So, you may not use your hands to pay the bills. That doesn’t mean you don’t want them looking their best at all times, right? Here are simple ways to model-worthy mitts.

Feel you don’t have time for yet another skincare regimen? This hand-friendly routine will keep your digits and nails lovely, and doesn’t take up a lot of time. Promise.

All you need are the right products and tools. Plus, a little discipline. Let’s get your fingers primed.

7 Hand Model-Worthy Hand and Nail Care Tips

1. Moisturizer. Ah, yes. It seems many a skincare dilemma boils down to increased moisturization. Ever wonder why lotion alone seems to do nothing for dry hands? A water-based lotion does not hold moisture into skin as well as an oil-based product, and can even further dryness. Try a rich cream made with plant butters and oils, like Odacite Intensive Hand & Heel Therapy. And don’t forget to rub into nails too.

2. Exfoliate. You do it to your face and body, don’t forget to exfoliate hands too. Removing dead skin cells means moisturizer can more easily soak into skin. It also makes skin smoother and younger looking. Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub uses sugar to slough away dry skin, while coconut and jojoba oils soften. And the scrumptious summery smell makes it a true treat.

3. Cuticle maintenance. You’ve probably heard it a million times. Healthy cuticles equal healthy nails. Believe it! Keep those little suckers wrangled before they are out of hand by pushing them back gently with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. A cuticle oil, like Vapour Organic Beauty Replenish Organic Nail and Cuticle Oil, helps to soften them and make them easier to push. Carefully trim away any excess with nippers. Note: Don’t go too nuts on the trimming or you’ll end up with sore cuticles. I speak from experience.

4. Glass file. It really does make a difference. Those gravely emery boards can tear and split nails. A glass file is much gentler on nails and especially beneficial if your nails tend to split or are weak. Use Priti Crystal Glass Nail File. Note: The pointy tip makes a great cuticle pusher, too.

5. Wear gloves. Winter is over. But we are talking wearing gloves indoors, here. If you are cleaning your bathroom, washing dishes, or doing some other task where your hands will be in water, throw on a pair of work gloves. If You Care Cotton-Lined Household Gloves are made with natural, renewable latex and are chemical-free. Your hands and nails will thank you.

6. Nail brush. You can only imagine the gunk and bacteria that grow under nails. Not trying to freak you out, just pointing out the importance of a regular scrubbing. Plus, this move makes nails look healthy and whitens tips. Use Swissco Wooden Nail Brush Natural Bristle.

7. Use 5-free polish. Now for the fun part. Showing off those gorgeous hands. Choose a fresh color (or two) for spring in a 5-free polish. 5-free are made without the most harmful polish ingredients, so they not only keep nails from drying out and breaking, but are healthier for you too.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of hand model via Shutterstock

The post 7 Hand and Nail Care Tips (or How to Look Like a Hand Model) appeared first on EcoSalon.

You know you should use 5-free nail polish to avoid those toxic chemicals. But you really want a long-lasting gel manicure. What if you could have both?

The dilemma we green gals face with polish is, of course, the nasty chemicals used to make them. You use No-VOC paint on your walls, right? You surely want something safe for nails.

Nail polish may not be a beauty necessity, but what would life be if we couldn’t indulge in pretty things? And one favorite beauty rite amongst females, and even some males, is definitely a good mani/pedi.

Non-toxic polish has come a long way since its thin, watery beginnings. That’s great, but today we strive for long-wearing, glossy finish manicures. Regular polish, 5-free or not, may just not cut it these days.

The best way to go for manicures is choosing 5-free polish. These are exempt from the main toxic ingredients commonly used in nail polishes: DBP, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde resin. These toxins are linked to hormonal disruption, skin and respiratory irritation, organ toxicity, and cancer.

Thankfully, there are healthier options. Still, how often do you consider going in for a gel mani just so you don’t have to repaint so often?

Meet SpaRitual Gold line of polishes. This is a simple two step system of Flexible Color and Flexible Topcoat. Not only are these beauties vegan and 5-free, but give that gel-like mani you love. No drying light or icky toxins required.

Can non-toxic polish truly behave like gel? The short answer here is yes! I tried SpaRitual Gold personally and love them. Beautiful, glossy color that dries quickly and has staying power. The topcoat works like a charm, and the shades are rich and beautiful. Another thing I love about these polishes – the grippy handles make for quick application. Brilliant!

I recently spoke with Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual, and here is what she has to say on the Gold line.

Liz Thompson: Your Gold nail lacquers are vegan and 5-free. How else are they different from conventional polishes? (I noticed they are not as obnoxiously scented as regular polish…they almost smell like salt?)

Shel Pink: Yes! Regarding the smell. That is a nice benefit of the Gold formulation. I would also say dry time is super fast. Traditional formulas will take up to 1 hour for a complete dry through the layers. Gold dries in 8 minutes. If you feel like painting your nails before you go to bed you will not wake up with sheet marks on your nails. A huge bonus!

LT: Gel manicures are the thing right now for durability and long lasting color. What all women want to know … how long does a manicure last with Gold?

SP: Gold doubles the wear of your manicure. For example, If you typically wear for 3 days Gold will take you to 5-6 days.

LT: Any special application tips?

SP: It is effortless to apply Gold, not only because of the ergonomic cap but also for the mindful brush. The brush contains over 600 bristles that fan out on the nail providing maximum control and precise application.

LT: Which lacquer colors are hottest for the season?

SP: Cool blues, icy greys and warm plums. Check out the SpaRitual holiday color collection – Awakening.

If you’ve been bored with the same old colors, chipping, and short-lived mani, this is what you’ll be putting on your digits in 2016.

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Image of pretty nail polish via Shutterstock

The post Non-Toxic ‘5-Free’ Nail Polish That Performs Like Gel? Meet SpaRitual Gold appeared first on EcoSalon.