Shiny Toes

Well, spring has sprung and it's time to shed the boots and socks and pull out the sandals. Are your feet ready for that? I've been working on mine. Today I want to share with you a healthy idea for pretty nails. As much as I like beautifully polished nails, I've come to understand that covering them over with nail polish is not the healthiest thing to do. Not only does your nail absorb chemicals from nail polish into your body, but the polish remover is even more toxic. Plus, your nails give important clues to the state of your health -- for instance, if they're bluish, your oxygen level is low. So I gave up nail polish a couple of years ago. I love the look of clean, fresh, shiny nails, so I've tried several products that buff and shine them. My favorite is this -- All Season Miracle Buff & Shine Block. I found them at Sally Beauty Supply, but they may be available elsewhere.

First you use the black side to gently smooth the surface of the nail. Then use the white side to buff a shine onto it. You'll want to buy more than one, because they only do a good job of shining your nails for 2 or 3 applications (both fingernails and toenails). It gives the appearance of nails with clear polish, but you're not using any polish. If you'll notice the print ads in magazines and sales flyers, you'll see that most of the models are going with plain shiny nails.

Another thing I like to do in the summer -- paint Vitamin E oil onto my toenails after I'm dressed for the day and outfitted in my sandals. It makes them look even shinier, and nourishes them at the same time. I LOVE sandals -- my feet do not like being "trapped" all winter!

Now, I know it would be hard for some to give up their brightly polished nails. If you're a fluffy-doodle (see prior post), I can almost guarantee this is not going to set well with you. My younger sister tells me that someday when I'm too old to care she's going to always have my toenails painted red. I'll be the jazziest little old lady in town. :)

Tomorrow - the best way to get rid of rough skin on your feet.