12 Days of Giving with Sally Hansen Color Therapy nail polish AND a random act of kindness for animals

Hi ya Gorgeous!
Happy Monday to you! Today on the Makeup University blog I have a Monday Mani tip for you for having an awesome manicure for the busy holiday season.

I'm loving this new line of polish from Sally Hansen called Color Therapy - it helps care for the nail while you wear a gorgeous look!

It's color that cares while you wear!

Introducing new Color Therapy™, gorgeous color that cares while you wear! The patented argan oil formula fuses intensive nourishment and instant moisture for healthy looking nails.
9 out of 10 women experienced a noticeable improvement in their natural nails after wearing the Color Therapy™ nail polish.
Up to 10 days of fade-proof, chip-resistant wear.
Available in 38 stunning shades.

Step 1: Apply one coat of Color Therapy™ to clean, dry, nails and allow to dry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Apply a second coat of Color Therapy™ and let dry thoroughly.

Step 3: Top it off with Color Therapy Top Coat™ for glossy shine and extended wear.

Finish by applying Color Therapy Nail & Cuticle Oil™ for nails and cuticles that instantly look healthier, restored, and rejuvenated.
 

 

The colors I have are from the thumb to the pinky:
Sheer Nirvana, Rosy Quartz (my personal fave) Re-nude, Powder Room, Glow with the Flow and then the clear coat!

These are the perfect stocking stuffer for  the nail art and manicure enthusiast! Find at CVS, Walmart and online at the Sally Hansen website!


Now for some random acts of kindness suggestions!

“Adopt” an animal shelter worker. Granted, this one isn’t helping an animal specifically—but it is an indirect way to show kindness to animals. I’ve written about the serious problem of compassion fatigue before. Shelter workers have tough jobs, and they’re on the front lines helping animals in all sorts of difficult and often emotionally wrenching situations. Showing gratitude and random acts of kindness and even pampering the workers at your local shelter can give them a little boost of happiness in their day. If you provide a service in your full-time job (like haircuts, nails, massages), offer a freebie. Or drop off a small Starbucks gift card, a batch of homemade cookies or a handwritten card saying “thank you for all you do.”

 

 Stay awesome everyone!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

TEEN WEEK TGiF! Grand Finale with Pretty Hands & Sweet Feet

Hello Gorgeous!
Thank you so much for all that you have  done on social media this week to support the Makeup University TEEN WEEK of 2016!
It is truly my most favorite part of writing this beauty blog!

To wrap up the week, we enter into the realm of nail art and design at the height of what a DIY gal can do!
If you have polish, you can achieve these looks! True, some tools can create better designs, but, if you don't have any there are substitutes!

Let's get in there and see what is going on with nail polish, natural nails and Pretty Hands & Sweet Feet!

En Pointe polish by Lara Mercier: start the 2013 spring trend now

14 Best Hair Volumizers

If your limp hair needs instant oomph, try one of these 14 best volumizing hair products

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care products article When it comes to hair, bigger really is better. For the best boost, grab one of these reader-tested favorites that promise to deliver a visible lift that lasts all day. See best volumizers

NO. 14: AUSSIE AUSSOME VOLUME HAIR SPRAY, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"This is the only hairspray that leaves my hair looking lifted and voluminous."

NO. 13: PANTENE PRO-V FINE HAIR SOLUTIONS VOLUME SHAMPOO, $4.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"This combined with the conditioner gives you extra volume that lasts."

NO. 12: REDKEN THICKENING LOTION 06 BODY BUILDER, $15.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

"This product really works to coat and thicken each and every strand for volume that doesn't go flat."

Want to see what was No. 1? Click here!

Spring 2013 color trend is going to focus on pastels and one of the easy ways to wear this color trend is through nail polish and lip gloss.

Laura Mercier’s new, spring 2013 collection, “Arabesque” has a very beautiful, extra soft baby pink nail polish named “En Pointe.” 

This soft and pretty hue is key for spring 2013 since it is subtle and understated; ideal for a nail polish shade which will not compete with spring’s vibrant prints, florals and color palette.


Personally I think this color screams BRIDAL! Or engagement. Or graduation. Or birthday. Or job interview. Or in my case, CES.

Please visit the www.lauramercier.com website to get some, or visit a Nordstroms near you! Enjoy!
 
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Hottest nail polish trends for 2013 with Custom Nail Solutions

5 Ways To Fight The Signs of Aging Hair

You can't turn back the clock, but you can keep your hair looking young and healthy with these insider tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair article If you're lucky, you may not be finding any gray stands just yet. But your hair might be showing other signs of aging, like loss in volume, less shine, and an increase in dryness and breakage. Stylists agree that it's important to understand why these changes are happening to your hair over time (genetics, biological changes, and styling are key factors) so you can find a solution. Check out these simple hair care tips that anyone can follow to slow down the signs of aging instantly. Get tips

Hello Gorgeous!
The New Year 2013 is starting off with a bang!
Now for all my busy working ladies and moms who like the look of a professional set of salon nails but don't have the time and don't like the harsh chemicals-you need to check out Custom Nail Solutions!
The founder, a brilliant and beautiful Katie Sexton has the hottest nail trends for you-read below!

New Year, New Nails!

***

Nail Expert Katie Saxton Has The Scoop On Fresh, Fun, And Trendy New Nail Styles for 2013

The year 2013 is here, and it’s an exciting time full of fresh fashions, healthy resolutions, and…fabulous new ways to style your nails! Many nail trends of 2012 will fade and soon disappear from the hands of lovely ladies everywhere, such as our once beloved crackle polishes.  This may make you and other fashionistas wonder…what will be the hottest nail trends of 2013??

There is no need to fret over how you will style your nails for the New Year! Nail expert and Custom Nail Solutions President Katie Saxton has the scoop on an array of fun and fabulous new nail styles that will soon be seen on all over the streets and runways.

According to Katie, the below styles will keep your nails in tip-top shape and ensure that they are ready to steal the spotlight wherever you go!

1. Two Tone French Manicure: This nail style exudes sophistication and classiness. To do this design, paint your nails any color and let dry, then add a French tip with a contrasting polish.

2. Sideways French Mani: Painting your nails with a coat of polish and adding a different-colored vertical stripe on either the right or left side of each nail will be huge in 2013. This fashionable and unique nail style will make you the talk of the town in all occasions!

3. One-Of-A-Kind French Tips: Changing out the traditional white tips for animal print accents, colored tips, funky wrapped tips, polka-dot tips, bejeweled tips, etc. will be huge in the year 2013. This is a fantastic way to express yourself and show off your unique personality!

4. Colored Metallic Nails: Jazzing up your nails with metallic polishes in colors like blue, red, and purple will be huge in the year 2013. This nail style is sassy and beautiful!

5. Vibrant Orange: Painting your nails in shades of orange like tangerine and orange-red will be a major trend of the year 2013. Wear polish in vibrant orange hues to ensure that your nails turn heads wherever you go!

6. Holographic Nails: Shimmery polishes with a 3D effect will be the go-to nail design in 2013. This gorgeous look is perfect for a night out at your fave downtown hotspot!

7. Real Gold Top Coats: Adding a real gold-infused topcoat to a colorful manicure will ensure that your nails are ready for the paparazzi wherever you go! Although more expensive than a typical clear topcoat, the gold flake topcoat is so glitzy and glamorous that it is well worth it!

8. Half Moon Manicure: This classy manicure is perfect for a high fashion event or a fancy cocktail party! To do this style, paint your nails a certain color, let dry, and then cover the bottom halves of each nail with a hole reinforcer or a half-circle of tape, making certain that a semi-circle of paper/tape protrudes from the bottom of each nail. Add a coat of a different-colored polish over the paper/tape covering and the rest of the nail, and then take off the paper/tape covering and let dry. Voilà! You have a beautiful half moon mani to show off to the world!

9. Edgy Accents: Manicures featuring “bloody” tips, jagged tips, suspicious shadowy tips, and mysterious dark and dripping tips will be huge in the year 2013. Adding a chancy and dark theme to your nails shows your daring and adventurous side!

10. Pale Nails: Adding a coat of pale pink or neutral polish will be a popular look in the year 2013. It is a subtle and simple way to keep your nails primped and pretty!

In addition to these top nail trends of the upcoming year, below is also info on the most innovative and talked-about nail product of the New Year: Custom Nail Solutions. It will keep your nails in tip-top shape for the year 2013 and beyond!



The Custom Nail Solutions Nail System is a revolutionary artificial nail product that offers custom nails that uniquely fit only your nail beds, are reusable and chemical-free. The nails are thinner, stronger, and virtually indestructible, and they provide a perfect canvas for the above nail trends. You can have lovely, natural looking salon-style nails on your own schedule and in the comfort of your own home.
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

New shades for Fall from Wet'n'Wild polish!

Best Dove Products

See which beauty products from this brand our readers flocked to the most

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article Total Beauty readers continue to gush about lots of Dove beauty products on our site, so we decided to do a roundup of the best of the best of them. See products

No. 8: Dove Pro-Age Cream Oil Lotion, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3

"This is it! Now I can throw away every lotion in my bathroom …"

No. 7: Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Shampoo, $2.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"I am so loving this product. Dove never lets me down …"

No. 6: Dove White Beauty Bar, $2.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

"I adore this product because not only does it keep me clean and fresh …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Wet'n'Wild makes great, affordable nail polishes so that when the seasons change you can easily change your polish color to fit the new styles and save some money too! I'm holding four new shades and all can be found at your local drugstore, the Walmart or Target stores. The new brush design makes painting the nail and keeping the cuticle clean even easier. So go get some!

Remember to come visit me at the Arizona Bridal Expo

on Sunday in Scottsdale at the Chaparral Resort & Suites

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

China Glaze nail polish: what do you think?

Hairstyle Personality Test

Consider this the Myers-Briggs test for hair and discover what your hairstyle says about you

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article Wanna know what your 'do says about you? Find out by taking this quiz -- then see which hairstyling products you should use. Take quiz

So here it is the weekend, the Labor day weekend and if you are traveling I pray grace grace to you! I am saving my travel for next weekend so in the meantime I am relaxing while Mancub mows the lawn.

I have recently begun training for my first triathlon race and I so enjoy reading this magazine. It's a local Arizona fitness magazine called Sweat that is so full of sporty things to do.

If you and your family need some outdoorsy activities this is a good source for physical recreation. Yes, I am aware of how hot it is outside! It's still hot enough that I am sweating getting dressed to go run and the pool is as warm as a bath! Though I'm looking forward to my first sprint triathlon in November...or so I am planning!

Okay, onto the nail polish by China Glaze. I have seen this brand in the pedi place I go to and they usually have fun colors. The ones that showed up for testing are:

Foxy, Ingrid (which is on my left hand) and Emerald Fitzgerald which is on my right.

I applied two coats and the color is deep and vibrant. I doubt on me that it will get much of a chance to show durability, wear and chip resistance because I let me nails grow for this story and have been itchin' to cut them off as soon as possible.
I'm more of a pedicure person than a manicure because I type so much! If I am not rippin' 100 wpm on the keyboard then I am hands deep with Mister Mancub-oh and if not with him then I am doing makeup and my fingers are around someone's eyes so I don't wear polish in case a client is sensitive.

Alas, I tried these, liked 'em and you can too! Find out more at www.chinaglaze.com

And if you want to know where or how you can get your hands on the Arizona Sweat magazine then contact Sue Berliner the Sweat Princess! www.sweatprincess.com

See you out there...running...swimming...biking!


Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Free Pantene and M&M Pretzel candy for you

FREE Pantene Samples For the Celeb-Savvy

Pair the star with their signature 'do and get a freebie

How well do you know celebs? Try your hand at this quiz and see if you can guess which hairstyle goes with each star. Then, you'll get FREE beauty goodies from Pantene. Take quiz

Friends, do I have a story for you: today's beauty bubble is full of some fun freebies from Pantene and if you just happen to be around Tempe Arizona around noon, near the Memorial Union I will be handing out some "sneak peeks" of the new candy from M&M's ...yummy.

Also, you should definately come see me because my nails are painted and that is a rarity in itself. I don't usually paint my nails because it doesn't last on my natural nail and chips with in hours and feels like a big waste of time even though it looks cute.

But! Wait! Alas!
Wet'n'Wild cosmetics has come out with a new nail color called "megalast" that is:
-5 day, long wearing, chip resistant color
-a resin polymer system that keeps it long lasting on a natural nail
-mineral and calcium complex to fortify the nail
-a new brush design to have a one stroke application

I am wearing the color Tropicalia and it's a great shade of pink! Honestly, I put it on two days ago and all day long I have been ripping and opening boxes of candy and handing it out. There is a wee sign of wear, though my hands really got a workout today!

The price is right for adding a 2010 Spring beauty trend color to your nail polish collection because these bottles are only $1.99! You can get it at Walmart, Target and most drug stores nationwide.

Enjoy it and come see me!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Dr. Zong healthy pedicure tips!

Oprah’s Fave Beauty Products: Our Budget Swaps

Get penny-pinching versions of the beloved daytime diva’s coolest stuff

The beauty products on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” episodes are the dopest, but seriously, who has the dough for them? That’s why we did a round up of discounted alternatives of a few of her fave things. See products

You know it is just that time again! Time for toes to look fabulous! Like candied eggs even! I happen to give my toes the winter off; once I begin to wear boots and closed toed shoes throughout the winter months, I take my polish off and leave it off!

Then, when the warm weather and opened toed shoes come back in style, I put the pedi on and leave it all summer long until it gets cold again. Then I repeat! I do get a weekly polish change, and due to economy, I don't go weekly to the salon anymore for my pedicure ( boo hoo) though do my own.

Below are some amazing tips from New York City cosmetic podiatrist Dr. Zong: enjoy!

According to most American women, a trip to the nail salon or spa for a pedicure is not just a luxury – it is an accepted portion of their weekly beauty regimen! With so many women including pedicures as routine, it is no surprise that the bar has been raised when it comes to safety standards. According to New York City cosmetic podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong, “a pedicure is something I recommend to my patients who want to maintain both the health and look of their feet, but I warn them to ‘proceed with caution’ when choosing a nail salon to frequent.”



Dr. Zong’s hesitation is warranted: in October of 2000, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the first known outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum cutaneous infections acquired from whirlpool footbaths. As a prominent podiatrist in New York City , Dr. Zong has seen countless patients who have developed infections in their feet as a result of spa pedicures.



Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Do’s:

•Do ask salon workers how the foot spas are maintained and how often they are cleaned. Take notice of their actions while they are working on clients to see if footbaths are disinfected with each customer.
•Do pay attention to the time spent cleaning footbaths between customers. The disinfectant needs to work for the full time listed on its label, typically 10 minutes, depending on the type of disinfectant. It is worth your health & safety to practice patience at the spa!
•Do check your skin for infection during the days following your pedicure. Open wounds may appear on the skin of your feet and legs and can look like insect bites, but increase in size and severity over time.
•Do visit your podiatrist or primary care physician if you suspect you may have a serious infection.


Dr. Zong’s Pedi-Don’ts:

•Don’t get a pedicure if you have cuts or abrasions on your feet or legs. Microorganisms living in footbaths can enter through the skin and cause infection.
•Don’t shave, wax or use hair removal creams within a day before getting a pedicure
•Don’t get a pedicure if you have bug bites, bruises, scratches, scabs or poison ivy.
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Pedicures 101 by Dr. Doolan

Best Makeup Finds for Under $5

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Ladies, if you have been saving some money by doing your own pedicures, good for you! It takes creative thinking to generate more cash flow and increase savings around the house. If you are doing your own pedis, you may also be saving your self some toenail fungus and other possible creepy crawlies! Enjoy this pedicure information from Dr. Doolan.

Pedicure 101

The good news, says Dr. Doolan, is that the risks associated with pedicures, while they are a reality, are relatively slim. The reason, he says, is because most establishments, especially in areas like New York City where pedicures are an undeniable part of the culture, prioritize cleanliness and safety. The best way to be sure your nail salon of choice is among the best is by doing your homework and chatting with your nail technician.

•Make sure the salon you choose is in compliance with state licensing regulations. Most states have guidelines to ensure that providers of various services, including nail technicians, follow certain standards to maximize safety. For example, New York State requires that business licenses with a personalized photo are prominently displayed and has made the use of credo blades (razors to treat calluses) illegal.
•“A quick web search will outline the safety guidelines your nail salon should be following,” Dr. Doolan points out, adding that once you check out your state’s guidelines, be sure to hold your salon and technician to those standards. ‘If you have rough skin that causes discomfort and isn’t responding to the moisture treatment during a pedicure, don’t try to force them to use a razor blade, instead check in with a podiatrist who will be able to identify the root cause of the problem and effectively treat it.”

•Avoid whirlpools. One of the signature components of a pedicure is a foot soak, often in a whirlpool. The problem, warns Dr. Doolan, is that whirlpools are incredibly difficult to sanitize.

•“To be properly cleaned, a whirlpool must be drained, sprayed with a sanitizing agent, then filled and drained again. If that process isn’t followed, bacteria can flourish.” If possible, choose a spa or salon that doesn’t use whirlpools, or ask the management to thoroughly sanitize the whirlpool.

•Be on the look out for ingrown toenails. By far, says Dr. Doolan, the most common issue treated at his practice, Midtown Podiatry, following pedicures are ingrown toenails.

•“Ingrown toenails are caused when the nail is clipped straight across, and sharp edges are left behind and get pushed into the soft tissue of the skin,” explains Dr. Doolan, going on to say that once you know what to look for, avoiding it isn’t difficult. “Ingrown toenails are very painful and can become infected pretty quickly, so it’s important to be treated by a podiatrist, but to avoid repeat infections simply make sure that the sharp edges of the nail are removed with a file. Avoiding shoes that put pressure on the toe where the nail meets the skin is also key to avoiding painful ingrown toenails.”

•Don’t let anyone cut your cuticles. The cuticles are an important part of the body’s defenses and should be left alone as much as possible. According to Dr. Doolan, clipping the cuticles is always a no-no but gently pushing them back to reduce their prominence is a good compromise.

•“Some people forget that the cuticle serves an important purpose: they are an incredibly effective barrier that prevents bacteria from entering the body. Feet without cuticles are far more likely to develop an unsightly and notoriously difficult-to-treat infection than those whose cuticles remain intact.”

According to Dr. Doolan, following the above steps ensures that the pedicure - whether it’s a once-in-a-while treat or a regular part of a beauty routine - is as safe as possible. The peace of mind from minimizing the risk of infection and injury lets women thoroughly enjoy their treatment - that way, not only do they walk out with better-looking feet, but also much more relaxed.
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!