The Nail File

It’s embarrassing how bad my cuticles have been recently. Am I the only one whose cuticles seem to lose their sh*t when the weather starts to change? It’s driving me bananas, especially since I pride myself on my nails always looking nice.

I was so grateful when Revitanail gave me the exclusive inside scoop on their new Revitanail Cuticle Remover Gel. It’s a highly effective gel formula that softly eats away the cuticles, making it easy for you to push them back and be rid of them without cutting (ick) or picking (double ick).

My (very unscientific) understanding is that it contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids (namely, salicylic acid), just like in your face cleansers and moisturisers. You apply a small amount of gel from the tube, leave for 4-8 minutes, push back with a cuticle stick, and wash your hands – easy as that. The gel gently breaks down the dead skin cells, making them soft and easy to push away. It also contains green tea and aloe, so it’s moisturising to dry skin (and lets face it, if you’re using this then chances are your cuticles are dry). Definitely a handy (zing) addition to any manicure kit.

Price: $14.95
From: Myer, Priceline and pharmacies
Available: from September

This product was offered to The Nail File for editorial consideration – for more details, see our disclosure policy

Everyone needs at least one classic red nail polish in their collection (along with a nude and a pink, but that’s for another post). I have picked out five of my favourite classic reds, and they all have one thing in common. They are all a true red. Not too blue, not too pink, not too orange. Nothing says sophisticated like a neat red nail.

1. Essie – Red Nouveau

This beauty first hit shelves as part of the Essie Spring 2010 collection and it has been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. One coat gives a delicate look, while two is bold and fierce (pictured with one coat). Excellent formula, it glides on easily and dries quickly. It’s $18.95 for 15ml, and available at Myer. Hook it up.

2. N.Y.C. Color – Chilli

For a cheapy polish, this packs an impressive amount of punch. It’s a rich red with lots of pigment, and can easily compete with the more expensive brands. Honestly, for just $2.50 you couldn’t get a coffee this rich and robust. Hit up your local chemist.

3. Nubar – Sensual Red

Sensual is right – this is a classic red that paints on beautifully and will always make you feel sexy, no matter what else you’re wearing. Nubar’s formula is resiliant and long-wearing, so pop it on your toes for a pedicure that will last for weeks. Nubar is $13.20 for 15ml – call 1300 437 436 for a spa near you.

4. Zoya – Kristi

This is a deep, true red. Very polished (zing) and classy, with one coat being enough for full coverage (pictured with two coats). The brush is short and firm, which gives excellent control when you’re painting – no messy cuticles here! Zoya is $17 for 15ml – check the Zoya website for stockists.

5. Divina Luma Nails – Scarlet

I love this polish because it has a light in the cap, so you can paint your nails in dark. Another bright red that belongs on your shelf – this polish is a beautiful formula that glides on smoothly, but requires two coats for the maximum effect.

Do you have a true red in your collection that belongs in this list? I want to hear about it!

If you wear nail polish, you need one of these. Simple fact. The Sally Hansen Kwik Off nail polish remover tub is perfect when you chip one nail and need to re-do it but don’t want to ruin the rest of your mani. It’s also good if you’re lazy – you just stick your finger in one of the slots in the sponge, wiggle it around a little bit, and you’re done.

Of all the nail polish removers I have used (and I have used a lot), this is one of the most gentle and the most effective – no dry cuticles here! I would go so far as to say ‘best nail polish remover’, apart from maybe Zoya Remove+. So far I have gotten about 50 ‘removes’ out of it, and when the sponge starts to look a bit manky (it’s getting there now) you simply flip the sponge upside down! For those hard to shift stains on the cuticle, just dip a cotton pad in the tub – easy. Grab one and let it change your life (or at least your manicure). It gets my two-thumbs-up endorsement.

The details:
Price:$9.95 (although I picked mine up on sale for $8)
From: Priceline

This product was purchased by The Nail File for review – for more details, see our disclosure policy

I LOVE Mac pigment powders. They make amazing eye shadows, especially when mixed with water for a rich, bold colour. A bit of pink or red with vaseline makes a great lip colour. And now pigment with a clear nail polish creates a unique and special lacquer.

The best part is, it’s insanely easy to do! Let me walk you through my latest DIY project:

Step one

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Screw winter, seriously. I have been afflicted with that dreaded winter disease, pineapple-hands. This occurs quite often in winter, when the skin gets so dry it feels like you have two whole pineapples (skin on) at the end of your arms. Rough.

I have hand cream stashed all over the house/in the car/in my handbag to help fight the dreaded pineapple-hands, and these are a few of my current favourites.

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Stop the press! I have found my new signature colour for winter (well, one of them). CND do a seasonal Color & Effects set and the Autumn/Winter 2010 one is supercute (yes, once again, we’re a bit late to the party with that whole southern hemisphere thing). The set contains a rich and creamy spruce/teal called Urban Oasis that I am head over heels for, and a cool sheer glitter effect called Teal Sparkle.

Taken in natural light

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I probably go through more nail polish remover in a week than most people do in a year, so I feel pretty qualified to pass comment.

First things first – the best best BEST apparatus for removing polish is cotton pads. They don’t fall apart and catch like cotton balls do, and they have much more surface area than a cotton tip. Don’t even think about a paper towel or any other type of tissue – they just aren’t strong enough.

My arsenal

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When you’re all dolled up for a wedding, in your pretty dress and your adorable shoes, it’s not usually the appropriate time for your nails to steal the spotlight. Short, chic and neutral is always a safe bet.

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A little bit of inspiration for a Tuesday – ORLY Foil FX polishes are amazing on their own, but can also add a little bit of spice to a mani with metallic tips. I got loads of compliments on my silver Shine tips when I paired them with the gorgeous purple of Kit Reach Out.

Taken in artificial light

If you’re struggling to nail (zing!) your french tips, don’t forget my sticky tape trick!

The details:
ORLY Limited Edition Foil FX Summer 2010/11 Collection is available in Luxe (gold), Shine (silver) and Rage (rose-gold).
Price: $18.95
From: Pharmacies, salons and spas – check Orly Beauty for stockists

Buffed? Check. Smooth? Check. Hydrated? Check. Time to add the accessories (that would be the nail polish). I’m not going to tell you what colours to put on your toots (though I do recommend a nice bold fuschia) but I will tell you how to make it easier.

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