DIY-How To Fix A Broken Nail!

Hi dolls.  Here is the post and pictures that I promised for you...How to fix a broken nail!  Keep in mind that this is just how I do it, and feel free to modify it or change it to fit your needs.  

First off, I have to apologize for the quality of some of the pictures-I have to work quickly for this process, and some of the pictures I took ended up blurry as I didn't really have the luxury of time.  You get the idea though, but feel free to post a comment or question for me if you don't understand my process.

First, here are the tools that I use:

Nail Glue & Nail Filler powder

I purchased both of these products at Sally Beauty Supply.  The Nail filler powder was by the nail acrylic powder stuff-and Orly makes one too but my Sally's didn't carry it. 

The nail filler powder has a shake/sift top, and is transparent.  It feels like grains of really fine sand, and gets pretty much everywhere, so work over a table or place a paper towel down on your work space.

Orange Stick

This is an old orange stick that I also purchased from Sally Beauty. You can use anything that you have on hand though.  I use this to pat on the powder onto the nail.

Nail Buffers & Nail File

I use two different kinds of nail buffers, one has a bigger, rougher grit than the other one.   I also use a nail file to file down any rough edges on the nail that may appear.  These were also all purchased from Sally Beauty.

So here is the nail that I tore (again).  Ouch.  I did repair this once before, so it has some leftover product.  The point is, you can do this as many times as you need to and for fresh tears.

What I do first is remove any polish that I am wearing with nail polish remover and make sure that it is clean.  

Then, I take some of the nail glue and put some in between the tear to seal it.  Let it dry.  I like brush on nail glue better for this purpose.

Then, I dab on some more nail glue right on top of the tear.  Working quickly, shake some nail filler powder on top.

Then, take the orange stick and move the powder around so that it is concentrated right over the tear in your nail.  Pat it down with the orange stick so that the powder forms a lump on your nail.

The nail glue absorbs the nail filler powder quickly, and it becomes dry within a minute or so.  If you feel that you need more reinforcement, just dab some more nail glue onto the nail and repeat the process.

Then, take the rougher grit nail buffer and start buffing down the nail powder you just laid down.  It is important to work back and forth and concentrate on the powder area.  What you want is for the powder to be flush with your nail bed, or as close to possible to it.  If you don't have a rougher grit nail buffer, using a regular nail file will work too, just be careful to not get too close to your skin or you risk cuts and scrapes.

Once you have most of it worked down, take your other buffing block and buff and shine the rest of the nail.

Here is what mine looks like after buffing:

Then, you can apply a smoothing base coat or two on top of the nail.

You can see where I repaired it, but with a few coats of polish, you will be hardly able to tell.

What I like to do is repeat this process to the underside of the nail too, for extra reinforcement.  (I just don't file/buff underneath the nail.)

Here is what my nails look like after I repaired the broken nail on my middle finger.

This is what I have been doing to my nails to save them from the chopping block.  I also have a tear on my pointer finger, in the same area, that I did the same process to.  But you can hardly tell, right?  This has literally been my life savor.  

Let me know what you think about this process.  Is it too tedious?  I know that there are other methods out there, but this is what works for me.  Again, leave me a comment or question down below if you have any!

Love,

Sally Hansen-Quick Care Cuticle Treatment

Hi there dolls.  I don't know about you, but my hands sure take a real beating in the winter.  My cuticles are the worst when the cold weather strikes, so moisturizer is my friend.  I saw this cuticle treatment being marked down to clearance at Walgreens the last time I was in there, so I picked it up for less than $4.

It comes in a pen-type packaging with a bottom that twists in order to dipense the product.  

Here is what it claims on the back of the box:

Sounds intriguing right?  I was willing to give this a try and see what kind of results I would get. 

When you take off the cap, the applicator looks like this.  It is a rubber tip, with small nubs to help massage the treatment into your cuticles and nails. 

The product comes out from a small hole in the tip, like so-after several twists from the bottom.

I also really like the flat rectangular piece that sticks out from the tip.  This is great for getting the product into and around the nails.

Here, I have applied it liberally to my cuticles.  As you can see, it does have a bit of a greasy shine to it.  Nothing too bad though.

(Don't mind the chipped polish- I was about to take this off anyways, and was test driving the treatment.)

I like to use this pen when I'm sitting down on the sofa, watching mindless tv before bed.  I only use this when I'm done with my manicure and my nail color has completely dried. 

My only complaint would be the smell.  I'm not a fan of it, and though I can't put my finger on what it smells like, I just know that it's bothersome to me.

How do you take care of your cuticles in the winter?

Love,

October-Currently Obsessed With

Hi dolls.  Welcome to this month's edition of Currently Obsessed With!  I know I missed the last few months, but there wasn't really anything really spectacular that stuck out at me.  That all pretty much changed this month!

Orly Nail Amor  

Wow!  I love how this has real silk fibers in it.  I use this as a basecoat and usually use two coats.  It also dries really fast, which is a plus.  I will definitely repurchase this when it runs out.

L'Oreal Project Runway blush in The Queen's Blush

&

Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush

This blush is so pretty.  I wasn't really happy upon first swatch, but as I said in my previous post, it actually wears beautifully.  I have been wearing it pretty much everyday since I got it.  To apply it, I have been using my Sonia Kashuk powder brush, and just swiping and blending out on my cheeks to the temple.  It lasts all day when I'm teaching and I don't have to worry about it being too bright or work appropriate.

Studded Bow Earrings from Old Navy

I am obsessed with bow jewelry and it was no exception when I spotted this lovely pair of earrings at Old Navy.  Also-can I just say thankyousomuchOldNavy for finally getting accessories!  They have super cute stuff that reminds me of H&M costume jewelry. 

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioner

What it claims:

I have been using this every other night because my hair was feeling a bit crunchy from using my straightener almost every day.  I have backed up off of the heat tools a bit, and have been treating my hair with much more respect.  lol.  By the way-I love how Garnier Fructis products smell.  Almost good enough to eat!

Rue21 etc! Perfume 

I picked up this perfume over the summer on a bit of a whim.  If you've ever shopped at a Rue2, you'll know that the sales people always push their perfume lines at you when you check out.  I always just smile, take a whiff and then politely pay for my purchases.  But this time, I was suckered into it because I looove how it smells!  It reminds me of fresh apples!  Some people might find it too sweet, but for me it's not overpowering or so sickly sweet that it gets nauseous.    

It's not the longest lasting though.  Whenever I wear it, my third grade boys always tell me that I smell good.  lol.  And third grade boys do not lie.  :)

Earth Theraputics Pro-Organic Nail & Cuticle Care

This stuff is so awesome.  I seriously only need a tiny pea size amount to get soft and supple cuticles in the morning.  I love it!  I  keep moving it from the side of my bed to my nail area because I use it every day.

Target-Black Boot Wedges

I made the husband buy these for me when I spotted them at Target this last week.  Soo cute!  I love the detailing on them too and the lace up bootie style is so rockin'.  I wore them with black skinnies and a black sweater dress so far.  Looking for more ways to style them and show them off!

 What have you been obsessing about lately?  Do tell!

xoxo

Earth Theraputics-Nail + Cuticle Care Nutrient Conditioner

Hey dolls.  With autumn already here and winter around the corner, I decided to be proactive and find something for my poor ragged cuticles.  

I literally stumbled across this tube while browsing for more Essie polishes at TJ Maxx.  This comes in lotion form which is much more friendly than the cuticle oil that I have been currently using.  I also liked how it is made with organic ingredients and is paraben free.

There is a citrus scent to this product, but it's not overpowering or obnoxious.  It also disappears quickly enough.  I only use a tiny squeeze after doing my nails and it is more than  enough for both my hands.

The lotion itself is non-greasy and very moisturizing.  I just rub it in and let it sink into my skin while I read and catch up on blogs at night or watch t.v. before bed.  Did I mention that this was only $3.99?  Such a great deal.  I am loving this product and can see it lasting me quite a long time.

xoxo