Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Beautifiers

The new Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Beautifiers collection is a solution and beauty regimen - just like with a skin care or makeup routine, it’s important to prepare the canvas, before applying colour making it easy to achieve a gorgeous manicure, every time!

Step One - Prime & Beautify:

Nail Primer - the ultimate base coat to smooth nails and fill in ridges or chips.
Nail Corrector - corrects nail pigmentation and camouflages spots and ridges and is especially necessary under light shades.

Step Two - apply your favourite shade.

Step Three - Seal - top off your pretty new colour with the top coat of your choice:

Fast Dry Top Coat - dries the surface in 60 seconds.
Matte Top Coat - for a velvety matte finish.
High Gloss Top Coat - for long lasting, glossy shine.

Step Four - Hydrate:

Nail + Cuticle Serum - use regularly to keep nails looking smooth and sleek both during and between manicures. 

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada for $9.99 each.

- Lisamarie -

Cuticles are perfected with Deborah Lippmann, Avon and Sephora!

Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover - Exfoliating Cuticle Nail Treatment - 15ml - $24 - an exfoliating cuticle treatment with a fast-acting formula that gently loosens and removes dead or dry skin in the cuticle area, making it easier to push cuticles back and maintain healthy nails.

Available at Murale stores across Canada.

Avon True Color Cuticle Conditioner - 12ml - $8 - with a fast-absorbing formula containing vitamin E and evening primrose seed extract for instantly healthy looking nails - just brush on and massage into nails and cuticles.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

If you can resist cutting cuticles, that's what the experts always recommend but I'm a fan (and addicted) to cutting mine - so I look for something very precise that won't butcher my cuticles like:

Sephora Cut To The Point Cuticle Nipper - $30 - a professional-quality precision cuticle nipper crafted from salon-quality stainless steel for easy cleaning and sanitation. The handles feature fine-tuned tension to maximize grip for precise control, and the blade angle has been designed for precision cutting.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Needful Things - Avon Cuticle Pusher Stone

Avon Cuticle Pusher Stone - $9.99 - shape nails like a pro with this handy two-in-one tool that gently pushes back cuticles and smooths away any dry skin surrounding the nail. It has an ergonomic shape for comfort and control - use the tip to push back cuticles to their proper place, then use the stone to smooth away rough skin - to help shape nails to a beautiful finish.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Manicure must-haves from Essie, GOSH and Kiss!

Essie Second Shine Around Polish Refresher - 13.5ml - $9.50 - a super glossy polish refresher that helps restore the appearance of polished nails to a salon perfect finish.

It's the perfect manicure pick-me-up for when nails start to look dull and are in danger of chipping days after applying new polish - makes it look like you just got a whole new manicure!

Available at drug stores across Canada.

GOSH Nail & Cuticle Oil - 8ml - $10 - strengthens, nourishes and moisturizes with a non-greasy formula enriched with natural argan, coconut and almond oils along with vitamin E that is absorbed instantly and leaves nails and cuticles looking and feeling healthy.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.

Kiss Professional Manicure Kit - $12.96 - everything you need to keep your nails looking great in a handy kit great for home, on the go or for having your own products to bring to the spa including: nail scissors; nail brush; nail clippers; cuticle nipper; 4-way buffer; 3 emery boards; cuticle pusher/cleaner; double-sided nail file; double-sided sapphire nail file; 3 manicure sticks; and a convenient travel pouch to keep it all in.

Available at Walmart and London Drugs stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Happy foot essentials from Sephora, Trind, Avon and Caudalie!

Sephora A Step Ahead Foot Smoother - $15 - a professional-style foot file for beautifully smooth feet with an ergonomic design so it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, making it quick and easy to buff and soften feet.

Sephora Make The Cut Toe Nail Clipper - $10 - salon-quality stainless steel nail clipper for toes that  features a construction of durable stainless steel for easy cleaning and sanitation and straight blades that were expertly designed to prevent nail breakage and ensure a precise cut.

Available at Sephora and sephora.ca.

If it's never occurred to you to use a nail care product on the toe nails, your feet have been missing out! Go for something super hydrating for those neglected nails like:

Trind Nail Balsam - 9ml - $20 - is the perfect moisturizer for dehydrated, dry, brittle or peeling nails that tend to split and tear - contains - d-Panthenol, Phytantriol, and Biotin - to help provide continuous hydration. It's also oil-free so that after absorption, you can immediately apply nail polish.

Trind Cuticle Balsam - 9ml - $20 - helps prevent dry cuticles and hangnails to help nails and cuticles to look their best - contains d-panthenol, allantoin, hyaluron-acid and phytantroil as well as Trind's unique formulation: the Trind Duo-Liposome - tiny microscopic packettes used to carry compounds to specific tissue and are equipped to help hold the skin's natural moisture longer, even when exposed to sun and water.

Good news - The Shopping Channel is now carrying the line making it a lot easier to get your Trind fix - www.theshoppingchannel.com.

Avon Foot Works Deodorizing Spray - 100g - $9.99 - provides effective odor protection and helps control wetness to help feet feel dry and refreshed.

Or if you need something to use on the go -  

Avon Foot Works  Deodorizing Foot Wipes - 24 wipes - $7.99 - with odor-neutralizing technology, vitamin E and aloe.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Caudalie Foot Beauty Cream - 75ml - $17 - with a creamy balm texture that repairs, intensely nourishes, refreshes and revives dry tired feet for skin that is left supple and silky with no greasy film.

Available at spas and Sephora.

- Lisamarie -

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source offers pampering products for the perfect home manicure!

When you can't get to the spa, the spa comes to you via the Crabtree & Evelyn La Source line of products which draw inspiration from the restorative powers of the sea and are formulated with a blend of ingredients such as algae, mineral salts and seaweed to restore, condition and rejuvenate along with a sea air fragrance that will transport your mind to a tranquil summer vacation destination.

La Source Hand Recovery - 100g - $26 - deeply cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises hands with a refreshing blend of algae extract and rich shea butter. 

To use: massage Hand Recovery into your hands, front and back - then rinse for skin that feels polished, smooth and moisturised.

La Source Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy - 100g - $20 - an intensive conditioning cream that leaves hands feeling softer with each use - formulated with conditioning shea butter, algae extract and macadamia nut oil to moisturise and soften hands. 

To use: apply Hand Therapy to hands to lock in moisture and leave skin smooth and delicately fragranced. Place a dime-size amount on the back of one hand. Put your hands back to back and rub together to spread evenly, then spread remaining Hand Therapy to your cuticles and palms.

La Source Nail and Cuticle Therapy - 15g - $16 - helps strengthen the nail and reduce brittleness and breakage. Formulated with panthenol and keratin, our La Source Nail & Cuticle Therapy helps protect nails and soften dry, flaking cuticles. 

To use: apply to dry hands and massage into cuticles and nails to protect and condition.

Now that your hands and nails are beautiful and soft, finish off with some colour:

C&E Nail Laquer - $6 - in 34 shades from neutrals to lights and darks to brights: Clear, Lady Slipper, Mother of Pearl, Sugar Plum, Deep Ocean, Opal, Peaches & Cream, Alabaster, Black Tulip, Almond, Anthurium, Mocha, Cinnamon, Cobalt, Silver, Petal Pink, Wisteria, Pistachio, Pomegranate, Sand, Cardinal, Tomato, Eggplant, Sky, Blueberry, Slate, Apple, Clay, Gold, Mica, Snowdrop, Black Cherry, Avocado and Copper - that apply beautifully, dry fast and are formulated without camphor, dibutyl phthalates, formaldehyde or toluene, leaving you with a rich, eye-catching colour that lasts.

Available now at Crabtree & Evelyn stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Dry cuticle help from L'Occitane, Avon and Nicole by OPI!

L'Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil - 7.5ml - $22 - softens the cuticles and helps strengthen the nails with 30% shea oil and comes with a brush applicator for easy, clean application.

Available at L'Occitane stores across Canada.

Avon Nail Experts Cuticle Scrub - 12g - $6.99 - exfoliates and polishes dry, flaky cuticles with a aloe vera extract and Vitamin C & E infused formula with a delicious coconut macadamia scent.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Nicole by OPI Oil To Go - 7.5ml - $10.99 - with an easy to apply gel formula (no more spills or leaks all over your favorite bag) that delivers nutrient-rich moisture to your nail beds and cuticles.

Available now at select Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Jean Coutu, Loblaws and London Drugs.

- Lisamarie -

Dry cuticles are quenched with essie, Revlon, Avon and Quo by Orly!

essie Apricot Cuticle Oil - $11.99 - natural oils provide nourishing moisture for smoother, softer, more supple cuticles while helping to strengthen and nourish them. And of course the apricot oil means it smells amazing!

Available at drugstores and salons.

Revlon Cuticle Softener - $6.50 - upon application, hydrating micro gel beads burst onto cuticles delivering instant softening benefits for healthy, hang-nail free cuticles.

Available at drugstores and mass-market retailers across Canada.

Avon Nail Experts Green Tea Cuticle Serum - $6.99 - instantly softens cuticles with green tea leaf extract, aloe leaf juice and panthenol.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca.

Quo by Orly Intensive Conditioning Nail and Cuticle Oil - $10 -nourishes and hydrates cuticles and nails with a rich blend of argan oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E.

Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

- Lisamarie -

Perfect your cuticles with Quo by Orly, CND and Avon!

I was noticing in some of my more recent nail swatch pictures that my cuticles are looking less then stellar so I decided it was either time to do something about them or learn to use Photoshop. Fixing my cuticles seemed to be the easier and cheaper (have you seen the price of Photoshop?!) option so dedicated the past couple of weeks to them and tried to remember to apply something every single day.

The other thing I noticed is that water is a total killer on your cuticles - every time I make the mistake of cleaning something, my cuticles go all to hell so in summary my advice to you: moisturize your cuticles every day and hire a cleaning lady!

Quo by Orly Cuti-Prep - 14ml - $10 - gently removes dead tissue from cuticles & stains from nails leaving them whiter.

If you're a cuticle cutter like me you'll appreciate how this turns the dead bits white to make for easy snipping! It also does a nice job of whitening up nails yellowed by constant polish wear (guilty)!

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner - 7.3ml - $9 - contains sweet almond, jojoba seed and rice bran oils as well as vitamin E to deeply penetrate and protect nails and cuticle area. If you don't normally like oils because you find they don't soak in and end up getting everything you touch all oily, this is the one for you - the oil is super light and absorbs almost immediately - better yet, the sweet almond oil in it makes it smell amazing!

Available at Nail Polish Canada - www.nailpolishcanada.com.

Avon Nail Experts Conditioning Pen - 1.5ml - $7.99 - soothes dry cuticles with a conditioning formula containing vitamin E and essential oils to moisturize for a healthy appearance.

Perfectly portable, this pen is great for moisturizing on the go. If you're stuck on the subway for an hour anyhow you might as well do something useful with your time!

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at avon.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Premier Spa Boutique has a Beautifying Nail Kit for your summer ravaged hands! Contest!

This is the time of year when my hands usually look pretty crappy - I don't know what it is about summer weather and activities but they are hard on my hands! Not this year though - my hands, cuticles and nails are beautiful and smooth thanks to:

Premier Spa Boutique Beautifying Nail Kit - $49.99 - designed to prevent roughness and cracking, while nourishing and protecting your nails and hands. It is composed with natural mineral rich ingredients from the Dead Sea and is combined with liposomes of plant extracts, Vitamins A, E, and Aloe Vera.

Contained in the kit is: Hand and Body Cream - a light lotion that absorbs easily and leaves hands so soft as well as improve the flexibility of the nails to reduce flaking and breakage. - in 3 scents: Milk & Honey, Passion Fruit and Herbal - I highly recommend the Milk & Honey, it makes my hands smell like dessert!; Mineral Rich Cuticle Oil - softens and conditions cuticles for a beautiful, smooth and firm contour to your nails; Buffing Block; and Nail File. And for those of you who like instant gratification (me) you will actually see an improvement after your first use!

You can find this and lots of other Premier Dead Sea enriched products on their website at: www.premierspaboutique.com

If your hands and nails are also suffering from the summer blahs then we'd like to send you your very own kit - hands saying yes? Then read on...

This contest is open to all our Canadian followers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow through Google Friend Connect or Facebook Networked Blogs (if you aren't a follower you can do that now - sign up buttons are in the right sidebar).

1 entry for following and leaving a comment letting us know how this kit will help out your hands -  Please also leave your e-mail so we can find you if you win! 

And for extra entries: 

Follow @BeautyCrazedCan on Twitter and tweet the contest.

Follow @PremierSpa on Twitter and tweet the contest

Like Premier Spa Boutique on Facebook - www.facebook.com/PremierSpaBoutique.com

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter with your answer to the question and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Premier Contest" in the subject line. Remember to leave the post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winners to be decided by random drawing and you have until September 14th to enter. Good Luck!
 

- Lisamarie -

Cuticle woes? The experts from Revlon, Sally Hansen and Essie share their tips and tricks!

Leeanne Colley, Revlon Canada Nail Expect and owner of the TIPS Nail Bars advocates lightly removing unsightly cuticle as a must! A manicure never looks fresh with hang nails and dry skin. The cuticle is a barrier against bacteria so you should be cautious when picking up your tools. The best way to know how much cuticle to remove is by lightly pushing back your cuticle using and orange wood stick or a stainless steel cuticle pusher (try Revlon Expert Stainless Steel Nail Groomer - $9.95) then using a light grit nail buffer, gently remove the shine paying close attention to the side walls and cuticle area. By doing this you are giving yourself a little hand in removing the cuticle that has been hitching a ride on your nail bed. (try a Revlon Crazy Shine Nail Buffer - $5.95) After this step it will be easy to see what cuticle doesn't belong. Carefully remove unsightly looking cuticle that looks dry and out of place (try Revlon Control Grip 1/4 Jaw Cuticle Nippers - $22.95). Then restore moisture with cuticle oil. A little bit a day really helps refresh your manicure!

(I am totally in love with the Crazy Shine Buffer - it makes my nails so shiny, so easily, it's magic!)

Dana Caruso, Sally Hansen Beauty Expert agrees that treating your cuticles is one of the most important inclusions to your weekly nail regime, particularly when the cooler weather has sucked the moisture from your body, your skin is drier and in need of a little more TLC. She particularly recommends Sally Hansen’s Cuticle Eraser + Balm - $7.99 - which contains cucumber and green tea extracts known to moisturize, soothe and nourish rough dry skin. If cuticles are neglected they can become dehydrated and potentially sore, so it’s a good idea to keep your cuticles supple and nourished! 

(and look how swirly it is, you can't not love that!)

Essie Weingarten, Founder of Essie Cosmetics only ever wants to see you with cuticle oil and an orange wood stick near your cuticles. She recommends Essie Smooth Trick Deep Conditioning Cuticle Oil - $11.99 - a natural 10 oil blend proven to condition even the driest nails and instantly treats dry, cracked cuticles - revitalizes the base of the nail with Vitamins A & E to hydrate and nourish.

(when you think the tube is empty, cut it open and there is tons of product left stuck to the sides! you would think someone with so much product wouldn't bother, but it drives me crazy to throw something out that isn't totally used up!)

Whichever product you pick, well groomed cuticles really are the key to polished looking manicure! I'm no expert but here's my trick anyhow - when my cuticles look really bad - I apply a cuticle cream, add a layer of hand cream, add a light layer of Vaseline (to lock everything in), cover the whole mess with a pair of cotton gloves and go to bed - in the morning my hands and cuticles are perfection!

- Lisamarie -

Treat your cuticles right with products from It Cosmetics, Avon and Sally Hansen!

Since cuticles are the barriers that prevent dirt and infection from your nails, it's important to keep them moisturized to avoid dryness, roughness and hangnails - not to mention that nothing looks worse with beautifully polished fingernails than raggedy old cuticles! I have a bad habit of cutting mine when they become overgrown which I know I'm really not supposed to do so I try really hard to remember to moisturize them everyday and push them back on a regular basis to avoid having to cut - here are a few products I'm liking right now to keep my cuticles soft and smooth:

It Cosmetics Nail Love Cuticle and Nail Oil Pen - 1.4-g - $12.50 - includes a pro-collagen blend plus vitamins A, C, E and pro-vitamin B5 which work to strengthen and protect your nails over time as well as healing eucalyptus oil, sweet almond oil and jojoba seed oil to heal hangnails and torn cuticles for a soothing effect you can feel immediately. It also has a firm rubber cuticle pusher on the top of the cap that you can use to push back your cuticles which is really handy!

Available at The Shopping Channel - www.theshoppingchannel.com and www.itcosmetics.com

Avon Nail Experts Rose Cuticle Balm - 11.5g - $6.99 - contains shea butter and almond oil for instant moisturization to leave cuticles looking smoother and less ragged. With a lovely rose scent so moisturizing your cuticles won't seem such a chore!

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

Sally Hansen Healthy Cuticles Now - 13.6g - $9.49 - an intensive cream that targets rough, ragged cuticles and dry weak nails with a bio-active vita-soy complex formula that cares for nails with essential nutrients as well as nourishing vitamins A,C,E and pro-vitamin B5 that promote strong, healthy nail growth, while moisturizing aloe conditions for visibly smooth nails and cuticles.

- Lisamarie -

Moisture and vitamins for your cuticles with cuticle gels and oils from Sally Hansen, Avon and The Body Shop!

I'm still obsessed with my cuticles so of course I never stop trying out new products and ones recommended by you guys!

Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel - 13.3ml - $8.99 - a fast absorbing gel formula with micro-encapsulated vitamins that instantly condition and smooth cuticles. Contains Vitamin E and botanical extracts to restore dry cuticles so thy look and feel smooth and healthy.  What I really like about it is the sponge applicator which you not only use to apply the gel but you can also use it to massage the gel into your cuticles.

Avon Nail Experts Vitamin C Cuticle Gel - 15ml - $6.99 - contains Vitamin C (obviously) to revive dry cuticles leaving them feeling softer and smoother and instantly moisturized.  The best part about it though is the smell - oranges, yum!

The Body Shop Almond Oil Nail & Cuticle Treatment - 2ml - $12 - softens cuticles, strengthens nails and whitens tips - the cap with the cuticle pusher is a brilliant idea!