Mischo Beauty Extra: CND Shellac Manicure

While visiting Bliss Spa yesterday, I decided to give the CND Shellac manicure a try, again - this time in Tropix. I'll be back in about 2 weeks to tell you all about my visit and let you know how long the manicure lasted. Please stay tuned!

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 Pick: SolarOil by CND

And since we're on the subject of nails, don't you just love having a go-to product that never lets you down? Well CND's SolarOil is just that for me, especially with the weather we've had lately. As you can see, I've hunted down every bottle I have because I'm pretty sure I'll need it all for this year's winter season.

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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 Review: CND Shellac Manicure (ISPA 2010)

While attending the ISPA expo last Wednesday, I was happy - no actually too excited to learn that CND (Creative Nail Design) had nail stylists in attendance giving complimentary CND Shellac manicures! Now I know I'm late with this- the buzz around this new technology started months ago. But, better late than never, right? So the big deal is that the "Shellac" technology combines that of a regular manicure with that of a gel manicure to produce a Shellac manicure which lasts 14 days. So it's not actually a gel manicure, but wears like a gel manicure.

During the application (I choose the color "Fedora"), each layer of polish is set under a UV lamp, so there's no drying time. Did the manicure last for me? No. I received the manicure last Wednesday (November 17th) and by yesterday (November 21st), two fingers on each hand had lifted and started peeling (see photo above). It was a 5 day manicure for me. And I won't begin to speculate on why it didn't last - was it the application? or maybe a lotion I used that caused it to lift and peel? I'm not sure. But, I'd love to know if you've tried it and how long it lasted for you...

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 Extra: Sally Hansen's Fall 2010 Complete Salon Manicure Collection

I'll be the first to admit that while I do like Sally Hansen nail polish, I normally won't bother with trying to hunt down the newest collections. The reason being is that the displays (at least in the CVS stores near where I live) are always a mess! Yes, I said it. But, in the same breath, I will tell you that the new fall Complete Salon Manicure collection is definitely worth the hunt. The shades (left to right: Starry Starry Flight, Sequin Scandal, Golden Ticket, Downtown Rubies, Perfect Match, Feeling Saucy, Rockstar Candy & Trouble Maker) are all highly pigmented- and two coats will get the job done! My favorite - hands down- is Sequin Scandal which is a dark forest/army green mixed with gold. I tweeted this photo earlier today, and here are a few more.

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 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 Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: CND & Diego Binetti Spring 2010

CND created the nail look for Diego Binetti's Spring 2010 runway show using the new Colour & Effects collection, which is a full spectrum palette of 50 new creme colours including sheer, semi-sheer and opaque neutrals, pinks, darks and brights from the whitest white to the blackest black. It also includes a collection of three chrome shades to round out the range.

The nail look for Diego Binetti mimicked a sunrise using CND's Studio White, Ivory Coast and Electric Orange (above photo), and Thai nights using CND's Inkwell, Ice Blue Shimmer and colorful rhinestone embellishments (top photo). The looks created are nothing less than AMAZING, and you must click here to see how they complemented the 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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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Revlon Artificial Nails Winners!

And the Revlon Artifical Nails winners are:

**EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!!!!**

Please email your shipping information to me! Thank you!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Revlon Artificial Nails

Revlon's artificial nails are the perfect accessory- no stress, no fuss! The line includes already-polished, easy-to-glue on sets including:

- Color Allure
- Naturally Chic (Sophie & Audrey)
- Runway Collection (Stella, Sequins, Studio, Crocodile & Starlet)

Five (5) readers will win two of the sets listed above. So here's how you can win. Tell me the name of the Revlon nail polish color I wore on Election Day. Also, please tell me the name of a current Revlon spokesmodel. The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, April 26th!

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Lippmann Collection Summer 2009

I'm really loving "It's Raining Men" which is one of two nail colors released for summer 2009 by the Lippmann Collection. It's a "timeless parisian red -creme" which was created to complement the runways of Christian Dior and Valentino.

The second color in the collection is "Call Me Irresponsible" and it's a "vivacious violet -creme" also inspired by the spring/summer looks on the runways. Now although it's a creme, I found the application to be very sheer and needed almost four coats to achieve the bottle color.

I had no issues with "It's Raining Men"- I only needed two coats to achieve my desired finish and I even found the color to be a nice "pick-me-up" in the midst of DC's April showers.

And as we near Earth Day and make an effort to continue to find ways to better care for our environment, you should know that the Lippmann Collection is 3-free formulated (no toluene, formaldehyde or DBP).

So what do you think? Also, please share how you plan to "green" your beauty routine!

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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 berry 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 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. 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 Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Creative Nail Design & BCBG Max Azria Fall 2009/#NYFW

The nail look for BCBG, "ebonized jewel tones in sapphire and amethyst" was custom created for the runway show by a team of manicurists from Creative Nail Design (CND).

There's a special place in my heart for CND, as I was first trained to do nails using this brand- and since then, I've grown to love many of the brand's products.

CND's lead manicurists at the BCBG show, Cherie Pollard and Angie Wingle, used Stickey Base Coat, Speedy Top Coat, Solar Speed Spray and SolarOil to make sure the models' polish set quickly, didn't smudge, and the cuticles looked groomed and healthy.

For those of you who'd like to custom blend your own color- like the many colors created by CND for Fashion Week, GoIndulge.com will include a free mixing bottle with the purchase of the recipe colors. Use coupon code FWRecipe.

Love the nails? Thoughts on the looks?

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection/#NYFW

After including Nia Long in a post a few weeks ago, I was excited to hear that she'd be walking the runway in The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection show held this morning in Bryant Park.

For those of you who may not know, the Red Dress is the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness- heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Nia made her debut on the runway wearing a red dress by Tracy Reese and Christian Louboutin's Hidden-Platform pumps.

Her hair, skin, makeup and nails- perfect. Oh, and might I mention that she just doesn't age!!! I seriously need to know her beauty secrets!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: NUBAR's Vineyard Collection

I'm still loving the rich berry nail colors released in the fall/winter- you see, I seriously can't seem to get enough of them. Well if you feel the way I do, you need to check out Nubar's Vineyard Collection.

First, the formulas are DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free. The set includes eight beautiful shades (Corvina, Cabernet, Pinot, Dolcetto, Barbera, Merlot, Malvasia and Muscato) perfect for - well, as Nubar says "the boardroom, to the ballroom, to the bedroom"- don't you love it!!

Why not treat yourself to this set for Valentine's Day? Why? Because it's Friday, the end of a long week (at least for me) and you're totally worth it!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Nail Tek's Citra Formaldehyde Free Nail Strengtheners

I haven't posted a Mischo Beauty Extra in 2 weeks because I'd decided to give my nails a break. Salon work- constantly having my hands in water- resulted in my nails becoming very soft and weak, and somewhat sensitive to the touch.

So recently, I've been using Nail Tek's Citra Formaldehyde Free Nail Strengthener #2, which is for soft, peeling nails, in an effort to bring my nails back to life. I've been using it daily, and so far, so good! I love the fact that the formula is DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde free- and there are two additional formulas (#1 - for strong, healthy nails and #3 - for dry, brittle nails) to choose from, depending on your specific needs.

Have you tried Nail Tek products?

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Diva’s Go Red at Dashing Diva

Who: American Heart Association & Dashing Diva

When: February 12, 2009 from 6pm - 8pm

Where: Dashing Diva Nail Spa, 149 3rd Avenue @ 15th Street, Manhattan


Why: To bring awareness to the #1 health threat facing women today- cardiovascular disease. February is National Heart Month and women are urged to take charge of their cardiovascular health, making it a top priority to live stronger healthier lives. The American Heart Association created the Go Red For Women movement to offer women resources and information on ways they can improve their heart health and enjoy their lives free of cardiovascular disease.

The "Divas Go Red" event will offer women FREE blood pressure and body mass index screenings. NYU board certified cardiologist, Dr. Jenny A. Delfin, will talk about the importance of a healthy heart and vital ways to prevent heart disease. Also, Tisha Dixon-Williams, a Go Red heart survivor, will discuss her own encounter with heart disease and what she is doing to live a strong life.

From 6-8pm, Dashing Diva will give customers $5 off any Manicure and $8 off any Pedicure if they select one of Dashing Diva's new RED nail polish colors in honor of this event. Plus it's perfect for Valentine's Day too!

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