Quick Manicure Tips

I was asked by one of my lovely followers over on Facebook if I had any tips on good nails as she wanted to start doing them herself.  Well yes, I do have a few!  I will admit I don't have painted nails often, I would love to but with one child still in nappies the hand washing (and a little light OCD with the house work) doesn't allow.  However I have mastered a fairly good manicure routine when I am in need of one.  I have got into some good maintenance habits this year, partly I think due to my time spent working in London as I had to always have well groomed nails.  My swear by hand cream is Clarins, I put this on every night.  I  would love to say during the day also, but I forget and just using this at night seems to be enough to keep my hands and nails in good condition.  The only other one I find works nearly as well is The Body Shop hemp hand cream, it is a fraction of the price.  Oh and I think the Queen uses this one?!?

I keep my nails short and tidy with Wilkinson Sword nail scissors.  They are at least 10 years old and have stood the test of time, I even use them on my girls.  I find clippers are too harsh on my nails, they tend to snap more.  I then use Mavala emery boards (my Mum put me on to these) and file in to the centre of my nails.  I hear the glass emery boards are amazing but I have a stash of the mavala ones at the moment so I've not tried them yet.  Only this year have I purchased a buffer (yes I know, I am a little slow with some things).  I really notice a difference when I use this as I have developed a few ridges across my nails now and not only does it blend them but I feel the polish sticks better to them also.  You literally just buff quite vigorously across the whole nail.

During the course of the week I apply a cuticle oil to my whole nail and massage partly down my finger.  I do this probably 2-3 times a week before bed whilst I am switching off and watching an episode of Sex & The City (I work my way through the series, currently on season 5!).  It then has time to seep in.  I love Solar Oil due to the almond smell but have been told any oil will do.  I have also started gently pushing my cuticles back whilst in the shower sometimes. The moist air and hot water makes them really easy to do.  Then before a manicure I use a wooden stick ( I find the metal too hard to use myself) to push them back some more, always after soaking in warm water first.  I don't do my cuticles all the time, it just depends how bad they are and how much time I have.

So the polish. I always apply a base coat, previously Mavala but currently a Helen E one.  If you don't you run the risk of yellow nails.  Now my top tip, always allow time between your coats.  If for example I need them painted for the Friday, I will apply the base and one coat Thursday night once the kids are down.  One coat dries quicker with less chance of smudging whilst you sleep.  Then I will do the second coat before I jump in the car for an appointment (or sometimes whilst sat, strapped in the car so I then don't smudge them moving around!).  If you have a good half an hour in the car driving somewhere this is perfect as again it's only one coat to dry and as you have a base and previous coat it adheres really well.

I am a little slack and don't apply a top coat.  Usually this is a time thing, I just can't factor it in but if you do have time then do, it will probably make them last longer.  As for the nail polish itself, I pretty much use all brands.  I love the colours Chanel do but they stay put best on my toes in the Summer, no more than a day on my fingers usually.  I like Essie, OPI, Jessica but I'm swayed more by colour than brand.

I'm no pro, this is just what works for me.  I hope that helps Jo! x

Some More Sheepskin In My Life and Lush Smelling Nail Oil

I haven't purchased the Ugg earmuffs, they are definitely on hold waiting for a better price.  I have however used my birthday vouchers to invest in some new Just Sheepskin slippers.  My sister introduced me to this brand over a year ago now, and I have lived in my boot version ever since.  Holed and stained, it was time to replace them.  Their prices seem to have gone up lot since my first pair and not one to pay full price for much, I refused the £75 price tag (currently £60 on offer at House of Fraser) for the exact same pair.  Instead I opted for the mules.  I have had the Ugg version before but they were returned due to the sheepskin wearing away in a matter of months.  As we are half way through Winter, I thought these were a compromise mainly due to the £31.50 price tag, reduced from £45.  I love the soles as they are proper non slip ones which is needed when running around after children.  When and if I see the boots on offer later on in the year, I will be buying them again!  These are from House of Fraser, free delivery to store also.

Out with the old, in with the new!

Cozy feet!

My nails are in a terrible state at the moment mainly due to the weather.  This product was recommended to me by my lovely beautician Steph at Urban Bliss Beauty.  I loved it instantly because of the almond smell but to add to this, it has done wonders for my nails.  Apparently oil is the best product to use for dry flakey nails due to it heavily moisturising powers (check me out sounding all knowledgable!).  I have been applying it at night and rubbing it all over my nail and half way down my fingers as suggested and it's made a huge difference.  I bought this on Amazon and it was just under £10 with delivery.  I say bought but I didn't actually pay for it as I used my Nectar points which I converted to Amazon vouchers (no more Amazon points with Nectar as of the end of this month sadly).  SolarOil by CND.

Cashmere joggers update (from previous blog post here) - I returned them at £69 as I just couldn't justify the price tag.  Luckily I did as they went down to £45 so I've snapped them up again, yippee!  So warm and comfortable, I hope these stand the test of time like they were intended too.  Having just read an article on cashmere though, about the best being made in Scotland, I am a little concerned with my made in Cambodia pair......

Back up to £99 now I'm afraid

They don't look like anything special, but they so feel it.