If you’ve ever left a nail salon and been less than pleased with the outcome, you’re not alone.  Nail shops are as ubiquitous as McDonalds these days and many times, they feel just like a fast food joint as most manicurists want to get you in and out of their chair as quickly as possible so they can start on their next client. While it’s convenient to get your nails done cheap and quick, you may leave feeling unsatisfied.  From afar, your manicure may look perfectly lacquered and shiny, but upon closer inspection, you may notice that your nail polish doesn’t cover the entire nail bed (the rounded sides can be difficult to reach!) or you end up nicking them on something and will inevitably live with the imperfection for a week or two.

So what can you do to fix your manicure or preserve it so you don’t have to head back to your corner nail salon sooner than you have to?  Celebrity manicurist, Michelle Saunders has a few nail tips to help you maintain your manicure, in-between manicures.

 Dealing With Nicks

Don’t leave before your nails dry!  The most important thing you can do is not do anything for 10 minutes after your nails are polished and the top coat has been applied.  Waiting 10 minutes will set up your manicure and you will not only prevent nicks, but your manicure will last three times longer than if you just leave right away.

Your Polish Chips Prematurely

If your nail polish chips within a day or two after your manicure, your nail plate wasn’t prepared as well as it could have been, or the polish you used wasn’t a quality polish.  Make sure your nails are completely dry before applying polish.  A good manicure should last at least five days.

 Wear Gloves

You don’t have to be a hand model to wear gloves (Seinfeld anyone?). If you do anything rugged — if you’re moving boxes or washing the dishes — it’s important to protect your hands with gloves.

 Moisturize Daily

Right after you wash your hands, apply lotion.  Washing your hands with soap and water dries out your hands and cuticles, and that can cause hang nails and prematurely make your hands look old and unsightly.  Foregoing the lotion after washing your hands is the equivalent of washing your hair with shampoo and foregoing conditioner.  Cuticle oil should also be used daily.  Keeping your cuticles hydrated prevents hang nails and dry skin that can cause nails to break easily.

 Carry A Nail File

If you break a nail, file it as soon as you can so the jagged end doesn’t catch on anything and break further up the nail.

 Top Coat

After a few days, apply a top coat to make your nails shine.  A top coat will refresh dull polish and keep your manicure going for a couple more days.

Michelle Saunders is a celebrity manicurist in Los Angeles.  Her roster of clients includes, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Beckinsale, Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman.  She’s also the go-to manicurist on the West Coast for dozens of high-fashion magazines including Vogue, Elle, W, Harpers Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. Along with being a manicure superstar, she’s also on the coveted Beautyfix Panel.

Amos began his career working with leading chemists and formulators from top beauty firms, then utilizing his knowledge, he went into product development. Instrumental in creating over 100 beauty treatments, from large cosmetic companies to start-ups, he truly believes in bringing functional products that actually deliver their claims to the market.

We are so ecstatic to have him on the panel offering his expert skin care knowledge to Beautyfix.

Why do you love Beautyfix?

“I love the diversity of professionals that Beautyfix has brought together to provide their input and expertise. All areas of beauty are covered from formulators and product developers to make up artists and doctors. It’s kind of the same concept behind Dermelect and our board of advisors that help us create amazing treatments.”

What’s your favorite part about being in the beauty industry?

“It is a tremendous privilege to be able to express my creativity and knowledge through the products that I develop and then be able to share it with my customers. When I develop a treatment and receive the wonderful feedback from the person who it has helped, well, that makes my job that much more rewarding.”

What’s been the most comical trend you’ve come across in beauty?

“I thought that the fad of matte nail polish was rather comical- everyone was on board with the concept but it failed miserably. Dermelect focused that year on bringing the first anti-aging nail treatments to the industry, which was received tremendously.”

Noel Nichols

Our fabulous Beautyfix Panel offers their insights to help us select which amazing products will be in the latest seasons of Beautyfix. Without their expert opinions and tips, we’d be like every other run-of-the-mill beauty website. One of our newest Beautyfix panelists, professional makeup artist Noel Nichols, knows how to make any woman glamorous with the simple flick of a makeup brush. Noel brings a lifetime obsession of makeup artistry along with her tips and tricks of the trade to the Beautyfix panel.

Born and raised a southern California girl, she aspired at a young age to be a makeup artist. Enrolling in makeup school at 17, she’s been creating beautiful faces ever since. Her style is uniquely clean yet creative and has worked with an array of celebrities (Adam Lambert, The Pussycat Dolls) and industry veterans such as Fiona Stiles and Aaron De Mey. Her makeup work has graced the faces of fashions “It Girls” like Arizona Muse, Nichole Scherzinger, Katharine McPhee and many more.  Lucky me (and you!), we got a little tidbit of info from Noel.

What do you love about Beautyfix and being in the beauty industry?

 “Why do I love Beautyfix? I love Beautyfix because it enables people who are total beauty junkies like me to support their habit without breaking the bank! We all know how quickly beauty products add up, and Beautyfix allows you to try high quality skincare and cosmetics, specifically for you, at a low cost. How amazing is that? I also love that you get to try new things you normally wouldn’t, that’s now I found some of my favorite products!

My favorite part of being in the beauty industry is the versatility that it brings. I am almost never doing the same kind of job, with the exception of a few clients, and I love that every day is different from the last . I get to meet amazing people both in front of the camera and behind, travel to beautiful locations, see my work in the media, and play with makeup all day. It’s exciting and inspiring. I couldn’t ask for more.”

What’s been your most memorable experience in beauty?

“My most memorable experience in beauty has to be when I was very early on in my career. I was assisting a very well known makeup artist for a fashion editorial in a highly regarded magazine with a famous photographer. It was fascinating to see such seasoned artists produce such high quality work. 

 Being my first day assisting I didn’t know what to expect. I was terrified when asked to apply the foundation, concealer and powder. I thought I had already done quite a lot, but after doing a gorgeous clean cat eye liner on one eye, the makeup artist handed me the liquid liner and said, “Ok, you do the other eye.” After telling my shaky hand to stop, I surprised myself by doing a good job, and I left the job feeling confident in my skills as an artist. I am forever grateful for that experience.” 

Want tips from Noel? Tell us in the comments below!

As you all know, one of the amazing aspects of Beautyfix is being able to work with so many amazing industry professionals. From near and far, they’ve worked with celebrities, created timeless looks and been innovators with colors and textures. It’s their expertise that helps us give you the latest and greatest products the season has to offer. I’m thrilled to introduce one of our newest members of the Beautyfix panel, Ms. Liza Zaretsky. She brings a lifetime of passion for beauty and the vision of a true makeup artist to Beautyfix and we’re thrilled to have her on the panel!

Liza Zaretsky’s love of all that is beauty started early on as a child, spending her extracurricular time studying the faces of models and celebrities. At the ripe age of 18, she went to work for Shu Uemura in LA to master the meticulous techniques of makeup application. After a move to New York shortly after, she worked as a resident makeup artist for brands like Stila, MAKEUP FOREVER, Shu Uemura and Kevyn Aucoin while contributing to fashion designers like Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenburg and Donna Karan. She made the move back to LA in 2008 has been in demand ever since. She’s worked on countless campaigns for giants like Cover Girl, Avon and Victoria’s Secret. Her makeup work has also graced the red carpet on the faces of Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Julianne Moore, Katy Perry, The Kardashian’s, Marissa Miller, Katie Holmes, Penelope Cruz and so many more.

Getting down to the goods, we asked her…

What’s your most memorable experience in the beauty industry?

“Last February I got to work on an epic photoshoot. I grew up in the 80′s and 90′s and I was (and still am) OBSESSED with fashion magazines and knew the names of all the key players. So when I got the chance to work with Photographer Peter Lindbergh, Hair stylist Didier Malige, makeup artist Fulvia Farolfi, and model Arizona Muse, for Vogue magazine I was ecstatic. I actually cried on my way home when it was over, thinking about how the teenage me would have been so proud. I will always cherish that experience, it lived up to all my expectations and then some.”

What do you love about being in the beauty industry?

“I think my favorite thing about the industry is that it touches on so many aspects of society- art, science, business, nature, and psychology.“

Working at DermStore, I’m lucky enough to come into contact with a plethora of amazingly intelligent and gorgeous women every day. Since we are very acquainted with our peers and our readers aren’t, I’d like to dig a little deeper into the world of our panelists and bloggers. One I happen to work alongside with and of course one that I admire, just so happens to be the editor of DermStore, a writer for our blog, and also graces us as a Beautyfix panelist. Elizabeth Franz isn’t just a beauty junkie, she’s passionate about finding the most effective anti-aging solutions and most importantly, she’s always ready to share her experiences with everyone. What’s great about Liz, is that she’ll try anything. If it’s all the rage, she’ll be the first in line to be the guinea pig. What you don’t know is that while she’s witty, she’s actually incredibly goofy and obnoxiously silly-self described of course. ( Another awesome reason why we like her.)

What do you love about the beauty industry?

“There isn’t much not to love about being in beauty—but I’d have to say that the privilege of trying out countless new products is my favorite aspect of it.”

What are your top 3 beauty products?

“My top three favorite products … hmm. Such a tough question! Even though I advise people to stick with what works, my beauty cabinet is a veritable revolving door of cleansers, lotions, serums and creams. Favorites I always go back to are La Roche Posay sunscreen, YonKa Eye Cream and the Dermalogica Multi-Vitamin Power Recovery Masque. The LRP sunscreens shield my pale skin better than any other products out there, the YonKa stuff smells great and de-puffs, and the power recovery masque gives my skin a pick-me-up when it’s looking dull and drab.”

What’s your best skin care advice?

“My best skin care advice is to “listen” to your skin! Hardly anyone has a definitive skin type that falls under one specific category, let alone “normal” skin, whatever that even means. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. Pay attention to ingredients labels, learn what works best for you, and when you find something you and your skin absolutely love, stick to it! Oh, and wear sunscreen every day.”

Have a skin care question? Visit our Ask the Esthetician page at DermStore’s Skin Resource Center for expert advice from real estheticians.

I spoke to board certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern, DermStore.com’s Medical Director and founder of Manhattan Dermatology, who told me that skin cancer prevention is simple. “Skin cancer is not only the most common form of cancer, it’s one of the most preventable,” she says.  “We need to educate the public on taking proper preventative measures to minimize their risk.”

Below are a few steps recommended by Dr. Magovern to make sure you do not become a skin cancer statistic (follow Dr. Magovern on Facebook for more useful skin care tips!):

• “Daily use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 is ok for the person who is truly indoors all day and does not get sun exposure. But, for most of us who have sunny commutes and like to enjoy some outdoor time during the workday, I recommend people to find at least a SPF 30 that they can use every day,” she stated. “Formulations are so good these days, it is hard not to find an elegant cream or lotion that moisturizes, protects and can be worn under makeup. If you are out all day on the weekends, bump it up and reapply often. Don’t forget the neck and chest!”

Dr. Magovern recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Lotion. “My patients love this broad spectrum sunscreen and so do I,” she stated. “It not only protects you from the sun’s rays, but helps reverse and prevent further sun damage and photoaging.”

• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. “In addition to causing premature aging, tanning beds are proven to cause cancer,” she confirmed. “What worries me the most is that indoor tanners are putting themselves at risk for developing malignant melanoma, which can be fatal. Those that use indoor tanning machines are increasing their risk by about 75% versus those that do not use them. The Skin Cancer Foundation launched a wonderful campaign that I hope everyone can adopt. It’s called Go With Your Own Glow and it encourages people to embrace their natural skin tone.”

• Schedule a yearly skin exam with your physician and perform at home exams on a monthly basis. “It’s important that you have a physician examine your skin once a year,” Dr. Magovern says. “You should take special note of moles and birthmarks and see a doctor if they change color, increase in size or appear irregular in shape. I also tell my patients that if you have a gut feeling about a particular lesion, it’s best to make an appointment.”

A recent cover of Vanity Fair. Nails by Michelle Saunders

Nails! It’s all about nails in 2010, and everything goes! From green to gold, manicurists are applying all kinds of color, texture and art to nails. The best part? Aside from all the fun nail trends, there are now new innovative ways to keep that manicure looking its best. I was recently introduced to a new product hot off the nail market called Gelish. The name describes it – a gel that is a polish. It comes in every hip color you can imagine. It’s not the first gel nail product of its kind, but so far it’s the best I have used.

Using Gelish is a four-coat process similar to polishing nails. There is a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat. All of which must be cured under a lamp – but it’s no ordinary lamp. Nail Harmony, the company that created Gelish, created an LCD lamp that cures the product in 30 seconds! Once applied, it dries instantly and can last up to 3 weeks. And if you want your manicure to look perfect always, all you have to do is visit your manicurist at least every other week to have a fill or a fresh coat applied. I predict a gel polish like this will replace old-fashioned acrylic nails and maybe even nail polish some day.

Recently on fashion editorials, the art directors have been asking for a longer, oval nail. The resurgence of oval shaped nails has required the use of nail tips again. Working with models and celebrities who request their nails stay in-tact, we as manicurists have had to come up with new, safe and innovative ways to extend nails. The new process is temporary, and it’s similar to Lee Press-On nails but so much better and a lot more current.

Twilight Eclipse stars with oval shaped nails.

ABOUT MICHELLE SAUNDERS:

Michelle Saunders is a Los Angeles-based celebrity manicurist. Michelle is on the forefront of nail trends and innovations. Celeb clients include Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes, Zoe Saldana, Kate Beckinsale, Mila Kunis and Kim Cattrall. Her work regularly graces the covers of magazines including Life, Glamour, Vanity Fair and Vogue. Click here to see Michelle’s portfolio.

Working during that time? No worries! You can post all your questions in advance leading up to the live chat!

This is your chance to ask an expert about the latest hair trends, the best products, celebrity trends and beauty questions you want! Plus it doesn’t hurt that his celebrity clients include: Jaime Pressly, Uma Thurman and Renee Zellweger.

What are you waiting for? Ask away!

get melt proof makeup

By Tasha Reiko Brown

Spring has sprung!  The flowers are in bloom, the sun is shining and your face is …melting?  Time to switch up your makeup techniques to keep them heat and melt proof.  For truly melt proof makeup, think layering and textures.  Your warm weather look should be more sheer and a lot less heavy in colors, texture, and application.  Does applying less product mean constant retouches and easy fading?  Not with the right products!

Try a lighter base such as Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer.  The less foundation you wear, the less likely anything over it will slide off in the heat.  Textures will be able to truly ‘grab’ onto your skin.  Apply sparingly with clean fingers and blend into areas where needed.

For eyes that stay put try a lid primer before applying a light layer of liquid shadow.  The liquid shadow will dry to a powdery finish and have more staying power than a cream but with the same sheer finish.  Try Chanel’s Ombre D’Eau. Follow with two coats of black waterproof mascara (I like L’Oreal’s Voluminous) and as Tyra Banks would say… “Smize” – smile with your eyes!

For cheeks and lips that keep glowing I like stains.  A good lip and cheek stain will last all day and can be layered over with a powder blush on cheeks or gloss on lips for an extra glow.  On cheeks apply and work quickly to blend in.  Layer the applications if you want more intense color.  On lips simply fill them in and let set for about 10 seconds before applying gloss.  If you prefer your favorite lipstick, put on a layer, blot with tissue and repeat making a more creamy stain on the lips. I like Josie Maran’s new Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stains.

To finish your sunny day look, add a glow with Cargo’s Water Resistant Bronzer.  With a fluffy natural hair brush, apply bronzer where the sun would normally hit on the forehead, temples, bridge of nose and chin.  Swipe under your cheekbones for a more dimensional look. Now enjoy your day in the sun.

About Tasha Reiko Brown:

Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beautyfix Panelist Tasha Reiko Brown’s work has graced countless celebrity faces and red carpet events like the Oscars and the Golden Globes. You’ve seen her eye popping editorial work in magazines such as Elle, Vanity Fair and Flaunt and on the runways for top designers including Badgley Mischka and Richard Tyler. Check out Tasha’s portfolio here.

A beauty expert, Tasha is a constant mention in InStyle magazine and regularly provides media outlets with beauty tips and product mentions. Her knowledge of makeup through and through has lead her to appearances on several fashion and makeover shows including “How To Look Good Naked”, “How Do I Look?” and countless WE network “Beauty Secrets Revealed” episodes.

Flickr.com user Pink Sherbet Photography

If we had it our way, at home pedicure maintenance would be unnecessary as we would gladly sit in that plush pedi chair and be pampered daily with a professional pedicure. The unfortunate reality is that many of us are lucky if we get to the nail salon once a month. If you are guilty of neglecting your tootsies until the polish has shrunk to a little dot on your big toe, here are some easy at home foot care tips from celebrity manicurist  Michelle Saunders that will keep your toes looking freshly painted and dry cracked heels a thing of the past.

Here is what she says:

“The professional pedicure you just had at the salon could last up to two weeks longer with some TLC at home.

If the skin on your feet is callused or dry, the most important thing you could do is use a pumice stone (wet or dry) or a foot file about once a week. That will keep the skin smoother between pedicures, and don’t for get to lotion up! Nightly would be ideal, but if you do it once a week that’s better than nothing.

If your polish loses its luster after three weeks, add a top coat! That will bring the shine back. If you are wearing flip flops or shoes that show your toes, all you have to do is add a little cuticle oil to the cuticles on your toes and voila, the pedicure looks instantly refreshed!”
If you take Michelle’s advice, you can get away with long stretches in between pedicures. It is easy to keep your feet looking and feeling perfect for weeks. With a little scrubbing, moisturizing, and top coating, you will be proud to show off your toes, instead of hiding them in socks and shoes 3 1/2 weeks a month.

Using fabulous pedicure products can make giving yourself an at home pedicure feel luxurious instead of daunting. Some of our favorite products include Alchimie Forever’s Watercress-infused hand and foot treatment. It hydrates without making your feet feel sticky, and the Watercress has a soft scent so you won’t feel like you dipped your feet in melted candy canes. For cuticles we like SpaRitual’s Cuti-Quench because it’s a cream instead of an oil, making it easy to apply throughout the day on your hands too  without making a greasy mess out of everything you touch by coating everything you touch with oil.

“A professional pedicure should last 3-4 weeks but can go 5-6 with proper home care.”–Michelle

ABOUT CELEBRITY MANICURIST MICHELLE SAUNDERS:



Michelle Saunders, Celebrity Manicurist

Based in Los Angeles, Michelle’s manicures and pedicures are regularly seen all over the red carpet and on the covers of your favorite magazines. Her work frequently graces the hands of myriad celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Kate Beckinsale and Eva Longoria Parker.