InStyle has sucked me in on the Diamancel Foot File
which has made their best beauty buys list. At a whopping $36, it is 3 times the price of my favorite foot file, but it looks very well worth it, especially if it really lasts forever, which it really might, with the diamond dust. The potential weakness here is what attaches the diamond dust to the handle.

Here is their description:

Made with real, industrial-grade diamond dust, this foot file has a strong grit that helps dissolve calluses with just a few strong swipes. Although it’s pricey, experts say this file is worth the cost because it files off skin evenly, doesn’t retain bacteria (since it’s used dry) and lasts forever.

Looks like another thing to add to the drugstore.com shopping list! Has anyone tried this?

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Nail salons are really back in the news, as they should be, because with their environment it is very easy to acquire an infection that you cannot rid yourself of. The Clarion-Ledger had an article yesterday that should be eye-opening and is full of good tips to assure you are going to be safe, whether you are getting a service in a salon, or doing it yourself.

My best advice to you is to educate yourself about sanitization and disinfection, and ask your nail tech how she sanitizes her implements, and to ask to see the process first hand. She needs to have at least a couple of sets of tools , or have at least 30 minutes scheduled between clients to insure that sanitization is performed properly. It is always a good idea for her or you to keep your files seperate from other clients. I always kept my disposable nail files in bags marked with each clients name, because brand new files are sharp and easy to cut skin with, so it is difficult to use a new one for each client. But you either need to have your own files, or she must use a new file on you. And don’t forget about electric files – the barrel file on those must be new as well. Make sure (ask!) she has thoroughly and properly washed her hands between clients. Look at the disinfectant she is using. It should be hospital-grade and if it is cloudy, it is no good. And one more time – do NOT use a plumbed pedicure tub, please.
And finally, if you have a nail tech that you love, that does a great job and is nice and sanitary, do her a favor and tell all of your friends about her. Good people deserve to be rewarded for their efforts!

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There are many companies that make tools like this, but none of them (yes, none!) compare to this one.  You have to trust me on this.  This file retails for about $9.00 US, and is more expensive than its competitors, but will outperform and outlast them all – run file circles around them, in fact.  The file is very sturdy (a big problem with its competitors) and the abrasive area is strong and rough and lasts forever (you guessed it, another big problem).  I usually buy a new one each year, but only because I absolutely love the way a brand spanking new one works.  This could honestly last you for several years, though.  You can usually find this file at Sally’s Beauty, and occasionally in a local salon (but with a much higher price, if I had to guess).  You can also find these at Amazon, which is the best bet to getting one if there isn’t a Sally’s convenient to you.

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Agathe at StyleBytes has been working hard once again to provide directions and inspiration for some do-it-yourself couture. Check out her super easy bubble skirt and circle skirt directions. SheFinds is talking about the fabulous cheek stain by Tarte, and Jackie at Jack&Hill is talking about her lack of enthusiasm with Laura Mercer’s foundation primer (M, from the comments on the last post, I am working on that one still for you, will get back to you on it shortly!!).

I have added a couple of blogs to my blogroll this week – Badger, at LipstickIsMyCrack, has been making the same observations I have made this week at the lack of beauty in the new collection at Target by British designer, Luella. Not beautiful, in fact tacky. Pity. The other blog I have added is by Toya, The Life of a Ladybug. She is a dancer and a beauty obsessed woman like the rest of us. She also writes a makeup column, so watch out for her links to those great articles!

DeLush has done their usual great reviews this week: DiorShow Eyecolors, Kiehs’s Abyssine Eye Cream and BeautyIntuition.com, a new beauty shopping web site. Look out for the DeLush readers coupon!

I am still working on the Spa Pedicure section at Nail Tech Secrets this week, but am moving a bit slow, because my husband has been on vacation all week (and he is very time consuming, know what I mean?). Be sure to learn how to do these properly yourself, to avoid the ultra scary bacteria that are out there. I saw a woman getting a pedicure in the mall yesterday, and I wanted to go in there and tell her about the infection possibility, but I thought I had best keep my crazy side under wraps. Ha. But please be careful – there are lots of alternatives to dangerous beauty methods, sometimes you just have to get a little creative. But we can do that, right???

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, my husband should be back at work next week, so hopefully my posting frequency will go back up a little bit. Be safe and be beautiful!

Post from: eBeautyDaily