TIPS Celebration Set for Canada's Birthday

Join in the fun and place your entries for the ASK Cosmetics "TIPS Celebration Set" Giveaway.

 

You could be the lucky winner of:

 

1 bottle of TIPS Nail Conditioner (new size 7 ml), 1 bottle of ASK Nailwear "Perfect Red", 1 bottle of Revival Nail Polish Remover

 

Good luck to all those who enter!

 

What is your absolute favourite thing about Canada as a country?

 

 

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Feeding your nails with supplements just isn't possible!

The following information is taken from one of the best books on the market, written by the Cosmetics Cop herself, Paula Begoun.  The title of her amazing book is "The Original Beauty Bible - Unparalleled Information for Beautiful and Younger Skin at Any Age" - a definite must-read for everyone!

 

 

Today's segment involves the belief that you can actually strengthen your nails from the outside with gelatin, fluoride, calcium and/or biotin.

 

"Despite the nail's basic attributes, several long-standing myths about getting the talons of your dreams make the coffee-klatch rounds every now and then.  Perhaps you've heard some of these nail delusions before, such as that tapping your nails on a hard surface will help nails grow and make them stronger.  That isn't true in the least.  You can't strengthen the nail by exercising it, assuming the nail needs the same training as a muscle.  If anything, tapping will do just the opposite of what you want.  Repetitive pressure or strain on the nail will lead to breakage and splitting."

 

 

 

"Another inane nail fiction is the notion that eating gelatin makes nails healthier.  Gelatin probably got its reputation as a nail builder because of its relationship to protein.  Like your nails and your hair, gelatin contains protein, but no form of food can go directly to the nail or hair to help it grow.  There are no studies or data demonstrating that eating gelatin will improve the condition of anything.  Eating a balanced, low-fat, nutritious diet (meaning lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) is certainly an important factor in overall good health, but feeding the nail directly just isn't feasible."

 

 

"Several nail-care products want you to believe that 'What's good for your teeth is great for your nails,' so you can 'Harness the power of fluoride with strengtheners, base and top coats, and cuticle care.'  If only that were possible! 

First, teeth are unrelated to nails.  Teeth are made of a bony substance composed of various mineral compounds, mostly calcium phosphate.  Nails have no mineral content but rather are composed of hardened keratin, basically the same substance that comprises skin and hair.  Fluoride reduces the presence of bacteria in the mouth, which reduces the acidity of the saliva and in turn reduces or eliminates tooth decay.  None of that, to put it mildly, has anything to do with nail growth or nail problems.

One more point:  Given that almost all of us drink and wash with fluoridated water, our nails are consistently exposed to fluoride.  If fluoride were important for healthy nails - which it isn't - the amount we get in our drinking water would be more than enough."

 

My personal side note:  Drinking adequate amounts of water every day is paramount for overall health.  It hydrates, it cleanses, it fills you up, etc.  I fill two large water bottles first thing in the morning and make sure I drink those, plus every time I go to the kitchen I also drink another normal-size glass of goodness.  Try it, it really works. 

 

Important to note:  "The nail-care industry has tried to build up many ingredients in the effort to convince us that we can grow stronger nails.  For years protein was a big one that showed up in nail-care products, though protein can't feed the skin or nail from the outside in.  Diligently applying most nail-care products does help, but it is the protective coating they provide that does the trick, not these impressive-sounding-yet-do-nothing special ingredients."

 

 

 

"Perhaps the last piece of nail improbability is the belief that applying calcium to your nails will make them strong.  You can't feed the nail directly, though even if you could, calcium and other minerals are unlikely ingredients for this purpose.  Calcium and minerals may help build strong bones (bones are primarily calcium), but that is unrelated to the content of nails.  The notion of having nails as strong as bones does make calcium sound appealing.  However, even by itself calcium can't build bone; the body needs other vitamins and minerals to use the calcium.  Moreover, there is vittually no calcium in nails; they're made of keratin and that's about it."

 

So, do away with those expensive supplements and design healthier meals centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and be sure to drink the recommended amount of water religiously every day.  Your skin, nails, hair and body will thank you for it - guaranteed!

 

Thanks to Paula Begoun for her helpful books and for taking a critical look at the cosmetics industry.

 

Have a wonderful day, Lisa M.

 

The Neatest Gadget

I wonder if any of you have ever seen something as ingenious, yet so simple?  The minute this little colourful gadget caught my eyes, I wanted to pick one up for all ASK Cosmetics' fans, friends and followers.  I even considered buying all the stock they had at Lee Valley, but then reality set in (and my husband was with me!)

Without further ado let me introduce the "Soda & Can Pull" made in the U.K from strong polycarbonate plastic.

 

Two different lever-ends:  one for tabs on pop cans and  the other hook-like end for cat/dog food cans or soup/tuna cans.  Every household should have at least one of these in the kitchen.

 

I decided to put it to the test.  The ends slip on the tabs so easily and it helps to effortlessly lift those tabs protecting your fingernails from any damage.  So anyone who tends to use their nails as tools really ought to purchase one of these.

 

 

They come in four different colours, cost only $1.60 CAD, are available at Lee Valley, which has an online shop/catalogue found at www.leevalley.com.

 

Just remember:  Always treat your nails like jewels, never use them as convenient tools!

 

I think they would make wonderful stocking stuffers for anyone who has nails and would like to keep them gorgeous.

 

What do you think of this amazing find?  Would you use one to protect your nails?

 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

A newly discovered company with innovative technology!

Products that make you smile......

Caribongo is the name of a company I discovered in Naples, Florida on a recent photo shoot for ASK Cosmetics.  At first I was drawn into the store by the plentiful racks of white T-shirts with really interesting designs on them.  All the time thinking to myself – why are they all plain white without any hint of colour whatsoever?

Upon chatting with Andrea, the sales manager, I found out a lot about the company’s unique technology.  Caribongo’s shirts are printed with specially formulated inks, changing an ordinary design into something magical.  Their business card reads:  Step into the sun and watch the fun!

 

 

Not only do they sell T-shirts for all ages, they also offer this technology in jewellery and nail polishes as well.  You can find out a lot more about this company on their website right here.

 

The first swatch I did looks like a frosty mauve in the bottle and it is supposed to turn red according to the lid.  Recommended coverage – 2 coats.

 

Result – Instantaneously when exposed to the sun polish shade becomes more intense.  I wouldn’t necessarily call it red, but a very luscious mauve with a reddish undertone.  Even the polish bottles change when exposed to the sun.

As it was a wonderfully sunny day I couldn't work fast enough to get great shots of this polish in its original state as light mauve, then the sun-activated version, which BTW was supposed to be red but looks a lot more like a deep pink shade, very beautiful nevertheless.

 

The second swatch was on my right hand looks like frosty coral in the bottle.  It, too, is supposed to turn red according to the lid.  Recommended coverage – 2 coats. 

Before sun-activation and you can see the shade it will turn to in the sun on the top of the lid. 

 

This manicure immediately turned far deeper, more intense almost to a red, but not quite. If you take your hands out of the sun, the polish shade gets lighter returning to its original shade very quickly.

 

In my next segment I will show you the T-shirts I purchased as X-mas gifts for my nieces and nephews.  My only regret is that I didn't buy more.  Once I saw for myself how quickly the jewellery and T-shirts change their colour, I was quite impressed. 

As far as the polishes are concerned - photographing this technology was a huge challenge.  No sooner had I set everything up, the polish bottles AND my nails started to alter their shade.  At that moment I needed four more hands to help me get the shots I wanted.  However, I hope that you will check out this company and their unique technology.  Any of their items would make fun gifts for young and old alike, I'm sure.

 

What do you think of this technology?  Have you seen it before?  Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this blog post.  Comments are always welcome.  Bye for now, Lisa M.

 

OPI - Meet Me at the Star Ferry

OPI's - Meet Me at the Star Ferry

Happy to say this product exceeded my expectations. 

 

I applied 2 coats which gave me the opacity that I was looking for.  Seeing this shade on my nails made me feel elated, since this particular colour goes well with my skin tone. 

 

There is a hint of sparkly copper that comes through in the sun.  Whereas my nails looked more pink, but an extremely gorgeous, rich pink tone.  I love it and think it should be a staple in anybody's polish collection.

 

It is also a shade that looks attractive on longer or shorter-kept nails.  If offers simple elegance for daytime and just enough glamour for evening wear.  A definite all-rounder!

The application with this OPI’s brush and formula was a dream - no difficulties whatsoever.  Its staying power is great too.  This nail polish is certainly one I will be using a lot in the future.

As always I begin my day by applying TIPS Nail Conditioner and I finish off each and every manicure with a treatment of TIPS as well.

 

Have you tried OPI's Meet Me at the Star Ferry?  Thanks for stopping by, Lisa M.

 

The TNT Challenge is on!

An exciting new challenge has started entitled the "Total Nail Transformation Challenge" sponsored by ASK Cosmetics Inc. of Canada. 

 

This photo shows the all the products included in the challenge kit, except the Skin Conditioning Milk and the Hand & Nail Cleanser were sent to the participants in the full-size bottle rather than the travel-size bottles shown here.

 

 

All participants will be applying the nailcare products provided by ASK Cosmetics for a period of 12 weeks.  In order to monitor their progress we have asked them to submit photos and a report each week.

 

Today I am very excited to share the first impressions which were sent to me by a nail blogger "Dragon Lady Nails" aka Kevan Johnson.

 

Her first update can be found in detail with fantastic photos on her blog page right here.

 

Kevan also wrote me a few lines describing her experience with the ASK Cosmetics products thus far and had an important question at the end:

 

I watched the videos on youTube about how to apply TIPS and how to use the Contour nail file. First off, I LOVE the nail file and most of the women in my family might just be getting one in their stocking for Christmas this year! After that I took your advice and use the TIPS for Toes to start. I did two coats about 30 minutes apart (before touching water). I was shocked at how fast the TIPS for Toes soaked into my nails and the surrounding skin. I was happily surprised that just one application actually soothed the raw skin and soreness of some of my torn cuticles and hangnails. I was amazed in the shower how it blocked the water from entering my nails and surrounding skin. I also used the hand and nail cleaner and conditioning skin milk. I loved how gentle they both were and how fast the skin milk absorbed and how light and non-greasy it was.

 

 

Improvements I have noticed in just 3 short days:

 

1. My nails actually feel stronger already – less flexible

2. No tears or breaks so far – I usually break or tear one at least once a day or so

3. None of my cuticles are hard, raw, or sore anymore and some of the hangnails have repaired themselves

I LOVE THIS STUFF! I can’t wait to take my Week 1 pictures on Friday and see the difference!! I have easily incorporated these small steps into my daily routine and am amazed at the difference already. I now do one application of TIPS for Toes after I drop my kids off at school, one during the day if I plan on my hands being wet for a long time (doing dishes, cleaning out the pond, bathing the kids, etc.), and one application right before bed so that my nails are protected if I get up in the middle of the night or forget first thing in the morning. Please let me know if there are any other specifics you would like to be getting in these weekly emails.

Also, I had someone ask me the life expectancy of the Contour nail file? She wanted to know how often they would need to be replaced. Thanks!

Sincerely,    Kevan Johnson   aka   The Dragon Lady    www.dragonladynails.com

Since the Contour Nail File by ASK Cosmetics is made of stainless steel it is extremely durable.  Some users report owning and using theirs for up to 20 years and it is still going strong.  It is designed to seal the ends of your nails with gently filing.  If the ends of your nails are sealed, they can't peel, chip or snag/catch on things like clothing or towels, etc.  This file does not fray the delicate ends of your nails and should be used several times each day to promote longer, stronger growth of your nails.  Life expectancy - most likely, forever!

Hope you are enjoying your day so far, Lisa M.

 

 

 

TIPS is a true multi-tasker!

From the beginning of September I have had the pleasure of taking the customer care calls at our head office in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.  The success stories I hear are so touching they send chills up and down my spine.  Sometimes I even have tears in my eyes when I hear the accounts from women, who have literally tried everything on the market to achieve those finger nails they have always longed for.  Some tell me they have been using TIPS Nail Conditioner for years, while others have only begun a few months ago.  However, all of them tell me how much they appreciate the product and the longer, stronger nails they now have.  It is so moving.

 

 

 

Well, on Oct. 3rd while I was at my desk answering the phone I received a call from a lady from Canada, who actually called to tell me about another possible use for TIPS.  As a follow-up to our interesting conversation she sent me an email, which I would like to share with you today.

 

Greetings:

Further to our telephone conversation I would like to say that I have been using your products ever since Karen first brought them to the Shopping Channel. TIPS for Toes has made an amazing improvement in the condition of my nails. For years before discovering this product, my nails broke off all the time (worse in winter), I had hangnails and split cuticles, and for years one nail had a split from the cuticle to the end and always broke off to the quick of my finger -- not a pretty sight.

 

However, there was a dramatic change when I started using TIPS for Toes on my nails and now I have no hangnails and, with your Contour nail file, all my nails are the same shape and I am very happy with the look of my hands.

 

Another reason for contacting you is to pose a suggestion for another use for this wonderful product. Because I have many allergies, I am unable to use any type of eye serum or eye cream, even though they are advertised as being fully tested for allergies . I've tried them all, but soon experience itching, tearing, redness and sandy dry eyes. One morning, however, I had applied my TIPS while sitting on the side of my bed and because my eyes felt dry and itchy, I began rubbing them before massaging the TIPS formula on my hands. When I realized what I had done, I was a little worried, but to my surprise the itching and dryness felt actually better. Now as part of my morning routine I repeat this every day and my eyelashes are more silky and my eyes are never dry or red.

My question and suggestion for your consideration is to possibly put this formula in a wand to be applied to eyelashes much like mascara or to prepare them for mascara. I am certain that anyone using it would be absolutely thrilled with the results.

Thank you for a great product.


Rebecca

 

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We are thrilled to hear from TIPS users and how they are getting along with our products, but in no way do we make any medical claims about the ASK Cosmetics' line-up of products.  We are happy to share the experiences our customers have made in finding other, very helpful applications for our products.  For example, Elena, whose right hand was unbearably painful, irritated and flakey, but by applying a unique combination of the ASK Cosmetics' products her embarassing problem vanished. 

Her story is "Revival for Elena's Hands". 

 

All photos shown in this post were provided by ASK Cosmetics.  The testimonial was sent to me by email on Oct. 3rd, 2012 and has been uneditted. 

Want to finally achieve the nails you've always longed for?

Our passion is nails!  Our mission is helping you achieve the nails you have always wanted.  Our offer is an amazing opportunity to become involved in the third nail challenge of 2012 - the T.N.T. Challenge sponsored by ASK Cosmetics Inc., a Canadian company with its manufacturing and headquarters in Burlington, Ontario.  The company specializes in innovative, effective and fortifying nail, skin and haircare products for all ages, which enhance one's natural beauty.

 

 Now ASK Cosmetics is giving YOU the chance to have the same long, strong, fortified nails as seen here in these photos.

Diane's nails, who is Vice President of Operations at ASK Cosmetics Inc. of Canada

Karen's nails, who is President & CEO of ASK Cosmetics, also the creator/inventor of TIPS Nail Conditioner

Lisa's (my) nails, Vice President of Global Sales and Social Media Marketing for ASK Cosmetics Inc.

 

 

This is your chance to transform your nails into naturally healthy-looking ones by following the instructions and guidance provided to you directly by ASK Cosmetics Inc. and Lisa Mueller.

 

ASK Cosmetics Inc. is selecting 25 women (and/or men) who are ready to commit to incorporating the one, fast and simple step it takes to have gorgeous, naturally-healthy nails by using the ASK Cosmetics products daily for 12 weeks.  We're calling it the T.N.T. Challenge, which stands for the TOTAL NAIL TRANSFORMATION Challenge.

 

To apply, email:  lmueller@askcosmetics.com with a photo of your nails, and tell us why you would like to join this challenge.  People from all over the world are invited to be part of this amazing nail transformation.

 

Please note:  Participants must be able to take clear, close-up photos of their nails on a weekly basis and send them by email to lmueller@askcosmetics.com.  Additionally, you must be able to provide a write-up (or update) of your progress.  All participants must refrain from wearing nail polish and/or having any manicures done at nail salons for the duration of 12 weeks.  To apply you must be a fan of the ASK Cosmetics' Facebook page here 

and/or a follower of the blog site Lisa's Nailcare Blog right here. 

 

Once you have sent in your application and it has been approved, you will receive a release form to be signed and returned as soon as possible.  Then a parcel with the necessary challenge products provided free-of-charge by ASK Cosmetics will be sent to your mailing address.  At that point the challenge will begin for you.

 

Finally, the best news of all.... for the first time in our challenge history ASK Cosmetics Inc. will be awarding 3 huge prize packages for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in the T.N.T. Challenge.  How can you be a winner?  It's easy, follow the challenge instructions exactly, send in weekly photos and updates of your progress and a final summary after 12 weeks.  The three most impressive entries will be chosen and awarded the most amazing prizes of nail, skin and haircare products by ASK Cosmetics.

 

Start a new nail adventure today!  And pass on the word to all your family members, friends or colleagues at work, who might need/want a total nail transformation.  We want to help you on your way to having gorgeous, healthy nails.

 

Thanks for stopping by,  Lisa M.

 

 

To Glitter or Not to Glitter

Most of us who follow various bloggers or who spend lots of time and money searching for that special polish shade know that glitter comes in countless shapes, sizes, colours and qualities.  Whereas some glitters look elegant worn alone, others really need a base shade to make them pop like they were intended to. 

I think opinions are quite divided on whether to add that desired bling by adding a coat of glitter or whether to allow the polish to shine and impress on its own.  Personally, I have been fascinated by the Luxeffects by Essie worn on several different polishes - on all 10 fingers or as an accent on my ring finger.  Each time bling was added in the form of glitter I received rave reviews from my admirers.

 

Today I would like to show you one of the Nailwear shades that will be featured in a fantastic kit on TSC tomorrow Aug. 31st.  So all you Canadian fans and friends - you might want to check this out at 12, 4 and 7 pm EST.  It will definitely be worth your while......

 

Step 1:  Always coat your nails with a high quality clear base coat.  It protects your nails from the strong pigments contained in the polish (benefit of this -little or no staining) and it provides a good base on which you can then apply your polish.

 

Step 2:  Seen here - "Peach Opal" by ASK Cosmetics.  As the name implies it has a peachy undertone and a frosty sheen to it like no other.  Very nice as a stand-alone day-time polish.

 

Step 3:  After applying 2 - 3 coats of polish I always treat my cuticles with an application of TIPS Nail Conditioner.  When doing a manicure I always keep the polish well away from my cuticles as it dries them out.

 

2 coats of "Peach Opal" on Clear Base Coat by ASK Cosmetics and TIPS Nail Conditioner as treatment for my cuticles while wearing polish.

Joining the group now is Essie's Luxeffects - "A Cut Above" glitter to jazz up my manicure.  To be completely honest, I was somewhat nervous about combining these two shades.  Here is the result....

It is quite visible in this photo how I stay clear of my cuticles.  This product by Essie is so easy to apply and create an even look - really a dream as far as glitter is concerned.

A close-up of my thumb to show the glitter particles. 

 

So, what you do prefer - polish alone or the special effects added to a manicure through a coat of glitter?

 

Hope everyone is enjoying the day!  The skies are blue and the weather is simply gorgeous in my neck of the woods.  Til next time, Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating your own Nail Art Tools

Nail art has taken the polish world by storm.  Who can resist with all the stunning lacquer shades available to us on the market nowadays?  I know I have tried my hand at some easy designs - the odd hit, but the odd miss too.  Up to now I have not invested in any nail art tools, but I have been rather creative and used things around the house.  One fellow blogger "Enigmatic Rambles" was so kind to give me a tip about using the end of a pin for dots.  Recently I saw an idea on Pinterest, which I had to test as well.

Here is the product of my creativity yesterday:

I started with a base colour entitled "Abalone Sand" by ASK Cosmetics - 3 coats seen here.

For the first set of dots I used the rounded end of tis brush, the same one I use to remove any polish that is "outside the lines". 

The second set of dots in grey were a bit out of control as I was doing this nail art with my left hand and I am usually right dominant.  Note to self:  do not drink so much coffee before attempting this.

This was the idea I took from Pinterest - by simply sticking a pin in the eraser end of a pencil you have an inexpensive dotting tool.  How cool is that!

This is the end product of my dotting adventure.  And here is a photo of the shades I chose:

From left - right:  Abalone Sand by ASK Cosmetics, Spanish Moss by Revlon, Chinchilly by Essie and Colour Club (name unknown).

All Nailwear by ASK Cosmetics is Big-3 free, Camphor free and vegan-friendly.

For all you Canucks, don't forget to tune in to The Shopping Channel Aug. 31st @ 12pm, 4pm and 7pm for awesome deals featuring all the ASK Cosmetics products, in particular - Nailwear shades, Revival Nail Polish Remover, TIPS Nail Conditioner, TIPS for Toes as well as the Skin Conditioning Milk and haircare products too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS + TSC = great value, awesome deals!

For all our Canadian fans and friends there will be an opportunity this Friday Aug. 31st to get in on some fantastic deals.  ASK Cosmetics' prices are going up as of Sept. 1st, so your savings will even be greater if you stock up this week.  Every day from now til the shows I will be featuring some of the deals and kits without letting the cat out of the bag.

Today's first sneak peek includes:

ASK Cosmetics' Nailwear shades - today's colour is "Perfect Red" - and the Revival Nail Polish Remover, which has been a customer top-rated product at TSC and QVC for many years.  It leaves your nails feeling silky, soft and hydrated with TIPS Nail Conditioner while removing your polish at the same time.  You have never tried anything like this before!

Here's a look at "Perfect Red" on my nails.  On all fingers there are 2 coats, except for my little finger, which has 3 coats.  So if you would like a much richer shade of the perfect red, then you miht choose to apply that third coat, otherwise 2 coats offer great coverage. 

Well, then I decided to jazz it up a bit.  After viewing so much nail art I wanted to give it a shot.  Using "Perfect Red" as my base shade, I added a diagonal corner in dark blue, that goes by the name "Rich Sapphire".  To top things off I thought a thin coat of Essie's "Pure Pearlfection" would give it a touch of glitter and elegance - the look I was aiming for!

 

You be the judge - what do you think of this manicure?  Should "Perfect Red" be left on its own or do you prefer the jazzed up version?

 

Remember to tune in to The Shopping Channel for some of the best offers you have ever seen featuring TIPS Nail Conditioner + ASK Cosmetics Inc. products.  Show date - Fri. Aug. 31st @ 12- 1 pm, 4-5 pm and 7-8 pm.

Thanks a million for stopping by, leaving a comment or even tuning in to the show.  Lisa M