Latest news with #manicure
Vogue
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Vogue
7 Nail Polish Colors That Enhance Your Summer Tan: From Milky White to Spritz Orange
Back from enjoying your Euro summer? Pack away the vacation blues: here's why you have to be paying attention to your summer nails. Fresh from summering abroad (or in your sunspot of a backyard), you might be reaching for a glittering body oil to extend the life of your glowing tan—but have you considered your next nail appointment as an optimum time to enhance your sunny complexion? Summer nails = summer tan with a longer shelf life, without the need to bake yourself in the sun. PSA: wear a good SPF everywhere, including your hands. With the right colors, you can make your tan and your hands the basis of your summer 'fits. You can play around with brighter, bolder shades, which harmonize with the undertones of the skin. Or emphasize the warmth with spicier shades such as terracotta and chocolate brown, desert tones, or variants of a classic nude. The best summer nails, then, play with contrasts: white might be a go-to, but tones like charcoal gray or electric blue can become the perfect pop of color to energize the tan. And, then, there are seasonal classics like juicy orange nail polish, zesty yellows, or raspberry pink, as well as some streaks of neon, that still ring true for summer nails 2025. Below, Vogue breaks down some of the best summer nails to keep you looking radiant. Spritz orange What shade represents Euro summer best? A juicy, thirst-quenching orange of course. Situate yourself on the coast of Italy, clutching a cold drink. What's your manicure saying? The image that defines Italian riviera lounging is that of a cool, Spritz-based aperitif. Orange nail polish is perfect for enhancing a tan: a warm shade that plays up the almost spicy highlights in your skin, and that allow a golden complexion to shine. Photo: Instagram (@_pernails) Milky white White nail polish is a classic color that emphasizes the warmer notes in your skin—it feels very '80s Ibiza, totally Balearic. While you might think to reach for a chalky white, really, you should make way for the on-trend, milky, and delicate shades that give the manicure an almost creamy look.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The unlikely $5 item from Kmart that's saving Aussies a fortune on beauty: 'These changed my life'
One Aussie shopper has found the ultimate budget beauty hack that will save you thousands of dollars per year. Beauty-obsessed Mya Bertolini, shared her knowledge on TikTok, unveiling a $5 bargain that instantly makes nails look like they've just left the salon. Mya revealed she can make the OXX Cosmetics French tip coffin-shaped press-ons from Kmart ($5) last an impressive three weeks - without the price tag or damage of a professional set. 'These used to last me only three days,' she told viewers. 'Now they last me three weeks. They're so good. I will never get acrylics again.' The beauty lover explained that the key to long-lasting results isn't just from the product itself, it's all in the prep too. 'All you're going to need is a nail file and pure acetone,' she said in the clip, which has amassed 100,000 views. 'I got these at a beauty supply store,' she continued, as she walked viewers through her routine. Mya began pushing back her cuticles and gently buffing her natural nails. 'You don't want to damage them.' Next came what she says is the most important step - wiping the nails with pure acetone to strip away any oils on the nail plate, which could affect how well the glue sticks. 'It's going to completely get rid of all the oils,' she explained. Once her nails were clean and prepped, she used the glue that came with the Kmart set to apply the press-ons. The final result was a flawless, professional-looking manicure for a fraction of the cost. And Mya isn't the only one ditching expensive nail salons for good. Her video has been flooded with comments from fellow beauty lovers who are also jumping on the trend. 'Thank you. I'm so over these nail salons,' one person wrote, while another declared: 'LOVE! Dramatic but press-ons, these have changed my life.' Others shared their own tips and favourite brands, with one user recommending: 'You should try the Cotton On ones! They're so cute and legit so strong.' Another clever commenter added that wiping down the inside of each fake nail before applying can also help them stay on longer. But while the DIY nail sets are winning rave reviews, not everyone was sure how to safely remove them. One fan asked, 'Okay but how do you take them off though?' To avoid damaging your natural nails, beauty experts recommend soaking the press-ons in warm, soapy water for several minutes before gently lifting them off with a spoon or cuticle stick. Any remaining glue can be carefully scraped away, and it's always best to follow up with a nourishing cuticle oil or moisturiser to restore hydration. With salon visits now costing Aussies anywhere from $60 to $120 a pop, it's no surprise that more women are reaching for this clever Kmart hack instead. At just $5 a set, it's a beauty bargain that's hard to beat - and one that's changing the nail game for good.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I'm a nail technician — my favourite LED lamp has been slashed by 43% and it gives salon-quality results
TWO years ago, I became a qualified nail technician and since then, have been through countless nail lamps. The one that has remained my trusty companion has been the SUNUV nail lamp — and it's been discounted on Amazon by a hefty 43%. Whether you're looking to save some cash by doing your manicures at home or considering a career as a nail technician, this nail lamp is one to consider, offering salon-quality nails at an incredibly affordable price. We all know that summer brings weddings, BBQs, festivals, and other events that can strain finances, leaving less budget for monthly salon trips. So, now is the perfect time to save your pennies and put some treatments on hold by investing in a nail lamp. The SUNUV lamp has over 2,000 five-star reviews, has made over 3,000 sales this month alone, and is currently on sale for just £39.98. How much is it? The lamp usually retails for £69.99 but is currently (and frequently) on sale at Amazon for just £39.98. Who's it best for? The lamp suits anyone looking to do their nails at home, all the way up to people looking to start an independent career in nails. It's perfect for beginners as much as trained professionals due to its easy-to-use features and salon-quality strength. What we loved: The affordability and salon quality, as well as its four different time settings, which include a longer time and lower heat setting for sensitive hands and the longevity of a manicure. What we didn't: I genuinely don't have any issues to report with this lamp — it's been my go-to for years. SUNUV Led Nail Lamp £69.99 £39.98 - buy here Performance 2 BUY HERE I tested this lamp as part of my review of the best nail lamps, focusing on how long it takes to use, how easy it is for beginners to get to grips with and the features that set it apart from other devices on the market. The SUNUV lamp takes the top spot as the best overall lamp for me for several reasons. Firstly, despite being a salon-quality lamp — in fact, many salons use it — it's priced similarly to many flimsy starter lamps, making it a steal for the quality it offers. While it doesn't come with polishes, base coats and tools like some others do, the durability of the manicures it delivers makes it worth purchasing those additional items separately. One feature that I really love is the three different time settings of 10, 30, and 60 seconds, as well as a fourth option: a lower-heat, longer-timed 90-second setting, perfect for those with sensitive hands who may find higher heat intensity uncomfortable. The placement of the lights inside the lamp ensures even curing, while the sturdy, detachable base makes pedicures much easier to achieve. Price and packaging Other salon-grade lamps, such as Glitterbels or Gelish, can sit at the higher end of the price range, costing between £250 and £350. I've tested Gelish as well as other high-end lamps and still find SunUV's lamp to be the best all-rounder in terms of value, affordability, and features.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Dermatologists' Number-1 Tip for Longer, Stronger Nails
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." While it's always nice to have a stunning manicure that has your friends swooning, at Prevention we know that there are far more reasons to maintain strong and healthy nails. 'If the appearance of the skin is a window into a person's internal health, the nails are at least a porthole,' says Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of dermatologic surgery and laser and cosmetic dermatology at the University of Texas Dell Medical Center. Indeed, strong and healthy nails not only make you feel confident and put together, but they also signal that you're supporting your body's overall health and protecting yourself from things like infections and skin concerns. Here are some common causes of weak, brittle nails, plus the doctor-approved tips that will help them grow faster and stronger than ever. What causes brittle, breakable nails? Dry, brittle nails have a list of potential causes that is long and complex—ranging from fungal infections to skin disorders like eczema to internal conditions like heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems, Dr. Hollmig says. Nutritional deficiencies, celiac disease, or major health stressors like fevers or chemotherapy medications can also damage your nails. If you consider yourself generally healthy, know that dry air can dehydrate your nails just as much as your skin. 'The exact same cells that form the outer layer of your skin also form your nails,' explains dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder and CEO of Dr. Bailey Skin Care. 'These cells harden more in your nails, but structurally, they share many common features and needs.' Natural oils hold together layers within the nail, acting as a 'glue,' as Dr. Bailey calls it, and when temperatures and humidity drop, that glue is much more susceptible to breaking down. Genes and aging can also play a role. Nail growth is like hair growth, in that it's different for everyone. 'Not everyone makes nails that are durable at longer lengths,' says Chris G. Adigun, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in nail disorders. She also emphasizes that stunted nail growth isn't the same as nail brittleness. Brittle nails grow at the expected rate, they just break easily. How to make your nails grow longer and stronger Growing your nails can be a trying process, and it definitely tests your patience. 'Nails grow slowly,' says Dr. Hollmig. 'It typically takes about six months to regrow a fingernail and an entire year to regrow a big toenail.' Thankfully, the following expert-backed tips will help speed up the process. 1. Favor foods that support nail growth. 'As long as a person is healthy and eating a well-balanced diet, it is difficult to accelerate nail growth beyond the normal rate of about 3 millimeters per month,' Dr. Hollmig says. But diet is the most crucial thing you can do to promote steady progress, so load up on foods rich in the following nutrients, all of which support healthy nail growth: Cysteine: chicken, turkey, yogurt, legumes Folate: spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, avocado, green peas Biotin: egg yolks, salmon, nuts, seeds, spinach, broccoli Zinc: oysters, beef, crab, beans, nuts, seeds, fortified cereal Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, mangoes Vitamin C: bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, kiwifruit 2. Leave your nails alone. Dr. Adigun often sees patients who have undergone 'chronic cuticle manipulation, such as pushing or trimming,' she says, which stunts nail growth. That manipulation could also include stress-induced biting and picking. Your best bet is to simply leave your nails alone in the first place, but that can be easier said than done. If you find that you're mindlessly biting, it helps to first identify your triggers—say, when you're running late to work—and do your best to avoid them. Frequently applying a hand cream or cuticle balm to your nails and surrounding skin can also help, as you'll have fewer dry areas to pick at. If all else fails, you can treat your nails with a bitter nail polish (which really will taste awful) or secure a bandage around a particular nail you can't leave alone. 3. Wet your nails before you file. Although you want your nails to grow long, you should still file them to keep them free of snags that may catch and cause splitting—think of it the same way as needing to get your ends trimmed even when you're growing your hair out. To ensure your filing isn't too harsh, Dr. Bailey recommends wetting your nails first 'to soften the structure and make it pliable.' Always file in one direction with swift, smooth strokes (going back and forth can cause splintering) with a softer file, like the Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator 4-Way Nail Buffer. 4. Protect them from harsh soaps and cleaners. Or at least wear gloves while you use them. 'Exposing your hands to harsh soaps, cleaning products, solvents, and rough work makes the problem worse because it pulls natural oil from your nails and damages the nail keratin protein,' says Dr. Bailey. 'At first, your nails begin to 'fray' on the edges, becoming brittle. Eventually, the layers split.' 5. Don't skimp on the moisturizer. Dr. Bailey says you should consistently treat your hands and nails with oils that will lock in moisture, preserve the cuticle seal, and strengthen the nail itself in order to promote growth. Her favorites are natural oils like jojoba oil, avocado oil, and shea butter. Dr. Adigun's go-to hydrating product is RESTORE by Dr. Rogers, which is a healing balm for damaged, fragile skin that contains glycerin (an ingredient that draws moisture to the area) and castor oil. 6. Change up your regular manicure. They might look beautiful, but there could be a lot of damage happening underneath your manicures, especially if you have an unknown allergy. 'Allergy to a nail product will present with peeling, cracking nails,' says Dr. Adigun. She says it's most often due to the presence of tosylamide or formaldehyde resin, chemicals found in many nail polishes and hardeners. Unfortunately, gel manicures may not be any better. 'Gel manicures may be tough on nails, causing brittleness, peeling, and cracking," Dr. Adigun says. "And repeated use of UV radiation in these settings may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging on the hands.' She recommends using 5-free nail polishes instead, which are lacquers made without the five chemicals and allergens that most often interfere with nail growth and strength: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and the allergens camphor and formaldehyde resin. Butter London and Deborah Lippman are approved polish brands by Dr. Adigun's standards. 7. Try some vitamins. While certain vitamins and supplements can help support healthy nail growth, they 'should be used in addition to, not in place of, a healthy diet,' says Dr. Bailey. One to look into? Biotin, a type of B vitamin, has been shown to increase nail thickness by about 25% in patients with brittle nails and "can improve nail smoothness and reduce nail splitting,' she says, ultimately supporting faster growth. You could also consider popping a multivitamin that contains a mix of the nutrients mentioned above, just in case you aren't getting all of them every day from the foods you eat. 'I tell patients to go to their favorite, high-quality natural food store and ask the vitamin specialist for their best nail formula,' suggests Dr. Bailey. If you believe you may be deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, talk to your doctor about getting your levels tested. Taking an iron supplement, for example, may help strengthen your nails—but that's only the case if your doc confirms you have an iron deficiency, says Dr. Adigun. ⚠️ Always talk to your doctor about proper dosage before taking any new supplement, especially if you're already taking other medications or get regular lab tests. 8. Talk to a dermatologist. If you feel like you've tried everything and you're still dealing with brittle nails and breakage, consulting a professional may be necessary. In those cases, Dr. Adigun recommends seeing a dermatologist who specializes in nail health. 'We sometimes prescribe an oral antifungal medication to accelerate growth,' she says, but that's only if symptoms are severe. 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The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
I'm a nail tech – here's the four mistakes that ruin your holiday nails and lead to annoying chips
WE all love to look our best when jetting off on holiday - and for some of us, that means having a fresh set of nails. But costs for a professional manicure or premium designs are now exceeding more than £60 a set. And with most of us already feeling the strain on our budgets, it's no wonder that holiday-goers are looking for an alternative. Many Scots are now having a go themselves at achieving the salon-perfect manicure at home. Which means they can have a similar look at a fraction of the price. Luckily, nail technicians are on hand to help get those nails in tip-top shape. Sarah Green, a Beauty and Nail Course Tutor from Open Study College, has revealed that there are some mistakes people make when they try to do their own nails. The nail pro has shared the four things people should avoid doing if they want to make sure they stay in good condition and don't get ruined. And it means your at-home holiday nails can stay chip-free and look just as good as the pros. The beauty expert says it's all about looking after them properly in different environments. 1. Using hot water One mistake that Sarah says most people make is not keeping their nails out of hot water as much as they can. She said: "Fresh nails are vulnerable to hot water as it can break the bond between the nail and the polish. Nail tech slams 'absolutely vile' duck nails, and shares the eight other trends she can't stand "This expansion can cause the gel or acrylic nail to lift away and break. "Try to avoid hot water where you can, and if your nails have been in hot water, rinse them in cold water straight away. "Being on holiday, you'll probably be surrounded by a lot of water, so just be mindful of your fresh set of nails before enjoying the jacuzzi or hot tub." 2. Forgetting UV protection You might not realise it, but your nails need UV protection just as much as your skin and face do, and not putting sun cream on them can leave them damaged. Sarah explains: "Not only does your body need sun cream, but so do your nails! "When applying sun cream, don't rub the excess off; rub it into your hands and nails. "This will help to prevent discolouration, keeping your mani fresh all holiday. "You don't need a lot, but try to reapply throughout the day, as you would with your normal sun cream routine." 3. Forgetting to apply cuticle oil The nail technician says anyone who wants to keep their nails looking their best for longer should not forget to apply cuticle oil. She explained that a mistake that many people make is not looking after their nails as much as they do their hair. Sarah advises: "Apply cuticle oil daily, especially after washing your hands or swimming, to moisturise and prevent dryness. "This intense hydration is perfect for the hot weather. "Similar to haircare, your nails can be damaged by the sun too, so these types of oils are essential for holidays." NAILS NO-NO A NAIL expert has revealed the two words that prospective clients say that can gets them ghosted. There's plenty of bad habits such as being glued to your phone and creating awkward conversations that can lead to a frosty atmosphere in the salon. But some beauty fans could ruin their chances of an appointment before they're even through the door. Nickie runs her own salon in Musselburgh, East Lothian, and also trains up other prospective nail technicians. In a recent TikTok video, she revealed her "unpopular opinion" about message enquiries. She said: "I'm not replying to you if you just write to me 'how much'. "Sorry? How much for what? How much for nails? How much for training? Eyebrows? Hair? A lift to your mum's house? "Like what even happened to 'hey how are you?'. Not even a 'how are you?' Just like a 'hi'. "'Hi. How much is nails?' Or 'how much is training?' "[Just] 'How much?' Like? I'm sorry but I can't even reply because I feel like it's like a waste of my time because then I know you're not going to reply back to me again." 4. Not refreshing your top coat Some people think that once you put a layer of top coat on, it will last for ages. But in fact, it can fade quite quickly, being the first layer, and it should be reapplied every two to three days. Sarah suggests taking a small bottle away with you when you go on holiday to keep it fresh - and this also helps keep it chip-free. She said: "Top coats help to protect the polish underneath. So naturally, this is the first layer to fade away. "Once the top coat is gone, the nail will chip and be prone to breaking. "Pack a little bottle of top coat and reapply every few days. "This way, your top coat will always be fresh, and keep the rest of the polish protected throughout the entire holiday!"
