How to Winterize Your Nails: A Post by JULEP

Unless you have been living under a rock, you've heard of Julep. This brand first started as a nail parlor in 2007, and has now expanded into a company that releases over 300 new products per year (!!!). Aside from their top-quality polishes (which you can find in a ton of places including Sephora and Nordstrom!), one of the most amazing things about this company is their Powered by Girlfriends program. Through it, they donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support and empower women. How awesome is that!? And let's not forget about Julep Maven, which are fully customizable subscription boxes delivered right to your door every month!!

This awesome company contacted me shortly asking if I was interested in sharing with my readers their tips on how to keep your nails in top condition for the winter season. These cold months demand a lot more TLC for our nails, as the dry air might cause them to peel and become brittle, and it's also a breeding ground for the dreaded hangnails!
No worries though, just follow these simple steps by Julep (with some additional ones by me) and your nails will breeze past the season unscathed:

If there is one thing that really impacts the condition of your nails is the cuticles. Unkempt cuticles can really break a flawless mani, so if you are going to remove them, make sure you are doing it properly (cutting your skin when doing so is the easiest way to get an infection! ouch!). If you are not great at cutting them, I suggest you go to a manicurist or simply apply a cuticle softener (like the one pictured) and push them downwards gently so they aren't noticeable.

In doing your mani, stay well away from any polishes that contain Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Formaldehyde, which are actually referred to as the "toxic trio". (Good news: Julep nail polishes are free from all three! woop woop!).

When your mani is finished, I strongly recommend you use a cuticle oil that will nourish and strengthen your nails. Or you can opt for a cuticle serum like the one in the picture, designed to do the same. Ideally, use it two to three times a week for best results.

Make sure that in the winter months you switch your hand cream for something a little heavier that will provide extra hydration to your hands and lock in the moisture. To see which one I am loving at the moment, make sure you come back tomorrow to see my November favorites.
Keep one in your purse, your desk, and your nightstand so you can apply whenever needed. If the air is too dry where you live, also make sure you don't leave the house without some good mittens to keep your hands nice, warm and protected.

Finally, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to hydrate your nails from within. It makes a world of difference.

Multitasker tip: if you don't have a cuticle oil available, your lip balm will do the trick aswell!

If you are in need of some inspiration for what colors to rock this holiday season, make sure to check out Julep's incredible color selection here. (You might even find one with the same name as you! I am so in love with the Veronica shade!).

I hope you have enjoyed these tips and if you have your own, please do leave them in the comments to share with me and the other readers!
Love you bunches!

Beauty Trend: Nude Nails

While spring and summer are seasons known for fun, flirty and relaxed trends in beauty and fashion, fall is really where the most sophisticated, feminine and elegant trends come to life.

This season one of the biggest trends that I am in love with are nude nails.  Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also super versatile: they transition ever so smoothly between day and night, work and fun. They really are appropriate for any occasion (which is not the case with other nail trends, like magnetic polish or 3D accents). 

If your skin is on the darker side, this is definitely a must-try, as the nails will stand out beautifully against your skin. However, nude nails don't only suit darker-skinned girls: pale girls can benefit from wearing sheerer shades of nude, so as not to create an undesirable contrast with their skin. A good rule to follow when choosing a flesh-colored lacquer is to go for one that matches your foundation, and that way your nails won't clash with your overall look.

Regardless of your skin tone, clean nails and cuticles are crucial in order to rock this trend as any dirt will definitely show. 

If you love being adventurous with your nails, fear not: this trend doesn't have to be plain or boring. Here are some tips to add an edge to your mani:

1. Add nail strips over the lacquer. Here, YouTube beauty guru MissGlamorazzi is rocking a stunning, chic manicure wearing Essie Topless & Barefoot underneath, and Revlon by Marchesa nail strips on top, in Beaded Couture:

Image from Ingrid Nilsen's Instagram account, @TheGridMonster

2.  Add an accent nail:

Image by Bellasugar

3. Incorporate nude shades into some fun nail art:

Image from Stylosophy

There is an endless selection of nude hues to choose from now, from really sheer, barely-there tones to light brownish nudes. To make it easier for you to choose, I have rounded up my three favorite options: a light nude, a medium nude and a darker one.

Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 104 Funny Girl

Essie Ballet Slippers

O.P.I. in Barefoot in Barcelona

Finally, I did my own nude nails. I am absolutely terrible at doing my nails, but I do them from time to time anyway in hope that practice makes perfect (or at least acceptable!), so please forgive the quality of my manicure:

What is your favorite nail trend this fall? And are you going to be wearing the nude nail trend?