The DIY Manicure

In an ideal world I would love to have my nails done every two weeks, painted and manicured at the salon up the road from me; but my nail lady is always so busy (she is a nail magician) so its difficult to get an appointment. For this reason, sometimes I have to give in to going to other salons to get my nails done and that is exactly what happened last week before my friends wedding. I went to a walk in nail salon and had gel overlay put on my nails. I took them off as soon as the wedding was over (I hated them) and was left with weak, flimsy nails that were prone to peeling and chipping.

All the dipping in acetone and machine operated files had done their damage to my nails and cuticles so I looked to restore my nails to some sort of normality. I do this by giving my self a little DIY "nail pampering" at home. It is quick and easy with minimal fuss and really helps to clean up my nails and make them look some what presentable.

I am definitely not a nail pro so I am not very good with trimming my cuticles but I have found a great little product that helps to assist in cleaning up my cuticle area. I start by filing my nails down to my desired length and shape then I use Sally Hansen's Gel Cuticle Remover which works by loosening the excess cuticles whilst conditioning the area revealing a clean surface to apply polish.

I apply a thin strip along the cuticle area of my nails and leave it on there for 3-5 minutes then with the flat end of the cuticle pusher I gently loosen and push back the cuticle and finally wash the residue with luke warm water. For the next step I use buffing block to smooth the nail surface and give it a natural shine. (optional)
And to finish, the final (two steps) I use Dr Lewinn's hand and nail treatment duo Renunail strengthener and nourishing oil. This is a three week treatment which encourages healthy nail growth leaving them stronger and longer.

The strengthener helps to repair damaged and weak nails and can work as both a base coat and top coat to strengthen the nail and the nourishing oil conditions the nails by locking in moisture to improve nail health. The three week treatment requires two coats on the first application and then one coat daily for five (consecutive) days. On the seventh day remove the strengthener with polish remover and repeat the process for three weeks. After the third week let your nails breathe for one or two weeks and repeat the process. The nourishing oil can be applied after each new coat once the strengthener has dried and can be used during the breathing period too.

And voila!!

So that is it; a quick and simple DIY at home nail pampering that is easy for anyone to do. I have definitely seen a difference in my nail growth and it helps me to replenish the damage done by the nail extension process.
You can always apply nail colour on top of the strengthener; but I prefer to leave them natural for a while unless I have an occasion but it is a personal preference.

How do you care for your nails? Let me know if you have a DIY nail routine.

Janki

x x x

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

Continue Reading...

The DIY Facial: Featuring Alpha-H Skincare

Who doesn't love a bit of pampering; relaxing on a massage bed listening to tranquil music and getting your skin free from impurities and all of that done by someone else. We all love it, but lets face it we don't always have the time (or money) to go to a salon/beautician to do it for us so why not give yourself a little "at home" pampering.

I use the Alpha-H range I had gotten a while back when I was struggling to get my skin back to some sort of normality and its always a facial regime I go back to when my skin needs that pampered feeling. I normally do this on a Sunday morning when I know I have no where to be; and tend to do it every two weeks or at least once a month. The deep cleanse and mask helps to rejuvenate and refresh my skin leaving it feeling and looking brighter and healthier.

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser

I start by cleansing my skin with the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera; this is a creamy cleanser which leaves my skin feeling so clean without feeling stripped great for those with combination skin.

Cleansing your skin is essential as it is preparing the skin and removing any dirt or makeup that has built up on the surface of the skin as well as underneath the skin.

Alpha-H Micro Cleanse

Even though you have cleansed it is vital to exfoliate (scrub) your skin. This helps to remove any dead skin and helps to open up the pores which prepares your skin for the mask to do its job effectively. The Alpha-H Micro Cleanse does much more than just exfoliate;  the Glycolic acid really helps to deeply cleanses the skin. What I love about this exfoliant is that its not gritty at all and although its doing so much to the skin I do not feel like my skin is dry or stripped at all after using it.

Alpha-H Balancing and Pore Refining Mask

This mask has to be my favourite step purely because it does wonders for my skin. It is a clay mask that draws out the impurities from the pores and helps to reduce blemishes.
My skin is left feeling softer and smoother and my pores look clearer. Even though it is clay based, I have never experienced any tightness or dry skin intact it feels mud hydrated and supple.
I apply the mask with a flat foundation brush simply because it allows you to apply the mask evenly over your face and neck and is less messy on the hands.

Leave the mask on for up to 10 minutes or until it is dry to touch and remove with a wash cloth and luke warm water. Don't pull at your skin, just let the damp wash cloth to dissolve the mask and rinse off.
The final step is to make sure you moisturise; I use a combination of La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + (Review Link Below) and Alpa-H Essential Hydrating Cream. This is such an important step; your pores have been opened and it is vital to hydrate and seal the skin (with goodness of course).

And thats it! A simple, easy and effective way to pamper yourself at home. To make it more effective you can steam your face just before you apply the mask as this will help open up your pores and allow the mask to work deeper but its not necessary if you have a good exfoliator.

Of course you don't have to use Alpha-H products, you can use any brand; just make sure it is one that works well for your skin and combats and targets the problems that you have with your skin. 

Alpha-H products can be purchased from a number of suppliers; I get mine from Cult Beauty.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + Review

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

Continue Reading...