2-Week Manicure Update

Well, my manicure chipped. It lasted 2 days. I did all the normal stuff I usually do and I didn't even do any dishes! On the plus side, it didn't chip as badly as it usually does so maybe if I used the specific topcoats that were mentioned in the article it would have lasted longer. Oh well. I've got another product I'm planning on testing out so I'll let you know how that goes. If anyone has any advice or tips please, please let me know.

2-Week Manicure

I mentioned in a previous post that I can’t get my manicures to last more than a day or two and I can’t figure out why. Well, I was reading the August issue of InStyle magazine and I came across an article that claimed to be able to tell me the secret of a 2-week manicure. Yes people, 2 WEEKS! Not only that but after reading the step 2, I discovered she tells you to do the opposite of what I’ve always been told to do. Well of course I had to try it out for myself. The manicurist who came up with this “secret” is Josephine Allen. InStyle breaks the secret down into 4 easy steps. Here they are (paraphrased):

1. “Do 1 ½ base coats” The 1^st coat just on the upper half of the nail, let dry for 1 minute. The 2^nd coat on the whole nail.

2. “Pile on the Polish” Apply 2 thick coats of polish. (I don’t know about you, but everything I’ve read or heard has always said to do 2 thin layers)

3. “Seal the Deal” Use 2 top coats. (The article suggests Nailtiques 2, followed by Seche Clear. This is the only spot in the article wear it suggests a specific brand be used. I didn’t have either of these so I substituted a “strengthening clear coat and a regular top coat)

4. Cool It! Dip your hands in and out of a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. “This helps to set the lacquer.

That’s it. I did this yesterday (08/09/10) and so far so good. I’ll let you know at the first sign of a chip. I hope this works though cause having a manicure that lasts more than 2 days would be awesome!

A Complete Guide to Manicure and Pedicure

I found this book at my local library and wanted to share it with you. This book has everything. It starts off by discussing the structure and anatomy of the hand and skin. It talks about the parts of the nail, giving definitions and detailed images. It also goes over problems with hands such as warts, excema, and carpal tunnel syndrom. It offers remedies and hand exercises to keep hands strong and lovely. The book even talks about nutrition and how it effects your skin, nails, and hands. It also talks about hand reflexology and then gets into how to give yourself a proper manicure. The book details all the tools needed and what each one does.

The book offers instructions on how to do different nail designs and techniques on how to get beautiful nails.

The book goes over the same things but for the feet. This is a really informative book that gave lots of great advice.