Nail Polish Shades: L’oreal Paris Resist & Shine Titanium Review

What L’oreal Paris has to say about these nail colours :

“Enduring Wear. Enriched with silk-protect, shock-resistance and shine protection.”

“Beautiful Bottle: Elegant and practical in its premium gold and glass bottle, Resist & Shine Titanium has a non-slip grip brush handle to allow easy application.”

“Nail-Friendly : Resist & Shine Titanium is enriched with Ceramide R. The formula reinforces, protects and smoothes the surface of the nail. Resist & Shine Titanium is suitable for frequent use. Nail varnish as practical as pretty.”

32 shades are featured on L’oreal Paris U.K. website. Not all these 32 shades have made their way to India. Here, I counted about 12 at one L’oreal Paris counter and about 15 or 16 at another counter.

These nail polishes come in a squarish kind of bottle. The golden coloured plastic cap which takes the same shape as the bottle, is detachable, and one is supposed to remove this cap and hold the inner black gripper while applying the polish. This makes sense, as the golden plastic cap is rather bulky and would obviously be awkward to hold during application.

The consistency of the polish is neither too thin nor too thick and after application easily lasts upto at least 5 to 6 days and only then do they start looking a bit dull and chipped. It has a long, even brush which makes applying them very convenient and easy. I don’t like nail polishes with thin brushes, the polish doesn’t spread over the nail quick enough, and I have to keep re-dipping the brush to cover the whole nail, which gives an uneven look.

Shade No. 606 Royal Plum is a very deep blackish purple, it has a creamy look, with absolutely no frosty effect. Nowadays, these kinds of shades are very ‘in’.

606 Royal Plum

Shade No. 220 Sleepy Rose is a dusty pink kind of colour and it is very slightly on the frosty side, the shimmer particles in it being almost-not-there, yet shiny enough to look frosty.


220 Sleepy Rose

Shade No. 603 Deep Geranium is a plummish maroon kind of creamy finish shade. No shimmer at all. I like it for its intensity in colour pay off.

603 Deep Geranium

Shade No. 104 Antique Rose is a pretty, light, milky pink shade with a definite frost finish.

104 Antique Rose

Shade No. 535 Merlot Red is a bright reddish shade, slightly bordering on the maroon tinge, with a barely-there frost effect. It’s not what you would call a post-office red, but bright enough to look red enough!

No. 535 Merlot Red

This is what it looks like on my nails after wearing it for 6 days : (I could have left it on for another day, but it started looking like it needed a change).

A small tip: If you don’t want your nail polish to thicken quickly, do put off fans or air-conditioners during application. Also after applying on one hand, close the cap, shake well and then apply on the other hand. This helps to prevent thickening. After you have finished, shake the bottle once more before you put it away. I find this helps a lot and my nail polishes don’t dry up in the bottle in a hurry.

What I like about L’oreal Paris Resist & Shine Titanium nail polishes :

• Nice sleek looking bottle and attractive gold cap. Out of the ordinary bottle shape.
• Good spreadability. Good brush too.
• Lasts at least for 6 days, may be stretched till the 7th day.
• The dark colours don’t leave my nails looking discoloured after removing it.
• A ‘reasonably’ good range of shades to choose from. (See my cons).

What I may not like about these nail polishes :

• As usual, only select shades are chosen to make their way to India (why the bias I don’t know). Aren’t we good enough or are they afraid all the shades won’t sell here?
• L’oreal Paris does not have an India website where we can browse for products, new launches, etc.
• At times, the sales girls are totally blank about new product launches, even though the products may have already been launched already in other cities first like Delhi and Mumbai.

Tips for Beautiful Nails

1. Eat healthy: What we eat directly reflects on our nails. Our nails are composed of calcium and other minerals.  So, it is very essential to replenish them, which you can do so by an adequate supply of calcium, vitamin A, phosphorous, zinc, folic acid, silica, vitamin C. That is a long list that’ll do a food technlogist proud, isn’t it? Let’s deconstruct that to something we can relate to, shall we? Here we go. Drink plenty of milk and also make sure you eat plenty of milk products like cheese, yogurt etc. Eggs, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, parsley , coriander, broccoli, apricots, carrots, almonds are also very good supplements to your diet. Drink lots of water as it will not just prevent wrinkles on your skin but also avoid your nails from getting brittle. Also look out for discoloration of nails or developing ridges, because they are indication of vitamin deficiency. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to dryness and darkening of nails.

2. Personal hygiene: Clean nails are not just necessary to look good but also necessary to ensure your well being.  Our nails can carry lots of disease causing bacteria and germs. Winters, especially, make our nails more porous and susceptible to fungus.  Trim your nails regularly.  But do not file your nails immediately after bath because they tend to break. Avoid back and forth motion while filing your nails and make sure you stick to one direction. Resort to nail buffing as it augments blood circulation, stimulating nail growth and voila you have strong and shiny nails. When you wash hands, make sure you massage soap near your nails and cuticles. Rinse and moisture them well .You could also use a soft brush to clean them. Dead skin around the nails could be removed using a pumice stone. Do not keep exposing your nails to extreme temperatures, very hot water or direct heat and cold. They lead to brittle nails. Use of lukewarm water to wash your hands is recommended. A monthly manicure by professional is must but make sure they use clean and sterilized equipment. Use gloves while gardening, washing clothes, utensils and cutting vegetables.

3. Keep them well moisturized: Apply moisturizer while watching TV, before going to bed and after washing your hands. Massaging hot oil once a week could give you smooth and soft fingers and nails. Vitamin E oil is very good for nails and so is castor oil. You could also use petroleum jelly to massage your beautiful nails. Massaging nail serum could also stimulate circulation and help your nails grow faster as during winters your nails tend to grow slow.

4. Avoid harsh chemicals as they make your nails brittle and damage them very badly. Use a base coat before applying paint. Use non acetone nail polish remover to prevent your nails from being fragile, better stick to acetate containing nail polish removers. Vibrant colors like crimson red, neon blue, deep pink, deep burnt rust, grey is the new black, electric green are the hot trends seen at runway currently. Apply vinegar on your nail to last the polish longer. Base coat is very essential as it prevents staining of the nail color on tour actual nails when you apply polish.

A History of Nail Polish

If you ever wondered when nail polish first came into production, you're not alone. We use so many beauty products on our nails, hands, faces, hair, and bodies on a daily basis, but most of us have no idea when or where they originated.

Most sources point to China as the originator of nail polish, and there is evidence of its use as early as 3000 BC. Early formulations included egg whites, gelatin, and beeswax as ingedients, and dyes generally came from vegetable sources.

While the formula has changed significantly since then, the purpose hasn't. Nail polish began as an adornment that royals used to distinguish themselves from the masses. Colors like gold and silver represented money and wealth--and later these metallic shades were replaces by trendier colors like red. It's not so different from why we paint our nails now--to distinguish ourselves and add a little color to our appearance.

Years later, many people turned to oils, powders, and pastes to tint their nails. We can only imagine that these products, much like lipstick, tended to stain a lot and weren't nearly as long-lasting or durable as modern nail polish as we know it.

So, how did nail polish get to where it is today? It has a lot to do with advancements in paint. Specifically, car paint. In the early 1900s, companies like Cutex and Revlon modified the formula of paint used in the automobile industry to create a varnish suitable for use on nails.

Flash forward to 1981, when Essie Weingarten debuted a collection of 12 unusual nail polish shades and changed the industry forever. Three of those shades (Blanc, Bordeaux, and Baby's Breath) might still sound familiar, because they're still popular colors being produced as part of the line. It's hard to imagine now that white, pale pink, and wine-colored nail polishes were unusual even in the '80s, but the rainbow spectrum of shades we enjoy today is a fairly new development.

In 1983, Joan Rivers (then a host of the Tonight Show) mentioned her nail polish on air (it was Essie's Jelly Apple, a bright red shade). This moment was one of the first celebrity endorsements of a major nail polish brand, and it skyrocketed Essie to public fame. Queen Elizabeth only wore Essie's iconic Ballet Slippers shade, to give you an idea of how quickly it became the first name in nail polish.

Since then, there have really been only two major advancements in nail polish categories:

1. The addition of blues, greens, and other pastel shades.

Hard Candy and Urban Decay gained popularity in the '90s for their unexpected nail colors. Suddenly, everyone was wearing mint green and sky blue--colors we previously hadn't seen much of on nails at all.

2. The creation of gel and other long-wearing formulas.

From OPI to Shellac and everything in between, the creation of "gel" polish formulas that cure and harden by the time you leave the salon were revolutionary. They changed the way women approached their manicures, giving us zero dry time and the freedom to go on vacation without worrying about our nail polish chipping.

So, what's next in nail polish? We're predicting two primary trends that actually will take the industry in two opposing directions at once: For one, we expect to see more "natural" formulas with fewer unnecessary chemicals, like three-free formulas. But we also expect more "advanced" formulas like Vinylux and other innovative products.

Fungal Nail

What is Fungal Nail?

Fungal Nail (Onychomycosis) is the most common disease of the nails, affecting around 10% of the adult population. Infected nails may appear thickened and discoloured and if left untreated can spread to other nails in the hands and feet.

Fungal Nail is usually caused by contact with Dermatophyte fungi, often as a result of having Athlete’s Foot. Some groups are particularly susceptible to fungal nail infections such as smokers, diabetics, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Your GP will give advice on the treatment options available to you, all of which have varying degrees of success. Unfortunately in many cases conventional treatments prove ineffective. The risk of harmful side effects may put patients off trying oral medication and many simply choose to live with the condition. At Fungal Nail Solution we will show you that Fungal Nail can be eradicated quickly and painlessly and that by taking some simple precautions, reoccurrence can be avoided.

Why Fungal Nail Solution?

Our testing programme saw us trialling a plethora of products sourced from across the globe including over-the-counter medicines, creams and ointments, alcohol gels, topical lacquers, tree oils and even common household products such as mouthwashes and bleaching agents.

Finding a 100% successful solution was a protracted process due to the length of time it takes for healthy nails to grow in completely, but eventually it was achieved.

10 steps to do your own manicure

Apply a Top Coat.

Your nails are front and center for life's activities. Just think of how often during an average day you -- and everyone around you -- get a gander at your ragged cuticles, shameful hangnails and torn, sorry nails. What, have you been out digging in the yard barehanded with those things?
Your nails should reflect your inner goddess, or at least your inner well-groomed goddess wannabe. When you want nice nails but a trip to the nail salon won't fit into your schedule (or your budget), we've got you covered. On the next pages, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to transform your naughty nails into fabulous finger paintings.

NAIL POLISH COLOR :

The next time you do your nails, give serious thought to the color of your nail polish. Dark nail polish looks dramatic, but a lighter polish will show fewer flaws and make your fingers look longer. Chips and scratches will be less noticeable, too.

Grabbing a bottle of nail polish, polish remover and a paper towel for an impromptu manicure during your favorite reality show is a recipe for disaster. A home manicure can look professional, but it takes planning and preparation. When you pay for a manicure, a professional manicurist uses both hands to do the job. For most of your DIY manicure, you'll be one hand short of a pair, so it pays to have all of your tools out and ready to go. You'll avoid fumbling, frustration and mishaps.

These are some common tools you'll be using :

Cotton balls or pads.
Nail polish remover.
Nail trimmers.
Nail cleaning tool.
Buffing tool.
Nail file.
Cuticle tool.
Cuticle cream.
Gentle hand soap.
Moisturizer.
Nail polish.
Top coat.

Location is another important consideration: Use a flat, solid surface that's large enough to accommodate your hands and supplies. The area should also have good light, good ventilation and be free of dust, lint and pet hair. Having something to distract you, like music playing in the background, is a good idea, too. Looking at your beautiful nails can be mesmerizing, but watching nail polish dry is a big yawn.

Remove any old, chipped nail polish with polish remover and pads or cotton balls. There are a number of products available that combine pads and polish remover solvent, employ an applicator or offer an alternative to acetone (the most common nail polish removal solvent on the market).

Whether you use an acetone or non-acetone based polish remover is a matter of personal choice.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both products.

Acetone - Acetone works fast and is pretty reasonably priced. It contains flammable solvents like 2-propanone and toluene that can be drying to nails and skin.

Non-acetone - Non-acetone products require a little more elbow grease, but they're less damaging to your nails and leave your cuticles feeling less dry and stiff. Non-acetone nail polish formulas typically contain ethanol and acetic acid. Many also have added moisturizers. You may pay a little more for a non-acetone product, but using it won't leave your room smelling like a chemical plant.
Note: If you're trying to remove specialty nail polish like the sparkly variety, it might respond better to an acetone nail polish remover. Nail polish formulas are always changing. If you think you might have a problem getting your polish off and want to take the non-acetone route, have an acetone product as a backup.

Both acetone and non-acetone formulations have been known to cause eye irritation, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, confusion and nausea in certain individuals.

Find a length that works for you.

There's actually a science to trimming nails. Nails have a grain, so bidirectional trimming is definitely a no-no that leaves them slightly ragged. Instead, always file your nails in one direction, from the bottom edge to the center top. Alternate from one side of the nail to the other until you create a smooth, rounded curve. If your nails are a lot longer than you want them to be, trim them with nail clippers before you start shaping them. It will save time. As you shape your nails, work to create a modified crescent with a slightly flattened top. It's a popular, flattering and maintenance-free nail shape.

No great painter ever started his masterpiece with a dirty canvas, and neither should you. Before you transform your digits into works of art, you need to clean them. Excavate under your nails with a spoon-edged nail cleaning tool, and then wash and dry your hands thoroughly to remove dirt, nail dust, grease and polish remover residue. It's also a good idea to soak your nails in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. It will soften your cuticles for the next step.

The cream's the thing :

Cuticles don't get the respect they deserve. They perform an important function: They create a barrier that protects your emerging, developing nails from infection. Your nails are exposed to damaging substances, heat and cold, friction and pressure. They can become brittle when you don't provide them with the proper nutrition, like a diet rich in protein and iron. They deserve a good start in life, and that's what your cuticles give them.

To keep your nails looking good, keep your cuticles healthy and in shape. Cuticle creams soften and revitalize cuticle tissue, keeping it soft but snug around the nail. This helps seal out bacteria. A good nail cream contains moisturizers that keep the cuticle supple, and humectants like alpha hydroxy acid that help cuticle tissues retain moisture. Apply cuticle cream or oil to your nails regularly, especially before you give yourself a manicure. If you don't have cuticle cream, use olive oil.

After the cuticle cream has had time to work, use a blunt cuticle stick to push the cuticle of each nail back to the base of the nail. Don't ever cut your cuticles. Removing that layer of skin may sound like an attractive idea, but it's just asking for a nail infection or injury. Once you've gently repositioned the cuticle at the base of each nail, moisturize your hands and wipe them dry. Be sure to remove any oil residue. Lingering oil residue will keep nail polish from making a good, permanent bond.

Use the right tools, and you can't go wrong :

If your clean, dry nails are nice and smooth, you can proceed to the next step. If they're rough or ridged, though, you may want to buff them first. Nail polishing creams and special polishing boards can smooth out the surface of nails that have grooves or ridges as a result of aging or injury. Nail buffing is actually a handy alternative to a manicure. It has the same appearance as applying a clear coat. Give it a try. You'll be surprised at how shiny, lustrous and healthy your nails look. If the idea of buffing your nails doesn't appeal to you, use a nail filler product that will conceal minor nail flaws like ridges and discoloration.

This is the part where many DIY manicures go wrong. Apply a very thin first layer of polish to your nails. Very thin. Swipe each nail three times, covering a third of the nail with each stroke. Include just a bit of an overlap per stroke. Allow the polish to dry completely. Letting nail polish dry undisturbed is the single most important step in any manicure. Some nail polish dries faster under UV light or in sunlight. You can also use a fan to speed drying time. Don't rush. Great nails are worth the wait.

PITCH YOUR OLD NAIL POLISH :

Check the viscosity (thickness) of your nail polish periodically. Old, gloppy nail polish is no bargain. At best it will take longer to dry, and at worst it will never set at all.
Additional coats of nail polish will often produce a deeper, richer finished color. Check the polish label for recommendations. With some nail polish brands, you can apply up to three coats. Always let each layer dry completely before proceeding to the next.

This is usually the time when you'll start to get restless. After all, if you've been doing a thorough, conscientious job, you've been at this manicure thing a while. The only problem with causing a smudge now is that it could be hard if not impossible to smooth away, leaving you with a wonky nail or a major overhaul job. Take it easy, and be patient. Crank up your tabletop fan and think positive thoughts. Your nails are going to look spectacular.

Nail polish top coat goes on like regular nail polish but is completely transparent. It dries shiny and super hard. This is an extra step that will make your nail polish stronger and less prone to chipping. It will also keep it shinier longer. If you do plan to use a top coat, consider choosing a complementary product. Most nail polish manufacturers produce their own lines of top coat -- which are optimized for their nail polish. When you stock up on nail supplies, keep that in mind.

Nail polish top coat has another nice feature: You can reapply it as needed. If you've ever noticed your polish dulling down between treatments, a shiny refresher may be just the thing to keep your nails glossy until you're ready to change your color from blue to fire engine red.

Want Strong Healthy Nails

Why is it so hard to grow and maintain gorgeous nails? One big reason: Nails aren't alive; they're dead (if they were living tissue, they could repair themselves instead of making us do it for them). If nails aren't alive, then how do they grow? Actually, they don't; new cells develop deep under your cuticles and push out the older, dead ones — forming those flat, hard surfaces we love to pamper and polish. Here's how to have yours looking great in no time.

DON'T SHARE YOUR NAIL FILE

Resist the urge to let anyone — even a relative — use your emery board. This tool is a porous germ-trapper. Keep yours to yourself, and replace it often.

DO WEAR THE RIGHT SHOE SIZE

Are you cramming your feet into too-small or too-pointy shoes? If so, your toenails may grow into the surrounding skin — causing the dreaded ingrown nail, which can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. When nails are too long, tight shoes can cause even more damage. If your toes hit the front of your shoe, nails can crack or turn black-and-blue. Or nails may lift, which can lead to infection.

DO MOISTURIZE DAILY

Nails need to be hydrated, since most problems crop up when they're parched. Dry nails can crack, peel, and become brittle. Plus, dehydrated cuticles not only look ragged but also can turn into painful and infected hangnails. The best moisturizers are thick — even greasy.

DON'T GO BAREFOOT

Keep your shoes on while at public places (swimming pools, locker rooms, shoe stores) — if you don't, we won't be responsible for your toenail health. Why worry ? Warm, damp environments are a breeding ground for fungi and viruses. Tip: If hose isn't offered when you're shoe shopping, ask for it.

7 Pretty Ways to Show Off Your Nail Polish Collection

1. In a Jewelry Box.

Clear glass boxes, like the brass-trimmed version shown here, are great for displaying your go-to colors

2. In a Jar.

Have an extra mason jar or cookie jar lying around? Throw in a few like-colored polishes for a beautiful display.

3. On a Magnetic Board.

Similar to the magnetic makeup boards we've featured before.

4. On a Tiered Stand.

Keep all your polishes in the spotlight with this easy option. A rotating stand is even cooler.

5. On a Spice Rack

Sleek and simple, these mini shelves are every polish junkie's dream.

6. On a Picture Frame

Turn an empty vintage frame on its back and line up your fave polishes. Add a small dab of color on top of the bottles so you can find colors easily.

7. On an Acrylic Wall Unit

If you have a sizable collection, this will do the trick. You can also add cute figurines for a more personal feel.

12 Tips to Healthy Fingernails

There are a number of ways you can help keep your hands & nails healthy & happy and we put together a quick cheat sheet to help you keep them all together.

1. Buff  Yourself  Up :

Buffing the surface of your nails stimulates blood circulation to the area and enhances their growth. Always use a good buffer with very fine grit (you can even use the tip of your thumb in a pinch).

2. Get a Tool Kit :

Do not, & we repeat, do not use your nails as tools. Go get yourself a toolkit with a hammer, pliers & a various assortment of screwdrivers and let them do the heavy lifting.

3. Short is Pretty Too :

While long nails are nice, very few of us have nails strong enough to grow very long (which is a crying shame). But we think short is just as beautiful and attempting to grow weaker nails can cause splits & damage. Keeping them trimmed to match the top of your finger is the optimal length.

4. Eat Your Vitamins :

We aren’t a big fan of getting your vitamins in pill form…that’s what food is for. There are a number of vitamins & minerals that are essential to healthy nails and we’ve gone so far as to create lists of recipes for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans that include a large % of them.

5. Think of Your Nails :

Whenever you clean, you should take your hands as a whole into consideration. We aren’t a big fan of chemicals (or rubber gloves for that matter) but if you must use one you should always use the other. Protect your skin & nails from drying, harmful chemicals whenever you use them.

6. Ignore Your Cuticles :

We know it sounds strange what with all of those crazy tools out there to use on them…but if you, your skin & nails are healthy your cuticles will be too. Trimming them can lead to breakage of delicate skin which runs the risk of infection. Keep them moisturized and don’t bite them !

7. Stronger When Dry :

Your nails become much weaker when they are wet (so don’t trim or file them unless they are dry). Also, be sure to dry your nails completely after having them submerged in water (from dishes, the bathtub, etc.) And always wash your nails with fresh water after getting out of a chlorine filled swimming pool or Jacuzzi before drying.

8. Learn How to Use Your Tools :

Filing can be a rather damaging action for your nails and when not done properly it can lead to damaged or flaking nails. We highly recommend you use a glass file they are the best for the environment and probably the best for your nail. Regardless of the type of file you use, only file in one direction – don’t saw at them in both directions.

9. Even Nails Like Pampering :

Keeping your hands & nails well moisturized is perhaps one of the easiest ways to ensure they remain healthy & flexible. Lotion is always an acceptable moisturizer, and should be applied every day (slather up and night & sleep with organic cotton gloves on for super soft skin). Be sure not to forget about your cuticles, use a natural, organic cuticle oil every day too. In a pinch you can always raid the kitchen for olive oil (add a drop or two of your fave scented oil and mix it in an old varnish bottle for easy application).

10. Loose the Conventional Attitude :

Lets face it, many conventional polishes, removers, treatments and nail art products are filled with chemicals. All we can say is read ingredients, and make responsible choices with your money & opt for ethical brands that don’t pollute you, animals or the environment around you, (nature everywhere thanks you).

11. Be Real :

Artificial enhancements are a personal choice every girl has to make for herself. Team Inspirationail has given in to temptation on more than one occasion. However, acrylics, gels and other fake extensions damage the nail plate when they are removed. Wearing them also deprives your nails of natural light & air while they unnecessarily expose you to chemicals and a higher possibility of fungal infection.

12. Keep You Healthy :

The best way to keep your nails healthy is to be healthy. That means eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and drinking plenty of water while avoiding alcohol, smoke & carbonation whenever possible, (sorry, but it’s true). Be sure to see the recipe links above for some delicious and healthy meal options that cover a large percentage of your daily vitamin & mineral intake.

Many of these tips cross over and have similar themes but when it comes down to it there are only a few things you really need to remember to keep your nails healthy. Keep yourself healthy and protect your hands from exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Stay natural & stay healthy.

6 Tips for Foot and Nail Care

These 6 steps will help your feet stay fabulous.

1. Moisturize :

• If your heels are very dry and cracked, see a podiatrist or dermatologist for a prescription treatment. If they’re not that bad, there are plenty of moisturizing products from which to choose.

• First, you might try some medicated heel pads, which don't need a prescription, to soften calluses while you walk. After you’ve exfoliated the calluses, use a heavy cream to moisturize tough skin on your heel.

• Look for creams containing petrolatum, an emollient, or a humectant such as lactic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.

2. Smooth It Out :

• Make it a habit to use a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses. Doing so will keep your feet looking good in open-back shoes.

• First, soak your feet in water or a foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes to help soften the skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone,  recommends a warm foot bath made of black tea (tannic acid). Tannic acid, is a natural antibacterial agent that may reduce the canceof getting athlete’s foot.

• Moisturizing foot scrubs made from botanicals such as crushed fruit pits, sugar, or chemical exfoliators also help remove dead skin. After you scrub, apply a rich foot cream or balm containing shea butter or cocoa butter.

• Look for balms or heel creams containing salicylic acid or urea to soften tough calluses.

3. Fight Fungus :

• Over-the-counter antifungal treatments come in many forms -- lacquers, creams, lotions, liquids, spray powders, and spray liquids. These products work best on mild cases of athlete’s foot, and probably not at all with toenail fungus, which is difficult to treat.  

• No matter the form, they have one of the following active ingredients, which are all equally effective:  terbinafine, tolnaftate, miconazole, ciclopirox, or clotrimazole. Tabari says tea tree oil, sometimes called melaleuca oil, also works well on mild cases of athlete’s foot.

• Look for a medicated powder or spray if you have sweaty feet. Powders usually contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate to help keep feet dry.

• If you have dry feet, look for an antifungal lotion. Dry your feet thoroughly before you apply antifungal powder or lotion.

• Dark and damp conditions let the funguses that cause athlete’s foot flourish. Basic good foot hygiene is the best way to prevent fungal infections. Wash your feet frequently and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. Wear fresh socks or other hosiery daily.

4. Don’t Forget Your Toenails !

• Love getting pedicures? The technique matters. Clumsy trimming can lead to hangnails and ingrown toenails.

• Also, make sure the nail technician gently pushes back the cuticle rather than cuts it, which can lead to an infection.

• If you do your own nails, look for nail “nippers” that have a curved handle and a cutting jaw shaped to follow the natural curve of nails.

• Your nails naturally become more brittle with age. Ingredients in some nail polish and polish remover can speed the process, drying out your nails. Suggests use polish that is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Using a nail polish remover free of alcohol is good for you.

• To moisturize your toenails, using a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E oil. Put it over the entire nail, including the cuticle, and gently rub it in.

5. Get Support :

• Standing for a long time can make your feet sore. Wearing insoles can help make shoes more comfortable.

• Look for insoles that have a plastic shell at the bottom. Podiatrists say the shell makes them strong enough to provide real support.

6. Wear Sunscreen :

• Wear sunscreen on the tops of your feet. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your feet when you're going barefoot or wearing open sandals. 

10 Great Tips for Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

Here are 10 tips to keep you healthy looking from head to toe.

1. Protect yourself from the sun. Help prevent signs of aging, such as age spots and fine lines, as well as significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses) and seeking shade when appropriate. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection (protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays).

2. Do not use tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product (such as a lotion, foam or spray), but continue to use sunscreen with it.

3. Perform a skin self-exam. Examining your skin for suspicious moles and other lesions could save your life. If you find a suspicious lesion, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.


4. Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other healthy foods can lead to healthier skin. Be sure to include some lean protein in your diet. Our skin is made of protein, so some protein is necessary for healthy skin.

5. Don't skip the hair conditioner. Dermatologists recommend using a conditioner after every shampoo. While a conditioner cannot repair hair, it can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength, and offer some protection from harmful UV rays.

6. If your skin feels dry, moisturize. After bathing is the best time to moisturize so that you can trap water in the skin. If your skin still feels dry with regular moisturizing after bathing, apply moisturizer a few times throughout the day.

7. Manage stress. To keep your skin looking its best, it is important to effectively manage stress. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin, hair and nails. It can worsen many skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne and rosacea, cause brittle nails and ridging of the nails, and lead to hair loss.

8. Stop smoking. People who smoke expose their skin to toxins that accelerate the aging of their skin. And, the repeat puckering to inhale can cause deep lines around the lips. Frequent squinting to avoid getting smoke in one's eyes can cause noticeable crow's feet.

9. Don't bite your fingernails. You can transfer infectious organisms between your fingers and mouth. Also, nail biting can damage the skin around your fingers, allowing infections to enter.

10. If you have acne, do not pick, pop or squeeze the blemishes. People mistakenly believe that picking and popping pimples will get rid of them quickly. The truth is doing any of these can irritate the skin, make acne worse, and increase the risk of scarring.

What to Eat for Healthy Hair and Nails

Omega - 3 Fatty Acids.

To get shinier hair, introduce more omega-3s into your diet, which help support scalp health and may give your locks extra luster and shine. The three active ingredients—alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—are all essential fatty acids and "are important components of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that contains keratin and has water-holding capabilities. Deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in dry scalp or dandruff," she says.

Foods to Try: Eggs, flaxseed, fish oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, spinach, tuna and walnuts.

Protein.

Protein intake is important for many reasons, notably when it comes to hair and nails. Both are made of structural proteins known as keratin, so adequate dietary protein is important for providing the building blocks for growing strong hair and nails. Lean meats are the easiest way to pack protein into your diet -

Foods to Try: Chicken, eggs, lean red meats, lowfat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans and whole grains.

Biotin/Vitamin H

Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve hair that is splitting or thinning as well as strengthen weakened nails. Taken with zinc and the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, biotin has even been used to treat alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease marked by the loss of hair. A deficiency in biotin may result in brittle hair or even hair loss.  An easy way to remember: The H in vitamin H stands for “haar and haut,” which means “hair and nails” in German.

Foods to Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon.

Zinc

Zinc is another nutrient active in helping the immune system function properly. Zinc is a component of hundreds of enzymes in the body, some of which regulate the body’s ability to make new proteins that will become building blocks of healthy hair and nails, hair dryness and brittleness can be signs of zinc deficiency.

Foods to Try: Cashews, green beans, lean beef, lobster, oysters and soybeans.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps produce a conditioning substance for the scalp known as sebum, which keeps hair looking and feeling healthy. In addition to these beauty benefits, this vitamin contributes to better eye health and immune system function, which keeps you vital and strong from head to toe.

Foods to Try: Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, Cheddar cheese, egg yolks, mangoes, oatmeal, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Want Strong Healthy Nails

Why is it so hard to grow and maintain gorgeous nails? One big reason: Nails aren't alive; they're dead (if they were living tissue, they could repair themselves instead of making us do it for them). If nails aren't alive, then how do they grow? Actually, they don't; new cells develop deep under your cuticles and push out the older, dead ones — forming those flat, hard surfaces we love to pamper and polish. Here's how to have yours looking great in no time.

DON'T SHARE YOUR NAIL FILE

Resist the urge to let anyone — even a relative — use your emery board. This tool is a porous germ-trapper. Keep yours to yourself, and replace it often.

DO WEAR THE RIGHT SHOE SIZE

Are you cramming your feet into too-small or too-pointy shoes? If so, your toenails may grow into the surrounding skin — causing the dreaded ingrown nail, which can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. When nails are too long, tight shoes can cause even more damageIf your toes hit the front of your shoe, nails can crack or turn black-and-blue. Or nails may lift, which can lead to infection."

DO MOISTURIZE DAILY

Nails need to be hydrated, since most problems crop up when they're parched. "Dry nails can crack, peel, and become brittle. Plus, dehydrated cuticles not only look ragged but also can turn into painful and infected hangnails. The best moisturizers are thick — even greasy.

DON'T GO BAREFOOT

Keep your shoes on while at public places (swimming pools, locker rooms, shoe stores) — if you don't, we won't be responsible for your toenail health. Why worry? "Warm, damp environments are a breeding ground for fungi and viruses," explains Phoebe Rich, M.D., a nail disorders expert and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Tip: If hose isn't offered when you're shoe shopping, ask for it.

20 Life Changing Hacks For Doing Your Nails

1. Line your nails with petroleum jelly or white craft glue before painting them for an easy cleanup.

If you're working on a nail look that's messy, use a cotton swab to rub petroleum jelly like Vaseline on the skin around your nails first. This creates a barrier between the polish and your skin so that after you've painted your nails, you can wipe off the Vaseline and any polish mistakes along with it.

Another way to prevent paint from drying on the skin around your nails is to paint around your nail with Elmer's Glue first, and let it dry. Then, paint your nails with polish and peel off the glue when you're finished to clean up.

2. To prevent the tips of your painted nails from chipping, paint two basecoat layers: one on the top half of your nail and the second coat over the entire nail.

Paint the first layer of your basecoat polish on the top half portion of your nails only. After your nails have dried, paint a second coat of polish, but this time cover the entire nail as you normally would. This technique will help the polish on the tips of your nails — which are more prone to chipping — last longer.

3. Use a white nail polish as your basecoat to make your nail color pop.

Unless your polish is super opaque, the natural tint of your fingers will change the color of your polish. To get the paint's true color, add a layer of white nail polish first, and then go over it with your colored polish.

4. Paint your nail art designs on a plastic sandwich bag first, peel them off, and seal them on your nails with nail art glue or a clear topcoat for easy application.

If painting designs on your dominant hand is too difficult, try painting them on a plastic sandwich bag first. Paint a few thick coats of polish onto the plastic, and then add your design on top. After it dries, peel each design off the plastic, and adhere them to your nail with nail art glue or a clear topcoat.

5. Use paper hole reinforcement stickers as a guide for painting a half-moon mani.

Place the paper hole reinforcement stickers along the base of your nail, and seal it into place with a bobby pin or a nail art dotter tool. Paint your first coat on each nail along the stickers. Then one nail at a time, paint a second coat of paint, let it dry for a minute, and carefully remove the sticker. Use this tutorial for more tips on a half-moon mani.

6. Give your nails two-tone designs with tape.

After you've chosen two different polishes, paint one coat of the lighter polish on each nail, and seal it with a clear topcoat. After it is completely dry, apply two strips of tape over the tips of your nails so that they cross in the middle and create a point. Take the darker of the polishes, and paint a layer over the entire nail and on top of the tape. Let it dry for a minute, and then grab both ends of the tape and slowly peel them back at the same time for the finished look.

7. Use the tip of a pencil eyeliner to place tiny nail art accessories like rhinestones on your nails.

When your fingers or tweezers are too big to grab and place tiny jewels, use the tip of an eyeliner or lip pencil instead. The end of a pencil is tacky enough to grip the jewel from above and won't get in the way of your design.

8. Create a French manicure with ease by looping a rubber band around your fingertip.

Take a rubber band and tie it in the middle. Loop one end over your thumb to create tension on the band, and align the other end over the top of your nail and just below the edge to create the French tip shape. Use the edge of the rubber band as a guide, and paint the tip of your nail.

9. Mix loose pigments with clear polish to make a custom nail shade.

Pour a little bit of eyeshadow pigment into a spoon, and then add a little bit of clear polish to it. Mix it all together with a cotton swab, grab a brush, and try out your new color.

10. Create a marbled effect by using drops of swirled nail polish and a cup of water.

Choose an accent finger and tape underneath and around your nail to protect your skin. Next, fill a small paper cup with filtered, room-temperature water. Grab two different colors of paint and add drops of each polish into the cup of water, alternating paints each time. Once you've added a few drops, grab an open paper clip and swirl the layers together to create the design you want. Then, stick your finger into the cup with your nail facing the paint layer. Holding your finger in the cup for a few seconds, use your paper clip to gather the rest of the paint away from your finger. Pull your finger out of the water and clean up the edges for the finished look.

11. Make your nail polish dry faster by soaking your nails in ice water after painting them.
/Kathleen Kamphausen
Fill a bowl with ice and water, and soak your nails for a few minutes after painting them. The cold water will set the paint and help your nails dry faster.

12. Spray nonstick cooking spray on your nails to help the polish dry faster.

PAM nonstick cooking spray also works as a quick-dry spray. Hold the can a few inches away, and spray your nails evenly. Wait a few minutes, and then wash the oily residue off your hands.

13. Fix a smudged nail by adjusting the polish with the tip of your tongue.

If you accidentally smudge almost-dry nails, try readjusting the paint with the tip of your tongue instead of your finger. Your tongue is just soft enough to fix the paint without leaving any imprints. Only use this tip only when necessary though, and try not to lick your nail polish too often.

14. Remove stubborn polish by soaking cotton pads in nail polish remover, wrapping them around your nails, and securing them with foil.

To remove stubborn or glitter nail polish easily, soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, and place it on your nail. Wrap a strip of foil around the cotton and your figure, and squeeze to secure it. Leave the foil wraps on your fingers for five minutes, and then slide off the foil and cotton at the same time. Your polish will come off with it.

15. Paint white craft glue as a basecoat before painting coats of glitter polish for easy removal.

One way to make glitter polish easy to remove is to paint Elmer's Glue on your nails as a basecoat. Let the glue dry completely, and then paint over it with as many coats of glitter polish as you want. Whenever you're ready to remove your polish, peel back the glue and the glitter will easily come off with it.

16. Roll your nail polish bottle instead of shaking it to avoid air bubbles.

Hold the bottle between your palms and rub your hands back and forth to stir the polish without creating bubbles.

17. Loosen a stubborn nail polish lid by soaking it in hot water.

Place the nail polish bottle upside down in a cup. Fill the glass with really hot water just high enough to cover the lid but not high enough to soak the bottle of paint (hot water can tamper with the consistency of the polish). Wait a few minutes, remove the nail polish bottle from the glass, and then open the loosened lid.

18. Unscrew a tight lid by wrapping a rubber band around the handle for better grip.

Wrap a large rubber band around the top of a nail polish bottle before trying to open it. The rubber will provide a better grip for twisting.

19. Spread petroleum jelly around the lip of the bottle before closing it to prevent the polish from drying shut.

With a cotton swab, wipe a small amount of petroleum jelly into the ridges on the top of the bottle. This will make it easier to open the next time and prevent it from sealing shut.

20. Store your nail polish upright in a box with painted stickers on top to indicate the colors.

To keep your polishes organized, paint a strip of polish on an adhesive file folder label, punch out a hole, and stick the paint sample on the top of the nail polish bottle. Repeat this for all of your polishes, set them in a box, and store them in a cool, dry place.

How to do a Pedicure

Whether you need to soften up your callused feet or you are looking for a day of pampering, giving yourself a pedicure is the perfect solution. With a bit of time and a little effort, you'll have silky feet and perfectly polished tootsies that will leave everyone envious.

1. Pick up your supplies. For a good quality pedicure, you’ll need some basic toe-tampering supplies. Grab a tub and water for soaking, nail clippers, a nail file, a cuticle stick/orange stick, a nail buffer, a pumice stone or scrubbing brush, a clear top and base coat, and a polish color of choice. Optional additional supplies include bath salts for soaking your feet, cuticle trimmers, cuticle oil, and lotion for a massage afterwards

2. Remove any pre-existing nail polish. Although it may seem obvious, taking off your old nail polish is an important first step to giving yourself a pedicure. It’ll be hard to add a new color over the top of an old one! Use an acetone remover, making sure to get the bits along your cuticles as well.

3. Start your soak. Fill a tub or basin with hot water, and if you’d like, a bit of bath salts or oils. Now it’s time to sit back and relax! Let your feet soak for 10 minutes; the hot water will soften tough calluses and remove the dirt and grime that might have built up. It will also help to soften your nails   and cuticles, which is critical when you’re prepping to paint your toes.

4. Cut and file your nails. Start by trimming your nails down to size; use a pair of nail clippers to cut your toenails to be just short enough to see a bit of white at the tips. The shape of the nail should be slightly squared, following the natural topline of your toes. Use your nail file to buff down the sharp edges of nail the clippers might have left, and to do any further shaping you would like.
Avoid cutting your nails in a rounded shape, as this can promote ingrown toenails.
If you’re able, try filing your nails in the same direction to avoid splitting the layers and damaging your nails.

5. Prepare your cuticles. Although this step is optional, it can go a long way in making your toes better prepared for painting. Use your orange stick/cuticle stick to gently push back the cuticle around each nail. If you have cuticle trimmers, gently cut away the excess cuticle skin that builds up over time. Rub on a little cuticle oil when you’re finished to supplement the sensitive skin with a bit of added moisture.

6. Smooth out the tops of your nails. Use your buffing pad to file down the ridges and rough edges on the tops of your nails. Pay particular attention to the edges that you’ve just trimmed or filed, as this area typically needs to be beveled a bit to create a level plane, so to speak. Use your buffing pad in the same direction and tilt the angle of it to reach the entirety of each toenail.

7. Clean up and soften your skin. Now it’s time to move onto your actual feet. Use your pumice stone to scrub down the calluses on the heel and ball of your foot. You can scrub pretty roughly in these areas, because the skin is often very thick and dulled to pain. When you’ve removed any dried skin or calluses, you can use a scrubbing brush to clean up your entire foot. Use the brush between your toes and all over the bridge of your foot, adding soap if you’d like a bit of an extra clean.
Be sure to rinse off your feet with a bit of water after scrubbing.
Avoid using a ‘cheese grater’ type tool on your calluses, as these have proven to be dangerous and can cause fungal infections.

8. Finish preparing for polish. Remove your feet from the soaking tub completely and empty it out. Dry your feet off, and if you’d like, massage on a layer of lotion into your skin. If you choose to do this, use a bit of nail polish remover to clean up your nails again (the lotion can keep polish from sticking).

9. Add your base coat. Use a clear nail polish as a protective base coat on all your toenails. This will prevent your nail polish from yellowing your toenails, as well as give your lacquer a solid base to stick to.

10. Apply your color of choice. Select a nail polish color, and paint each of your toenails. Start in the center of the nail near the cuticle, and use long brushstrokes towards the tip of each nail to fill in the color. Work from the center outwards until all your nails are filled in, using a fingernail or the edge of an orange stick to wipe off any polish that might have mistakenly gotten on your skin. You may need to add two coats of polish in order to get an opaque layer of color.

11. Finish your nails. Wait a few minutes for your polish to begin to dry, and add a clear top coat. This will set your polish in place, and help it to last longer without chipping. Then, protect your feet for 10-15 minutes while the polish completely dries. Test the polish with your finger to see if it is still tacky; when it is totally smooth to the touch and doesn’t smear under pressure, you’re finished! Go show off your cute new toes, and relish your soft new feet.

Quick tips for strong hair and healthy nails

• For Healthy Nails :

* Take B vitamins for strong nails. Nails as strong as horses’ hoofs, to be exact. It’s a secret veterinarians have long known—that the B vitamin biotin strengthens horses’ hoofs. The hoofs are made from keratin, the same substance that makes up fingernails. Several studies find it works just as well in humans. One from Swiss researchers found that patients with brittle nails who supplement with 2,500 micrograms of biotin for six months increased their nail thickness 25 percent. Take 300 micrograms of the vitamin four to six times a day.

* Skip the quick-drying nail polish. Most quick-drying polishes contain more formaldehyde and alcohol than regular polishes, and those fluids can dry and split your nails. The best way to fast-dry your nails is by freezing them. Dump a tray of ice cubes into your bathroom sink, add enough cold water to cover them, then dip your wet nails into the cold water for a minute or two after each coat.

• And Strong Hair :

* Wash your hair in Listerine. Why? Because your hair stinks. No, not really. Turns out that Listerine is an effective cure for dandruff. Mix your own dandruff rinse by combining one part mouthwash with nine parts water. After shampooing with your regular shampoo, apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on. Your dandruff will improve, your hair won’t be sticky, and you can be assured people won’t accuse your hair of having bad breath. You don’t actually have to use Listerine. Most drug chains carry a much cheaper house-brand antiseptic mouthwash that has the same active ingredients as Listerine. Just compare labels.

* Give your hair a mint rinse. Okay, the Listerine remedy works, but if you’d rather not have your hair smelling like mouthwash. Mash a handful of fresh or dry peppermint leaves and cover them with vodka. Let it steep for a full day , then strain. Add 1/4 teaspoon water at a time to the mix until it becomes cloudy. After shampooing, apply the mix to your scalp and leave it on. You should see results by the second shampoo, and if not, you can always drink the stuff.