Cosmopolitan.com http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za Cosmopolitan.com http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za/images/cosmo_logo_toolbox.gif Money en-us catherined at cosmopolitan dot co dot za Copyright 2009 COSMO Polished Workshops http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/cosmo-polished-workshops
For the latest nail-art trends and products, and stylishly mani-fique hands, get to our Polished workshops.

You will enjoy delicious canapés, yummy cocktails and great entertainment as Revlon experts teach you the do’s and don’ts of the perfect manicure.

And you won’t leave empty-handed: we’re throwing in fab goodie bags for you to take home. Limited space is available, so be the first to book!







EVENT DETAILS

Cape Town
Date: Thursday 30 May 2013
Time: 6.30 for 7pm


Johannesburg
Date: Tuesday 4 June 2013
Time: 6.30 for 7pm


COST: R175 per person

*Please note: Venue details and more information on what to expect will be supplied in your confirmation e-mail once tickets have been purchased.



]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00 +0200 ADVERTORIAL: Dream Nails Beauty http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/advertorial-dream-nails-beauty
Nails are the most fashion-forward accessory in the beauty industry and we make it our mission to make great, fashionable nails accessible and fun for everyone who is interested in expressing themselves both stylishly and creatively.

Well-known to most South Africans, Dream Nails Beauty is proud to be considered a leader in this field. The Dream Nails Beauty franchise group will be turning 28 this year and has 30 salons countrywide. Nora Barnard, a woman who made a significant contribution to the beauty industry, founded the brand. Dream Nails Beauty offers the best in nail enhancements and beauty services along with well-known retail offerings. Only the best nail enhancement products (NSI) are used in Dream Nails Beauty salons. NSI have been recognised for its superior quality products throughout the world.

Dream Nails Beauty is setting the latest nail trends with its in-store GlamBook. This style guide is compact, as well as informative for both new and existing clients and offers a snapshot of the latest products, colours and trends.

Dream Nails Beauty offers a two-week guarantee on all new nail enhancements. Our staff receives constant, top-quality training to ensure that you, our valued customer, receives the best service from our Dream Nails Beauty salons.

Enter our competition and you could win Dream Nails Beauty gift cards worth R250 each!

For more info call 0861 112 222 or visit www.dreamnails.co.za. You can find Dream Nails Beauty on Facebook or follow @DreamNails_SA on Twitter.
 
 
 
  
 
]]> Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00 +0200 Fake A Spa-Perfect Pedicure http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/fake-a-spa-perfect-pedicure-pg1
The Prep: Dampen feet and rub on a scrub to slough off dead skin. Rinse, then pat dry.

Step #1
Step #2
Step #3
Step #4

Trim your nails with clippers so that they extend just slightly beyond the tops of your toes. Then, file nails into squares with rounded edges and glide over with a buffer to even out any ridges on the surface.

]]> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:00 +0200 Nail Dos and Don'ts http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/nail-dos-and-donts
• Do coat the outside of the nails with polish or ridge fillers to help protect the nail and prevent breaking and splitting.

• Don't push the cuticle back too far, and trim only the part that has started to lift away from the nail.

• Do clean all nail implements and change your nail file often. Bacteria and other microbes can get transferred by the nail tools you use, causing infection or harm to the matrix.

• Don't use your fingernails to open letters. This destroys the cuticles, which destroys the nail matrix and affects nail growth and strength.

• Do apply hand cream frequently, especially after you're done washing your hands, and pay attention to the cuticle area.

• Don't overuse nail-polish remover. Use a minimal amount on the nail, and avoid getting too much on the cuticle and skin.

• Do wear gloves to protect nails and cuticles from housework, gardening and washing dishes.

• Don't leave an ingrown nail untreated, as infections can cause long-lasting damage to the nail. Disinfect the area regularly, and if the infection persists visit your GP.

]]> Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:00 +0200 Polished and Pretty http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/polished-and-pretty
COSMOPOLITAN and Revlon decided to get creative recently by giving readers the opportunity to play around with nail art and create masterpieces out of their fingertips. Two fabulous Sex And The City-inspired girls' nights out were arranged, one in Jo'burg and one in Cape Town, where a handful of COSMO girls were treated to champers, Grey Goose Vodka cocktails and delectable Café Culture Wine.

The vibey Jo'burg workshop was held at the stunning House Of Fashion where readers got to explore the one-of-a-kind garments the boutique has on offer, while the Cape Town girls drank in the view of the beautiful Mother City as they sipped their cocktails from the glamorous Hip House Penthouse.

Nail art was not the only entertainment on offer. Chiano Sky had everyone in awe in Jozi, while the all-boy a capella group, D7, left the Cape Town crowd breathless.

The best mani of the night won a R1 000 Revlon gift hamper – picking a winner wasn't easy, as our readers got really creative. But, no one walked away empty-handed. Each participant received a cool goodie bag and a three-month subscription to COSMO.

Thanks, Revlon! You rock.

Take a look at pics from the #COSMOPolished workshops below.

CAPE TOWN



JO'BURG



Like Revlon on Facebook and follow Revlon on Twitter.


]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:00 +0200 Pretty Pink Nails http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/pretty-pink-nails-pg1
Skintone Rules
Pastel Dos & Don'ts
Top Tips For Talons

• 'Baby pink polishes are for English-Rose complexions, pink-based nudes suit olive skin tones and those with dark complexions can carry off any pink,' says Deborah Lipmann, celebrity manicurist.
• 'If you're unsure about which shade suits you, look at your cuticles,' Deborah says. 'They'll look yellow if it's the wrong shade.'
• Light nail colours generally play down any flaws, so if you don't want to attract too much attention to your hands, then pale is the way to go.

THE COSMO TEAM SUGGESTS: Revlon Posh Pink Nail Polish, (R89.95) or Catrice Ultimate Nail Lacquer in 360 Raspberry Fields Forever (R34.95).

]]> Wed, 30 May 2012 12:00 +0200 Nailing It! http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/nailing-it
Q: 'I have soft, damaged and bitten nails - what can I use to strengthen them?'
A: The reason for your soft, brittle nails could be a lack of keratin, a substance that helps protect nails against splitting, cracking and tearing. Try using Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle, as it contains soy protein that helps strengthen and lengthen your nails without brittleness. Collagen and multi-vitamins also help to stimulate healthy nail growth.

Q: 'I have short nails that break and just won't grow - why?'
A: Short, breaking nails could be a result of a lack of protein in your diet. Make sure you are eating well-balanced meals with plenty of protein, especially if you're vegetarian. There are also products on the market that help strengthen nails, e.g. Sally Hansen Maximum Growth contains Exclusive Silk Protein formula that creates a strong foundation for healthy nail growth and helps to reinforce soft, bitten, weak, or thin nails. This ultimately reduces splitting and peeling.

Q: 'I hate it when my nail polish chips within the first three days of application. What can I use to make my nail polish last longer?'
A: Given how busy your hands are, you will have to invest in a quality nail varnish and be prepared to apply a number of layers. In order for your colour to last, you need to apply a base coat, a strengthener, a growth treatment and a top coat (some brands sell these in a set, e.g. Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure). If you want to prevent chipping, Sally Hansen's No Chip Acrylic Top Coat seals nail colour with a smooth, hard, high-gloss finish, so you can change that flat tyre and stay perfectly manicured.

Q: 'My nails are soft and very ridged. What can I use to fix this?'
A: Ridged nails could be caused by a lack of calcium in your diet. Dairy remains the best source of calcium, so make sure you're eating enough milk, cheese and yoghurt. Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener contains Advanced Calcium and Ceramic gel formula that instantly bonds and seals weak nails to build a hard, defensive shield that protects against bending and breaking. The fortifying treatment fills in ridges and imperfections so even ridged nails look smooth, healthy and shiny.

Q: 'I'm always painting my nails in a hurry and end up smudging them. What I can use to dry them quickly?'
A: In the old days you'd have to wave your hands around for 15 minutes until your varnish dried, but now you can apply a sheer top coat which makes your nails dry to the touch in as little as 30 seconds. Sally Hansen Insta Dri Speed Drops penetrates from base coat to top coat, and dries your manicure completely in just five minutes.

Q: 'I love wearing dark, dramatic colours, but I hate that they stain my nails yellow. What can I do to prevent this?
A: To prevent your nails from yellowing, simply apply a base coat. This forms a barrier between the nail and the nail varnish, and will protect it from the staining properties of darker nail varnishes.

Q: 'How do I prevent my hands from ageing?'
A: Many women forget to moisturise their hands, but because the hands are exposed to the sun on a daily basis, as well as being one of the hardest working parts of the body, it is essential to invest in a good hand cream. Sally Hansen's Firming Hand Crème instantly makes your hands look at least 10 times younger by lifting, firming and brightening the skin. Make sure you always have a tube in your bag, and reapply every time you expose your hands to the harsh chemicals of soap.


To buy any of the above Sally Hansen products, click here.

]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00 +0200 What Your Nail Polish Says About You http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/what-your-nail-polish-says-about-you
Pillar Box Red: You're a sexy, ultra femme and not afraid to use your sexuality to get what you want. Dita von Teese is your idol, and you love glamorous, tight-fitting clothes with a slightly retro flair. You're big on sequins and feathers, and you don't like being seen without your hair and makeup perfectly done. As a girlfriend, you're inclined to be (very) high maintenance.

Bright Pink: You thrive on attention, and tend to be the loudest person in the room. You're a non-conformist, and you don't like being told what to do or follow rules. You like your look to be polished and well put-together, and you usually show a bit of cleavage. Your man has to be strong and successful, and not intimidated by bold, brassy women.

Black: You're either a committed goth, a raging rock chick or an edgy hipster who loves pushing the limits of fashion. Your wardrobe is predominantly black, you probably have a piercing and/or tat and you make guys' parents more than a little nervous when they meet you. You're artistic, intellectual and unconventional, and probably made it to The Tallest Man On Earth after party.

Blue Or Green: Greetings, Hippie Chick! Bet your apartment is a morass of sandalwood and beads and that you haven't bought a razor in years. You love being out in nature, going barefoot, and are attracted to slightly stoned poets with long hair and goatees. You're super easygoing and friendly. Just hope that nice sky-blue polish isn't hiding grubby toenails.

Grey Or Brown: You're a stylish follower of fashion and all things that come with a big price tag. Your wardrobe contains as many designer items as you can afford, and you're not the type to rough it. You like the finer things in life, and your man had better have some serious earning potential. You're inclined to be snobbish and just a little bit uptight, but you always look amazing.

The Neons: You're usually found at outdoor raves and sweaty clubs, shaking your plastic bracelets about on the dancefloor. You're not the most ambitious in the world, and can't do the whole 9-to-5 thing. For this reason you're perpetually broke. But you're warm and non-judgmental, and you make a great (if slightly out of it) girlfriend.

White: You think you're a non-conformist, but actually you're a commitment-phobe and inclined to be very indecisive. If you can't even pick a proper nail colour, what chance do you have of deciding the important stuff? Your wardrobe is an eclectic mixture of styles, and you're open-minded about the kind of guy you date. You tend to go with the flow, and are easily influenced by other peoples' opinions.

Pale Pink: You're the ultimate girly-girl who adores frills and ruffles, floral prints and diamanté accessories. You're conservative, need your partner to be old-fashioned and gentlemanly, and believe in fixed gender roles. Men love your softly feminine wiles, and you have coyness and game-playing down to a fine art. But behind all the ruffles and fluff, it's actually you calling the shots.

]]> Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:00 +0200 The Perfect Paint Job http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/the-perfect-paint-job
• When it comes to choosing the right shade, hold three colours that you like against your skin. The colour that 'pops' is the perfect one for you.

• Before applying nail varnish, clean the entire nail with a cotton ball soaked in acetone. Even if your nail is 'clean', this removes any naturally occurring oils from the nail plate. This allows the varnish to last longer.

• Applying a thin layer of base coat protects the nail plate from getting stained yellow and allows the colour to last longer on the nail plate.

• When applying your colour, make sure there's enough varnish on the brush for the entire nail. Paint one stroke down the middle followed by one on the right side of the middle line and then on the left side. Doing this twice gives bold colour and an even application.

• Clean up the sides with an orange stick soaked in acetone.

• Finish off with a thin layer of top coat to give extra gloss and protection to the colour you have applied.

• A mistake people often make after finishing off is trying to blow, wave or even use a hairdryer to dry the nails… don't! This causes your nail varnish to bubble. Rather be patient and let it dry naturally for a guaranteed smooth-looking nail.

]]> Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:00 +0200 Finger Tips http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/finger-tips

STEP BY STEP
1. Clean any existing polish off nails and push back cuticles. Prepare clean nails for a fresh coat of polish by buffing with a buffing sponge.
2 .File nails into neat squared-off ovals, and keep them shortish – long talons are dated.
3. Apply a base coat of clear or opaque polish. This will prevent the nails from being stained yellow by the high pigment content of red polishes.
4. Apply polish using short strokes, from cuticle to tip. Do the centre first, then either side.
5. Allow nails to dry completely before adding a second coat.
6. Finish off with a clear, chip-resistant top coat.

GOOD TO KNOW
• Pale skins look best with pinky reds that have blue undertones, olive skins look best with more orange-toned fruity reds and dark skins look best with deep, slightly brown reds.
• Just after you have painted your nails – before they are completely dry – drop a tiny splash of oil onto the cuticle area, using an eye dropper. This helps seal the cuticles and prevents the polish from bleeding into them.
• Red nails will most certainly draw attention to your hands – so take care to keep hands well moisturised.
• Dunking fingertips quickly into a bowl of iced water will help speed up the drying process and set polish. But don’t use heat – it will make the polish tacky.
• Fix up any mistakes using a tiny bit of cotton wool wrapped around an orange stick and dipped into nail-varnish remover. Gently rub over the area to remove unwanted varnish.

]]> Fri, 30 May 2008 12:00 +0200 The DIY Manicure http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//beauty/nails/the-diy-manicure

1. Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak your hands for a few minutes to soften the skin and the nails.

2. Wash your hands with a gentle soap and give them a good scrub with exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells and make them super-soft.

3. If necessary, remove any old nail polish.

4. Shape nails using a fine-grit file - it'll prevent nicks in the side of the nails, as it's gentler than other files.

5. Apply a cuticle treatment and gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle stick.

6. Apply a thick layer of hand-cream, cover your hands with a pair of plastic gloves and relax in front of TV for ten minutes while your hands get soften.

7. Using water only, rinse off the hand cream and dry your hands with a towel.

8. Before you apply nail polish always apply a base coat, as this protects the nail and helps prevent chipping.

9. Apply one coat of polish in three neat strokes, starting in the centre and extending to the tip. Wait until it's completely dry, then apply a second coat.

10. Always follow up with a top coat to prolong the life of your manicure.

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00 +0200