Longer-Lasting Manicures

Are you wondering if there really is a chip-free polish?  Well there isn't.  Don't get me wrong though, there is a gel lacquer that is considered to be chip-free but for those that are looking for a more natural alternative to a longer-lasting, not gonna chip in two days, manicure- then follow these simple steps...

1. Start of by giving yourself a mini-manicure: apply cuticle treatment CND a.h.a. Cuticle Eraser .5 oz., then gently push back cuticles, filing nails to desired length and shape, then buffing. Don't use a coarse buffer though, one that has a 180 grit or higher will do. Clean off dust particles, then follow up with massaging cuticles with CND SolarOil Cuticle Treatment .5 oz. , then wash your hands. Apply hand cream Aveda Hand Relief 4.2oz / 125ml.

2.  Prepping your nails for polish: This is a crucial step in preserving your polish because if the nail bed is not properly cleaned before applying polish, it won't adhere properly, which will cause peeling or chipping...not want we're tying to achieve here.  OK so, spray nails with alcohol - I prefer spray as opposed to wiping, the direct contact is much more efficient - my fav brand is from Sally Beauty supply stores, it has a cherry-almond scent, much more desirable than the hospital aroma usually associated with alcohol. Wipe with a lint-free wipe. This is important too because you don't want those pesky "fuzzies" interfering with your paint job.  Lastly, apply  OPI Bond-aid Ph Balancing Agent 1oz  which hydrates nail bed but assures all access oil is removed.

3. Applying Polish Coats: After your prep work is done now you can begin polishing.  Start with your base coat Creative Nail Design Stickey Base Coat 0.5 Oz. Be sure to cap the free-edge of the nail, this is VERY IMPORTANT with each coat, it will ensure your chip-freeness!  Follow with your desired nail color and honestly I don't believe any brand of nail color is better than the other, what matters the most is your prep work, base and top coat but most importantly, how each coat is applied...CAP YOUR EDGES!  Also, don't use thick layers or thick polish.  The exception to this rule however is with the top coat Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat .5 fl oz , this is the bestest top coat EVER! This coat should be applied generously.  Wait about 5-10 minutes and nails will be dry to the touch, however the under layers are not quite dry but no fear...take your Solar Oil I suggested earlier and apply to each nail; gently rub oil over nail and your safe to be carefully mobile without any smudging.

4.  Daily Care:  After initial application of polish, apply your top coat once daily.  This will preserve the brilliance of the polish and ensure no chipping.  After 7 days however you'll want to completely remove and start over...too many layers will begin peeling.

So there you have it, all the steps and products you need for an awesome manicure that everyone will think you went to the salon for...go ahead, you totally get bragging rights, here! =)

So what Is AVEDA?

Until recently, I've only heard of Aveda. Then December '08, I applied for a position at an Aveda salon.

I got a call for an interview the very next day! Hired the next week. It was ok that I had NO clue about what Aveda was, it's products, it's mission, it's purpose...but my new boss assured me that I would be given classes that would give me all the knowledge I would need.

So what is Aveda? Aveda(a-vay-da) is Sanskrit for "all knowledge." It is the Art and Science of Pure Flower and Plant Essences, and was founded in 1978 with the goal of providing beauty industry professionals with high performance, botanically based products that would be better for service providers and their guests, as well as for the planet.

What does that mean? Naturally derived products from hair care, to skin care, and make-up. Aveda only uses plant and flower extracts for the production of all their products. Also, they use plantations throughout the world that are specific to each ingredient used in their products. For example, Cistus from Spain. Cistus ladaniferus, jara in Spanish, is a plant of survival, renewal and rebirth. The Cistus plant flowers once a year, opening a wrinkled, white, five-petaled blossom to the late winter sun for a few short days.

Other ingredients Aveda migrates are Argan from Morocco; Sandalwood; South African Rose Geranium; Bulgarian Rosa and Lavender...just to name a few.

Aveda loves the Earth so much and the need to reduce our environmental footprint in every package they develop. They achieve this by minimizing their packaging, maximizing the use
of post-consumer recycled materials, using materials that can be and are recyclable, and by designing their packaging so that the individual parts can be separated for recycling.

Also tying in with the "save the environment" theme, Aveda has integrated wind energy sources that generates enough wind energy to offset 100% of the electricity used by their primary manufacturing, distribution and headquarters facility in Minnesota, USA.

Wow! So since 1978 Aveda has been in the forefront of natural ingredients used in their products and helping save the Earth by their recyclable packaging and natural resources of energy to produce their product. Oh, did I mention that Aveda also helps support campaigns for Earth Month and Breast Cancer Awareness, donating proceeds of the products that are sold during such campaigns?

So, I am excited to be a part the mission at Aveda and at Spa Bleu - I work there now and I love it! Spa Bleu is in total alignment with Aveda's purpose and mission.

Spa Bleu An Aveda Concept Salon and Spa
South Barrington, IL 847.783.0703
West Dundee, IL 847.426.3656