Mischo Beauty Loves The Emerald Door

I had sparkly nails for Christmas (Zoya's Diana, layered with Delilah), compliments of The Emerald Door, and guess what? I loved them! My visit to the new eco-chic natural nail spa included a manicure and pedicure I'll never forget. Not only were the services thoroughly performed (remember I'm a licensed cosmetologist, so I'm super picky!), but all products are toxin-free, and sanitation/disinfection and overall cleanliness were excellent. The decor of this cozy nail spa is GORGEOUS, and because my appointment was on a Sunday, I was treated to a mimosa. I enjoyed my visit and can't wait to go back!

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Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from Habibah, who asked the following:

"What tips/advice would you give to stop nail biting?"

I really wish I had the perfect answer for you! Nail biting is a hard habit to break. You should try to first determine the reason for the nail biting - which might mean seeing a dermatologist. Also, keep in mind the germs/bacteria you're passing back and forth between your nails/fingers and your mouth and the potential of infection!

I asked my friend Shalon, who is a licensed esthetician and manicurist, to share her best tips for preventing nail biting:

- Try to get weekly manicures. Keeping your nails neat and groomed may prevent you from trying to "groom" them yourself.

- If weekly manicures aren't in your budget, keep your nails polished. Knowing that you will mess up your polish may keep you from biting your nails.

- Keep a cuticle cream or oil (Kiehl's Cuticle Cream or OPI's Cuticle Oil) in your purse. This will help with nail growth. Once you see growth, hopefully this will discourage you from biting your nails.

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you choose to move forward, as well as what works for you. Love your nails.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com. Read More......

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Mischo Beauty Alert: The Emerald Door Natural Nail Spa Grand Opening

For those of you in the DC/MD/VA area - or coming this way soon, The Emerald Door is a new eco-chic natural nail spa which will celebrate their grand opening weekend by hosting "Mimosa and Manicures" this Sunday, December 12th from 11am - 5pm. They're giving guests a free express manicure with the purchase of a pedicure treatment- or, an upgrade to a full Cream Manicure for only $10. A portion of the sales will benefit Charity Water.

You're invited to book an appointment by calling 301.587.5800 or by sending an email to booknow@emeralddoorsalon.com. Unfortunately I'll miss this grand opening event, but I'll be there the following Sunday for a manicure and pedicure. Can't wait!

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Mischo Beauty's Top Holiday Nail Color Picks featured on Hot-Coco.com!

I was given the opportunity to share my top holiday nail color picks over on the fabulous Hot-Coco.com. Check them out and be sure to let me know what you think. I hope you love them as much as I do! Happy Holidays.

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Mischo Beauty School: Nail Shape 101

I'll be the first to admit that while I loved the bright, neon and pastel nail colors for the spring/summer, I couldn't wait to start wearing chocolate, burgundy and deep blue & green nail shades for the fall/winter. With that said, let's discuss how to choose a nail shape before your manicure appointment.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. The shape of your hands
2. The length of your fingers
3. The shape of your cuticles
4. The type of work you do

I was always taught (well I learned this in cosmetology school, during the nail curriculum!) that the shape of your nail should mirror the shape of your cuticles. This will ensure the most natural look, which in turn compliments your hands. And believe it or not- here are the most requested shapes:

1. Square Nail
2. Round Nail
3. Oval Nail
4. Squoval Nail
5. Pointed Nail

Keep in mind that an unusual shape will definitely draw attention to your nails and hands. And, if you work with your hands, you should definitely choose a shape that will allow for a shorter nail length in order to avoid breakage.

Questions? What's your nail shape and why? Love your nails.

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Deborah Lippmann's Fall 2010 Nail Polish Collection

During my birthday weekend, I headed over to Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (Chevy Chase) for a manicure. I was really looking forward to the Red Door Signature manicure, but instead received the Warm Cream manicure due to the lack of available appointments. Well, I wish I would've waited, because I wasn't happy with my service- at all. Not only was the manicure rushed, but I came in wearing Chanel's "Dragon" and for some reason left with red stains around my cuticles. So what saved the day? Well it was Deborah Lippmann's "Bad Romance" nail polish (center in photo above). It's part of the fall collection which also includes "Across the Universe" (right in photo above) - and I love it! Here's another photo...

Manicure service was not complimentary. Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Dashing Diva & Naeem Khan Spring 2011

After reviewing the runway show for Naeem Khan's Spring 2011 collection- I'm convinced that the entire collection is to die for! And, I'm happy to report that a nail polish favorite of mine, Dashing Diva, was the nail sponsor.

The collection was complemented by a custom mixed nail polish by Pattie Yankee for Dashing Diva. A beautiful nude shade (shown below) was achieved by using 50% "Live Nude Girls" and 50% "East Hampton Estate".

The custom nail shade is definitely a winner! Don't you agree? Do you custom mix your own shades?

photos: style.com & Ann Lawlor

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Mischo Beauty School: Nail Shape 101

I'll be the first to admit that while I loved the chocolate, burgundy and deep blues & green nail colors for the fall/winter, I can't wait to start wearing the bright, neon and pastel colors for the spring/summer. With that said, let's discuss how to choose a nail shape before your manicure appointment.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. The shape of your hands
2. The length of your fingers
3. The shape of your cuticles
4. The type of work you do

I was always taught (well I learned this in cosmetology school, during the nail curriculum!) that the shape of your nail should mirror the shape of your cuticles. This will ensure the most natural look, which in turn compliments your hands. And believe it or not- here are the most requested shapes:

1. Square Nail
2. Round Nail
3. Oval Nail
4. Squoval Nail
5. Pointed Nail

Keep in mind that an unusual shape will definitely draw attention to your nails and hands. And, if you work with your hands, you should definitely choose a shape that will allow for a shorter nail length in order to avoid breakage.

Questions? What's your nail shape and why? Love your nails.

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Reverie Spring Collection

As I write this post I'm seriously reminiscing about my recent trip to St. Lucia- probably because I wore a combination of Zoya's "Gwin" and "Lana" (last two nail colors above- far right) while lying on the beach- remember this Twitpic...

The nail collection above is Zoya's Reverie Spring Collection which includes:

- Laney
- Charity (not included in this collection, but perfect for spring!)
- Adina
- Happi
- Reece
- Gwin
- Lana

Described as "dreamy metallic oil slick looking" nail colors, they're all available now- here! So what's your favorite shade?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty: Kiss Nail Files

It wasn't until I was in cosmetology school completing the nail curriculum, that I learned using the wrong nail file could damage your nails. Yes, there are nail files designed specifically for use on natural nails, acrylic nails, gel nails, tips, etc; and Kiss has an assortment that will probably meet your every need. So the next time you're shopping for a nail file, pay special attention to the nail type it's recommended for, or risk damaging your nails!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Burt's Bees Polka Dot Mani Pedi Set

If you follow me on Twitter, then you know I tweeted the following beauty tip today: "Avoid cuticle clippers! They're natural protection against bacteria. Gently push them back & moisturize!" - and this leads me to mention the fact that I've been using the cutest little manicure set (pictured above) by Burt's Bees. I love it because it comes with a set of products that will leave both your hands and feet buttery smooth!

And, since I'm trying to educate you on taking care of your cuticles, I have to let you know that this set contains two cuticle sticks (for very gently pushing back your cuticles) and the very rich and moisturizing Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (smells soooo good!). For tips on achieving that perfect at-home pedicure, you must check this out!

Also, I'd like to know if you allow your manicurist to trim your cuticles. And if so, have you ever suffered an infection because of it?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves: Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana's "Rose The One" Fragrance Ad Campaign

I love a beautifully executed "beauty" ad campaign and such is the case with Dolce & Gabbana's print ads for their new fragrance, "Rose The One". Again, they've chosen Scarlett Johansson as the campaign spokesmodel (she's also the face for their makeup collection) and I have to congratulate the beauty superstars (hairstylist, makeup artist, manicurist, etc.) behind the scenes who were all a part of making the creative director's vision a reality.

The fragrance collection also includes a shower gel, body lotion and shimmer powder and is exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Are you loving this ad campaign as much as I am?

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter Limited Edition Collection

A few months ago I introduced you to Zoya's MatteVelvet collection for fall and I've just received the limited edition collection for winter. I'm interested in knowing what your thoughts are on the "matte" nail polish trend- so please let me know! Do you think it's here for just a season, or are you expecting more of it for spring/summer?

So, Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter collection includes three shimmering mattes:

- Harlow (left)
- Savita (center)
- Veruschka (right)

Without a doubt, Veruschka is my absolute favorite! Oh, and remember that the look is supposed to be a "matte" finish, so this nail polish formula doesn't require a base coat, top coat, or a speed dryer.

Love it?

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sophy Robson

This post marks the beginning of the "Mischo Beauty Superstar" series which I'm starting to simply bring to your attention and show love to the many beauty professionals not only working hard to accomplish their dreams, but who are sources of inspiration to me personally (you all know beauty is my passion)! I promise to keep the posts short and sweet because they're meant to be an introduction. My hope is that you'll visit their websites, view their portfolios and tell the world about them!

The first "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity manicurist, Sophy Robson. I first learned about her from following the London, Milan and Paris fashion week updates on Vogue UK's beauty blog. Sophy was creative director for nails for such shows as Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Her work has appeared in all of the top fashion magazines and you've probably seen her work in such ad campaigns as Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford White Patchouli and Bulgari to name a few.

She also has a nail salon called The Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at Fortnum & Mason in London, where she's available for appointments. Be sure to visit her website, check out her blog and view her AMAZING portfolio! And, if you're in London, get booked with her! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Hearts "the VOGUE beauty blog (UK)"

You all know that I had the amazing opportunity to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York this past September. And while I wasn't able to attend the fashion weeks over in London, Milan or Paris, I loved keeping up with VOGUE UK's beauty blog's backstage coverage. The posts were both concise and witty, and left me wishing I was there!

Some of you might remember my "tweet" about the CHANEL "double C logo appliques" and the fabulous manicurist, Sophy Robson- well, all thanks goes to VOGUE UK's beauty blog for the introduction! Be sure to check them out and follow them on Twitter!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Lippmann Collection's 10th Anniversary Set

You all might remember my having the opportunity to meet THE Deborah Lippman, manicurist to the stars, backstage at Lela Rose during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Well, I'm excited to tell you about her 10th Anniversary Set of nail colors which recently launched and is so perfect for fall. Each shade has my name written all over it! The set includes:

- Superstar: "show stopping copper flecked fudge (glitter)"
- Funky Chunky: "sequined sheer black (glitter)"
- Ruby Red Slippers: "Dorothy's shimmering ruby (glitter)"

I was already a huge fan of "Superstar", and I know I'll be using the other two shades until I get to the very last drop!

- Questions about nail shape? The answers are here!
- Have you seen Lippmann Collection's "Fade to Black"? Be sure to check out my photos!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Creative Nail Design's Almond SpaManicure

As you all know by now, I'm professionally licensed to do nails and so I recently had the opportunity to perform Creative Nail Design's Almond SpaManicure on myself. The kit includes the Almond Milk Bath, Almond Moisture Scrub, Almond Illuminating Masque, Almond Hydrating Lotion, Almond Soothing Creme and SolarOil (which you all know I love!).

First of all, the products smell AMAZING! The fragrance alone is enough to make you relax and escape- if just for the duration of the manicure. I'm an exfoliant addict, so I totally appreciated using the Almond Moisture Scrub, which left me with soft and smooth hands. Now, if dry skin is an issue for you, you have the choice of the Almond Hydrating Lotion or the Almond Soothing Creme which both will leave your skin thoroughly hydrated.

The manicure is described as "Escape. Exhale. Relax." and believe me, you'll both experience and feel all three after receiving this manicure. To view a list of spas offering this manicure near you, please visit www.cnd.com.

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Mischo Beauty Loves NettieScrub

For those of you who may not know, NettieScrub is a line of bath, body and candle products created by celebrity manicurist, Nettie Davis. The products are formulated with both natural and organic ingredients and packaged in sustainable/reusable packaging.

My picks include the Grapefruit Body Buff (a great exfoliant for the whole body) and the Grapefruit Body Balm (perfect for dry cuticles, hands, elbows, knees and feet)- I'm partial to citrus scents and these don't disappoint with leaving skin soft and smooth.

If you've tried these products, please let us know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty Extra: China Glaze's "Kicks" Nail Lacquer Collection

The new "Kicks" nail lacquer collection by China Glaze is FIRE! Excuse me, I meant
FI-YAH! Seriously, every color in the collection is amazing. And as far as your summer brights for nail colors are concerned, this collection covers them for the summer!

The collection includes 12 colors in total, and those shown from left to right above are: B-Girlz, Style Wars, Sneaker Head, Laced Up, Breakin' and Oh How Street It Is.

The second-half of the collection pictured from left to right above: Paper Chasing, Custom Kicks, Fly, Sky High-Top, It's Poppin' and Entourage.

I love every color in the collection- AND the names! I decided to swatch Sky High-Top for this post. It's a creamy blue with a dash of shimmer. It's highly pigmented, so I only needed two coats.

The color is so amazing that I haven't been able to stop staring at my nails! I'm normally not one to pick a bottle of blue nail polish as my first choice when it comes to a manicure, but I just could not resist this one!

And in case you're wondering, China Glaze nail lacquer is free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene. So please tell me- what do you think of this collection!

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Mischo Beauty School: At-Home Pedicure Tips 101

There's no denying that pedicure season is finally here! Here are a few at-home pedicure tips that will hopefully save you time and money this summer. Here's a list of supplies I'd suggest:

1. cotton balls
2. nail clippers/files
3. towels
4. cuticle oil
5. top coat
6. base coat
7. nail polish
8. lotion
9. exfoliant
10. pumice

The supplies of course will vary based on your personal preferences. I won't go into sanitation and disinfection, because I'm assuming that since you're in your own home those issues won't exist!

Be careful with your cuticles. They're there for protection against bacteria, etc. If you just can't tolerate them, I'd very gently push them back- but never cut them!

Another tip- make sure your nails are free from excess oils and creams before you apply your nail polish. This will ensure a better application and that your polish actually lasts!

Usually 3 strokes are all you need- one stroke in the middle and one on each side. If you apply the polish too thick, it will probably smudge or peel once it's dry.

My last tip is just to be patient when you're doing your nails. Practice makes perfect!

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