you'll love "Glitzy"!

8 Tips on How to Grow Your Nails Faster and Stronger

Let's face it, women want long fingernails.  They're sexy and they're feminine. But the question always remains, how can I get them naturally? Here are some key ways to help get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

1. Eat a healthy diet.  Our nails, hair and skin reflect our overall health and nutrition.  Eating healthy foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients is a long term solution with excellent results. Your nails, hair and skin can improve over time.
2. Keep them protected.  Use gloves when doing dishes, gardening or any mechanical work.  Water damages nails, so do chemicals and hard use.
3. Keep your nails polished at all times. Nail polish increases the thickness of your nails thereby protecting the nails.  Even if you only use a clear polish, making certain to cap the tips of your nails.  Prevent them from chipping by applying another clear coat (top coat) every 2-3 days. For more on nail polish see Prevent Polish Chipping & Peeling
4.  Do not clip your nails.  Clipping the nails creates micro-cracks.  If you must clip your nails, soak them in water for approximately two minutes first.  If possible, invest in a precision blade nail clipper.  It is preferable to file your nails in one direction, from side to tip
5. Do not let your nails get TOO long.  Be realistic.  Based on your activity levels and what you do with your hands, keep your nails just a little shorter than where they usually break.  If one finger breaks more often than the others, keep that nail shorter as you use that finger more or it has a weak area. 

   

   
   

   Bella10 CutiOil is Available at Bella10.com 

6. Use a good Cuticle Oil.  Skin sebum keeps nails healthy but as we mature, sebum production diminishes. Replace natural sebum with natural plant based oils rich in Vitamin E like Almond oil (softens nails), Macadamia Nut and Jojoba oil (mimic natural sebum).   
7. Massage your finger tips daily.  Increased blood circulation to the nails stimulates faster nail growth.  This can be done in conjunction with using cuticle oil.
8. Have a regular manicure.  It doesn't matter if you do it yourself or if someone does it for you, a regular manicure will keep you aware of your nails and you will protect them more.

Remember, growing longer healthier nails does not happen overnight.  Be patient and use these 8 tips to grow healthier, longer, and more beautiful nails!

To learn more about Natural Nail care, read

"The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails"

Available at Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble or your local bookseller.

It's a Girl Thing - Jessica Cosmetics New Spring Line

I love Jessica Cosmetics! Not just because they sent me a special preview of their new Spring collection but because in all my 30+ years in the nail industry, they have the BEST polish line for natural nail wear-ability!  You heard that right!  I have never had a nail polish line that delivers such long lasting wear and coverage.   Today I want to share their new Spring collection, "It's a Girl Thing"!

Jessica Vartoughian has been touted as the "Manicurist to the Stars" and she has decided that her newest collection should feature some fabulous girls that are in her life.  Introducing Ava, the "New Kid in Town," Alexis "Ruby Empress," Amira the "Smitten Kitten," Alia a "Sun-Kissed Beauty," Nadia the "Sterling Queen" and Sophia who's "True Blue"!  Each girl plays dress up in her favorite color that is inspired by her distinctive personality.

Alia - Sun Kissed Beauty

Alia "Sun Kissed Beauty" is a deep stylish sunset-orange.  

This color is a cream color and is vibrantly hot! 

Great color for dark, tanned or olive skin but as you can see, 

it looks fabulous on fair pink skin too!

Ava - New Kid in Town

Ava the "New Kid in Town" is a sweet lavender cream polish. 

It's not a shy color but not bold either.  Just the right amount of coverage.

Nadia - Sterling Queen

Nadia the "Sterling Queen" is a sophisticated silver-gray 

with a little hint of shimmer but not a frost.  

My model and I found this color surprisingly elegant 

and felt that the bottle did not do it justice.

Amira - Smitten Kitten

Amira, the “Smitten Kitten” is a described as a “smart and joyful pink”.   

I find this pink cream polish to be playful and full of life! 

 If you like pink, you’ll love this!

Sophia - True Blue

Sophia is considered "True Blue".  Sounds like an honest, forthright person to me!  

I would probably trust the person who inspired this rich robin egg blue polish!

The coverage was incredible too… Stunning!

Alexix - Ruby Empress

Alexis, the "Ruby Empress" is a heart-throbbing creative red 

with just a hint of yellow undertones.  

This dynamic red will be the perfect summer shade!

 There you have it!!  "It's a Girl Thing" will be available the end of this month through Jessica Cosmetics online and at fine salons and spas internationally! In addition, Jessica Cosmetics colors are formulated with antioxidant vitamins for maximum conditioning and UVA/UVB protection from the sun.  They are quick-drying and Three Free (toluene, formaldahyde and DBP free)!