The Great Cuticle Debate: Is It Better to Trim or Push?

Next time your manicurist asks you which one you prefer, you'll be ready with a definitive answer.

To trim or not to trim… that is the question.

Okay, it may not be exactly what Hamlet said, but if you’re the type who gets regular manicures, you’ve definitely wondered whether to enthusiastically affirm or politely demure when your manicurist asks if you'd like your cuticles trimmed.

The answer is (excuse the pun) pretty cut-and-dry.

“In general, you shouldn't trim cuticles,” says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, M.D. “If they’re too short or lifted away from the nail, it allows bacteria, yeast and fungus to infect the nail bed.” What’s more, too much trimming actually makes cuticles look worse in the long run. “If you cut off too much of the cuticle, they’ll look good for one or two days, but then they’ll peel and get ragged again,” says New York City manicurist Jin Soon Choi.

No trimming is all well and good—hey, we’re all about healthy beauty—but let’s face it, everyone’s cuticles can look a little rough from time to time. And if you’re splurging on a mani, you don’t want janky cuticles ruining the effect, right? “The most important part of a manicure is making sure the nail plate is clean,” notes Elissa Schell, a manicurist at Paintbox in New York City. “Polish and gel won’t adhere to the nail unless it’s completely free of any oils or dead skin.”

Fortunately, it’s possible to get cuticles mani-ready sans trimming. Follow these three easy steps to neaten up cuticles and get rid of any annoying dead skin safely:
One more thing to note: Unlike cuticles, hangnails should always be nipped in the bud. “A hangnail is really just a loose or already-torn cuticle,” says Dr. Lupo. “They should always be trimmed to prevent from being torn further and causing bleeding or infection.”

Of course, it’s even better to prevent hangnails in the first place—and you can do that by applying oil or hand lotion regularly. “I know manicurists say it all the time, but that's because it's true!” says Schell. “Along with helping prevent dry cuticles, it helps tremendously with hangnails.” Try keeping a bottle of oil on your desk and rubbing it onto cuticles every once in a while.

You’ll love the instantly-neatened-up effect it has on your mani—and your cuticles will thank you.

Call and schedule your manicure today!  831.373.2273 or book on line at www.montereydayspa.com


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Nail News: OPI Joins Forces with Gwen Stefani for New Lacquer Line

Recently, world-renowned professional nail care company, OPI teamed up with celebrity partner and international superstar, Gwen Stefani in announcing seven all new, limited edition nail lacquers for 2014. The new line, "Gwen Stefani by OPI," will feature a host of standout color in breakthrough finishes. Highlights from the collection include a bold red lacquer that pays homage to Gwen’s signature lipstick of choice, a new semi-matte satin finish in shades of gold and black, and a mirrored chrome paired with its own special base coat.

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquers celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion. Weiss-Fischmann was drawn to Gwen Stefani's “expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer,” as well as the singer's ability to "use beauty to accessorize her style.”

Gwen’s signature red OPI hue, Over & Over A-Gwen, is available in a boxed set that also includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes to help in creating unique nail designs. The set also come with nail glue for easy application. Two Stefani-inspired shades, "Love.Angel.Music.Baby." and "4 in the Morning," feature a new, semi-matte satin finish designed to be worn without top coat. "Push and Shove," a bold chrome hue, is also intended to be worn without top coat, but requires a special complimentary base coat called "Lay Down that Base." One thin coat of "Lay Down that Base" topped with two thin coats of "Push and Shove" yields an intense, mirrored finish. The collection is rounded out with two glossy crème lacquers and one sparkly glitter shade: "Hey Baby, I Sing in Color," and "In True Stefani Fashion."

With this new line, Weiss-Fischmann hopes to create “a collection as dramatic, diverse and glamorous as its namesake." Furthermore, she relates how, “with crème and glitter hues, new satin matte texture, a mirrored chrome and Swarovski Elements, Gwen Stefani by OPI presents the latest in pigments and finishes, while combining elements of haute couture and street fashion.”

Gwen Stefani by OPI includes the following seven limited edition nail lacquers: "Love.Angel.Music.Baby.," "4 in the Morning," "In True Stefani Fashion," "Hey Baby, I Sing in Color," "Push and Shove," and "Over & Over A-Gwen."

 Will you buy this line??

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Article source: dayspamagazine.com 

OPI's New Mariah Carey-Inspired Holiday Line

Recently, the well-known nail polish brand, OPI, announced a new collaboration with renowned recording artist and international superstar, Mariah Carey. This season, OPI will be launching a brand new line of limited-edition, Mariah-inspired holiday nail lacquers, dubbed, Mariah Carey Holiday. This seasonal promotion includes an assortment of brilliant red, warm burgundy, deep maroon and lush, chocolate brown hues, along with an array of glittery gold, bronze and pearl shades. Mariah Carey Holiday also features six new Liquid Sand™ lacquers, ranging from icy blue to frosted pink to sparkling graphite. Each of these unique Liquid Sand™ shades showcases OPI’s groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.

In total, the new line will include 18 beautiful nail lacquers, perfect for every moment of the holiday season. Among these festive shades are colors such as "Underneath the Mistletoe," a spicy-sweet, candy-apple red, "Warm Me Up," a rich, warm coffee color, "It's Frosty Outside," a sleek, wintery silver and "Wondrous Star," a shimmer polish with flecks of gold.

“Mariah Carey is truly synonymous with the holiday season,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “People around the world listen to her festive, iconic songs – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is a personal favorite – and these 18 lacquers evoke the warmth, beauty, energy and positive spirit that’s present in Mariah’s music.

Mariah Carey Holiday by OPI places a heavy emphasis on the season's hottest nail trends, “red, glitter and texture for nails,” according to Weiss-Fischmann. “The 12 crème and glitter lacquers include classic reds, champagne gold, and warm burgundies, while the six Liquid Sand shades should be worn without top coat for a matte finish in icy, frosted colors.”

Mariah Carey Holiday nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat. The seasonal line will be available October 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCP Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA.

For more information, please visit www.opi.com
[Image courtesy of Harris Shepard Public Relations, Inc.]

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