BEAUTY WITH NICOLE - NAIL CARE

Give Yourself a Nail Lift

Many women try to ward off the signs of aging with everything from botox injections to face lifts, but one of the first places to show signs of aging is our nails. They become yellow and brittle and develop ridges. Ever think of giving yourself a nail lift? Here are a few simple ways you can counter nail aging:

1. Buff your nails in an up-and-down direction, never side-to-side. This will help minimize ridges and yellowing.

2. Avoid deep colored polishes. They can discolor nails. Use pink and nude shades instead.

3. Exercise is not just for your muscles. Your nails benefit from exercise as well by increasing blood flow to your hands and feet. Increased circulation in your nail beds will improve the look of your nails.

4. Biotin supplements can help improve nail brittleness.

5. Did you know that thickening toe nails can be caused by wearing heels and shoes that are too tight? Stuffing your tootsies into pointy-toed stilettos impedes circulation.

BEAUTY WITH NICOLE--10 TIPS TO A BETTER DIY MANICURE

As you all know by now, I have zilch in the way of disposable income. One of the first things that went bye-bye was my weekly nail appointment. I know with the economy being what it is, many of you have also had to cut back on or give up that luxury altogether. For that reason, I’ve asked Nicole drops by today to offer some tips on manicures and pedicures for those of us now doing our own. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Here are a few tips I’ve culled from various nail techs:

1. Always buff nails after filing.

2. Before applying polish, make sure you swipe your nails with a nail polish remover soaked cotton ball to remove any excess oils or soap on the nails. Oil and soap left on nails causes polish to peel.

3. Never shake your polish bottle. This causes air bubbles to form in the polish. Instead, roll the bottle between your palms.

4. Always apply thin layers of polish. Use a basecoat first. Then two thin layers of polish, waiting a few minutes between each coat. Finish with a thin layer of top coat.

5. To apply polish, first stroke the brush down the center of the nail, then along each side.

6. Applying polish to the edge, underneath the tip of the nail will help prevent chipping.

7. Are your nails yellow or stained? Try a drop of lemon or lavender oil on each nail, then buff out the stains.

8. Don’t cut your cuticles. Cuticles protect the nail bed. Push the cuticle back with a cotton covered orange stick.

9. Apply a thin layer of topcoat to your manicure every morning to keep your polish from chipping.

10. Always wear rubber gloves when doing housework or gardening to protect your manicure.

Thanks for the great tips, Nicole! Maybe our readers have tips of their own they’d like to share. Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be eligible for a free book this week from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP