Tired of chipped, cracked, brittle and broken nails? We’ve called upon Revitanail’s nail expert, or as we like to call, Queen of the Nail, Mandi Levenah (who includes Miranda Kerr and Rihanna as fans) to give us the inside scoop on the hot new nail trends, how often we should mani-pedi, best at home treatments and just how our diet affects our nail health.
by Anna McDougall
Rescu: We love this season’s crazy colours and nail art options. What are your favourite shades for hands and feet this season?
Mandi Levenah: Fluoro is making a comeback, and pastels too. A multi-colour manicure is very popular and also stick-on nail art. When using any stick-on nail art it is important to remove as per the instructions, rather than peel it off. If you are naughty and peel it off, you will likely peel off important, strengthening layers of your precious nail – causing your nails to peel further, split and break. At which time you will need to use one of Revitanail’s Nail Strengtheners. (Sensitive Nail Strengthener $19.95)
Rescu: How often should we be having a manicure and pedicure?
Mandi Levenah: I would recommend weekly manicures and monthly pedicures. Even if they’re done at home, put some time away to spend pampering your nails and cuticles – they will love you for it.
Rescu: When you work with celebrity clients, what advice do you always share with them?
Mandi Levenah: I always advise them on how to look after their manicure, with Revitanail Nourishing Oil ($14.95) applied 3 times a day. I also always advise how to properly remove their polish or gel polish to ensure the maximum health of their natural nails.
Rescu: Gel nails and artificial nails can really wreak havoc on cuticles and nail beds. How do we re-habilitate damaged nails and hands?
Mandi Levenah: It is important to understand that the actual gel and acrylic products are not causing the damage (unless it’s the banned MMA Acrylic, which many salons still use and has many very nasty elements!). If you find your nails are terribly brittle, soft, and damaged after having nail enhancements removed, then Revitanail’s original Nail Strengthener ($29.95) is definitely the best solution.
Rescu: What is the most flattering and modern shape for nails this season?
Mandi Levenah: Short, softly squared nails are always in fashion. Every now and then, we get a visit from a rounded or pointed lengthened nail – however this rarely lasts, because to make a nail round or pointed we must file away the strongest parts of the nail (the sides).
Rescu: What tips can you give to make a mani or pedi last longer?
Mandi Levenah: Apply Revitanail Nourishing Oil ($14.95) at least 3 times a day. Use a moisturiser like Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream ($19.95) daily, and apply to hands and feet each night before bed. You could also re-apply Revitanail Top Coat ($14.95) every 2-3 days to lengthen the wear of your polish. Wear gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening.
Rescu: Can you share your tips for the perfect at home mani and pedi kit?
Mandi Levenah: You will need:
Revitanail Conditioning Remover Wipes ($5.95)
A very smooth nail file (240 grit or higher)
Revitanail Cuticle remover gel ($14.95) (weekly)
Revitanail Nourishing Oil (2-3 times daily)
Alcohol swabs (to remove excess oils on nail plate before applying base coat and polish)
Revitanail Base Coat & Top Coat
Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream
Don’t worry about any fancy ‘quick dry top coats’. It’s only the actual top coat that dries quickly; the polish underneath still needs TIME to dry. The only thing that dries polish is TIME, as each coat needs time for the liquid portion of the polish to evaporate. Applying a quick dry top coat too quickly prevents this evaporation process from happening, which is when you will get dents in your polish (or sheet marks if you’ve gone to bed!).
Tools to avoid in an ‘at home manicure’ are cuticle clippers (as you should never cut your cuticles), or any metal cuticle implements (which can easily scratch at the nail plate and weaken it). Never use those pedicure blades or foot files (as this will make the skin grow back coarser, drier and thicker than before).
Rescu: Do you suggest any supplements or even foods that make nails stronger and healthier? / Can my diet affect my nails?
Mandi Levenah: Diet will affect your body and health in all ways. A healthy balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals will always encourage your body to work at its peak. Increasing calcium is a bit of a myth in regards to nail health, as your nails are made from protein called keratin. Fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin A will promote the production of keratin.
Rescu. Loves:
The thing with switching to at-home manicures is the right choice of remover. Revitanail appears to have anticipated my desire to be my own manicurist and has just launched two fantastic products. The Conditioning Remover Wipes soaked in nail-loving oils and non-acetone remover take even the toughest colours off without mess, fuss or smudge. I am in heaven. The Precision Corrector ($12.95) is also a godsend for at-home enthusiasts and has kept my nails looking chic and rather professionally tended to!
Revitanail products are available from Myer, Priceline and all good pharmacies nationally. For stockist details call 1800 630 056.
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