How To Do Gel Nails With A DIY Gel Nail Kit

Gel nails have been well-favored by many nail fashion mavens and there are no reasons why they should not. This nail polish alternative makes the nails strong enough to resist breaking and chipping. With the gel product on your nails, it seems like each of your nails has been layered with a protective coating that helps it resist being damaged. This also makes gel polish long wearing and with a lasting sheer shine.

To make the deal even sweeter, the formulation for the gel nails are made to be safe and healthy for the nails. Most gel nail products are made with essential vitamins and minerals for nails each time the product is applied to them. In the process, the nails grow stronger and longer with each application of the gel nail polish.

Another thing about gel nails is that gel nails can be done even by a total newbie. Gel nail product manufacturers have made it easier for anyone to do it at home. You won’t need to go to the salon and wait for your turn if you want to have your nails done with a gel nail polish. All you have to do is secure for yourself all the products and tools (including a DIY gel nail kit)needed to create gorgeous nails finished with a gel nail polish and a willingness to learn the application process.

Did we not mention that it is easy? Just follow the instructions below and you will have flawless nails to flaunt in no time.

You can buy the contents that make up a gel nail kit separately or just consider picking one DIY gel nail kit available in local beauty stores as well as online. If you are considering buying one online, your best option would be Amazon.com. You’ll find top rated products in this category with all previous feedback and reviews that you can check out to weigh your options.

If you consider buying the contents separately, here are the products that you should be looking for:

Special Lighting Device To Cure The Nails

1. LED or UV Lamp. Many gel nail polish needs to be cured under a special lamp to dry. There are gel-like products that do not require curing, but those that are placed under a UV or a LED lamp seem to last longer.

The primary difference between these two light sources is that the LED lamp gets to cure the nails quicker than a UV lamp. Less exposure means it is safer for the nails and the skin.

Preparation and Wipe Solution for DIY gel nails

2. Preparation and wipe solution.

3. Gel base coat and top coat. Though these gel products are often sold together, you can opt to buy them separately.

4. Gel Polish Color. There are several brands that you can choose from when it comes to gel polish including OPI, DND, Kiara Sky, Bio Seaweed, and more

5. Nail Polish Remover

6. Other items. Lint-free pads, orange sticks, emery boards,

How To Do Gel Nails With A Gel Nail Kit

Most probably, you are already familiar with gel nails and how they look and feel on your nails. If you plan to do it on your own, having a gel nail kit is the best thing you will need to have first.

1. Prepare the nails. You’ll need to have a clean surface to start with. Remove any old polish on your nails using a lint-free pad soaked in an acetone-free nail polish remover. Have your nails trimmed, shaped, filed, and buffed before proceeding to the next step. You don’t want to have polish on nails that are not even out or one with hangnails and dry skin and cuticles sticking on the edges of your nails. Make sure that the nail surface is thoroughly clean before you apply the gel nail products.

2. Apply the base coat. Once your nail surface is clean, you can apply the base coat. Apply a thin layer of the base coat down the tip of the nail to “seal” in the polish. Don’t forget to cap the tip with the polish as this will make the gel polish more difficult to chip off.

3. Cure the base coat. Most gel nails need to be exposed to a LED or UV lamp before the product will bond and cure. This is a crucial process as it is what makes the gel nail strong, hence longer-lasting. There are lamps that are designed with automatic on and off feature, so you won’t have to guess whether your polish is already totally cured.

4. Apply the gel color. Once the base coat is totally cured, you may apply a thin layer of the gel coat. Cure your nails under the lamp for about two minutes. For a more solid color, apply a second layer of the gel polish, then cure under the lamp.

5. Apply the top coat. You are almost done and soon enough you will see your gorgeous nails. As with all the previous applications, you’ll want to have a thin layer of the gel top coat on your nails. Then, cure for another two minutes under the lamp.

6. Wipe the nails with the prep and wipe solution. After removing your nails from the lamp, your nails will feel a bit sticky. To remove that, you’ll need to gently wipe each nail with a lint-free pad that has been soaked in the Prep + Wipe solution. Once you’re done, you’ll find shiny, polished nails underneath. It will be dry to the touch and will be strong enough to resist chipping and breaking. And, yes, you can wear those nails for weeks.

As gel nails can really stick longer on your nails than a regular polish, they will be a lot more difficult to remove. You’ll need to soak your nails in a piece of cotton with a nail polish remover and wrap a foil around each nail. It will take about fifteen minutes before you will see the polish starting to lift off from your nails. It will take some time, but you should be patient. There is no need to force the gel polish off  your nails or you might just damage the nails.

Are you ready to give it a try? Get your own DIY Gel Nail Kit now and practice doing your nails now. You’ll do better with each application.

How To Properly Set Up A Bearded Dragon Habitat

Bearded dragons are unique creatures. They have an interesting gait whenever they see another of their kind. You may notice them waving at each other to show that they recognize the other dragon’s precise and to display their submission to another beardie. There may be instances that you notice your dragon bobbing its head, especially when it sees a female dragon. This is just their way of showing their interest to a prospective mate. When excited, they will puff out their beards and open their mouths to project an authoritative stance.

These dragons are known to be docile and quite easy to manage. They do have a set of unique requirements. But as long as you are able to provide them with what they need, they will remain happy and healthy.

One of the basic requirement to provide proper husbandry to a pet dragon is to set up a proper enclosure for the reptile. If you are at a lost of how to do this, you have landed on the right page. Read on to read some interesting tips on how to provide your dragon with a proper home.

The Bearded Dragon’s Enclosure

Although a bearded dragon is mostly sedentary, it can run as fast as nine miles per hour. That’s quite an amazing fact about this easy-going pet. And even though they could recognize another bearded reptile, males of this species will not want to live with another male. Even females may compete when it comes to nourishment, so you would need to know the proper housing requirements to provide your pet dragon the best care that it will need to stay happy and healthy.

Size of the enclosure

First of all, you will need to use an appropriate sized aquarium made with a tight-fitting lid. You can also customize your dragon’s cage or enclosure, but the best one will be an aquarium as you can see what going on inside the cage once it is set up and your dragon is already inside the enclosure.

Hatchlings may be placed in a 10-15 gallon aquarium. However, adults will require at least a 55-60 gallon aquarium. A wire cage will not be an ideal enclosure as they do not retain heat. This type of enclosure can also cause foot and nose traumas. If you still would like to use a wire cage, you will need one that is coated with plastic to lessen the probability of your pet getting hurt.

Design

Cages designed for a bearded dragon do not need to be complicated. A simple design will do. It will be easier to clean and ensure that there will be fewer issues when it comes to possible injuries. If you would rather use wood for the cage, by all means, do it. Just make sure that you have it sealed with polyurethane or a similar waterproofing agent. You also need to caulk the joints to make it easier to clean and to disinfect. If you do this, you will need to let a few days past before placing the dragon inside the enclosure to allow the polyurethane or other sealants to dry thoroughly and prevent any possible intoxication.

Substrate

The substrate lines the bottom of your dragon’s enclosure. Though it should primarily be esthetically appealing, it should also be easy to clean, absorbent, as well as digestible if ever swallowed.

You have several options when it comes to the substrate for a dragon’s cage. Some use newspaper, sheets of brown wrapping paper, shredded papers, plain paper, paper towels, substrate liners, reptile carpets, and other natural or commercially available substrates. However, these items may not be good to be used as substrates for your bearded dragon: crushed corn cob, kitty litter, wood shavings, cedar shavings, gravel, or potting soil that contains vermiculite, pesticides, fertilizer, or wetting agents. Anything that can pose as impaction hazard or may contain toxic chemicals should never be used as a substrate for the bearded dragon.

Landscaping Your Bearded Dragon’s Enclosure

Your pet reptile will enjoy an assortment of branches in his new habitat. It can climb up plants, plants, or slate of rocks that you will place inside its enclosure. Just make sure that whatever you place inside the enclosure does not have any sharp edges, should be securely anchored and will not pose any danger to the dragon. If you intend to put branches, make sure that they are as wide as your gecko’s body to provide better comfort and safety for your pet.

Your dragon will enjoy having a place to seek shelter when the surrounding temperature becomes too hot for it.

Plants will also look a great addition to your lizard’s housing. Not only will it provide humidity and a sense of security to the dragon, but it can also enhance the appeal of the enclosure. Just make sure that the plants you choose are not health hazards and have not been treated with pesticide. Also make sure that the potting soil does not contain pesticides, fertilizer, or any wetting agents.

Temperature

Your cold-blooded bearded dragon is used to desert environments. It will need supplemental heat to properly digest that foods that it consumes. You will need to provide a temperature gradient that mimics the natural heat sources in its original habitat. For this reason, you will need to set up primary and secondary heat sources that can keep your dragon’s body temperature to as high as it needs to synthesize the nutrients from the food it takes. You may need to keep your dragon’s enclosure at 78-88°F during the day and about in the 70s at night. A thermometer will also be needed to ensure that temperature changes will be monitored appropriately.

Special “basking lights” are necessary accessories to be installed in your pet’s housing. Make sure that the temperature under the light in the basking area is about 90-100°F. Hatchlings in smaller enclosures will need lights of lower wattage, however.

Water and Humidity

Even though your pet will get most of the water from the food that it consumes, you still need to make sure that fresh drinking water is available at all times. Place it in a shallow bowl that won’t tip over.

Proper humidity is also vital for proper shedding. So, when humidity is quite low, you may need to mist your dragon with water several times each week. You also need to give it a bath or allow it to soak in its tub 2-3 times each week. Just make sure that the tub is kept clean that water replaced regularly. Note that your dragon may urinate or defecate in the water, so it’s necessary that you keep it clean at all times. Select Best Reptile Humidifier to make it easy

Once everything is installed, you need to constantly monitor all accessories for any traces of feces or urine as these could cause disease-causing microorganisms to grow in the terrarium or the dragon’s enclosure. Wash and sanitize everything in the cage (including the food bowl and water bowl) regularly and allow them to rinse and dry thoroughly before re-installing them inside the cage.

If you can properly set up your dragon’s cage and provide appropriate husbandry it, you can be assured that your pet will live satisfied and healthy inside its enclosure for a long time.

Different Types of Fungal Skin Infections

Various types of fungal infections can be caused by different types of fungi. All of them, however, commonly cause an annoying itch on the skin.

These fungi normally invade and breed on dead skin cells. They feed on keratin, a protein found on the skin, hair, and nails. Various types of fungal infection are identified based on the kind of fungus.

1. Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)

Clinical evidence indicates that about 15% to 25% of the world population is likely to have athlete’s foot at any one time. This skin condition is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, damp areas of skin, like those between your toes. This condition makes the skin to feel itchy, flaky, and have a reddish color. When the infection sets in, the soles of the feet can also become dry and scaly. Blisters may also be present as well.

Athlete’s foot can easily be picked up if you are fond of walking barefoot on damp or contaminated floors like on communal shower areas, swimming pools, and saunas. It is also possible that the infection may spread to other parts of your body if you won’t wash or forgot to wash your hands after you touch your feet.

2. Nail infections (Tinea unguium)

This kind of fungal infection usually begins at the edge of the nail and spreads slowly down to its base. It takes a while before that happens, however. When fungi begin to set in, they can cause your nail to discolor, become brittle, and crumbly. Surrounding tissues on the nails may also get thicker. If they are not treated, your nails may become so thick that will just be painful to wear shoes. Reports indicate that toenails are usually affected more than fingernails.

3. Ringworm

a. Ringworm found on your body is also clinically called Tinea corporis

This condition normally affects the parts of the body that are exposed. They can easily be found on your arms, legs or face. If you have them, you will see a reddish ring-shaped rash on the affected area.

This skin infection can easily spread with close contact. Touching someone who already has ringworm, touching contaminated items like clothing or bedding will cause you to catch the fungus. Farm animals like sheep and cattle that carry the fungi, as well as domesticated pets like cats and dogs, can also transfer the fungi directly on your body.

b. Ringworm in the groin (Tinea cruris)

This condition is also called ‘jock itch’ because it usually affects younger men. At this stage, the scrotum and the thigh are closer together. This creates conditions where these fungi can thrive. Women who are fond of wearing tight clothes can also develop this fungal skin condition. Like all other fungal infection, the part of the skin that has been affected is itchy, has a red rash in your groin and around the top of the legs.

Ringworm in the groin can also spread with close contact. It can also be passed on in the same manner. That means you may develop a ringworm in the groin if you have an athletes foot if you forgot or do not wash your hands after touching your foot.

c. Ringworm on your scalp (Tinea capitis)

Experts have noted that children are those who are most frequently affected by this fungal skin infection. Those who develop this condition will notice similar symptoms as that of a ringworm in your groin. The body and the scalp will also look scaly and will be itchy. Some have also developed a pus-filled area on the scalp, known as a ‘kerion’. Many who have developed this kind of skin fungal infection may observe the hair within the area falling out leaving bald portions on the head. The hair normally grows back once the infection is treated effectively.

Sharing a contaminated hairbrush or clothes used by anyone who has developed the infection may cause you to catch the infection as well.

4. Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a fungal skin infection caused by yeast. This can develop on the folds of the skin, like on the abdomen in persons who are overweight. This condition is normally caused by the yeast known as Candida Albicans. If the infection affects an area of your skin that presses or rubs together, it may cause chaffing. You will notice your skin turning reddish or brownish if you have this fungal skin infection. Moisture within the affected area will cause the infection to disintegrate.

5. Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea versicolor)

This skin infection is caused by another type of yeast called Malassezia. It usually affects male young adults. This condition will cause you to have patches of skin that are scaly, mildly itchy, and discoloured. They are usually pinkish or brownish in color. They may not be as noticeable on people with dark skin tone.

6. Thrush (Candida albicans)

This is a common fungus that usually thrives inside the mouth, stomach, skin, and the female private part. A thrush infection is characterized by small white or red patches. If the infection grows in the female area, it can be itchy and cause white discharge.

They are not usually a cause of concern, except when they have already multiplied and have caused symptoms of thrush.

These conditions will encourage the growth of C. Albicans: tight clothes, weak immune system, antibiotics, improper hygiene.

This infection can also grow inside your mouth. This is a common condition in babies and elderly people. They look like white patches, but when you rub them off you will see red marks instead. Having oral thrush can make eating and drinking quite difficult.

Prevention of fungal skin infections

Eliminate, if not lessen, the possibility of developing any of these fungal skin infections when you regularly do the following:

  1. Make sure that your skin is completely dry every time you have a bath or shower.
  2. Wear thoroughly clean clothes.
  3. Make that your bedding is regularly and thoroughly washed.
  4. Always keep your feet clean and dry.
  5. Wear clean slippers when in communal areas.
  6. Wear loose-fitting garments that are made of breathable material.
  7. Observe proper hygiene.

Keep watch of what you do, where you go, and what you take in. This will ensure that everything that touches your skin or enters your system is safe enough for you to be free from any of these skin fungal infections.