Acrylic Nails...Can they harm your natural nails?

Hey bellas,

I've just recently started wearing acrylic overlays on my fingernails again after taking a break from it for a couple months. I used to LIVE on this when I was in college (both acrylic & gel - LOVED the gel) but I've got pretty strong nails so when I started working I decided to rock the au naturale for awhile lol.

Anyway I'm back to wearing a thin layer of overlay again in keeping with the new nail trend of strong, bold colours. The main question I got from this was

why would you want to put that stuff on your nails, won't they damage them?

The simple answer? NO... not if you take care of them & only let a QUALIFIED nail technician work on your nails... that's right.... not just your friend Shawna down the road with the steady hands & the banging nail designs.

Explanations are never simple with me tho chicas so I went to find the detailed info for ya'll... peep this:

Acrylic nails generally are safe and won't harm your natural nails. However, some people who wear acrylic nails may notice a slight discoloration or coarsening of their natural nails. A more serious problem that may result from acrylic nails is a nail infection.

Sometimes a gap develops between the acrylic nail and the natural nail - for example, if the acrylic nail is bumped or jarred, it may separate from the natural nail. This gap provides a moist, warm environment in which bacteria and fungi can grow. An infection may also occur if an acrylic nail is left in place for prolonged periods, or if the salon uses unsanitary tools to apply your nails. If an infection occurs, the natural nail may become thickened and discolored and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Rarely, a person may have an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to components of acrylic nails or the adhesives used to apply them. This usually results in some redness and peeling of the skin around the nail. If peeling is excessive or persists despite the use of moisturizer on the affected skin, consult a dermatologist.

The key to preventing infection and nail damage due to artificial nails is to choose a reputable, licensed nail salon.

Choosing a safe nail salon - Questions you should ask

Is the salon licensed? If the license isn't posted, ask to see it.
Are the nail technicians licensed? If the licenses aren't posted, ask to see them.
How are nail implements sanitized? Heat sterilization (autoclaving) is best. But chemical sterilization also is allowed.
Is there a pre-service scrub? Both the nail technician and the client should wash their hands with antimicrobial soap before nail work begins.
Is each customer given a fresh bowl of soapy water to soak their nails in and is a new nail file used for each customer?
Is the facility neat and clean?
Is there a strong smell of fumes? If there is, it's a sign that the facility is poorly ventilated.

Source: Revolution Health

Five Habits That Aggravate Dry Skin

So far I've outlined a lot of DO'S for the beauty of skin but there's a lot of things we do to our skin that totally work against our skin care goals.

Here are FIVE things we should all AVOID doing to keep dry, tight & itchy skin at bay:

Taking Long, Hot Showers

Hot water strips your skin of the natural lipids — cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides — that provide a watertight seal around cells. This disturbs the skin’s barrier and causes water to evaporate.

A reduction in lipids causes skin to feel dry and itchy. Limit showers to no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and use warm — not hot — water.The same rules apply for taking a bath: Keep bathing time short, and use warm water. When washing your face and hands, use warm or lukewarm water.


Using deodorant soaps

Cleansers such as deodorant soaps and foaming face washes contain detergents that, like hot water, remove lipids from the skin and damage its barrier. Not only does this allow water to evaporate from the skin, but it lets irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (a common detergent) enter skin cells and cause inflammation.

Because shampoo may also contain this irritating ingredient, it’s best to shampoo first, then wash your face and body to remove any traces of it. Also potentially harmful to skin are alcohol- and water-based cleansers, bubble baths, and heavily fragranced soaps. More soothing options are oil-based, unscented mild soaps and body washes.

Rigorously toweling off after your shower

Aggressively rubbing a towel on your skin causes friction that can irritate it. Instead, pat skin dry. Immediately apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Using an overly aggressive facial peel

A peel — whether it's an at-home glycolic acid peel or a spa treatment — is beneficial because it removes the top layer of skin, which allows moisturizers to penetrate more readily. What isn’t good is using a peel that is too potent on skin already irritated by wind or cold. Opt for a more soothing oxygen facial, or try a moisturizing mask in colder months.

Forgoing sunscreen in the winter

Nothing is as damaging and drying to skin as sunburn, and UVA rays are the same year-round.

It’s especially important to wear sunscreen when skiing because the sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes. An SPF 15 lotion is typically fine in the winter, but check the label to make sure it contains UVA/UVB protection or is a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Let's take proper care of that skin bellas *chao*

Love Sex Magic

I HAD to share this video ya'll... it's HOT & I'm feeling this song!

Love Sex Magic - Ciara Feat. Justin Timberlake


Album: Fantasy Ride

Genre: Electropop

Writers: Ciara Harris, Justin Timberlake

Released: March, 2009

Ten Foods for Better Skin!

I've been focusing on skin for some time for this simple reason... it's the biggest organ & I think it therefore needs the MOST attention! Knowing what foods to include in your diet & ensuring they're a part of your daily intake is critical to achieve soft, supple, sexy skin! Well know you'll know about TEN ways to put your best face foward... literally!

Face Food #1: Avocados
This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin, inside and out.

Niacin (vitamin B-3) is very important for healthy skin. It acts as an anti-inflamitory by soothing irritated skin. It also calms red, blotchy skin. Just 1 avocado contains 3.8 mg of niacin. This fullfills 27% of your daily need.


Tip: Try substituting your banana with half an avocado in your morning smoothie. Blend it with yogurt and frozen berries and you'll get a creamy nutty flavored boost for your skin.

Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells; a deficiency will result in a dry, flaky complexion. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with fewer than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure, not just your face.



Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a gorgeous shape for your eyes, almonds are also great for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you.

Vitamin E's rich oils moisturize dry skin, and its antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging of facial tissue.



Tip: You can get your daily dose of Vitamin E from a almond smoothie! Sounds weird doesn't it? Find the recipe here... IF your brave enough

Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy is good for your bones and face. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium that makes us wild for the creamy curds.

When paired with vitamin E, selenium is a force to be reckoned with in fighting free radicals and providing powerful antioxidants. The benefit to you? Beautiful skin! Cottage cheese has even been rumored to protect against skin cancer.



Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
I love cherries but they are NOT created equally. Your average cherry doesn’t supply a lot of vitamin C, but that’s not true for Acerolas (we call them Garden Cherries in Jamaica). One Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin.



Face Food #6: Oysters
Oysters are no longer just a great aphrodisiac! They're also are a love fest for skin. Oysters fight pimples because they’re rich in zinc. The mineral affects sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne.

Zinc also helps boost elastin (the skin's elastic protein) production with the help of vitamin C.



Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Set aside the greasy French fries. A plump, steaming baked potato is good for your skin.

Eat one baked potato (with the skin) to get 75% of your daily copper need. This essential mineral works with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.




Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungus isn’t just for soup; it’s rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, and improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body uses large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.



Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that Omega 3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover.

Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega 3s, which, in turn, hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores that otherwise leads to acne.




Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don't be scared off by the word "germ". This is simply referring to the ebryo of a grain of wheat. It is a great source of biotin - a B vitamin vital to the health of your skin. Add a little to your morning cup of yogurt and you will be getting the nutrients you need to stave off dermatitis - itchy, scaly skin.




So there you have it bellas... some I'm already incorporating in my diet so I guess I'm on my way... yay! What about ya'll? Do you regularly include any of these as part of your "Sexy Skin" Diet or do you have or use other products... I'd LOVE to know!

O M G .... they're tryin to kill me!!!

Oh how I've missed blogging here *sigh*. The life of an ad agency employee is certainly seasonal! I've been under LOADS of work & I've hardly had time to scratch my head much less even read any of my favourite blogs.

Anyway the work load's getting a little lighter now so I'm stealing a couple minutes just to check in & say hey... let ya'll know I'm still here tryin to keep that Beauty on Lockdown & I have a couple more tips to share!

Stay tuned! *MUAH*

Home Hair Remedies

Okay bellas are you sensing a trend? Yup... We're still looking at inexpensive ways to keep that beauty on lockdown during this recession. We dealt with skin today so now we're on to hair.

It is well known that there are several at home remedies that we ladies use to care for our crown & glory everything from deep conditioning with mayonnaise to using flat beer on your strands to encourage sheen.

Well... these recipes I'm about to share are a bit more refined but they still address common hair issues like dandruff & dry hair.

Dandruff Mask: Thyme Water
Get rid of that pesky dandruff with the natural antiseptic properties of thyme. Thyme fights bacteria to free you of flakiness in a flash, so you can say hello to black clothes again!

What You Will Need:
• 7 tablespoons of dried thyme
• 2 cups of water

Directions
Boil the dried thyme with the two cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain the thyme out and apply water to clean, damp hair until hair is completely soaked. No need to rinse.


Dry-Hair Mask: Banana Smoothie
Who said banana smoothies are only for drinking? With the natural moisturizing agents of the shake's ingredients, this concoction will leave your hair soft to the touch in minutes.

What You Will Need:
• 1 banana (potassium softens hair shaft)
• 1 egg (natural moisturizer)
• 3 tablespoons of honey (natural moisturizer)
• 3 tablespoons of milk (strengthens hair follicles)
• 5 tablespoons of olive oil (deep conditioner)

Directions
Mash the banana, egg, honey, milk and olive oil in a bowl. Make sure it's well-combined. Then apply to hair. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse off with a gentle shampoo.

Clean-Hair Mask: Vodka Martini
Buildup can weigh down your, hair making it look lifeless. Remove all the unwanted buildup with this alcoholic and moisturizing mask. Your hair will feel fresh and clean afterward.


What You Will Need:
• 2 tablespoons of vodka (removes oils and buildup on the scalp)
• 2 tablespoons of honey (moisturizer)
• 1/2 ripe avocado (moisturizer)
• 1 egg yolk (conditions scalp and hair shaft)

Directions
Whisk vodka, honey, avocado and egg yolk until creamy. Apply mixture to washed, damp hair. Leave mask on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water. Shampoo, condition and style hair as usual.

Do you know of any other at home remedies/recipes you could share? I'd love to hear them...that banana smoothie sounds divine & the vodka martini??? Oooh don't get me started!

Lata chicas *besos*

Have You Ever Tried The Aspirin Mask?!

Hello my pretties!

I dunno about ya'll but I've been really feeling the recession crunch of late & it's forced me to get real serious about finding inexpensive ways and means to keep that beauty on lockdown when my wallet's on lock down lol.

I've been stressing A LOT lately & it's beginning to show... on my face :( yes alas... those horrid acne scars are back & I'm sick of spending top dollar on expensive products that take AGES to work... I'm gonna try something new & in true recession style it's gonna cost me under $5!


The Aspirin Mask is a skin softening, acne fighting treatment that has been used for years. Ya'll must be reading this & saying Aspirin??? now I KNOW this girl's gone crazy lol... But wait a minute lemme explain.

Aspirin is made out of salicylic acid also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid. Beta Hydroxy Acid works mainly as an exfoliant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It causes the cells of the epidermis to become "unglued" allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin. It is found in many top skin care products in a concentration of 1% to 2% and at a pH of 3 to 4.

It is important to note that when used Beta Hydroxy Acid causes skin to become more susceptible to the sun's harsh rays so it's important to use a really good SPF moisturiser when using any product with this acid.

So now that I've established that I've not gone crazy... on to the recipe!

You will need:

* Four or five aspirin pills. They must be uncoated, plain aspirin; Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, etc. will not work.
* A tablespoon or two of lukewarm water
* Honey or plain yogurt (optional)

Mix the aspirin with water to make a paste. Then add a few drops of honey. Apply the mask in a thin layer on your face, then allow it to dry, it should take about 10 minutes. Remove by rinsing in gentle circular motions.

Do not apply it near to eye zone, as it would be extremely drying and irritating for the sensitive skin there.

Refrain from over-using this mask. For very oily skin and for severe blemishes, every 3 days would be more than enough in order not to stress the skin and obtain maximum efficiency. Other skin types should use it once a week or twice a month (dry to very dry, sensitive skin).

So there you have it! Sounds cool right? If your still not a believer watch this video. It's from MichellePhan on Youtube ya'll should check her out! I just love her videos she takes the time out to be detailed and explains every step.



You can follow along with her tutorial here