From Style Blazer

From StyleBlazer

We’re finding one more way to rock classic denim: on our nails! That’s right, denim manicures are now a thing, and we are totally on board.

So how exactly does it work? No need to worry, your old jeans can remain in tact (so step away from the scissors). Nails Inc. London has just debuted a polish that boasts that unique indigo color that dries matte, giving your nails a denim finish.

Read more at StyleBlazer.com

Pinterest.com

You’ve had tons of fun keeping your fingers fabulously tinted with summer’s neon and pastel nail colors. However, it’s time to start thinking about your new signature hue. Major for fall are shades of gold, orange and wine (or Chianti), as well as seasonal neutrals. There’s even a bit of sparkle to be had. Choose any of these 5 summer-to-fall shades and you’ll transition your tips with ease.

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OctoberGallery.com

While pricier personal care products tend to work almost like magic, blowing your entire paycheck on items you can’t really afford isn’t the only way you can tap into quality skin, hair and nail care. There are tons of brands carried in drugstores that retail at reasonable price points and will work well as supplements to your splurge-worthy items. Here are some of the best beauty products currently lining drugstore shelves.

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The first time I got a manicure, somewhere back in high school; every girl was getting acrylic tips. Then we moved on to gel tips and most recently gel polish. Now since I have naturally strong and long nails I never really indulged in the nail tips…but this gel polish trend, yes ma’am. As someone who does their hair often and uses their hands a lot, no matter the brand of nail polish (I’m an OPI girl, btw) my nail polish always chipped off within 3 days. And I absolutely abhor sitting still for longer than 5 minutes and then not being able to use my hands for an hour. The promises of gel polish lasting for upwards of 2+ weeks and drying in 5 minutes seemed like the ultimate answer to my need for having polished nails and working with my hands. So I jumped on the gel polish train.

The first time I got gel polish, I realized that the process is a lot like the gel tip process and I had always stayed away from that because tips weigh down and weaken your nail bed. For gel polish, they add a coat of shellac, which is baked under a UV light, and then the paint, which is again backed under the UV light. 2-3 weeks later you’re back at the nail salon to remove the gel polish and possibly reapply. In order to remove gel polish you have to soak your nails in acetone for 10+ minutes and then you’re back at it all over again. It’s a relatively simple and quick process. But that simple and quick process can do some damage to the nails.

Baking under UV lights is like exposing yourself to direct sunlight, which causes skin cancer. According to Dr. Susan Taylor at HuffPo: “If you are exposed to ultraviolet light for four to eight minutes every two weeks when you have a gel manicure, that can add up to significant exposure.” You can counter that by adding sunscreen after the nail salon has you wash your hands. If you’re brazen and super health focused, you can also wear gloves with the fingertips cut off. Alternatively, LED light is much safer option for any of the gel processes.

Now the acetone soak to remove the gel polish was the most harrowing for me. Acetone dries out your hands and can cause your nails to peel. I like my real nails and would like to keep it that way. Making your nails brittle by soaking them in acetone can make them more susceptible to breaking. To offset this, take Vitamin E and moisturize your hands regularly.

Do you have to stay away from gel polish if you want healthy nails? Not entirely, but don’t be so eager to get them done on the regular. Your nails need time to breath, so try to extend the time period between gel polish application. Applying light colors will also help extend the length of wear. Just remember that every trend isn’t best for you. Do your research and weigh how much the health risks mean to you.

Jouelzy offers tutorials on all aspects of Black hair care via her YouTube channel, focusing on women with tight budgets. You can also find her daily hair tips and inspirations on Facebook.

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Source: StyleBlazer.com

From StyleBlazer.com 

Everyone knows your clothes say a lot about you; as do your handbag and shoe game.  But did you know your nails could be making a statement about your personality too, without you saying a word? Yep!  Katie Saxton, nail expert and President of Custom Nail Solutions broke down the message that popular nail colors, designs, and styles send to others.

Check out 11 characteristics your pretty polish choices say about you at StyleBlazer.com. 

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Greetings, friends!

If you’re one of those people who is looking for the newest product or for some product recommendations, then you’re in luck. I’ve tried a few new products lately for everything from my dry hair to my ladybits and thought I would share. Let’s get down to business:

Source: http://www.nicholasbrooklyn.com

Shea Moisture’s Honey and Black Seed After Shave Regenerative Lotion

What does Shea Moisture have that isn’t amazing??? And while you might have most of the hair products, you shouldn’t pass up on the things they have in their women’s skin line. While perusing a beauty supply store to stock up on hair goods, I ran across this cream that is supposed to work wonders for irritated skin after you’ve shaved. As someone whose run into this problem while trying to remove hair from my girlfriend down there, I thought I wouldn’t have anything to lose (but about $8 or $9). But man oh man, has this stuff been a Godsend! Not only does it smell delicious, but it helps the hair (wherever you apply it), grow back softer, and grow black slower at that. One of the best products I’ve picked up in a while…You can find their products at Target, Walgreens, or at your nearby ratchet beauty supply *smiles*

Source: mmproducts.com

Sofn’Free’s Milk Protein & Olive Oil Leave-In Treatment and Argan & Olive Oil Spray

Finding the right leave-in conditioner is tricky. Some leave you with a weird residue, some don’t even really condition like they say they will, but Sofn’Free’s leave-in spray used to make my afro feel like butter in the morning. And that’s after it felt like a brillo pad at night. Do a twist out, and if you’re not looking to throw a big cream or pudding in for moisture, this leave-in spray will go a long way. Your hair soaks it up really well (well, mine did at least), and the smell is delightful. The company’s argan and olive oil spray also provides a lot of shine without coming off greasy, and that works great for all kinds of hair, especially relaxed locks that are dull and need some kick.

Source: shopme.com

Arm & Hammer’s Ultra Max Invisible Solid Deodorant (in Powder Fresh!)

I’m sure we’re all out here searching for the right deodorant, and if you do the absolute most on a daily basis like moi, you’re bound to work up a sweat. When that happens, you need a deodorant that will work heavy duty, won’t go on too thick, but won’t be too thin. Arm & Hammer’s Invisible Solid deodorant is another miracle-worker. It has saved my white T-shirts, and keeps me very fresh and clean. A lot of these other deodorants (the Suaves and the Secrets of the world) are too busy trying to make you smell like a bed of roses when your a** just needs to smell clean. You will swear by it soon enough. Find it at your local drugstore/pharmacy (Walgreens, Wal Mart, Target, etc).

Source: en.paperblog.com

DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer Manicurist’s Finishing Spray

As an avid nail painter who likes to avoid spending money on things I can do myself (sorry nearby nail salon), the faster I can get my nails done the better. While cold water can work after a while, and even cooking spray, this finishing spray by DeMert really does work wonders. It not only dries your manicure, but it makes your hands look like professional did them! Which is nice since I know you struggled to paint that right hand, girl. It’s only a few bucks and can be found at your local beauty supply. So if you’re trying to avoid the big smudge or those weird imprints from going to bed too early with your new nails, you might want to pick up a can.

Source: beautycoliseum.com

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

I had heard some people online raving about this product, so when my beautician told me I should use it for my two-strand twists, I was expecting big results. Granted, you’re not going to wake up with a whole new head of long hair, but if you put a small amount on your edges and in places where hair has broken off, the growth you will see in a short amount of time is pretty awesome. Not only that, but it also moisturizes your hair well. However, I must admit that the smell and the consistency (it’s thick) aren’t anything to write home about, but the results are. Check it out, and be sure to mix it with other things so it doesn’t go on so thick…Try for your local beauty supply (not Sally’s) if you’re looking for it, and you can also buy the oil online.

What products are must-haves for you?

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From StyleBlazer.com

Our sister site recently let you in on 9 Sizzling Summer Nail Art Trends for you to try your hand at.  Now, we want to take it up a notch with two extremely creative nail art DIY’s.  Whether you consider yourself a beauty queen or not, we think you owe it to yourself to try them out.  Got access to fresh leaves?  Got scotch tape?  Then we’ve got you covered!  Anyone from a green girl to a kooky creative can appreciate these easy tricks.

Here are two nail art DIY must-tries…

Get the breakdown at StyleBlazer.com. 

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Like most trends, over-the-top designed nails have hit the beauty market hard but the experts predict the fad to be in its last days. Nude nails were all the rage on the Fall 2012 runways (as you already know) but we can’t deny those audacious StyleBlazers who ignore the rules of fashion, the right to have their fancy nails spark conversation whenever they’re in tow.

While there was definitely a decrease of designed nails on the runway during NYFW, we did find some designers who wouldn’t have had a complete collection without  bold tips. Check out StyleBlazer’s favorite nails in the gallery here…

Courtesy of Squidoo.com

With spring around the corner, it is time to explore the trendiest nail colors for Spring 2012. Keep an eye out for vibrant and luscious colors with a creamy undertone and opacity. Nail polish colors are far from subtle these days; be prepared to stand out from the crowd! To help you on your quest for the chicest nail colors, we have assembled a list of some trendy colors for Spring 2012.

You are what you eat. So this could mean that eating satisfying-but-equally-bad-for-you foods may stand in the way of your beauty. Of course, beauty is supposedly skin deep, but if you’re still concerned about the skin that people actually see, you may want to watch the foods you put into your body.

There are plenty of foods that have negative effects on our hair, skin, and nails but there are also other foods that allow these things to flourish.  Some of us subtly become product junkies as we try multiple skin creams, hair vitamins and other beauty products in an effort to get or maintain glowing skin and healthy hair. However, we forget that no amount of expensive lotion or vitamins can replace the lasting effects of eating the right foods.

So before trying an over-the-counter quick fix to combat subpar skin or dull and brittle hair, up your dose of  these ‘beauty foods.’