One of the easiest ways to pump up your look, add a little style and make yourself feel great is to paint your nails. There is something about a nice set of freshly painted nails that is a real confidence booster. Painting your nails really doesn’t take too long and the look can last for days if you do it correctly.

You’ll find a ton of beauty reviews on how to apply your nail polish. What could be easier? Nail polish is a breeze, right? Like anything, it is simple if you follow a few simple steps.

1. To polish your nails you will want to start by choosing the right shade. Choose something that you will be fine with wearing for about a week or so. If you plan on changing the polish color or going back to nude nails keep in mind that darker shades may tend to stain your nails and require extra work to remove.

2. You will also need a good base coat and top coat polish, Bonjois has a great top coat polish that will work nicely.

3. Start by removing any old nail polish with a non acetone nail polisher remover. You can push back your cuticles, if desired.

4. Trim and smooth your nail edges.

5. Apply the base coat in an even layer. The professional trick to applying nail polish smoothly is to use three swipes of the brush – one in the middle and then one on each side.

6. Then apply you chosen shade. I recommend two coats if you’re a busy girl like I am.

7. After that is dry apply the top coat. What could be easier?

Nail polish is a simple step that makes you look well groomed and classy. Frankly, I find it therapeutic to be able to focus on something so uncomplicated in the midst of a drama filled day!

Final Tips:

It is very important that you make sure each layer is completely dry before moving on to the next. Also be sure you let your nails dry before doing anything to prevent smudging and messing up your freshly polished nails.

Your nails should stay looking great for about a week. You should apply a top coat every other day to help extend the life of your polished look.

Enjoy!

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Manicures can be a delightful and relaxing experience for most. For me, it was something that I was talked into because no matter where I went I ended up having what I thought was an allergic reaction. The skin above my nails would start to peel. It completely defeated the purpose of having a manicure and making my hands look nice.

Well a few weeks ago I had to go get a manicure again for a family event and I finally found a manicurist that told me what was really going on. It isn’t the chemicals. It is the cuticle removal process. If the technician cuts too deeply into the cuticle it forms a cut that actually keeps going. This causes the skin to peel in strips.

If you have experienced the same phenomenon there is a simple solution. Simply tell the technician that this tends to happen when you get manicures and have her not cut so deeply. Leave more of the cuticle in tact and you can have a great looking manicure without irritating your skin.

I love simple beauty solutions. Don’t you?

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hi all

I just had one of the best facials of my life at the Amici Salon and Spa in Winter Park Florida. The aesthetician was extremely knowledgeable and asked the right questions to make sure that my skin care needs were taken care of. She also provided useful suggestions for my skin care in general. As the mask was doing its magic she massaged my arms, hands and shoulders sinking me into a cocoon of relaxation. And most importantly the extractions did not hurt and my face did not look like a combat zone afterwards. I did just a basic facial because I had to be on camera the next day but I am eager to get back for the full monty. For those of you who wish to know who this wonder is her name is Vanessa m. Ratzlaff.

The salon address is 480 N. Orlando Ave Ste 112 Winter Park Florida and the phone number is 407-695-9901

I also had a manicure here and the woman really new what she was doing. My nails looked fabulous and they dried in under 30 seconds. And I had a blow out which left my hair soft and bouncy.

Now this salon is a tad bit pricey, they have to be to pay the rent in Winter Park, but the entire staff is wonderful. For example, while I was there I whipped out a brand new credit card that I had just approved. I had just used it at a gas station with no problem and yet as soon as I tried it at the salon it was declined. I had to call the credit card company twice to get them to take off the security hold. Apparently first time credit card use at a gas station is usually a sign of credit card fraud. Anyway the staff at the salon was fantastic. They were solicitious and patient while I dealt with the credit card company ( of course I was put on hold several times).

Needless to say, I will return to this salon and I have subsequently shredded that particular credit card. If you are looking for a caring environment to be pampered in do try Amici Salon and Spa. It is a salon with a staff that seem genuinely glad to see you each and every time.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls