Pretty by Nature » Nail Care

Dashing Diva Cuticle Products – Reviewed

Michelle Smith — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:59:39 +0000

Today, the FedEx man brought the Dashing Divas Cuti-Peel and Cuticle Nectar to my door. Perfect timing since I am in the middle of giving both products away here at Pretty By Nature.

Here are my impressions…

*The bottles are good-sized and have a built-in dropper. Convenient.

*The Cuti-Peelis a gel with little granules in it. The purpose of the Cuti-Peel is to soften and prepare the nail. It has the scent of violets and contains glycerin, Allatoin, and sweet almond oil.

*The Cuticle Nectar contains vitamins, sweet almond oil, and orange essence. It smells so good and it absorbs right into your nails and skin. I loved it. I keep feeling my cuticles and they are soft, my nails have a sheen to them, like they are buffed.

*I love that these products are simple to use and made of natural ingredients, not a bunch of chemicals. My kids are out of town right now, but when they come home, I’m going to give them manicures. They are going to love it!

If you’d like a chance to win both of these wonderful Dashing Divas nail products, then click here.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

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Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream

Noel Boehm — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:25:00 +0000

This month from Saffron Rouge I got a nice little sampler of Jurlique products. I have only had to chance to actually try the Citrus Hand cream and I absolutely LOVE it. So lux and creamy, it left my hands feeling really soft but not greasy.They do not have a rating on Skin Deep but you can look up individual ingredients if you are ever in doubt about something.

At $49.00 dollars a pop for the larger size, I’m not sure it’s something I would buy on a regular basis but certainly if I were looking to treat myself or for a gift maybe. The scent is very subtle and you can only catch a little whiff of it here and there after a while. Have you tried any Jurlique products? If so what do you think?

Via Jurlique

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Back Again:Wednesday Questions and Answers

Noel Boehm — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:32:38 +0000

Let’s get back on track since last Wednesday an alien took control of my intestines. I had a co-irker( lame, I know) request some recommendations for cuticle oils and nail strengtheners. I have been using Dr. Hauschka’s Neem Nail Oil for years. In fact I have had the same bottle for so long because just a little bit goes a long way, I actually had to throw it out. It expired in 2003. Hmm…pay attention Noel. So I’ve compiled a short list of some alternatives.

Creative Nail Design Solar Oil is a really nice cuticle conditioner and nail strengthener. I just LOVE the smell of sweet almond oil so this is perfect for me. Apply it about an hour before you paint your nails and let it soak in. Make sure to wipe off any excess before applying the base coat and you will have the perfect home manicure. The above mentioned Dr. Hauschka’s Neem Oil also comes in a pen form that is really great for throwing in your purse for quick use. Swipe it on while at your desk so you won’t have to stare at your rough cuticles while you type, angry with yourself for being too lazy to do them last night. Oh wait, that’s just me and my paranoia. As if anyone else cares about my nails.

Nailtiques Oil Therapy is also a great treatment. I used their Nail Protein Formula 2 for years and it changed the condition of my nails dramatically. Pretty high hazard rating but you know it worked really well for me, so I can’t poo poo it. I will say use at your own risk. I have never actually tried Barielle’s Intensive Nail Renewal Oil but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I have used other Barielle products (Ultra Soft Hand Cream and Total Foot Care Cream) and I can’t stop raving about them, so I’m pretty sure the quality is consistent. Those are a few of my suggestions but I’m sure there are a lot more. Also make sure to apply sunscreen to your hands. Who wants to look like you’re wearing leather gloves in the summer? “Not I”, said Vanity.

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Listmania Part Deux

Noel Boehm — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:12:07 +0000

As promised here is my top ten list of my favorite green beauty websites. They offer great gift ideas and lots of goodies for you. Some of these I have talked about before but gosh darn it, they deserve to be mentioned again, so there.

1. Saffron Rouge- Pretty much the online go-to for Eco cosmetics and skincare. Join Kirsten’s Inner Circle and get free samples every month.

2. Sephora-An obvious choice, but I just love them. If you haven’t “been to” Sephora then make it your New Year’s Resolution to come out from under that rock. Organic, natural, botanical and everything in between. Lovely makeup tools as well.

3. Green by Nature- I am so infatuated with their products I may just put together a gift basket for myself.

4. Lavera- A German company that uses Certified Organic ingredients. They have a wide range of cosmetics and skincare.

5. Sanre Organic Skin Food- Great products with a very “I made this in my bathroom” feel to it. Provide you’re into that kind of thing.

6. Naturopathica- Great spa type products. Excellent gift options for the high strung friend in your life.

7. Korres- Natch. There really isn’t much to say, they are perfect. No seriously.

8. Lush- Amazing products made with top notch ingredients. Fresher than fresh. Start the new year out with a bath bomb.

9. Lovelula- Organic and natural beauty and skincare with style. It’s like the younger sorority sister version of Saffron Rouge.

10. Upurea- Another great mega site bringing together the best offerings in specialized beauty and skincare.

I hope you were all paying attention because there will be a test later. Let me know about other sites that are on your favorites list this year. Happy shopping.

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Make Lemonade Out of Lemons

Noel Boehm — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:34:24 +0000

During the spring and summer months, regular pedicures are a must. You can get them done professionally or you can do them yourself but you just can’t leave the house in sandals without one. That’s not just my opinion, that’s fact…don’t do it. The only thing worse is wearing those clear stripper heels with your toes hanging over the front. So after many months of wearing lovely reds and pinks my nails get a little yellow. I don’t use color on my nails in the winter because, well I’m lazy. So I like to winterize them by soaking them in lemon juice. It will take out all the yellow and make your nails look clean and healthy. Soak them for about five minutes in the lemon juice. I follow it up with a warm soapy water soak. Then I exfolitate and slather in a nice thick lotion. There you are, all ready for winter.

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Nature’s Gate

Noel Boehm — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:45:08 +0000

Recently I ran into Whole Foods to pick up a few items and remembered I was out of lotion. I religiously apply body lotion after I get out of the shower. I don’t wear a lot of makeup or spend lots of time on my appearance in the morning. But I always make time for my lotion fix. So when I found myself out of the good stuff, I decided I needed to get something quickly that wasn’t going to break the bank. I picked up the Nature’s Gate Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion because it seemed Aveeno-esque and smelled pretty mild. I have to say I am now a convert. I was a little apprehensive. I guess I was expecting something…hempier . I’m making up a lot of words today. Anyway it really is very soothing and surprisingly rich but not cloying. It’s perfect for the winter weather. I also really like that the smell is so unobtrusive, you can layer any fragrance over it without knocking people out with your stench.

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30 Day Challenge – Natural French Manicure.

Teri Cosenzi — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:31:26 +0000

Continuing on with my 30-Day Pretty by Nature Challenge, I brought in my own natural nail polish from Barielle, to my manicure appointment yesterday. This is the Barielle Natural French Manicure Kit.

I was thrilled that my manicurist had no qualms about using these polishes, as she believes that Barielle’s natural polishes are some of the best.

This is actually a set of three including a pink shade, a white shade, and a top coat. It came out very nice, don’t you think?

I am happy to report that all of Barielle’s Nail Polishes are Formaldehyde & Dibutyl Phthalate Free. And if you are a do-it-at-home type of manicure girl, this kit comes with color guides you apply to your nails too.

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More Organics for the Nails.

Teri Cosenzi — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:05:00 +0000

I have seen organic nail solutions as far as polishes and treatments go, but never a nail polish remover.

I was thrilled to just find the No-Miss Nail Polish Remover available at VeganUnlimited.com.

No-Miss is made with all organic ingredients, free of acetone and ethyl acetate. It smells like vanilla, is non-drying and effectively removes nail polish.

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