Ultimate Nail Care Guide

7 STEPS TO BEAUTIFUL NAILS.

During lockdown I want you to take this time to keep your nails strong and healthy so when it's time to get back in the studio your nails are feeling fresh and ready to go! I've broken down every step you need to take in order to get the best results! 

1. WASH YOUR HANDS

This first step is super easy and in these times we should all be experts on how to wash our hands properly. Though it seem's pretty obvious it's important to wash your hands regularly with soap to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up your fingernails.

2. Hand MOISTURISER

Everyone reacts differently but regular washing and sanitising of hands can lead to dry skin so when possible, try to use a hand moisturiser after washing and especially sanitising your hands, make sure to work it deep into your cuticles and nails.

3. Cuticle oil 

Try and work this step into your evening skin routine, using cuticle oil on a regular basis will reduce the risk of breaking/peeling, it will increase the circulation around your nails whilst stimulating nail growth. You only need a few drops straight on the cuticle then massage the oil in. 

4. STOP BITING

Avoid biting your nails as they will be left looking uneven and you will expose them to the bacteria from your mouth which may leave them feeling weak and then obviously there's the flip side of that, by biting your nails, you're then transferring the dirt and germs found under your nails into your mouth, which is pretty gross. 

5. FILE 

File your nails slowly and gently in one direction to smooth the tips of your nails and get rid of any rough edges. Don't go back and fourth with the file by doing this you can actually end up causing damage and it will take them longer to grow.  

6. USE GLOVES

Always use gloves when doing anything that involves soaking and dirtying your hands. Washing the dishes, cleaning with products that have strong chemicals, or gardening can all be harmful to your nails. Remember your nails should be treated like jewels not tools.         

7. DRINK WATER

If you have nails that seem to always break, you might be suffering from dehydration. Drink plenty of water every day, this will help growth and the overall condition of your nails.

Beauty by Gina

2020

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Cleaning Eyelash Extensions

 Don't Be Scared To Clean Your Eyelash Extensions.

Many people seem to think that because we tell you on the aftercare sheet not to wet your eyelashes for the first 24 hours, this means do not get them wet ever.. this is not correct! After the first 24 hours the adhesive would have properly cured and becomes relatively waterproof. It's so important to wet your lashes regularly in order clean them. Improper cleansing of your eyelashes and eyelids could cause problems in the long run that will result in your extensions not lasting as long as they should. 

When the eye area is not cleaned regularly dead skin cells can build up and cause inflammation, itchiness and in more serious cases could lead to something called Blepharitis, this is a common problem amongst those who do not have good eyelid hygiene. It occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eye become blocked, it stops the hair follicles from growing and end up looking/feeling red and sore. This will result in you rubbing your eyes and playing with your eyelash extensions, sometimes subconsciously which will unfortunately cause quicker fall out. We always recommend NOT to wear mascara because as you can imagine they're almost impossible to clean. Blepharitis sounds horrible and trust me if you google search it's not pretty either but it is easily treated/managed and even more so easily avoidable if you start up a proper cleansing routine. 

Oil is another big reason to clean your lashes, if you have an oily complexion or you have been wearing make up and or moisturiser that contains oil this will end up in your eyelash extensions, and if you don't wash your lashes the oil will remain there, over time it will build up and slowly the eyelash adhesive will deteriorate. The less oil you expose your lash extensions too, generally the better they will last! You can do this simply by using oil free products and if you have an oily skin tone use blotting papers.

So how do you clean your eyelash extensions properly?

Step by Step

1. If you're wearing foundation remove this first, making sure to completely avoid the eye area.

2. Remove all eye make up such as eyeshadow etc using an oil free make up remover, if you're taking off eyeliner use a cotton tip dipped in remover and wipe the lid but never towards the extensions.  Always avoid using cotton balls as they will catch on the base of your extensions and you'll end up in a fury mess.

3. Wet your eyes with water you can do this by sprinkling the water over your eye lids and if you want to take it that step further you can take a very small amount of lash shampoo  (I'll have some links on where you can purchase this below) apply this to both eyes with either your finger tips or you can use a small cleansing brush but remember to be gentle, don't rub the lashes.

4. Completely rinse the shampoo off an dab them gently dry, it doesn't matter if they are a little damp or stick together with water when you brush them they will separate. 

5. Use your lash wand very gently brush through and fan them back out 

6. do this 2 - 3 times a week

IMPORTANT - wait at least 24 hours first before wetting them. 

Oil-free make up remover.

Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent Fragrance-free, oil-free and pain free £19 for 125ml

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover Oil-Free, vegan and budget friendly £3.79 for 125ml

Nars Make up Remove It’s free of soap, alcohol and oil £21.00 for 200ml

Tatti Lashes Lash Cleansing Kit  Includes cleansing brush, oil free and alcohol free £12.95 for 60ml

Beauty By Gina

2020

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DIY Face Masks

Hydration  Facemask - 30 - 40 minutes

Have you ever made your own face mask? 

If not why not?! 

With coronavirus keeping us all stuck in doors it's the perfect time to try out some new things. I personally have always loved making my own face masks but during these struggling times whether you're bored out of your brain, working from home or trying your hardest to stay productive you should always take a spare hour or so for a little bit of self care. It's honestly so important to do something for yourself and if you've been feeling glum or it's all getting a bit much you will honestly feel so much better or at least I really hope you will because it works for me. 

This face mask in particular increases hydration for dry and dehydrated skin types and it's so easy to make, hopefully you already have everything in your kitchen but if not the items are super accessible at any shop. 

What you want to grab is a Banana, Avocado, Honey and Greek Yogurt. 

There is a method to the madness about why I've chosen these items for my face mask today.. 

Buy plain greek yogurt using a full fat yogurt is going to be way more moisturising if you have dry skin but if you have combination or oily skin I would reccomend using a fat free yogurt. Definitely do not use any flavoured yogurts as an alternative as they contain too many sweeteners and other ingredients that may irritate your skin, which is the complete opposite of what we want to achieve today! The yogurt is known to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and dissolve dead skin. 

Bananas are full of minerals and vitamins that will make your skin soft and give you a radiant glow. 

The Avocado is actually an anti-inflammatory because it contains lauric acid and other nutrients that act as antibacterial agents, this will help reduce acne and scars if you have any.  

Honey is soothing and holds healing properties, it nourishes damaged skin which helps fade scars (such as acne scars) The honey also naturally opens up pores making them easier to unclog.

Once you collect all your ingredients use half of the avocado, half of the banana or use a whole small one, add the honey and yogurt and mix it together I used a blender to mix mine because it makes it smooth and easier to apply. This shouldn't take you longer than 10 minutes. 

Make sure your face is clean before applying but once you have your mixture you can then fully apply it all over your face. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and you should find that it will tighten on your skin. 

Once you've had your mask on for your desired time rinse your face throughly with luke warm water. I personally then like to go on to using a toner and moisturise after but that's completely up to you. 

I like to do face masks like this once or twice a week and I have so many more that I would love to share! if you enjoyed reading this and want more DIY face mask ideas give me a message on my instagram or screen shot this to your story and tag me! 

Beauty By Gina

2020

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Kylie Cosmetics

My Experience with Kylie Jenner's Cosmetics

I have bought my fair share of Kylie Cosmetics and so I feel like I can give my honest opinion about her products. First thing you should know about me is I am an absolute sucker for packaging, there is nothing I love more than cute, pretty packaging and Kylie Cosmetics ace this every time. I am literally that buyer that the marketing team (or whoever deals with that stuff) must love because if it looks cute 9 times out of 10 I'm already getting my debit card out..

Lets start with the Lip Kits.. one word, AMAZING! I started buying Kylie Lip Kits about 4 or so years ago and honestly I haven't looked back since I genuinely do not use any other brand now. The colours are stunning, always pigmented and when I say it last's all day I really mean last's ALL day. I usually apply in the morning when doing my make up for the day a head then I either don't reapply or if I'm out until late in the evening I may have one touch up. 

It's the absolute perfect lippy for a night out because it really won't budge ..unless you get a little too messy then I can't promise anything! (though please think twice before taking your favourite.. harder to get.. more pricey... lippy on a night out with you because it may result in you losing it in your drunken sate and being REALLY annoyed/upset for at least 3-10 working days after.) 

The only downside to these lip kits is sometimes the pencil is a bit funny and breaks a little too easy but I'm not sure if thats to do with the shipping process from USA to UK unfortunately Kylie doesn't stock her products anywhere in the UK as far as I'm aware (if you know something I don't then please hit a girl up) so as well as the price of the cosmetics you usually have to pay an extra fee when it gets to the post office which is a bummer. 

btw Candy K is my everyday go to! 

Another amazing product Kylie stocks is her Queen highlighter I can honestly say it is the best of the best and anytime I wear this product I always get questions about where it's from. The pretty highlight you get in your selfies is honestly worth the dolla, it lasts all day with or without setting spray, a little goes a VERY long way and product seems to honestly never run out. Considering it's in a powder form you would have thought it would get used up fairly quick but I've had mine for 3 years now baring in mind I use this product pretty religiously and I'm not even close to running out! Giving this product a 10/10

Kylie Skin Foaming Face Wash was a product I was gifted, I never really thought that much into buying her skincare range I thought the product was okay I never really noticed much difference within my skin when using the product but I think thats because it's generally just a cleanser. The only real downside to this product was that it did go really quick so be careful when pumping because before you know it you've run out. Don't get me wrong I didn't dislike this product but maybe and I would buy again but with a bit more of her collection so I could see more of a difference in my reflection. 

Beauty By Gina 

2020

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