When we think of summer style we always envision having a fabulous on trend manicure or pedicure to complete our look. Nothing makes you feel more like you have got it all together than on point nails.
It can make you feel super glam and ready to take on anything the summer social calendar has to throw at you. Just one little thing, it can very time consuming.
We don’t always have the spare time to ensure our meticulously applied manicures are ready for the big bad world. Sometimes it can also be a bit of an effort to get to your favourite salon and let the professionals do their thing.
Fear not, the good people at Kiss have got you covered this summer season.
Their imPRESS Press-on Manicure nails take all the effort out of getting your nails done so you are free to get out there and enjoy the sunshine.
Some our personal favourites for instant manicures include the cool lilac ‘Epic Win’ (epic name). The ‘Wink Wink’ tie-die effect is all we really want in our lives.
Also, if you’re really feeling those summer vibes, there’s the bright yellow ‘Still Chill’ colour. Perfect for sunny days at the beach, or anywhere really.
Let’s not forget the perfect pedicure! The imPRESS pedicure range has a huge selection of colours and designs to make sure your toes are completely summer ready.
If you’re not ready to embrace the neon pink of ‘Pop Rocks’, imPRESS have something for everyone. The ‘Let It Go & Glow’ nails are a classic French manicure with a little added sparkle detailing. Flawless.
The best part about these nails is that they really don’t eat into any of your important downtime.
Applying them is easy, all you have to do is peel off the sticker and then press for a high-shine manicure that lasts for up to a week. Also, they cost less than a tenner. Winning!
Who doesn’t love getting their nails done? It’s one of life’s simple pleasures that we just really enjoy. What we don’t enjoy however, is that sometimes it leaves some not so fun after effects.
We take lots of precautions for our skin and our hair when it comes to tanning and dying, so why should our nails be any different?
We gathered up a few straightforward tips for you to ensure that the next time you’re getting your favourite manicure, you’re not doing any unnecessary damage to your nails.
Go for LED not UV
Long term exposure to UV rays is bad for your skin leading to premature aging and spotting. Do a Google search and check if your favourite salon offers an LED light to avoid leaving the salon with hands old before your years.
Soak it off, don't peel.
Doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as Taylor’s catching jingle, we know. Peeling off chipped polish can be satisfying, like popping bubble wrap (which is soon going to be taken from us, devastated). But you’re risking exposing your nails to some gross bacteria. So try avoid it where possible.
Try a nail wrap instead
They provide an extra layer of protection for your nails, and you have countless customised wraps to choose from. Also, if these babies are salon applied, they can last for quite a long time. Also, they tend to be a little cheaper than other options.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
It’s probably not what you want to hear, because we do all love to treat ourselves to a sweet manicure from time to time. However, going overboard on the nail art is apparently not so good for you. Your nails need a break from time to time. Then when you head back the salon, your healthy nails will be absolutely flawless.
Summer is officially here which means it’s finally time to put our boots away and get those sandals on.
But after a long winter it’s safe to say that most of our feet probably aren’t in the best sandal-wearing shape.
Unfortunately, not all of us have the time or the money to pop off to the salon to get a pedicure every time our feet are feeling a bit dry or our nails are a bit chipped.
Instead, take a look at our guide on how to give yourself the perfect at-home pedicure.
1. Start your pedicure by removing the dead skin from the soles of your feet. The best way to do this is with a foot file when your feet are still dry.
2. Soak your feet in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes. Add a reviving foot soak to the water, which will help strengthen and whiten nails.
3. Rub your feet with a foot scrub before taking them out and drying them.
4. Use a cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles.
5. Use a nail clippers to cut the top of your nails straight across. It is recommended to use a lot of little clips instead of one big one. One big one will make it easier for your nail to break.
6. With a nail file, file around the edges of your toenails to get rid of any pointed or sharp edges.
7. Use a rich foot lotion to gently massage your feet.
8. Using a damp cotton wool pad, wipe the lotion off your feet. Then apply your base coat to the nails.
9. When the base coat has dried, apply your polish. Follow this with a topcoat.
After that miserable winter, we all want to embrace the summer season in any way we can. One of the best ways is to treat yourself to a fabulous fresh manicure. But, there’s nothing worse than looking down and finding your fresh new nails have vanished before the sun cream is even dried in. Lucky for you we’ve rounded up some tips to help you keep everything in place whether your jetting off to the guaranteed sunshine or just staying put.
Chose clothing wisely
We know it can take an engineering background to attempt to dress yourself when waiting for your polish to dry. To make things easier for yourself, and to keep your colour intact, just avoid clothing with zippers as they will cause your manicure to chip. Amy Ruiz, who is responsible for the nails of Reese Witherspoon says you can try wrap a rubber band through the top of your zipper so you don’t risk catching your nails and ruining all that hard work.
Settle on the right shape
We’re all pretty much addicted to our smartphones at this point. And that can have some bad side-effects for our nails. If you’re an Instagram addict or a texting machine, go for a nail shape with a more rounded edge. This will prevent it from chipping while you’re tapping away like a maniac. Ruiz also says that if you’re looking for a long-lasting manicure for the summer months she would opt for gel. She says “it's ideal for travel since you get 10 days to two weeks of non-chipping.”
Keep your nails protected on the sand
Sand is actually your manicure or pedicure’s worst enemy. The grains will scratch your colour off and leave it dull. Ruiz says that using some SPF will keep your topcoat intact by acting as a buffer and hydrating your nails. She says; "I find sprays contain more than one kind of alcohol that maybe drying to the skin or polish if sprayed in the sunlight." This is especially true for lighter shades so make sure you’ve got a good top coat on before adding the sun block.
Call in back-up
Try and keep those bright summer shades around for as long as possible by making sure you do a touch up. This is most important if you’ve spent all day in and out of the pool while on holidays. This is because the chlorine will cause your manicure to dry out so you need that extra coat to keep your colour from going astray.
Take care of your nails in the air
Jetting off some place fabulous this summer? Good for you, now just remember that airplane recycled air can be a nightmare for your nails. The skin around your nails will get dry mid-flight so make sure you have a good moisturiser in your carry-on, preferably one that’s got coconut or avocado oil.
We all want long, strong nails that look great and don’t chip every time you as much as open a door.
But between the Irish weather (why is it still not hot yet?!) and basic everyday tasks, our hands and nails take a pretty serious beating.
So here are six tips that are great to help your nails withstand the hardships of everyday life and to keep on growing.
Moisturise your cuticles
Cold air, tap water and hand soap are some of the most basic things your hands come into contact with on a daily basis. But these can totally dry them out and can prevent your nails from growing. Keep a hand moisturiser with you and apply it regularly. Take special care to rub the cream into your cuticles at least a few times a day.
Keep your nails rounded
When your nails do grow that bit longer, make sure to keep them filed into a rounded shape. This way, they are way less likely to snag on fabrics or break in general.
Use a nourishing base coat
If you are painting your nails, it is vital that you use a good base coat first. Even if you are going bare, a nourishing base coat can protect your nails from those damaging everyday chores.
Eat protein
Your nails are made of protein so it makes sense that a protein diet will help them to grow. Try eating protein rich foods such as eggs, meat, salmon, greens and beans to spurt on your nail growth.
Do NOT wear fake nails
These are incredibly damaging to your real nails and they will seriously prevent their growth. Also, when removing nail polish from your nails always use a nail polish remover and never pick it off.
Wear gloves
Don’t even think about washing the dishes without rubber gloves on! The hot and soapy water will dry out your hands and nails. So, whenever you are doing any of your household chores, be sure to wear gloves.
Summer is the perfect season to have your nails looking their very best, but by taking part in all of the adventures that the season has to offer, chipped nail polish (boo!) is a common occurrence.
At least Catrice nail lacquers promise a variety of long-lasting colours, and they're available in Penneys priced at just €2.99 – which means we might even snap up more than one.
For the lovers of a more subtle look, luxury nude white and bright (€3.29) offers killer coverage in a chic neutral shade.
Meanwhile, for a shiny summer hue that will last an age, my yellow fellow definitely caught our attention. Then there's(S)wimbledon, a perfectly-pitched shade of green inspired by the tennis championship. And a gallon of melon comes in a coral hue to make your toenails look beach-ready against your gladiator sandals.
Finally, all you need is pink is perfect for kicking off a great night out in style.
But in order to achieve those glorious eight days of coverage, Catrice suggests its three-step system: the ultra stay and gel shine base coat (€3.99), an ultimate nail lacquer colour, followed by the ultra stay and gel shine top coat (€3.99).
With her monthly readership figures sitting comfortably around the seven-digit mark, Suzanne Jackson’s status as Ireland’s top blogger is certainly secure. But, as she exclusively reveals to SHEmazing!, the 30-year-old “wasn’t an A-student in school, not by a long shot,” but she adds that she never did anything half-heartedly either.
Indeed, she attributes her sky-high profile to one thing: passion: “Blogging is one of those things that you have to love and enjoy,” she says. “Otherwise you just won’t commit to it and give it the attention it deserves.”
And aside from heaps of passion, the young businesswoman has had to really master the art of multi-tasking: after all, there’s a steady stream of blog posts to be penned, and hosting gigs to front, not to mention emails to be answered, and meetings to attend.
She smiles as she recalls recently frantically typing up her column for The Sun in the passenger seat of her car while her boyfriend, Dylan, drove her to a job. “Readers don’t see that side of the business,” she laughs.
“Some think being a fashion and beauty blogger is all about shopping for clothes and trying out new makeup. If only! My day involves a lot of long hours in front of a computer.”
Incredibly, this July marks the five-year anniversary since Suzanne uploaded her first post on SoSueMe.ie.
“It feels like a lifetime ago,” she says. “I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while at that point. I had been following a few international ones, but there didn’t seem to be any Irish ones so I thought, ‘well why don’t I set one up?’”
These days, the SoSueMe brand is a power-force to be reckoned with: she has just launched her own line of gel polishes, SOSU By Suzanne Jackson – a product which has already all-but sold out.
“I’m overwhelmed, because I never thought the gel polish collection would take off as fast as it did,” she smiles in response. “I wanted to create something that every girl needed, but yet was fun and affordable.
“I always think a nail polish finishes off a look so it seemed like the ideal product to start with.”
Still, Suzanne’s unique selling point has always been her ability to connect with her readers – a talent she retains to this day. Astonishingly, a simple post about a recent trip to Penneys, where she bought a couple of candles and some plain t-shirts, was shared on Facebook alone almost 44,000 times.
A photo posted by Suzanne Jackson (SoSueMe) (@sosueme_ie) on
Another post about bikinis yielded almost 38,000 shares on Facebook. The numbers are staggering, but while they are now a common sight on her stats page, Suzanne takes nothing for granted.
“The one thing that always stood to me was that I kept a positive outlook on things,” she says candidly. “Bad days don’t last forever.
“That and I always knew I would find my way in life.”
Next week, SHEmazing! will be giving away an amazing hamper packed full of SoSuMe gel polishes. Worth an incredible €100, make sure to check back in for details of how you can enter and win this great prize.
Each week we speak to an inspiring go-getter as part of our Rising Stars series.
Here, Suzanne Jackson from SoSueMe.iehas joined us for an intimate chat about her incredible career, her best-selling gel-polish collection, and why she just doesn’t believe in quitting...
After steadily building up her profile over the last five years, 30-year-old Suzanne has cemented her status as Ireland’s top blogger. Success hasn’t come easily though; indeed, she regularly works seven days a week.
“People are often surprised by the hours a blogger works,” she admits. “They just see the Instagram pictures and the Facebook posts and they think you have the easiest life imaginable, but it’s not like that.”
At the beginning of each new year, Suzanne writes down her goals – which range in ambition from the small to the absolutely colossal – for the next twelve months. “Who says a massive dream can’t come true?” she adds with a smile.
“When I started my blog, I had a couple of readers, and I dreamed of the day when I would have maybe a few hundred. At the time, I never thought it would happen, but yet here we are today with more than one million readers!
Suzanne at New York Fashion Week last October
“I’m a grafter, and I firmly believe you can make anything happen if you are willing to put the hours into the work.
“I don’t believe in quitting and I don’t believe in not trying.”
So while SoSueMe.ie may have begun as a hobby, it is now very much a business; and a hugely successful one at that.
“I was working in 98fm as reception manager and I had access to the steady stream of celebrities that were coming through the doors each day. I was constantly fielding calls from PR people and agents too, so I put together a list of contacts that could help me in terms of securing celebrity interviews and prizes for competitions.
“I am also a qualified beauty therapist so I knew I was well-placed to run a beauty section with honest reviews and recommendations.
“Once the whole thing was up and running, it just took off. And after three years, I decided to take the big jump and blog full-time. I went from having a secure income each month to not knowing if I would ever get another pay-cheque again! Fortunately, SoSueMe kept going from strength-to-strength, and I was able to turn it into a brand.”
Right now, a considerable amount of Suzanne’s time is taken up with her new gel polish collection, SOSU By Suzanne Jackson.
“I kept the collection a secret for quite a while,” she admits. “I’m a worrier by nature, so I was lying awake all night wondering if I was doing the right thing, if people would like the range, and stressing that the fans might be disappointed.”
However, her fears turned out to be groundless.
Within a week of the product hitting shelves, stock had completely sold out. Penneys is now looking to sell the range in its branches nationwide and possibly in Primark in the UK. There’s talk of limited edition box sets for Christmas too.
With Rosanna Davison at the Dublin city centre launch of her gel polish
“I'm overwhelmed, because I never thought the gel polish collection would take off as fast as it did,” she says.
Suzanne’s social media figures are staggering: not only do a million readers follow her blog, but she also boasts 35,000 Twitter fans, 127,000 Instagram devotees, and 188,000 Facebook likes. Her own YouTube channels has furthermore collectively garnered millions of clicks.
“I know what it’s like to be unemployed and on the dole, and I know how disheartening it can be,” she says candidly. “But bad days don’t last forever. I always knew I would find my way in life, though I never would have thought that five years on, I would be sitting here with two best-selling books, and my own gel polish collection to my name.
“There’s definitely someone in the sky looking out for me. I’m blessed!”
We’re all guilty of ‘forgetting’ to have our Shellac professionally removed or deciding to paint over chipped polish without properly removing the old one, right? We forget to give our nails time to breathe and we load chemicals onto them frequently; is it any wonder they sometimes need emergency care?
If your nails are crying out for some TLC, but you can’t afford a professional treatment, don’t panic! Nail care can be done really well from home. All you need to do is familiarise yourself with the various steps that guarantee the perfect ten.
Five simple stages, girls…
Daily Treatment
Incorporating a 10 second nail and cuticle massage into your nightly beauty routine will do wonders for your nails. Using cuticle oil will repair any dryness or damage and gives your nails a healthy, solid base on which to apply products.
Moisturise
Place some moisturiser by your bathroom sink so that every time you wash your hands, you’ll be reminded to moisturise. Doing this will become second nature and you’ll see the difference in your hands and nails in no time!
Weekly treatment
Push back your cuticles once a week after a bath or shower when they will be at their softest. It doesn’t take long, you can use the edge of a towel if you don’t have a cuticle stick and doing so is vital for nail upkeep.
Emery board
Invest in a good quality emery board. Remember not to saw back and forth at your nail as this approach causes them to split and actually does more harm than good. Slowly shape your nails, taking care to smooth rough edges.
Fortnightly treatment
Having included all the above in your nail care routine, it’s now time for a DIY hot-oil treatment. You need to fill one bowl with oil and a larger bowl with a little hot water. Place the smaller bowl inside the bigger bowl and immerse your hands in the oil for about fifteen minutes. The result? Oh, so soft and smooth!
By doing all of the above, your nails will be in perfect condition for a Shellac or polish in the salon, but really girls, after sticking to this routine for a while and seeing the results, you may actually want to stay au naturel!
Creating the perfect manicure can often be more costly than you anticipate. CND are here to provide the top DIY tips for your perfect cost effective manicure.
Make polka dots with the tip of a bobby pin
Choose two nail colours of your choice. For A/W we recommend using CND’s new A/W Modern Folklore Collection in Crimson Sash and Locket Love.
First, paint your nails in the base colour Crimson Sash.
Wait for your nails to dry for two minutes.
Get a bobby pin and dip it into the Locket Love as this is what you will be using for your dots.
Apply the VINYLUX Weekly Top Coat to give your polish that week long effect.
Add corn starch to clear nail polish to create a matte top coat
Take a bottle of clear nail polish that is at least 25% empty.
Using a makeshift funnel made from rolled paper, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the bottle of nail varnish.
Shake the bottle to mix the cornstarch with the clear polish. Take note that this will involve a lot of shaking.
Allow the polish to sit for 24 hours
Write on your nails with a sharpie pen
To begin, choose a base colour of your choice. Try out the CND VINYLUX Modern Folklore Collection in Rose Brocade. Taking a Sharpie pen in a colour of your choice draw any design you wish.
Create a glitter French manicure
Taking a nail glitter pen of your choice draw a stripe along your French manicure tip to dress it up and cover up those uneven lines.
Paint over lace to create an easy design
Once you have your French manicure complete place a sheet of lace over each nail.
Using a white nail polish of your choice, we suggest CND VINYLUX in Cream Puff, paint a thin layer on the outer side of the lace and voilá you have French manicured nails with a beautiful lace design.
While you may be addicted to gel nails or nail polish, it’s a good idea to go without sometimes so that you can see if your nails are in good condition. If they’re looking a bit off, it could be a sign of something more serious, so don’t just lash on the polish to cover it up and forget!
Pale nails If your nails are looking a bit pale it could be a sign of anaemia, so you need to up your intake of iron. Pale nails can also be a sign of early diabetes or liver disease, so it’s worth getting checked out if you are experiencing any other symptoms.
Yellow or thick nails If your nails are thick and/or yellow, you could have a nail fungus. Get yourself down to the chemist or if it’s particularly bad, book in with your GP to sort it once and for all.
Dark lines While you may check your skin for any changes, you might forget that your nails can show signs of melanoma as well. If you develop some dark lines on your nails, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
Grooves and dents If you’ve noticed grooves and dents in your nails, you could have psoriasis, as people with this condition sometimes develop clusters of cells along the nail that disrupt it’s smoothness. Go to your GP for some cream to sort it out.
Brittle nails If you find your nails breaking more often than not, you could have a thyroid problem. The thyroid gland produces a hormone that regulate metabolism, energy, and growth, and if it’s not producing enough of the hormone you will run into problems, such as brittle nails or hair loss. A simple blood test can give you a diagnosis.
