Does Shellac or Gel Ruin Your Nails?

Does Shellac ruin your nails? 

Happy Monday everyone..

So being a Beauty Therapist I always get asked the same questions around this issue. Many people are considered about having Shellac and always ask  ''Does Shellac ruin your nails or can it make them weak?

Shellac is so popular at the moment, It is a chip-free, longer lasting, nail friendly polish. It brushes on like a normal polish onto your natural nail and sets in a UV lamp. Because the product contains Gel, it hardens under the light and sets straight away making it dry straight away...always a bonus! It can last 14days and normally we  say it lasts 2-3weeks but it depends. 

Shellac isn't for everyone and if you are unsure if this product is for you, I advise you to talk to a professional nail technician. Normally the stronger and healthier your nail are, the longer the product will last.

The main think to remember when having any product such as shellac or gel on your nails is to remove it properly. Its important to soak your shellac off properly with Pure Acetone. If you don't it can damage your natural nails and make them weak. Whatever you do, DO NOT PEAK THEM OFF. You can keep your natural nails hydrated by rubbing cuticle oil onto them whilst you have Shellac on, the oil soaks into your nails whilst the product is on.

I have had Shellac on my natural nails for 2/3 years now and mine are fine, I normally keep my nails short with doing massages and facials at work. At our salon we use CND products.
CND are well known 'global leaders in professional nails', they have a wide range of colours/ products and designs. There are many other shellac/ gel polish products some are cheaper and don't last as well as others.

Overall my answer is - No shellac does not ruin your nails along as you look after them and follow my advice...

Have you tried Shellac before? 
Do you like Shellac? 

Ark Age Aware Skin Care Review & Steps

Hello there

Recently I was lucky enough to be sent some Ark Age Aware Skin Care products. I tested out the Age Aware Discovery Collection - Age Prepare Travel Sizes. These products are designed for those in their teens, 20's and early 30's.

 My first thought was how lovely the gift bag is the products arrived in. It would be great for a present for someone as its already wrapped so pretty. The products themselves are in a light travel bag perfect for short get away's. 

Inside it contains a set of 4 30ml bottles : 1 x Cleanser, Exfoliator, Masque and Moisturiser. 

Step 1 - Cleanse 

This clear cleaner contains Watercress, Nettle and Horsetail herbs which help to reduce sebum and help balance your skin out. It smells minty fresh and feels hygienic. I do like this cleaner as my skin felt clean and cleansed afterwards. But my only fault is that I felt like it dried my skin out slightly. 

Step 2 - Exfoliate 

I really liked this exfoliator it smells lovely, it contains Bentonite beads and Margosa leaf extract. It definitely helped remove dead skin and the beads left my skin feeling lovely and smooth. This is perfect for my skin type and is something I will continue to use. 

Step 3 - Masque 

The mask contains Kaolin Clay, Wild Water Mint and Anti-pollution Algae. 

I left the mask on for 5- 10minutes as it soaked in it turned slightly transparent. It smelt new and minty and left my skin feeling lovely and cool. 

Step 4 - Moisturiser 

This is such a lovely moisturiser it came out in perfect quantity and easily out of the tube. Filled with rich Avocardo and Peach Lipids it helped hydrated my skin. I gets quiet dry skin and I felt very rejuvenated and refreshed after using this. Overall for me it finished the treatment off and my skin felt very refreshed. 

Ark Skin Care Available - http://shop.arkskincare.com/

This product retails at £28.00. 

Which I feel is reasonable as the products are worth it and look luxurious. They are perfect for this time of year with Christmas quickly approaching!

 If your interested in any of these products make sure you check Ark skincare out.

Thank you Victoria at Ark Skin Care for sending me these beautiful products.

xxxxx

Glitter Lips Review & How-to

 If you like glitter you will LOVE glitter lips! 

When we received Glitter Lips I really couldn't wait to try it out. I really like all the colours from the Glitter Lips range. I picked Ruby Slippers which is "one hell of a colour". Its a classic, post box red and looks amazing on. You receive your chosen glitter pot, gloss bond and your glitter applicator. Glitter lips is only £12.99, which I think is such good value for money as it lasts well. This product is perfect for nights out and parties and it lasts up to 8hours - I was really excited try it to see how long it does actually last but it stayed on all day from 9-8 at work. 

Glitter lips is available - http://www.beautyboulevard.co.uk/

Or if your local - Beautiful, Nails, Body and Soul, Crewe.

♥ How to do Glitter Lips ♥

1. Ensure lips are clean and dry - Apply one lip at a time.
2. Keep lips separate apply a thin coat of the gloss - Allow the gloss to turn from white to clear.
3.  Apply the glitter to the lips ensuring an even coverage - lightly dampen pad to help pick more glitter up.
4. Brush off the excess glitter and then you have your amazing Glitter Lips!  

 * To remove the glitter use an oil based make-up remover. *

Have you tried Glitter Lips yet?