:: beachy manicures for summer ::

I have super pale skin that only barely tans in the summer (it doesn't burn, thank goodness). But I've always felt like I've had to do the pinky, Essie Bubble Bath, bubble gum pink colors in the summer time and that was as light as I could go.

Otherwise, it looks like I don't actually have any nails. But I'm trying to embrace the nude nail. One, because it looks so summery and effortless. And two, because if I get a chip, it's barely noticeable. Try saying that about Lincoln Park After Dark.

 Anyone have any taupe-y favorites for me to try?

nude nails by mascaraordie 

:: supermodel cuticles ::

Rarely are there ways to make yourself look more polished on the cheap. Botox, keratin, an Equinox membership. These are all gonna cost you bank. But here's one good little habit for 2014 that will cost you under $15 and make your digits feel like a million bucks.

I pick at my fingers whenever. A childhood nail biter, I finally stopped that bad habit, but if I'm thinking hard or stressed or basically whenever I'm awake, I'm picking at my (now) raggedy cuticles. Here's a shortcut through my journey to find the best ever cuticle oils and creams.

1. Julep essential cuticle oil ($18). I got this as an add-on to one of my Julep boxes and I think it's my favorite of the bunch. It smells herbal and is light enough to absorb into my skin pretty quickly. A rollerball applicator is also my preference to a brush.

2. Aveda cuticle control ($10.50). This is more of a remover/minimizer, but whatever keeps those ragged edges smooth.

3. C. O. Bigelow Rosebud Salve ($6). If this stuff could cook me dinner and dig out my car after a snow storm, I'd marry it. In addition to being a lip balm, and a scratch soother and a burn reliever, it's great on the cuticles. And it's so cheap.

4. O.P.I Avoplex ($9). Made of avocado oil, it includes a brush applicator and is meant to be rubbed in overnight.

5. Butter Cuticle Oil ($19). This stuff actually looks (and feels like nail polish). Brush one coat over entire nail (including cuticle area) and let dry.

6. Philosophy's Hands of Hope ($10). Do you remember Philosophy's Save the Nails? It was discontinued a long time ago, which kinda broke my little product-loving heart. But they've finally replaced it and Hands of Hope is almost as good. And it doubles as a heavy hand cream for those of you with chappy winter hands.

7. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6). A really tart lemon scent and a convenient little tin make this a great choice to toss in your purse. It takes a while to sink in (at least for me), but it gets the job done.

Any favorites I've forgotten? Happy weekend!