Sandpaper Free

With my hands in water and working hard all day long I tend to get very dry and scratchy skin.  I naturally have pretty dry skin, so the water is a big addition to that factor and does not help with the issue.  When I apply lotion during the day I feel like it is immediately and literally rinsed down the drain as soon as I wash color dishes or shampoo a client's hair, so I wanted something that I can apply as minimally as possible with maximum results.  Cuticle and bath oils always feel too greasy to put all over my hands, and don't seem to get past just sitting on the top of my skin, so I wanted a product with a bit more structure.  I've searched for a for a solution to this problem and I do believe I have finally found one.

Thus!  I found Badger Balm!  Badger Balm is an all natural balm that can be used on all areas of the body to moisturize, or even as an ointment for minor scrapes, cuts, and burns.  I purchased mine at my local Earth Fare, but I have seen it in some other all natural stores as well.  There are several scents/varieties, but I am currently using the original.  It comes in a neat little tin that looks like an over-sized lip balm tub.  I apply the balm to my hands every night before I go to sleep, focusing on my cuticle and knuckle areas.  When I wake up in the morning, my hands are smooth and moisturized and don't feel rough to the touch at all.  I feel like the product really sinks into my hands while I am sleeping and creates a natural barrier that keeps water from drying out the under layers of my skin.

I'm going to start trying this on my feet too, just like I use it on my hands since summer is rough on the toes and heels!

Happy hand washing!

What's on your Nails!?

I've been so excited about my new gel nails, but I wanted to wait at least a week before I reviewed them so that I could give them a chance to chip if they were going to... Drum roll please.  I can officially say that my nails have not chipped yet and I am so excited!  Even with being in water all day and working with my hands, the gel has stayed put beautifully.  My nails still look shiny and the color is gorgeous seven days later.

The process for getting the gel polish was very quick and painless.  The salon I went to uses Gellish brand gel which has 72 colors to choose from.  I chose the color Sea foam Green which is very similar to the Essie polish Mint Candy Apple (which I have tried, but chips too quickly).

The only downfall was, in choosing a light color, I did not think about what would happen if color got on my nails at work.  They do stain if you have your hands in direct contact with hair color, so I do have a few nails that are a bit discolored, but that is my own fault for picking a light color and not being more careful when working with color in the salon.  I am confident that the gel polish would not discolor under normal circumstances. 

I will most definitely be getting my nails coated in some fresh Gellish (in a darker color next time) within the next few weeks.  I'm going to keep this color on until it chips, and I'll be sure to update when it does so that you will have the full review of how long lasting it is. 

Making This My Big Girl Job

So... You may be asking yourself, "Where did she come from!?"  Especially when my eccentricities start to show.  So I'll give you a few tidbits on who I am, where I come from, and how I'm turning my hobbies into my career.

I was born in the great state of Texas but spent most of my teenage years in Massachusetts.  As a child I played with make-up, fought with my hair, and colored my mother's.  I had a fascination with fashion magazines and beauty "how to" books from a very young age and my family always encouraged me to be creative and pursue my passions.

I attended a year or so at the University of Massachusetts Lowell but decided that wasn't the option for me.  Instead I got my Nail Tech certificate from Lowell Academy of Hair Design.  After moving to Tennessee in 2008 (and working a few years in customer service/desk job world) I continued my education at Tennessee School of Beauty.  I was officially a licensed cosmetologist in early June 2011 (FINALLY).  I began my first salon job in June 2011 where I am still working to this day.

My major hobbies include knitting, crochet, sewing, and jewelry making.  I love when people are interested in my creations and I am always happy to make custom gifts for friends and family, but most of my work is done to expand my own wardrobe and keep myself busy.

I'm not afraid to admit, I am new at this.  This is my first beauty career, my first salon job, and my first times using many of the products I'll be sharing my thoughts on.  I do not consider myself an expert on anything, just one who loves and wants to experience everything.

As I learn more, I want to share more.  

Welcome To My Blog!

Hi! My name is Linda and I'm new to the beauty and hair industry. I've been working at a salon in East Tennessee for a few months and have been having a wonderful time learning about new products, services, and diy tips from my salon family, and through other blogs and youtubes I follow online.

This blog is going to be my way of sharing my likes, dislikes, and discoveries while travel along in my career in beauty. I'll be posting reviews, fyis, and diy craft info so that you can follow along, be entertained, and enjoy my adventure.

I have always been in love with fashion, beauty, and design, but am just now making those passions into a real career. I hope you enjoy reading about my favorite products and services, and looking in on my current crafts and designs that I am working on at home.

If you'd like to see more of my inspiration you can also follow me on twitter @lindagracie and pinterest: lindagracie

Happy Reading!