Happy Belated New Year!

Eleven days into the New Year and I have not submitted ONE post to my blog. With the craziness of my day job and with all the holidays behind me, I'm ready to post away. And today I have posted 2!!!

I have to say that I am so thankful to all of you who have been following and reading. I also truly appreciate all the people who send me things to write about. As you know I especially love the pictures of your nails and I promise to feature each one of you. Whether you have natural nails, gel nails OR acrylic, send me those pics. I'm an equal opportunity nail blogger. I will post whatever you send. 

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I do get gel manicures during the holidays. Mostly because I'm home with my three kids for at least 10 days and with the craziness of Christmas and New Years cooking and cleaning I dont have the time to do my nails. I have two pictures of my nails... one from right around the holiday and and from last week. I do have a gel manicure.... but due to the ZOYA BUY 4 NAIL POLISHES FREE  AND PAY ONLY SHIPPING FEE,  I'm pretty sure I will go back to doing my nails myself. 

This Zoya promotion usually takes place each year and this time (beginning of the year) but I don't ever remember it being THIS GOOD... 4 for $15. Each bottle of Zoya nail polish will run you about $9 so it's a steal. Zoya prides themself on being chemical free and the polishes are worth it. I have two colors from years ago and they havent separated in the bottle at all. 

There are two days left (ends on January 13th)  and I say take advatage of this promo... go to www.zoya.com. You will see they have an excellent selection of colors and textures. 

Get outta here and get to shopping...www.zoya.com

xoxo
Belkise

All that Glitters

All that glitters.....

really is gold. I was excited to try this gold/metallic Instant Dry by Sally Hansen for the Holidays. I used my favorite top coat Out the Door on top of the shimmery gold and it was a huge hit. I got tons of compliments about my nails and extremely happy with the color and shine. Unfortunately because I didn't use gloves while washing the dishes (waaaah) and because of the texture (waaaaaaah), my polish chipped on my left pointer and my right thumb. 

If you want some beautiful DIY gold nails then I definitely recommend Sally Hansen's "Go For Gold" with a top coat ( that's a necessity). Its perfect for the upcoming holidays and it lives up to the name "instant dry" but don't expect it to stay perfect for more than a couple of days.  Here's a pic of the fingers that did last longer than two days. 

SALON REVIEW!!!

Since its Small Business Saturday, I decided to visit a local nail salon, and then it dawned on me... why not write a review?!?!

Today I treated myself to a lovely pedicure at PINKY New York Nail Salon in Palisades Park, NJ. (I think this is the only nail salon located in Palisades Park- they are open Monday-Saturday and closed Sunday) *thank you Blue Law*

This is my 3rd time at the newly open salon for a pedicure. I have to say I definitely recommend them. The staff is pleasant and don't really engage in conversation unless you do. Some people like this approach and other don't. Today I loved it since I just wanted some ME time. There was opera music playing in the background and NO WAIT.

A pedicure will run you about $25 but its worth every penny. The massage is to die for and the polish job is on point.

There are a couple of nail salons in the immediate area, but this one is clean, quiet and pretty reasonable (although the nail tech did mention that a gel manicure is $30...ahhhh!- Since I dont get gel nails I thought this was expensive.) But I will pay the money for a good pedicure

If you are ever in the area and need a pedi, this is the place to go.

Hey Everyone....Happy Monday!

As it is Halloween week, I cant wait to see pics of all the amazing colors you all choose for this weeks creepy festivities! Lots of black, and "wicked" all over the place.

A couple people have said to me that they are loving the blog, but they feel bad becuase they bite their nails, and although it is a horrible habit they just cant quit!

I used to bite my nails when I was much younger, and then I got hip to putting fresh garlic pieces in my clear polish, both for strength and also to curb my habit. It worked! It smelled so horrid, I never wanted to put my nails near my mouth! Try it!

As for the nail polish in the following article, I don't know how I feel about this!

.
http://www.delish.com/food/a44203/edible-nail-polish-kid-licks/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1445_252959515

Nail Shapes:

What is your favorite nail shape?

When I had acrylic tips I had coffin shape. Then I went to natural manicures and did a square shape.

Now I am trying the longer, round shape. Just for fun!! To be honest, I may need a professional manicure to shape my nails, then I can follow the shape when I file my nails.

I will post a pic soon, but this week I would like to feature @sweetsybil's nails (yaaaaay!!!) ... I love the shape and the color! Sybil always has her nails in tip top shape!!!

Keep sending me your nail pics. I really do enjoy being tagged on your manicures. And let me know what your thoughts are on shape.

Oh, I  may do a Q and A on instagram this week, so look out for it get your questions ready!!!

Thanks for the support! 

Happy Tuesday!!!

Here is a great article I found about Matte nails that I wanted to share with you all...

Matte nails are what's in! 

I have Sally Hansen "Big Matte Top Coat" and I've used it twice. 

I guess I should use it more often! 

I'm going to try it this week. Pic to follow!

http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Matte-Manicure-Ideas-38626975?utm_source=beauty_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=beauty_newsletter_v1_10052015&em_recid=63973&utm_content=placement_1_desc#photo-38626975

Top Coat...

How important is your Top Coat?- VERY!!!

Many people ask me if I use a top coat. Back in the day, I never did!  I just painted my nails and sat around waiting for them to dry.  Hoping that I didn't have to pee, or wash my hands, I would even deprive myself of food and or drink until I knew my nails were 100% dry. Many times I fell asleep and woke up with the sheet imprints on my fingernails- how annoying!!!!.... Then I had children. 3 to be exact. Now I don't have the luxury of lying around waiting for my nails to dry. I HAVE to use a Top Coat.... specifically a "quick dry" top coat. 

I have tried many a top coat. But two favorites that I swear by are: 

OUT THE DOOR

SECHE VITE  TOP COAT. 

These are both pretty expensive at the drug stores (CVS to be exact) but they are both so so worth it. (Both will run you between $7-10 each)  

Out The Door will literally have you out the door within 10 minutes, even less. It is my #1 all time fave!!! I do like Seche Vite, but it takes a little longer to dry, but an excellent top coat as well. 

I know many of you are doing UV gel, so you don't have to worry about chipping for a couple of weeks at least. But when you go back to doing a natural manicure... keep these two top coat in mind. Invest in them and take them to the salon when you get your manicure. 

If you have any questions about colors, base coats, top coats, transitioning from gel/acrylic to natural, or the latest trends PLEASE feel free to post your comments or questions. You can post questions on my instagram account: @mrsconcep

Thanks for your support!