The Mystery of Essie Crystal Nail File

Not all nail files were born equal. The one from Sephora, for example annoys me to no end by only having one operational side. It's a thick slub of glass and they couldn't make both side usuable? Why? Then I have and had several brandless other files from several stores, online and offline. Some are good, others are better. My favorite, though, is this one from Essie. It's the perfect size, perfect weight and does a superb job leaving my nails smooth with no rough edges.

Recently I wanted to buy a secod one for my travel bag, only to discover it's no longer available on Essie website. You can still buy it from various other online sources, but it seems Essie has stopped making/selling them and that's a real shame.

Photo by me with the help of Kosh.

How To Deal With A Broken Nail: Nail-Aid Clear Liquid Bandage

My kitchen cabinets are the arch-nemesis of my nails. They were designed by a nail-hating demon, and I've had countless painful incidents because of them. I've tried just about every nail glue I could find at drugstores and beauty supply stores. Most of them were messy and all of them utterly useless. Last week after another lost battle against the utensil drawer I looked in my beauty stash and found Nail-Aid Clear Liquid Bandage. It was sent to me by the wonderful people of Anise Nail Polish, so I decided to give it a try. Nothing to lose, right?

I'm happy and amazed to report my nails are still attached and intact. While the Nail-Aid Bandage doesn't actually repair or fuses the break, it firmly holds the nail together and it looks (and, more importantly, feels) like nothing happened.

So, how to deal with a split nail?

1. Act quickly, before there's more damage. Remove your nail polish and make sure the nail is clean and dry.
2. Apply Liquid Bandage to the affected area. Let dry completely (it takes less than a minute). Apply a second coat.

Now, according to the packaging directions, you're supposed to repeat this every day for best results, but I just redo my nails once the liquid Bandage is dry. I remove the polish every three-four days and re-apply the product before painting my nails again. So far it's the perfect solution.

Nail-Aid Clear Liquid Bandage ($6.50) is available from nailaidcares.com.

Image from blog.modernmechanix.com

Crystal Glass Nail Files

From the "what took me so long to find this?" department.

I have my mom to thank for introducing me to the wonder of crystal glass nail files. She got me a small one, made in the Czech Republic that looks like the OPI one, and I was hooked immediately.

These files do an extremely efficient job in a minimum number of strokes (much healthier for the nail) while leaving it with a perfect silky finish that doesn't snag or split. Another advantage they have is being washable and the fact that unless you drop them on a very hard surface, they'll last forever.

I started research and discovered that you can find them in several sizes, including as a foot file (which I promptly acquired. Next week I'll post a comprehensive review of hoof-care methods), and also colored, hand-painted or blingified, for your inner Kimora Lee. I loved the Betty Boop set.

The one I collected above are available from Sephora, Amazon (do a search for glass nail file. It'll keep you entertained for a while) or http://www.95andsunny.com/ . Prices are from $3.99 for a small one to about $40 for a decorated set of three.