Base Coats: Are they necessary or a waste of time?

From left to right:  Essie's "Fill the Gap" ridge smoothing base coat,  Maybelline New York "Express Finish 50 Second Base & Top Coat",  ASK Cosmetics' Base Coat, 

Seche Clear - Crystal Clear Base Coat

 

You don't need to make an appointment at the salon and spend tons of money on getting the perfect manicure or pedicure.  It's possible to do it at home if you follow the right steps.

 

Experts say these steps begin with a clear base coat, which helps your polish of choice stick to your nails more easily.  A base coat also creates a barrier that in turn aids in protecting your nails from the damaging effects of nail varnish.  Base coats prevent staining and peeling, AND they will give your polished nails a more even texture.

 

Base coats come in different varieties:  plain, ridge-filler varieties and a dual purpose top & base coat in one.  Ridge-filling base coats are thicker than regular ones.  As their task is to fill in any lines, ridges and grooves giving the nails a smoother-looking appearance.

 

After the base coat dries (and it should dry relatively quickly with the exception of ASK Cosmetics' Base Coat which remains slightly tacky for better adherence of the polish), apply 2 thin coats of lacquer rather than one in order to give your nails a richer look.  Side note - by applying thin layers of polish your DIY manicure will last longer and not be as prone to chipping.  If you want to skip the coloured polishes altogether, you can simply use a base coat on its own to make your nails look shiny, but natural.

 

Finish off every manicure or pedicure with a good quality top coat to seal in the polish, create a shiny appearance and prevent chipping during wear.  Be advised that some products (Maybelline Express Finish 50 Second Base & Top Coat as seen above) combine a base and top coat functionality, but they may not work as well as the individual base and top coats.

 

So, although it may seem like a hassle at the time, base coats do extend the life of your manicure and help to avoid yellowed nails if you lean towards very pigmented shades such as fire-engine red!

 

 

Do you take the extra step to apply base coat?  If so, what is your favourite brand?

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Can't wait to connect with you - til then, Lisa

 

 

 

 

 

Maybelline's Poolside #975

Seen here 2 coats of Maybelline's Poolside 975

 

Sorry Maybelline, this shade did not impress me in the least.  Although it looked inviting at first, the shade looks awful with my skin tone.

 

 I won't write too much about this shade as my heart just isn't in it.  Last week I tried Azure Seas by Maybelline as well and wow, it left me super impressed.  My fault entirely for purchasing such a pale colour to begin with.

 

Here's how it shows up on two slightly different backgrounds.  I plan on trying to incorporate this into one of my upcoming marble/nailart manicures in August.  It might find its purpose in my stash then.

 

That's all for today.  Hope you are having a good one.

 

If you've tried this shade, let me know how you liked it?

 

Thanks for stopping by,  Lisa M.

 

Be sure to connect with me via FB, Twitter @nailcareasklisa and Pinterest @ASK Cosmetics Inc.

 

 

Azure Seas by Maybelline

An unbelievably beautiful blue!  It reminds me of wonderful vacations by the seaside and awakes a strong yearning to head to the beach.  I present "Azure Seas #990" by Maybelline to you today!

 

Seen here are 2 coats of this wonderful summery shade.  The photos I display on my blog are usually taken outside in natural light as I find it shows the polish shades closest to their appearance.  I also enjoy finding enhancing, natural backgrounds for my shots - like this one in front of one of my beautiful hosta plants.  The contrast of blue on green here really makes this polish shade come alive, don't you think?

 

 

Whether in the direct sunshine or in the shade this colour is so attractive.  The name is quite suitable and I couldn't stop comparing my nails to the colour of the water in a movie I recently watched.  Have you ever seen "Out of the Blue" starring Paul Walker, Jessica Alba and Josh Brolin?  Well, this was the very first time I saw a movie with Ms. Alba.  The jury is still out on her acting ability, but what I enjoyed most about this movie was the fantastic underwater footage and the breathtaking scenery on the waters surrounding the Bahamas.

 

This is definitely one blue that will be in my collection for a while.  The application was good as always with the Maybelline Color Show polishes.  The brush quality is normal and allows for easy application (please don't look too closely at the job I did here - two strong cups of coffee are not a good pre-requisite for an excellent mani!!)  The wear was standard as well - 5 - 6 days without any significant wear showing up.  I've tried others from the Maybelline collections before and I think they are great!  In this particular case, you get the quality you pay for.

 

Best Practice Advice:  For those of you who use TIPS Nail Conditioner or TIPS for Toes - don't forget to apply TIPS every day around your cuticles and under your natural nail.  Your newly developing nail begins to form between your first knuckle and your moons, so apply TIPS back that far as it penetrates and replenishes the nails and cuticles with essential lipids that we strip our fingers of each day.

 

For more information on these nail care/nail treatment products,

go to ASK Cosmetics website/online shop.

 

Is this a shade you would wear?  Does it make you want to pack your bags and head for the Caribbean?

 

Thanks for stopping by and take care,  Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

Off to Miami by Essence

And here it is "Off to Miami" by Essence.  It's a very pretty, rich coral shade - perfect for summer.

 

If you are interested in the ingredients, there is a pamphlet one can take at all the Essence cosmetics displays.  I have to warn you though, there are some "nasties" in their polishes.

 

2 coats seen here in this photo taken outdoors - I really liked the way the sunshine was caught by my digital camera.

 

For me an important criteria is the brush.  It is easy to work with; does it allow for even application; is it too wide or too narrow on the stroke?  I've tried to show you what the brush of all Essence polishes is like in these shots.

As you can see, it is very wide and for people with larger nails - it might be great to work with.  However, for people like myself with very small nails, it can be a nightmare at times.

 

Now, Essence is one of the most inexpensive polishes on the market that I know.  And so it is no surprise that you get what you pay for with this brand.  Admittedly, I keep going back because they have introduced some enticing shades, but I am always disappointed at the quality in comparison to other brands and I own, wear and work with regularly.

 

I always finish off all my manicures with a healthy dose of TIPS Nail Conditioner to treat the cuticles.  While wearing polish, it is advisable to apply TIPS around the nail and on the cuticle, but seeing as NOTHING will penetrate polish, it is a waste of product to apply TIPS over nail polish!

 

Would love to hear from you.....have you dabbled with Essence before?  How do you find the quality?

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day,  Lisa M.

 

Quote:  "Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece.  You cannot be improved.  You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it!" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Girls are Out! So look out.....

The Girls are out by Essie - one of the gorgeous shades from the summer 2013 collection

 

My nails before the manicure took place.  Can you see the ever-so-subtle shimmer in this polish?

 

As far as pinks go this shade is right at the top of my list of favourites.  The subtle shimmer really adds a touch of "bling" to it.  I think it's the perfect summer shade for either your finger OR toe nails.

One important factor of a really good polish brand is the application brush.  Essie normally has smaller, thinner brushes that always allow for easy application.  Granted, sometimes you require more that the usual three swipes on each nail to do a good job, but the brush is super easy to manage.

 

Not sure if the shimmer really comes to life in my photos.  It's hard for me to tell since I know it's there. 

 

My brief summary:  I love the shade.  It lives up to all my expectations of an Essie polish.  The application was easy and fussfree.  I wore this shade for 5 days.  Had I wrapped my tips better during the manicure, the staying power might have been better - my oversight.  I went ahead and applied it to my toes, which also looks amazing for summer.

Charlotte enjoying her beach time on the north shore of Cape Cod at Race Point

BTW - you might be wondering how I got that ugly brown spot on my ring finger...... you won't believe this!  My new dog, Charlotte is CRAZZZZZY about playing fetch.  In fact, she hounds me all day long to throw something for her to run after.  But the game can get slightly dangerous for the thrower as she doesn't release the ball right away.  She waits and waits; then drops it and jumps after the other one I am holding in my hand.  If I am not fast enough in throwing it, she occasionally catches my fingers with her sharp, little teeth.  OUCH!  That's how I got that little brown blemish on my finger.  Who knew "go fetch" could be so dangerous!

 

That's all for today!  So, I strongly advise you run out and check out the latest Essie shades this summer.   Most of the summer 2013 collection are on the lighter, pastel side, but "The Girls are Out" is awesome.

 

Have you tried any from this collection yet?

 

Stay cool!  Til next time,  Lisa M

 

 

 

 

And we have a winner.......

Hope you all had the chance to enter the TIPS Celebration Set Giveaway by ASK Cosmetics Inc.  The prize package includes:

 

 

1 x bottle of Perfect Red, 1 x bottle of Revival Nail Polish Remover and 1 x bottle (new size) of TIPS Nail Conditioner. All product by ASK Cosmetics Inc. of Canada.

 

And now, huge congratulations go to......

 

Elizabeth Vlug

 

  

Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned as we will be staging another giveaway very soon.

TIPS Celebration Set for Canada's Birthday

Join in the fun and place your entries for the ASK Cosmetics "TIPS Celebration Set" Giveaway.

 

You could be the lucky winner of:

 

1 bottle of TIPS Nail Conditioner (new size 7 ml), 1 bottle of ASK Nailwear "Perfect Red", 1 bottle of Revival Nail Polish Remover

 

Good luck to all those who enter!

 

What is your absolute favourite thing about Canada as a country?

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feeding your nails with supplements just isn't possible!

The following information is taken from one of the best books on the market, written by the Cosmetics Cop herself, Paula Begoun.  The title of her amazing book is "The Original Beauty Bible - Unparalleled Information for Beautiful and Younger Skin at Any Age" - a definite must-read for everyone!

 

 

Today's segment involves the belief that you can actually strengthen your nails from the outside with gelatin, fluoride, calcium and/or biotin.

 

"Despite the nail's basic attributes, several long-standing myths about getting the talons of your dreams make the coffee-klatch rounds every now and then.  Perhaps you've heard some of these nail delusions before, such as that tapping your nails on a hard surface will help nails grow and make them stronger.  That isn't true in the least.  You can't strengthen the nail by exercising it, assuming the nail needs the same training as a muscle.  If anything, tapping will do just the opposite of what you want.  Repetitive pressure or strain on the nail will lead to breakage and splitting."

 

 

 

"Another inane nail fiction is the notion that eating gelatin makes nails healthier.  Gelatin probably got its reputation as a nail builder because of its relationship to protein.  Like your nails and your hair, gelatin contains protein, but no form of food can go directly to the nail or hair to help it grow.  There are no studies or data demonstrating that eating gelatin will improve the condition of anything.  Eating a balanced, low-fat, nutritious diet (meaning lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) is certainly an important factor in overall good health, but feeding the nail directly just isn't feasible."

 

 

 

"Several nail-care products want you to believe that 'What's good for your teeth is great for your nails,' so you can 'Harness the power of fluoride with strengtheners, base and top coats, and cuticle care.'  If only that were possible! 

First, teeth are unrelated to nails.  Teeth are made of a bony substance composed of various mineral compounds, mostly calcium phosphate.  Nails have no mineral content but rather are composed of hardened keratin, basically the same substance that comprises skin and hair.  Fluoride reduces the presence of bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the acidity of the saliva and in turn reduces or eliminates tooth decay.  None of that, to put it mildly, has anything to do with nail growth or nail problems.

One more point:  Given that almost all of us drink and wash with fluoridated water, our nails are consistently exposed to fluoride.  If fluoride were important for healthy nails - which it isn't - the amount we get in our drinking water would be more than enough."

 

 

My personal side note:  Drinking adequate amounts of water every day is paramount for overall health.  It hydrates, it cleanses, it fills you up, etc.  I fill two large water bottles first thing in the morning and make sure I drink those, plus every time I go to the kitchen I also drink another normal-size glass of goodness.  Try it, it really works. 

 

Important to note:  "The nail-care industry has tried to build up many ingredients in the effort to convince us that we can grow stronger nails.  For years protein was a big one that showed up in nail-care products, though protein can't feed the skin or nail from the outside in.  Diligently applying most nail-care products does help, but it is the protective coating they provide that does the trick, not these impressive-sounding-yet-do-nothing special ingredients."

 

 

 

"Perhaps the last piece of nail improbability is the belief that applying calcium to your nails will make them strong.  You can't feed the nail directly, though even if you could, calcium and other minerals are unlikely ingredients for this purpose.  Calcium and minerals may help build strong bones (bones are primarily calcium), but that is unrelated to the content of nails.  The notion of having nails as strong as bones does make calcium sound appealing.  However, even by itself calcium can't build bone; the body needs other vitamins and minerals to use the calcium.  Moreover, there is vittually no calcium in nails; they're made of keratin and that's about it."

 

 

So, do away with those expensive supplements and design healthier meals centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and be sure to drink the recommended amount of water religiously every day.  Your skin, nails, hair and body will thank you for it - guaranteed!

 

Thanks to Paula Begoun for her helpful books and for taking a critical look at the cosmetics industry.

 

Have a wonderful day, Lisa M.

 

The Neatest Gadget

I wonder if any of you have ever seen something as ingenious, yet so simple?  The minute this little colourful gadget caught my eyes, I wanted to pick one up for all ASK Cosmetics' fans, friends and followers.  I even considered buying all the stock they had at Lee Valley, but then reality set in (and my husband was with me!)

Without further ado let me introduce the "Soda & Can Pull" made in the U.K from strong polycarbonate plastic.

 

Two different lever-ends:  one for tabs on pop cans and  the other hook-like end for cat/dog food cans or soup/tuna cans.  Every household should have at least one of these in the kitchen.

 

I decided to put it to the test.  The ends slip on the tabs so easily and it helps to effortlessly lift those tabs protecting your fingernails from any damage.  So anyone who tends to use their nails as tools really ought to purchase one of these.

 

 

They come in four different colours, cost only $1.60 CAD, are available at Lee Valley, which has an online shop/catalogue found at www.leevalley.com.

 

Just remember:  Always treat your nails like jewels, never use them as convenient tools!

 

I think they would make wonderful stocking stuffers for anyone who has nails and would like to keep them gorgeous.

 

What do you think of this amazing find?  Would you use one to protect your nails?

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

OPI - Meet Me at the Star Ferry

OPI's - Meet Me at the Star Ferry

Happy to say this product exceeded my expectations. 

 

I applied 2 coats which gave me the opacity that I was looking for.  Seeing this shade on my nails made me feel elated, since this particular colour goes well with my skin tone. 

 

There is a hint of sparkly copper that comes through in the sun.  Whereas my nails looked more pink, but an extremely gorgeous, rich pink tone.  I love it and think it should be a staple in anybody's polish collection.

 

It is also a shade that looks attractive on longer or shorter-kept nails.  If offers simple elegance for daytime and just enough glamour for evening wear.  A definite all-rounder!

The application with this OPI’s brush and formula was a dream - no difficulties whatsoever.  Its staying power is great too.  This nail polish is certainly one I will be using a lot in the future.

As always I begin my day by applying TIPS Nail Conditioner and I finish off each and every manicure with a treatment of TIPS as well.

 

Have you tried OPI's Meet Me at the Star Ferry?  Thanks for stopping by, Lisa M.

 

The TNT Challenge is on!

An exciting new challenge has started entitled the "Total Nail Transformation Challenge" sponsored by ASK Cosmetics Inc. of Canada. 

 

This photo shows the all the products included in the challenge kit, except the Skin Conditioning Milk and the Hand & Nail Cleanser were sent to the participants in the full-size bottle rather than the travel-size bottles shown here.

 

 

All participants will be applying the nailcare products provided by ASK Cosmetics for a period of 12 weeks.  In order to monitor their progress we have asked them to submit photos and a report each week.

 

Today I am very excited to share the first impressions which were sent to me by a nail blogger "Dragon Lady Nails" aka Kevan Johnson.

 

Her first update can be found in detail with fantastic photos on her blog page right here.

 

Kevan also wrote me a few lines describing her experience with the ASK Cosmetics products thus far and had an important question at the end:

 

I watched the videos on youTube about how to apply TIPS and how to use the Contour nail file. First off, I LOVE the nail file and most of the women in my family might just be getting one in their stocking for Christmas this year! After that I took your advice and use the TIPS for Toes to start. I did two coats about 30 minutes apart (before touching water). I was shocked at how fast the TIPS for Toes soaked into my nails and the surrounding skin. I was happily surprised that just one application actually soothed the raw skin and soreness of some of my torn cuticles and hangnails. I was amazed in the shower how it blocked the water from entering my nails and surrounding skin. I also used the hand and nail cleaner and conditioning skin milk. I loved how gentle they both were and how fast the skin milk absorbed and how light and non-greasy it was.

 

 

Improvements I have noticed in just 3 short days:

 

1. My nails actually feel stronger already – less flexible

2. No tears or breaks so far – I usually break or tear one at least once a day or so

3. None of my cuticles are hard, raw, or sore anymore and some of the hangnails have repaired themselves

I LOVE THIS STUFF! I can’t wait to take my Week 1 pictures on Friday and see the difference!! I have easily incorporated these small steps into my daily routine and am amazed at the difference already. I now do one application of TIPS for Toes after I drop my kids off at school, one during the day if I plan on my hands being wet for a long time (doing dishes, cleaning out the pond, bathing the kids, etc.), and one application right before bed so that my nails are protected if I get up in the middle of the night or forget first thing in the morning. Please let me know if there are any other specifics you would like to be getting in these weekly emails.

Also, I had someone ask me the life expectancy of the Contour nail file? She wanted to know how often they would need to be replaced. Thanks!

Sincerely,    Kevan Johnson   aka   The Dragon Lady    www.dragonladynails.com

Since the Contour Nail File by ASK Cosmetics is made of stainless steel it is extremely durable.  Some users report owning and using theirs for up to 20 years and it is still going strong.  It is designed to seal the ends of your nails with gently filing.  If the ends of your nails are sealed, they can't peel, chip or snag/catch on things like clothing or towels, etc.  This file does not fray the delicate ends of your nails and should be used several times each day to promote longer, stronger growth of your nails.  Life expectancy - most likely, forever!

Hope you are enjoying your day so far, Lisa M.

 

 

 

TIPS is a true multi-tasker!

From the beginning of September I have had the pleasure of taking the customer care calls at our head office in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.  The success stories I hear are so touching they send chills up and down my spine.  Sometimes I even have tears in my eyes when I hear the accounts from women, who have literally tried everything on the market to achieve those finger nails they have always longed for.  Some tell me they have been using TIPS Nail Conditioner for years, while others have only begun a few months ago.  However, all of them tell me how much they appreciate the product and the longer, stronger nails they now have.  It is so moving.

 

 

 

Well, on Oct. 3rd while I was at my desk answering the phone I received a call from a lady from Canada, who actually called to tell me about another possible use for TIPS.  As a follow-up to our interesting conversation she sent me an email, which I would like to share with you today.

 

Greetings:

Further to our telephone conversation I would like to say that I have been using your products ever since Karen first brought them to the Shopping Channel. TIPS for Toes has made an amazing improvement in the condition of my nails. For years before discovering this product, my nails broke off all the time (worse in winter), I had hangnails and split cuticles, and for years one nail had a split from the cuticle to the end and always broke off to the quick of my finger -- not a pretty sight.

 

However, there was a dramatic change when I started using TIPS for Toes on my nails and now I have no hangnails and, with your Contour nail file, all my nails are the same shape and I am very happy with the look of my hands.

 

Another reason for contacting you is to pose a suggestion for another use for this wonderful product. Because I have many allergies, I am unable to use any type of eye serum or eye cream, even though they are advertised as being fully tested for allergies . I've tried them all, but soon experience itching, tearing, redness and sandy dry eyes. One morning, however, I had applied my TIPS while sitting on the side of my bed and because my eyes felt dry and itchy, I began rubbing them before massaging the TIPS formula on my hands. When I realized what I had done, I was a little worried, but to my surprise the itching and dryness felt actually better. Now as part of my morning routine I repeat this every day and my eyelashes are more silky and my eyes are never dry or red.

My question and suggestion for your consideration is to possibly put this formula in a wand to be applied to eyelashes much like mascara or to prepare them for mascara. I am certain that anyone using it would be absolutely thrilled with the results.

Thank you for a great product.


Rebecca

 

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We are thrilled to hear from TIPS users and how they are getting along with our products, but in no way do we make any medical claims about the ASK Cosmetics' line-up of products.  We are happy to share the experiences our customers have made in finding other, very helpful applications for our products.  For example, Elena, whose right hand was unbearably painful, irritated and flakey, but by applying a unique combination of the ASK Cosmetics' products her embarassing problem vanished. 

Her story is "Revival for Elena's Hands". 

 

All photos shown in this post were provided by ASK Cosmetics.  The testimonial was sent to me by email on Oct. 3rd, 2012 and has been uneditted.