DIY CUTICLE OIL
I’m always looking for products to try on my perpetually raggedy cuticles. After some research on Makeup Alley, I discovered that layering CND Cuticle Eraser and CND Solar Oil is meant to be REALLY effective in giving your cuticles the “just-manicured” look.
I ordered a bottle of CND Solar Oil but decided to make my own DIY cuticle oil while I wait for it to arrive. Solar Oil’s main ingredients are: Almond, Jojoba & Rice Bran Oil. I had some Almond Oil left over from a previous DIY skincare project, so I transferred it into a nailpolish bottle. This is how Solar Oil is dispensed – it makes the oil easier & neater to apply. Here’s what I did:
- Find an unused or empty nailpolish bottle.
- Pour any leftover contents into a ziploc bag filled with paper towels (helps contain the mess!) Save any metal ball bearings that came in the polish.
- Fill the bottle 1/4th full of acetone or nailpolish remover. Reinsert the ball bearing and swirl it around to thoroughly clean the bottle.
- Turn the bottle upside down so the neck & brush are cleaned.
- Pour the liquid into the ziploc bag. Refill and repeat a couple of times.
- Put a drop of dishwashing soap in the bottle and fill with warm water. Shake around with the ball bearing to remove all remnants of polish & acetone. Rinse and drain.
- Fill the bottle with Almond Oil – can add or substitute Jojoba Oil or Olive Oil. Add any essential oils for fragrance.
- Keep by your bedside and ‘paint’ it over cuticles at least once a day!
ICED WATER
Now that warm weather has finally arrived (knock wood!) I’m always tempted by Iced Drinks when we’re out running errands (Iced Coffee, Iced Tea…) Keeping Iced Water on hand has helped me avoid the urge to hit the drive-thrus. The Bubba Stainless Steel Hero Bottle is AMAZING at keeping drinks cool – even after 5 hours in the car, it still has ice cubes! If you’re trying to drink more water, I highly recommend this thermos – AND it costs less than $20. I bought mine at Walmart and I’ve seen it sold at Target too – I’ve been buying them for EVERYONE in my family – my uncle, my sister, my parents etc! It’s also great for hot drinks – I used it to carry my Green Tea around in the Winter – and it stayed steaming hot for at least 4 hours (not tepid or lukewarm like my other stainless steel mugs).
NEW PURCHASES:
How adorable is my newest iPhone cover – a Chanel Le Vernis print in May! I first saw this cover on Celina’s blog – she purchased hers on Etsy and I did too. I think the sellers keep changing usernames, because the seller I purchased mine from is no longer there (even though I JUST purchased this!) but if you search “Le Vernis Case” on Etsy, you should be able to find something similar.
My other new loves are these Coach Jelly Sandals with Bows. I’ve had a thing for bows ever since I saw the Valentino Bow Jelly Sandals (what is it with Valentino and all their amazing shoes? First the Rockstuds and now these?). They’re surprisingly comfy for Jelly Sandals – I wore them out doing errands on the weekend without any problems (unlike other Jelly shoes I’ve had which have rubbed my feet raw – ouch!). I found my sandals at Winners for $50 – it’s more than I’d usually pay for sandals but they look and seem indestructible so I’m hoping they’re worth it!
Have you used cuticle oils? Are you a fan of bow sandals?
I'm definitely making my own cuticle oil after reading this! What a great suggestion! My cuticles always feel dry. I don't ever get a pro mani and I don't like touching them because they are so sensitive. I'm definitely trying this tip!I also am in love with your new iPhone case! I have to order one soon 😉
Hope the cuticle oil works for you – there's nothing worse than dry & sensitive cuticles :-(I can't stop staring at my iPhone case (sad I know LOL)…they also have a Coco Mademoiselle Perfume print I'm thinking of getting.
Wow, this is such a great post! Thanks for the tip on how to clean out a nail polish bottle. I have some very old Essie polish in Angelfood that I was going to toss, but will keep and clean so I can do this trick. I had a sample of Essie's new Apricot Cuticle oil and loved it. But, would rather try something simple and just as effective as the Almond oil at home. Regarding the iced water, I too have been drinking a TON more water, and it helps keep me from wanting other bad-for-you coffees and drinks. Having more water throughout the day is great anyway. I will try one of those Thermos products. As of late, I've been using my Starbucks thermal double-walled iced coffee cup to bring iced water into work every day. Ice only lasts about 3-4 hours. Going to check out that Chanel case on Etsy now! Very cool!!
Glad you enjoyed the post Mary-Irene 🙂 I was so excited to figure out how to get the polish bottle perfectly clean and usable LOL!Iced water is SO good in the summer – I like how it tricks my brain away from the Iced coffees (which often don't even taste that good LOL – I've just been brainwashed into equating summer with Iced Coffees!)
I need that thermostat! I'm constantly sipping on ice water now and hate when all my ice melts. Looking for it now :)Also loving your darling bow sandals, too cute!LindsayLindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
Lindsay – I LURVE ice too – it's so nice to have the cubes stay in the water for so long…I was so happy to find such a reasonably priced thermos that actually works!
we're definitely going to try that cuticle oil recipe! we absolutely love diy beauty!http://mkstyleramblings.blogspot.com.au/
Glad you're going to try it out too – hope you love it!
I'm a huge fan of Solar oil but not so much the price. I might just consider making some cuticle oil myself, looks pretty easy.
The ingredient list of Solar Oil is pretty easy to replicate – I can't wait to try out the original to see how it works for me 🙂
I saw those sandals at our Ross store, to bad they didn't have my size :/ they look great on you 🙂
I love those sandals. I bought a pair of pink ones identical to them. I want black ones too. I would wear the black ones in a heartbeat. They look cute with your polish. Have a great week. XOXOXO Tina