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Articles by Mandy Zee
12 Simple Ways to Repair Your Nails After a Damaging Gel Manicure Original
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram While we love gel manicures for their staying power, they can leave nails damaged come removal time. Luckily, the damage is reversible. Experts share how to repair nails after a gel manicure, including using cuticle oil, wearing gloves, and taking vitamins. Our love of gel manis is a temperamental thing, glorious at the beginning of a fresh set and somewhat unrequited come removal time.
Scalp Exfoliation Will Transform Your Hair Health (and Styling Routine)—Here's Why It's So Important Original
Death to Stock Regular scalp exfoliation helps remove buildup, ensuring hair looks healthy, shiny, and less greasy. Experts recommend exfoliating your scalp once every seven to 10 shampoos for optimal hair health. Using chemical or physical exfoliants aids in clearing debris from the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. For as long as we can remember, we were told that a hair care routine involved taking care of our strands—that's it.
How to Tell if Silverware Is Real Sterling-Silver
Genuine sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, making it more durable. Real silverware often leaves a black mark when buffed, while silver-plated or stainless steel does not. Authentic silverware is typically stamped with marks like "STER," "92.5%," or "925" to indicate its purity. All that glitters is not gold—and the same rule goes for sterling silver.
12 Easy Ways to Repair Your Nails After Gel Manicure Damage Original
Key Takeaways While we love gel manicures for their staying power, they can leave nails damaged come removal time. Luckily, the damage is reversible. Experts share how to repair nails after a gel manicure, including using cuticle oil, wearing gloves, and taking vitamins. Meet the Experts Rita Remark is an editorial manicurist and Global Lead Educator at Essie. Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of her eponymous nail care line.
Too Many Gel Manis? Here's How to Repair Damaged Nails
From first impressions to overall health, nails can be one of the trickiest areas to upkeep, particularly if you're one to indulge regularly in gel manicures or acrylics. It's not only our beauty habits that wear down nails. Hand-heavy activities like certain sports, gardening, or even using harsh chemicals while cleaning can affect nail health and have a huge impact on both appearance and comfort.1 So what’s the best way to fix nails once the damage is done?
12 Little-Known Uses for Vicks VapoRub
stocksy While many medical treatments from the early 1900s have been vehemently debunked, a handful have managed to stand the test of time. At the top of this list is everyone's favorite blue goo, Vicks VapoRub, a topical cough suppressant designed to clear the sinuses and alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. But in addition to this marketed use, Vicks has a handful of other, lesser-known uses that are far more interesting (and no less effective).
Confirmed: The Uses for Witch Hazel Are Pretty Much Endless
Reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologist The Critical Babe From household cleaning solutions to natural beauty remedies, there are many reasons to keep a bottle of witch hazel on hand. For centuries, this naturally derived product has been harvested from the witch hazel plant in North America, where it’s been used for everything from promoting skin health to fighting off infections and deterring unwanted pests.
How to Exfoliate Your Scalp (and Why You Should)
According to Lucy Vincent, beauty expert and founder of Sans Ceuticals, "Exfoliation is essential for keeping the hair and scalp in top condition. Exfoliation removes scalp buildup, allowing our natural oils to keep the hair and scalp nourished and healthy. Our natural sebum keeps everything in check, preventing dry scalp. It also allows oils to nourish and protect our hair's mid-lengths and ends.
How to Prevent (and Heal) Sun-Damaged Hair
As we move into the warmer months, it’s important to keep some summer-specific health habits on our radar. While we’re all familiar with how essential it is to protect our skin from sun damage, it's easy to overlook the importance of protecting against sun-damaged hair. “The sun’s rays act very much like bleach on hair,” points out dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld.
12 Best Organic Bug Sprays: Natural Bug Repellents
Summer means backyard barbecues, beach bonfires, and rooftop parties—but what do all of these things have in common? Bug bites. Trying to prevent nature’s tiniest inhabitants from ruining outdoor fun can often feel like a losing battle, especially if you’re aiming to reduce the number of chemicals you put in, on, or near your body. Enter: organic bug sprays.
8 Unstoppable Waterproof Sprays for Shoes
Now that you know how to protect your shoes, stay comfortable with some of the best insoles for shoes, including heels and sneakers. This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Need a Quick Shoe Fix? Here Are the 7 Best Glues for Shoes
Now that you know which glues are the best for repairing your shoes, keep them looking new by learning how to remove scuff marks. This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
The 7 Best Insoles for Shoes of 2022 (Yes, Even Heels)
Up next, read on for the best sprays to waterproof your shoes. This story was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
What Is Rayon? Here's What You Should Know
In a nutshell, rayon is a fabric made from purified cellulose fibers, which are typically created from wood pulp. Though rayon is derived from natural materials, it requires certain chemicals, so it’s considered to be a semi-synthetic fabric. One of the most common types of rayon is viscose rayon, which has a lot in common with cotton. It’s breathable, moisture-absorbent, and a popular choice for casual and athletic wear. It also shows up in dresses, blouses, and outerwear.
The 10 Best (and Worst) Fabrics to Wear During Summer
Nylon As a fully synthetic material, nylon is the opposite of breathable. Because it’s designed to repel water and has a low level of absorption, clothing made from nylon tends to trap heat and sweat against the skin. Acrylic Much like nylon, acrylic is not a natural fabric. While it often shows up in summer dresses and tops, the material can often be hot and abrasive, making it one of the worst summer fabrics. Polyester Another summer fabric that’s best avoided is polyester.
Here's a Question: Is It Bad to Eat Ice?
Poh Kim Yeoh / EyeEm / Getty Images Some have to have their coffee in the morning, others prefer sodas, and for a select group of people, the day can’t begin without a large cup full of ice. Whether you yourself are a regular ice chewer or whether it’s someone you know, you’ve likely witnessed someone chomping on frozen cubes throughout the day. Many people do it for the satisfying crunch, or as a residual childhood habit, or even as a way to stave off other cravings.
Need a Quick Shoe Fix? Here Are the 7 Best Glues for Shoes
Whether its party heels or sneakers, shoes are made to be worn and lived in. Over time, our favorite pairs—no matter how carefully we treat them—inevitably end up in disrepair. But don't toss that pair just yet. There are fortunately a handful of products that are designed to salvage your most beloved shoes. Breathe new life into your favorite pair with one of the seven best glues for footwear on the market. Keep reading to see our favorite picks. 1.
The 7 Best Insoles for Shoes (Yes, Even Heels)
Maybe your job entails standing for nine hours straight, or you're planning a vacation where you'll be on foot every day. Modern insole technology has worked wonders to take the edge off of foot pain, and the right pair of insoles can transform even stilettos into genuinely comfortable footwear. To make the most of your current shoe wardrobe (or to justify that upcoming purchase of sky-high boots), here’s our painless guide to seven of the best insoles for shoes. 1.
8 Surprising Household Uses for Vinegar
Whether you stash it in the kitchen pantry, laundry room, or medicine cabinet, white vinegar is a kind of miracle substance with a plethora of uses. Vinegar, which was originally derived from wine that had gone bad, has become a must-have ingredient in any household. From stain removal to pet care, the uses for vinegar are well worth knowing. Here are just a few of our favorite methods.
Benefits of Peppermint Oil: 11 Uses & Effects
Beyond its incredible scent and aromatherapy power, peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils to have stocked in your medicine cabinet. This key ingredient has been applied both cosmetically and medicinally for thousands of years, and records of peppermint oil use may be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. While its origins may be ancient, there's never been a better time to add this fragrant, healing substance to your beauty bag. But how exactly can it help?
The 8 Main Types of Foundations, Demystified
When it comes to creating the perfect look, there’s one type of makeup that literally lays the foundation for all else. But foundation—regardless of quality—can vary widely in terms of consistency, application, and ingredients. So how do you know which type is right for you? "First let me say foundation is a misunderstood product," says celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter. "Some people think it has to match the skin perfectly. It doesn't.
Wondering What Gelatin Is Made Of? It's Time to Find Out
As an ingredient, gelatin seems standard enough. After all, it’s found in a variety of everyday foods—from breakfast cereals and yogurts to marshmallows and gummy bears, and (of course) the nearly eponymous Jell-O treat. But knowing where your food comes from isn’t just about knowing where it’s sourced. It's important to understand the ingredient list and stay informed about what you're putting into your body.
The Amazing Baobab Benefits for Hair, Skin, and Nails
While beauty trends may come and go, many are rooted in centuries of routine. That's certainly the case with baobab, a trendy ingredient with a lengthy history. Often referred to as the “tree of life,” the baobab tree is native to Africa, and the nickname certainly makes sense, considering that a single tree can live for over 500 years.
10 of the All-Time Best Agatha Christie Books
Your mystery reading list, solved. MyDomaine Whether you’re a veteran reader of classic mystery novels or looking for the perfect carry-on book for an upcoming getaway, no reading list would be complete without a handful of Agatha Christie novels. As one of the best selling authors of all time, Agatha Christie composed no fewer than 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections over the course of her lifetime.
Need a Quick Shoe Fix? Here Are the 5 Best Glues for Shoes
Whether its party heels or sneakers, shoes are made to be worn and lived in. Over time, our favourite pairs—no matter how carefully we treat them—inevitably end up in disrepair. But don't toss that pair just yet. There are fortunately a handful of products that are designed to salvage your most beloved shoes. Breathe new life into your most-treasured pair with one of the seven best glues for footwear on the market. Keep reading to see our favourite picks. 1.
How to Heal Cracked Heels
Reviewed by Board-Certified Dermatologist Christian Vierig / Getty Images A natural enemy of sandals, slingbacks, and more of your beloved backless footwear, cracked heels are not only embarrassing to display but can cause significant discomfort, too. For many, this common issue isn’t just inconvenient; it's also painful. "Cracked heels can be from footwear, weather, or improper care to the skin," says New York City–based podiatrist Emily Splichal, DPM.
7 of the Prettiest Engagement Ring Boxes We've Seen
Aside from kicking off a lifetime of bliss, the perfect proposal is basically all about the ring. But how that ring is presented—and how to stow it safely and beautifully once it’s received—often goes unconsidered. As the fine folks over at The Mrs. Box have pointed out, “A ring box is like the wedding dress for your ring.” We’re inclined to agree.
15 High-Fiber Fruits to Add to Your Diet
Flashpop / Getty Images The days of fiber being stigmatized as an elderly supplement (you can see grandma with her spoon of Metamucil now, can't you?) are over and done. However, on average, Americans only consume about 15 grams of fiber daily or about 40 percent to 60 percent of the daily recommended intake (25g a day for women and 38g a day for men), which begs the question: what’s the best way to incorporate it into your diet?
8 Unstoppable Waterproof Sprays for Shoes
More than any other accessory or apparel item, shoes are constantly exposed to the harshest conditions. While you’d never dream of dragging your favorite handbag through the muck, that’s exactly what shoes go through each day. That said, one way to protect shoes is to waterproof them. Fortunately, this lesser-known but useful wardrobe hack is simpler than it sounds. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up eight of the best waterproof sprays for shoes that really work. 1.
15 Essential Uses for Tea Tree Oil
Hello Glow From beauty products to natural cleansers, tea tree oil is definitely having a moment. But beyond its current trend status, this essential oil has been used for centuries by indigenous groups in Australia to promote targeted healing. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, a small tree native to southeastern Australia, but it’s since become popular all over the world.
A Guide to Every Type of Nail Polish, From Crème to Matte
Deciding on your next coat of polish goes beyond color—there’s also texture, shine, and finish to consider. Recent years have seen a rise in nail polish styles, including contemporary twists on classic styles. Whether you consider yourself a beauty maven or are simply curious about what’s available for your next trip to the salon, learn more about each of the major types of nail polish. Here’s a brief guide to the 10 main types of nail polish to help you pin down your next signature look.
15 Essential Uses for Tea Tree Oil
From beauty products to natural cleansers, tea tree oil is definitely having a moment. But beyond its current trend status, this essential oil has been used for centuries by indigenous groups in Australia to promote targeted healing. Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, a small tree native to southeastern Australia, but it’s since become popular all over the world.
10 Ingenious Hemp Oil Uses for Skin, Nails, and Hair
(Iryna Veklich / Getty Images) It's one of the buzziest ingredients in the beauty industry. The meteoric rise of hemp and CBD in the last few years has everyone talking about the cannabis family and what the benefits of using those products are. Both hemp and CBD oils contain high levels of anti-inflammatory properties, fatty omega acids, and healing benefits—but they also have such small amounts of the psychoactive compound THC that you won't get a "high" from it.
What Is Permanent Press? Your Laundry Settings, Demystified
Odds are you’ve got a solid arsenal of wardrobe trivia up your sleeve—like which colors flatter your skin tone, what style of boot best suits the season, and so on. But for many, something as practical as navigating washing machine settings leaves us second-guessing our transition into adulthood. To keep your clothes in the best possible shape, knowing the nitty-gritty of proper laundering is essential.
5 Tips for Surviving the Heavy-Earring Trend
Abstract shapes and architectural inspiration are dominating some of our favorite earring designs this season. A pair of statement-making earrings can instantly dress up a casual outfit or make for an eye-catching accessory during a night out. However, heavy earrings can also take a massive toll on the shape and condition of your ears. But before you toss out your favorite pair of oversize earrings, we recommend taking a look at what you can do to sport the trend without sacrificing comfort.
How to Remove Scuff Marks From Shoes
There’s an elusively misattributed quote (Marilyn Monroe? Bette Midler? We may never know) we love returning to: “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” While we’re partial to believing that someone can conquer the world regardless of footwear, having the perfect pair of shoes certainly can’t hurt. One of the keys to the perfect pair of shoes is keeping them clean, clear, and scuff-free.
7 of the Best Jewelry Cleaners at Every Price Point
Half the beauty of jewelry is the radiant, high-gloss shine of bright metals and sparkling stones. Like any accessory, jewelry is being constantly exposed to dust, damage, and aging. While polishing by hand can only get you so far, there are a handful of sleek, easy-to-use products to keep your jewelry clean without having to take a trip to the jeweler.
What Is Rayon? Here's What You Should Know
Rayon is one of the most versatile fabrics around, yet it remains somewhat of a mystery. That’s partly because of its remarkable ability to shape-shift—not just literally, but also in terms of imitating other fabrics. Rayon has been known to take on the properties of silk, cotton, wool, and others, and can be used in nearly any type of clothing. This can make it challenging to pin down exactly what it is, how to launder it, and what type of weather it’s best suited for.
What Is Polyester Made Of?
While the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of polyester might be retro bowling shirts and vintage floral dresses, this ubiquitous fabric is probably in more of your wardrobe than you think. From athletic-wear to lingerie, polyester can be found in an array of everyday attire. As apparel made from cotton and other natural materials has decreased, the use of polyester in clothing manufacturing has become more popular than ever. But what is polyester, exactly?
How to Measure Your Hat Size for the Perfect Fit
With in-the-moment inspiration from celebrities like Bella Hadid and street style stars like Patricia Manfield, now is the time to capitalize on the hottest hat trends of 2020. But making the most of out of this underappreciated accessory isn’t just about finding the perfect look—it’s also about the perfect fit. This is especially important if you’re shopping online, where hat sizes can vary widely and often differ slightly from brand to brand.
How to Tell If Pearls Are Real
Deemed a jewelry essential by style icons like Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, and Coco Chanel, it’s hard to contest the timeless appeal of pearls. From chic stackable bracelets to luxe chokers, hair accessories, and more, there’s no doubt that pearls are making a bit of a comeback. Since pearls are not only one of the most covetable but most frequently faked accessories, there’s never been a better time to learn how to tell if the strand you have your eye on is real.
Bronzer vs. Blush: The Real Difference and When to Use Which
To give your complexion a bit of dimension (and accentuate those beautiful cheekbones), blush and bronzer are beauty bag essentials. While they may seem to serve similar purposes, the ways in which they’re used—and the looks they achieve—can vary drastically. Depending on the occasion, as well as your face shape and mood, it can be hard to know which to use. Ahead, watch makeup artist Bob Scott's blush and bronzer tutorial, plus pro tips about the differences between the two.
9 Simple Home Remedies for a Sunburn
Nothing kills summer fun faster than a painful sunburn. Of course, the best treatment is prevention, notes board-certified dermatologist Marthe Dika, MD. "Most importantly, protection with sunscreens, when used properly, prevents burning even in fair-skinned individuals," says Dika. While we can all agree on the importance of sun protection, there are still those occasions when excess sunshine gets the better of us.
6 Natural Home Remedies for a Yeast Infection
Few health issues are as irritating (figuratively and literally) as yeast infections. However, yeast infections are extremely common—nearly 75 percent of women experience at least one in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While yeast infections most often affect the vaginal area, they can also develop in other areas of the body such as the throat, mouth, or gut (where the Candida fungus that causes such infections naturally occurs).
8 Little-Known Uses for Vicks VapoRub
Stocksy In This Article Treat Acne Deter Insects Heal Your Feet Fade Bruising Treat Scrapes and Burns Alleviate Headaches Ease Muscle Soreness While many medical treatments from the early 1900s have been vehemently debunked, a handful have managed to stand the test of time. At the top of this list is Vicks VapoRub, a topical cough suppressant designed to clear the sinuses and alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.
Confirmed: The Uses for Witch Hazel Are Pretty Much Endless
The Critical Babe From household cleaning solutions to natural beauty remedies, there are a number of reasons to keep a bottle of witch hazel on hand. For centuries, this naturally derived product has been harvested from the witch hazel plant (also known as Hamamelis virginiana) in North America, where it’s been used for everything from promoting skin health to fighting off infections and deterring unwanted pests.
30 Fun and Affordable Things to Do This Weekend
Living the good life is all too often mistaken for living expensively. While there’s a certain thrill to shelling out money on experiences, there’s plenty of fun to be had for a low cost. Looking to shake up your next date night or expand your personal creativity? We’ve got you covered with a few of our favorite affordable activities. Whether you prefer to spend your weekends with friends or solo, these are no-fail ways to add some excitement to your life. Honey and Silk Go exploring.
9 Best Zero-VOC and Nontoxic Paint Brands to Transform Your Space
Dazey Den/Dazey LA When it comes to painting your walls, it's easy to overlook some of the paints' undesirable, toxic ingredients in favor of paying the least to cover the most. While lead-based interior paint has thankfully been banned from U.S. consumer use since 1978, you'll still frequently find low-level toxic emissions, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hiding in most cans.1 (Ever taken a good whiff of that "new paint" smell?
How to Wash Linen (Just in Time for Summer)
If there’s any season break out your favorite linen clothing, summer’s it. Of course, it’s also the season to accidentally spill rosé all over said linen clothing. Whether you’re removing a stain or simply hoping to keep your linens looking their best, it’s important to keep a handful of rules in mind before you launder. Read on for a few must-read tips on how to wash linen and keep your items looking like new.
What Is Foundation Made Of?
The ingredients in foundation depend partly on the type of foundation. Powder-based foundation relies heavily on powder for its consistency, typically in the form of talc. Other ingredients include pigment (tailored to the hue of the product), emollients, and binding agents that help the foundation adhere to skin. Some powder-based foundations also include wax, which may be either natural or synthetic.
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