Are you team ‘salon’ or team ‘DIY’ when it comes to a manicure and pedicure? If you’re like me, I do a little bit of both. To be totally honest with you, I love the professional look and ease of a salon mani and pedi, but they can be pretty pricey, AND can be abrasive to the health of your own nails.
So last winter I did a collaboration with a clean beauty brand named Dermelect. They are all about keeping things ‘natural’ with their ingredients, and giving the highest quality of products at the same time. You can find out more about this company HERE.
If you’ve been reading the blog very long you’ll know I have a passion for non-toxic/ clean beauty products! Dermelect has both skincare and nail care products that are 5-free, cruelty free, and have won some prestigious awards for ‘Best Beauty Authority’ from New Beauty in 2020 and 2021 for their nail care systems!
DIY at home nail care system.
So today I wanted to introduce you to the products I have consistently been using for my ‘between salon’ visits. I also use this nail care system to give my natural nails a time to ‘rest and recover’ between visits. I don’t know about you, but the products they use at the nail salons can be damaging to my natural nail bed. I’ve noticed that my nails are softer, split and break easily, and are VERY dry. This includes my cuticles too!
If you need a tutorial about removing your dipped nail polish click HERE. Acetone linked here.
After removing my dipped nail polish it’s a little alarming how dry and lifeless my nails look. So I usually will give my natural nails a some TLC by using the Natural Nail Repair Kit for gel and arcylic damaged nails from Dermelect.
But before I start my diy mani/pedi, I will clip my natural nails back to a length that doesn’t tend to break or split. (I like to keep my nails shorter most of the time.). I will also reshape them to a soft edge square. (That’s my preferred nail shape, but you can pick the shape you desire.). The last thing I do is soak my nails in some warm soapy water and then carefully push back my cuticles. If I have any dead or loose skin I will carefully remove it with a nail tool.
Next, I will apply a couple of coats of the Transfix Nail Restore base coat. I love this polish since it is a very light natural shade that matches my skin tone. It is a universal sheer nude. The polish itself contains keratin peptide, alpha hydroxy acid, Tremella mushroom, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to help restore and strengthen my damaged nails!
The next step is to apply the Expedite protect and prolong quick dry top coat. It forms a clear plumping layer over bare or polished nails to instantly create a long lasting and stunning high gloss shine! (My favorite!!!). A protective shield forms to help extend the wear of the manicure while working to prevent chipping, splitting, yellowing and breakage.
I love the look of this natural nail repair kit! The end result looks natural, clean, fresh and shiny! Also, since the color is a sheer nude, you don’t have to be highly skilled in painting your nails for it to look good. (Whew!). Highly recommend.
Don’t forget about your cuticles!
Finally, don’t forget about giving those cuticles a little attention! I’ll have to admit that going to the salon always makes me a little bit anxious since I have thin cuticles. Here in Texas most/all nail salons will push back the cuticles then clip away the excess dead skin. Unfortunately, I have extremely thin cuticles and during the process the actual skin on my finger ends up being cut and I bleed due to it. UGH. So, I have to let the technicians know to only push back the cuticles. No cutting.
So, at least when I do this DIY system, I’m assure that my cuticles will look healthy and fresh. I also apply Dermelects’ Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment. This cream has keratin peptide, shea butter, and vitamins A,C & E in it. LOVE! Typically, I leave this little tube of creamy goodness sitting on my bathroom counter, so that I will remember to apply it at the end of the day, or randomly during the day after I’ve washed my hands, and notice that they are feeling dry.
I’m linking this and other cuticle/nail oils below. I have found that they work really well to restore and hydrate my cuticles and nails. They also have a fabulous hand and foot lotion/treatment. Very moisturizing without being greasy! Five stars!
Finally, Dermelect also has a skincare line. They have a lot of anti-aging formulas that are ‘clean’, which makes my heart happy. You can take a look at those, HERE. I’m linking a few of my favorite anti-aging products below!
In my book, ‘clean’ beauty is the only way to go! Keep it natural without any toxins or naughty no-no’s! Of course, I love that Dermelect is a brand I can trust to provide the best quality products without all the chemicals.
Also, you can also purchase Dermelect products on Amazon. I’ll link those all below.
If you are looking for my go-to clean skincare products, hop on over to The Best Clean Skincare for Mature Skin. Also, take a look at Nighttime Skincare Essentials for a look at my nightly skincare routine!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU,
Do you have questions or concerns about today’s post? Please comment or email me. I’m happy to help and send you direct links.
I hope you have found this post valuable. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions or ideas for future blog posts! Please comment below.
Happy shopping!
XOXO,
Cindyh
