BELLINA: Nails, Health & Beauty

5 Tips On Using Concealer And Foundation

2008-02-21T20:47:00.005+02:00

Many women really have no idea how to use make-up! Foundations and concealers are no exception! Foundation, concealer and blush is, well, the "foundation" of your whole look! If you get that part wrong, forget about the rest of it! Read on to learn these simple techniques, that'll help you get it right and look great!

Foundation, Concealer, and blush are the 3 products that many of us get horribly well, for lack of a better way to put it, wrong! Often we buy the wrong shade, and often don't know how to apply them correctly. So here's a few simple, easy techniques:

First of all, always bear in mind that concealer can NEVER pass for foundation or vice-versa! Concealer is used to CONCEAL BLEMISHES i.e. blue eyelids, bags under the eyes, imperfections etc. and is used ONLY where needed. Foundation is used to even out and blend with you natural skin tone. It is used over the WHOLE face, blending into your whole neck area (when it comes to make-up, your face does not end at your jawline!) I strongly suggest that you have your skin tone identified at a reputable cosmetic counter in order to get the correct shade of foundation and concealer. It is known fact that approx. 80% of women use concealers and foundations that are 3 to 4 shades too dark!
Always apply concealer ONLY to the areas needed FIRST! Apply with your fingers to get a thin, light, even covering. You can use concealer for the eye lids, even if you're not wearing any other make-up.
When using a cream blush, apply before you apply foundation with your fingers in a patting action to the apples of the cheeks, blending as you go. Powder blush should be applied with a brush, AFTER the foundation, or else it will cake and streak. Remember: less is more!
Use your fingers to apply an even layer of foundation in a smoothing action over the whole face (remember, your face doesn't end at your jaw-line) over the concealer and blush. This is to make the blush and concealer appear more natural, and not "caked on." The idea here is to make it look like you're not wearing any make-up, and have a perfect complexion.
The final step to perfect-looking skin is: a light dusting of translucent pressed powder with a small to medium powder brush (Avoid the larger brushes, as you may over-powder!) This is to "seal" the product and stop it from "sliding" before your day is over! The powder ensures a perfect-looking face all day long!

Ta-da! Your "foundation" is ready for the rest of your make-up! If I can stress 1 point here (okay 2 points):

Don't deviate from the above order.
less is more, less is more, LESS IS MORE!

How To Choose A Beauty Salon

2008-02-21T18:12:00.014+02:00

Salons are not heavily regulated anymore, and hygene can be a serious issue! Apart from the fact that it's just *yuck* there can be some serious health repercussions!

Whenever you feel like spoiling yourself, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a beauty salon or spa (for me, anyway!) Unfortunately, these days there are so many salons out there that you never know what you are letting yourself in for! Salons are not heavily regulated anymore, and hygene can be a serious issue! So, let's have a look at how you can arm yourself against some "scaries!"

In my experience, the very first thing you should look for when you walk into a salon is whether there's a long queue of clients waiting for their treatment. Why? The more clients waiting, the more pressure on the beautician to get through with her current client which may lead to rushed, sloppy work, sore fingers, bloody cuticles etc. Beauticians that work under that kind of pressure tend to forget that there is a person attached to the body part that they're currently working on! She may be forced to work faster and therefor less carefully just to make her quota for the day.

Look for certification / diplomas of your beautician. If there aren't any visible, ASK HER where she studied! You have a right to know whether she is qualified! Also inspect her workstation. Obviously don't go in there with a white glove, but just look at it. Is everything in it's place? Did she clean up after her last client (clean towels, sterilised her tools etc?) And did she wash her hands? Cross-contamination is a huge problem, and can only be controlled through the correct hygiene practices! (By the way, you should wash your hands too!)

When it comes to pedicures, make very sure that the foot spa has been thoroughly washed out and sterilised between clients! Germs LOVE warm water, dead skin cells, hair etc. and WILL THRIVE and easily get "under your skin" and can cause lesions, rashes, boils, fungus infection, and the list goes on! This video below is probably worst case scenario, and I'm not trying to terrorise you into never having a pedicure again! But it CAN happen if proper procedures aren't followed!

If you nail technician doesn't ask you, be sure to tell her exactly what your needs are (I.E. everyday wearing, special occasion etc.) It is also important that you let her know if you're on any kind of medication, as this can affect the product negatively. Also let her know whether or not you've ever had any kind of problem wearing nail extensions before. Also make sure that you ask your technician how to maintain your nails at home to keep them looking good (Of course, the technician should volunteer this information!)

Does your nail technician use an electric file? If so, that's fine, but there's a few rules. Firstly, those files should not be used on your natural nail as it is far too easy to file straight through the nail plate, which will be very painful (even for days) and you will lose your nail! Electric files are best used for extensions, and manual files for natural nails. A buffer (if used carefully) may be used with an electric file on the natural nail.

With these tips in mind, you're at least better equipped at choosing a safe, suitable salon.

My Healthy Winning Pasta Recipe!

2008-02-21T17:37:00.003+02:00

I thought I'd quickly share a really great recipe I invented last night with you! It's quick, easy, healthy and very tasty too! I threw this recipe together quickly one night basically out of stuff I found in the fridge! I wasn't in the mood to go out shopping, and I wanted something quick and easy that wouldn't hurt the waistline too much! So, here goes!

(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
250g Dry pasta of your choice (I used tagliatelle, which I LOVE. Fettuccine also works well)
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion peeled & chopped
2 Medium Crushed Garlic Cloves.
1-2 Wheels of Feta Cheese
Herbs & Spices to taste

Method:
Boil the pasta until 'al dente,' drain and immediately rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process, and place in a bowl.
Drizzle with Olive Oil (don't be shy!)
Sautè chopped onion with the crushed garlic in 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil .
Add the onions, herbs and spices.
Crumble the feta over the pasta, toss all together.
Can be served hot or cold!

Optional extra:
For those of you that like a little "tang" try this:
Add 1tin of chopped, peeled tomatoes and 6-8 chopped peppadews to the onions while they are being sautèed.
Follow the recipe as above.

The reason I say it's a winner, is because my fiancè generally doesn't like "healthy stuff" and he really liked this (with the optional extra!) So, Enjoy!

Bellina's Facebook Page!

2008-02-06T19:15:00.003+02:00

Hey All! We just finished building a facebook page! You can check it out here. Pretty neat, huh?! Be sure to share the link with everyone - we'll be posting specials there and starting discussions from time to time. Please do participate! See you there!

Artificial Nails: Frequently Asked Questions

2007-10-29T12:00:00.001+02:00

5 Frequently asked questions covered in this post. Have you got a question which is still left unaswered? Leave a comment here!
Q: Does Gel / Acrylic / Porcelain etc. damage my own nail?
A: ALL artificial nail systems do some "damage" to the natural nail, but no more than when you cut, file, use nail polish remover etc. etc. at home! Real damage is caused either through incorrect application technique, inferior product, or by the wearer. There are many women out there who wear artificial nails regularly without any problems at all. Find somebody you trust to do your nails, look after your nails properly, and you shouldn't have any problems!

Q: Which Artificial Nail System is Better?
A: This very much depends on personal preference. However, there are some factors one should consider when deciding which system to go for. Are you very active? Do you type a lot at work? Do you have "green fingers?" Do you do a lot of housework? Are they temporary (for a special occastion,) or do you want to keep them for a longer time? If you give all this information to your nail technician, she will be able to help you choose the most appropriate product.

Q: What is the difference between Gel and Acrylic?
A: Not a lot, and plenty! For starters, Gel is a type of acrylic; it just has a different molecular build-up. This makes them look and wear differently from Acrylic, and application and removal is also different. Originally, Gel looked more natural, was thinner, more flexible and has a "natural" glossyness about them. However, they are also more fragile than acrylic, and some complain of discolouration after a short while. With the new Porcelain System, both the benefits of Acrylic and Gel have been combined into one product. Gel nails are "baked" or cured onto the natural nail on application, where the acrylic system is two products combined, and then applied onto the natural nail, and air-cures very quickly.

Q: My (artificial) nails are lifting / chipping / bubbling - what's wrong?
A: Either the product, the application of the product, or your own body is causing the issue. Lifting may occur when there is something caught between the artificial nail and your own nail. Some medications can also cause this. If you suffer from any of these issues, you should contact yor nail technician immediately.

Q: How long do Artificial Nails Last?
A: This depends on many factors. If you look after them, you could wear the same set for a very long time. The time between fills depends from person to person, but you can normally count on about 2 weeks

Have more questions I haven't covered here? Please feel free to leave a comment and I'll do my best to add it here :)

How to Look After Your Artificial Nails

2007-10-29T11:56:00.000+02:00

Here's a few tips to keep your nails looking their best and lasting longer.

Visit you nail technician regularly. Your nail technician will schedule appropriate appointments for you, although you can more or less count on bi-monthly visits for fills and maintenance.

Let the Professionals do it! If a nail breaks, or starts to lift, rather schedule an appointment to have it fixed than try and and fix it yourself! Glueing or bandaging a loose nail down can cause moisture to get caught between the nail and the extension and could cause an infection.

Your nails are a beautfiul accessory, not tools! Wear gloves when doing any kind of work involving chemicals or dirt (gardening included.) Avoid opening soda cans with your nails.

Use a sealer or top-coat every second day or so to help prevent chipping and yellowing, especially if you're in the sun frequently.

Choose a nail length which suits your lifestyle. If you're an active person, work on a computer a lot, or do heavy work, shorter nails may be better for you. Use lotion once a day and / or apply cuticle oil. Here's a tip: If you apply lotion before putting on your gloves to wash dishes, the heat of the water helps teat of the water helps the skin absorb the lotion.

Be aware of possible allergic reactions. An allergic reaction is generally identified by redness, itching, swelling or irritation around the nail, eyes and / or mouth. If you develop any of the above symptoms, call your nail technician immediately to try and determine the cause of the reaction and take steps to help stop and avoid them in future.

Don't want your nails anymore? Have you technician soak them off! Pulling the nails off or using chemicals can damage your natural nails. Your nail technician will know exactly what to use to safely remove your extensions.

Suffering from recurring yeast infections? Learn why, and how to stop them!

2007-10-29T10:40:00.000+02:00

Recurring yeast infections can cause great harm to the human body. Don't despair though, it can be cured! In order to be able to stop recurring yeast infections, you must understand what is causing it. In order to be able to stop recurring yeast infections, you must understand what is causing it. Recurring yeast infections can cause great harm to the human body, and can be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you haven’t done so already, I strongly suggest you consult your doctor ASAP.

Possible Causes of recurring yeast infection may include:

Antibiotics: If antibiotics are being taken frequently, recurrent Candida infections can happen. Certain acne treatments can also create a higher risk for developing recurring yeast infections. Frequent exposure to antibiotics results in suppression in the growth of the ‘good’ bacteria, allowing for yeast to thrive.

Oral contraceptives: These hormones can create an imbalance, allowing yeast to multiply and cause an infection.

Steroids: Steroids inhibits the body’s ability to fight off infections, including yeast infections. People on steroids often take them for extended periods, and hence recurrent yeast infections are more likely.

Hot Weather or non-ventilating clothing: Increased moisture and warmth promotes fungal growth.

Diabetics or those with high sugar and / or white flour intake: Sugar becomes a great nutritional source for Candida. Recurring yeast infections is common in diabetics.

Suppressed Immune Systems: Those who have poor immune systems, (such as HIV and AIDS sufferers, or even someone suffering from chronic stress,) do not have the same ability to fight off infections.

Repeated intercourse over a short period of time.

Pregnancy

Use of Scented Feminine Hygiene products

Douches

Treatment

Treating the symptoms of a recurring yeast infection leaves the symptoms treated, but often the yeast itself remains. Unless you treat the root cause of the yeast infection you have not solved the problem.

There are some good treatments available, but be warned as there is some very bad advice out there. For example, one remedy recommends using Boric acid. This substance is a poison and can cause death! It has no place in anyone's home much less in or on you! Olive leaf extract is another example. It can kill yeast infection, but what they don't mention is how toxic it is to the liver! There are many dangerous drugs and curative theories!

Common remedies for fungal infection include:

anti-fungal creams

anti-fungal suppositories

anti-fungal tablets

All-Natural treatments for yeast infection that are safe and effective are few and far between. Listed below are some that you can try quite safely.

Suppositories:
You may find a naturopath who has suppositories that are made with tea tree oil and another with acidophilous. One is used at night and the other the next night.

Cranberries:
Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, and contain substances that inhibit bacteria from clinging on. It also lowers the pH of your urine, helping combat the infection.

Garlic:
Garlic is a natural anti-fungal and anti-biotic that kills off yeast and should be added to the diet. It may also be used internally.
Method
Wrap an unpeeled clove of garlic in gauze or cheesecloth. Tie the ends with unwaxed dental floss,
Insert (be sure to leave the floss dangling!) and leave it in for several hours, then remove using the dental floss to pull it out.
Use nightly until symptoms cease
NB - Be careful not to cut the garlic, as the juice may sting and cause irritation. Garlic capsules may be used instead

Teatree Oil
Teatree Oil is widely used for yeast infections. Soak a tampon with a lubricant, such as KY jelly or Olive Oil, and add a few drops of pure Tea Tree Oil and insert.

Caution! Teatree oil can sting if it comes in contact with the vulva

Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium found in healthy vaginas, which kills yeast. It may be applied directly to the area. Some women dip a tampon into the yoghurt and insert it to achieve a more localised treatment. Apply 1-2 times a day until symptoms clear up.

For more information on how to eliminate infections naturally, FAST and FOR GOOD, click here.

How to Stop Biting Nails

2007-10-25T14:27:00.000+02:00

Oh, come on! We've all done it! I'll bet you still do it at least sometimes withought realising it! But for some it's a major issue...Nail Biting is a habit which is generally linked to childhood, but can carry through into adulthood. It's simply an irritating childhood habit which the sufferer couldn't get rid of, and has become an inherent part of their behaviour.

Sufferers often don't even realize that they're biting their nails, and it's often associated with nerves or anxiousness. There can be some pretty serious consequences, though. It leaves nails looking chipped, jagged and ugly. Exposure of the nail bed can also lead to various nasty diseases, including finger nail funguses, hang nails, and ingrown nails, which can be very painful, and would ultimately need medical treatment.

Treatments:

The most common treatment is the use of a bitter-tasting nail polish which is applied directly after washing your hands and repeatedly during the day and before bed time (sufferers have been known to bite their nails in their sleep!) Beware that some of these products contain Cayenne Pepper, acetone, and laquer which can be a very volatile solution. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for everybody, since nail biting is ultimately a sub-consciously-embedded mannerism. A lot of people become used to the taste of the nail polish and bite their nails anyway (some even being liking it!)

Others will get a professional manicure or nail extensions as a hinderance, as it looks nice and their desire to keep their hands looking good overcomes their habitual need. It is understood, though, that those that use this method find that they must maintain their treatments as often as possible, or else they revert back to their nail biting habit!

Some try to replace that bad habit with a not-so-bad or more constructive habit, such as chewing gum.

Anti-depressants sometimes are prescribed to try and curb the habit.

Have a retainer or bite-plate made which makes it impossible to bite your nails.

Sometimes nail-biting is a symptom of a deeper emotional issue. In this case, resolving the underlying problem through therapy may help lessen or eliminate the nail biting habit.

Hypnosis. This is a habit that is so deeply embedded into the psyche that the ultimate solution has to come from the sub-conscious. There are those that swear by this option. Richard MacKenzie, best-selling author "Self Change Hypnosis," is considered a poineer in hypnotherapy. If you're considering this approach, have a look at what he recommends on the subject by clicking here (Scroll down the page and click on the link for "Nail Biting")

Finger Nail Fungus: How to Identify it, and Cure it!

2007-10-25T14:18:00.000+02:00

It's actually a lot more common than you may think. It can be quite unsightly and painful if not it's taken care of quickly...Finger Nail Fungus is an infection in the nail bed (where the nail meets the skin.) It should not be confused with mildew, a greenish watermark which can form when moisture is trapped on the nail surface (E.G. between plaster or nail extension and natural nail.) Fungus is rarely able to attack an intact nail, and usually enters from an external wound, which may be as small as a scratch. Prolonged wetness can also allow the fungus to invade. Women are generally more likely to suffer from finger nail fungus than men. It is important to attend to an infection immediately, as it will spread readily if left unattended. If you have finger nail fungus, and it is not responding to treatment, or the fungus is spreading to other areas, please consult your doctor ASAP.

Symptoms

Generally the infection starts with a white/silvery discolouration at the outside edge of the nail, and then gradually works its way inward. As it progresses, the colour darkens to a Yellow-browny colour.

Ridges in the finger nail is not necessarily an indication of a finger nail fungus infection, although those with an infection may notice ridges and pitting.

Weak, thick, crumbly nails. In severe and extreme cases, there may be pain around the edges of the nail, and the nail could even fall off!

Causes

Although nail polish doesn’t necessarily directly cause a nail fungus, if you are suffering from an infection, do not use nail polish, as it will aggravate the situation.

Weakened immune system. This may include AIDS sufferers, Diabetics, Age, Stress etc.

Damage to the nail

Hereditary conditions.

Tools used in nail salons that are not properly cleaned can allow spreading of the fungus from someone with an infection to somebody without one.

Follow these simple steps to help prevent finger nail fungus:

When working on your nails be sure to work carefully (buffing, cutting, trimming, filing etc.) so as not to injure the skin.

Wash your hands regularly, and dry them thoroughly.

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, nail clippers, nail files, or even nail polish.

Treatment

Topical treatments are most commonly used for less severe cases of finger nail fungus. They are easily available over the counter, and have very low risk and side effects. You may feel some discomfort in the surrounding skin, as constant application to the affected area is necessary. Recurrence may occur.

Your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication for more serious infections. The down-side of these are that they are quite expensive, and generally need to be taken for a long time to completely eradicate the finger nail fungus, and the side effects may be very unpleasant (upset stomach, headaches, rashes, even damage to the liver!) Recurrence may occur, although less likely with this form of treatment.

If you'd like to know more about how to cure Finger Nail Fungus Naturally, there's an all-natural treatment available - Click here for more information.

What the Heck is Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) anyway?

2007-10-25T12:41:00.000+02:00

Often when asked, a nail or beauty technician will tell you that they don't use the product because it's toxic. If that were true, then why was it used as a human bone repair cement in surgery?Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) was commonly used in the nail industry until it's use was banned it in the late 1970's. Many rumours have come about due to lack of knowledge on this topic. Often when asked, a nail or beauty technician will tell you that they don't use the product because it's toxic. The truth is that, while MMA should not be ingested (much like many chemicals we use externally every day,) it does not absorb through the nail plate, is not dangerous to inhale in a normal salon enviroment, and is not a cancer-causing agent! In fact, for many years MMA was used as a human bone repair cement in surgery. However, this does not condone it's use in the nail industry, and here's why:

MMA doesn't hold very well to the nail plate. This is why old-school nail technicians tend to over-file the nail plate, as they used to roughen it up in order to get the product to adhere. This of course thins the nail plate and makes it much weaker.

MMA becomes very hard, and hence when the nail is caught or jammed, rather than the extension breaking, the weakened nail plate breaks underneath it, causing serious nail damage.

MMA is very difficult to remove, as there are no solvents for it. Hence another bad habit some technicians have of prying off the extension was born, which of course can be very damaging.

Because of so many complaints caused from above, many regulating authorities have banned its use.

MMA was simply an inappropriate product for nails, and it was removed because of this. It had very little to do with it's toxicity. In fact, as explained earlier, it has been widely used in the medical field.

Bellina: Services & Products Prices

2007-10-25T12:28:00.000+02:00

I'm willing to bet you've never seen such good prices! You may also want to check out our "specials" page - I'll post a link here when I'm finished with it!

Porcelain Nails:

Natural nail extensions R 200

French tip extensions R 240

2 Week Fill R 40

3 Week Fill R 60

Tip repair per nail R 30

Nail Soak-off R 30

Nail Art from R 50

Nail Buff & Polish R 40

Hands:

Mini Manicure R 80

Pamper Manicure R 100

Aromatherapy Wax Manicure R 120

Paint R 20

French paint R 35

Feet:

Mini Pedicure R 90

Pamper Pedicure R 110

Aromatherapy Wax Pedicure R 130

French paint R 35

Paint R 20

Indian Head Massages

Full Indian Head Massage (49 movements) R 160

Detox Massage (Shoulder, neck, arms, scalp) R 100

De-stress Massage (Upper back, scalp, neck, face) R 125

Types of Artificial Nails

2007-10-25T12:07:00.000+02:00

It seems that there are very few people who actually know what Gel / Acrylic / Silk etc. really is, how they are applied or even how they look & wear! Well, I've cleared that all up once and for all!Porcelain Nails: The term "Porcelain Nails" was the original name given to Acrylic Nails, and it's use was discontinued when one of it's ingredients called MMA (methyl methacrylate) was banned in the late 70's (click there for more information .) Since then the Porcelain System which no longer contains MMA has been re-introduced, and is regaining popularity. Unlike it's predecessor, it has been designed to minimise damage to the nail plate and enhance natural nail growth. There is a distinct difference between the current Porcelain Nail System and Acrylic Nails of today, in that it has been processed further to create a finer powder, and has a finely ground, glass-like material (known as glass-glaze) and pink silica incorporated into the Porcelain powder, which gives it a beautiful glossy, natural-looking finish, whilst retaining the strength and durability associated with Acrylic. Speculation has it that some salons offer "Porcelain Nails" as simply Acrylic Nails with a Gel top-coat. This is NOT the true Porcelain Nail system, and does not have the same look, or wearing characteristics!

Acrylic Nails, like Porcelain Nails, are probably the strongest and last the longest of the various systems. Unfortunately, if the system is not applied correctly, they can look very thick and artificial. The misconception that the Acrylic Nails System itself is more damaging than other systems on the market is simply untrue! Some people who have had Acrylic Nails complain of the damage done by nail technicians using an incorrect / antiquated filing technique, which can leave the client bleeding, or over-filing has left almost no natural nail, and burns or "hot spots" are left in the nail bed, which can be very painful. The Acrylic Nail System is not at fault here, but in fact the technician applying it!

Gel Nails: Gel nails are made up of a thick viscosity gel acrylic. It is a one-part system in which the Gel is applied, and then 'cured' or 'set' under ultraviolet light. Although Gel and Acrylic are both actually acrylic, the molecular structure is different, the application procedures and curing methods are different, and hence they apply and wear differently. They tend to be quite soft, and a lot of people complain of discolouration of the nails within a few days. Acrylic-Gel nails, where Gel is applied over Acrylic, does not make your nails "Gel Nails."

Silk, Linen and Fibre Wraps: Pieces of silk, linen or fibreglass are cut into shape and glued onto the nail plate. Silk is the most natural-looking, and quite flexible, but is also not very strong, and may not be suited to active people. Linen is stronger, but doesn't look very natural, and tends to appear thick. Of the three, fibreglass is probably the better option, since it has the natural look of silk, with the strength of linen.