Is it that time when your current manicure is looking worse for wear? Sometimes you don’t have time to make a quick trip to the nail salon to touch up those nails. But fret not because basic nail care at home is simple and convenient. DEMIblue Natural Nails is sharing some steps to the perfect vegan manicure or pedicure you can do right from the comfort of your own home! You will need: Nail clippers Nail file Nail buffer Nail polish remover Cotton balls or pads Base coat polish Nail polish (your choice of color) Top coat polish Cuticle oil Step 1: Clean nails Give your hands a good wash before starting. Remove any old nail polish with a cotton ball and nail polish remover. Opt for a natural, non-acetone remover like DEMIblue’s Polish Remover with Vitamins. Step 2: Shape nails Take a pair of nail clippers and a nail file to help shape your nails. Nail clippers can help you transition to a shorter nail shape, while nail files are great for tidying up the edges of your existing nail shape. Typically, cut your nails to about the shape you want. Then use a nail file to smooth and refine the edges. Check out DEMIblue’s newly launched On-the-Go Manicuring Kits with everything you need to care for your nails. Step 3: Buff and shine A buffer block helps you smooth out your nail’s surface, reducing the sharpness of ridges that make the nail surface uneven. This practice allows your nail polish to stick for long periods of time. Check out this blog for techniques and tricks on using various nail care tools! Step 4: Prep nails for polish Now that you have cleaned your hands and prepped your nails. Do a final quick brush through of your nail surface with a nail polish remover for a final clean before applying polish. Step 5: Apply base coat A base coat ensures that your nail polish will stick around for longer. They provide an even smoother surface for which the nail polish can glide onto. DEMIblue’s popular Hydrating Base Coat is both functional and cruelty-free. Step 6: Apply polish Pick a color, any color! Opt for clean and vegan nail polish brands like DEMIblue, which uses nontoxic ingredients in their nail polishes. These water-based polishes are less likely to damage your nails in the long term. To properly apply nail polish, start with a stripe at the center of your nail. Then move from the center out to the edges. Check out our how-to video both on our website and on our Instagram. Use thin coats and apply another coat if necessary after the first coat dries. Step 7: Apply top coat After your polish dries, apply a top coat. Top coats act like another protection barrier between outside forces and your manicure. They prevent fading and chipping, and most, like DEMIblue’s Super Dry Top Coat, add a nice glossy finish to the nail. Step 8: Hydrate your cuticles Grab some cuticle oil and apply it around your cuticles afterward. This helps keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. Step 9: You’re done! Check out these blogs about taking care of nails and making sure they last longer. 8 Nail Care Do's and Don't's Everything you need for Nail Care Tips and Tricks for Press-On Nails 7 Healthy Nail Habits to Take into the New Year You’re all set to give yourself the best at-home mani-pedi experience.

Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22. Meant to celebrate protecting our environment, here at DEMIblue, we value the message of Earth Day. As a clean and vegan nail polish brand changing the game of traditionally toxic nail polish formulations, we will be sharing eco-friendly practices regarding nail polish and nail care. Traditional nail polish contains the Big Three, toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate. When thrown out, these can leach into the soil and water, damaging the overall environment. Gel and acrylic nails are considered non-biodegradable, meaning they contain microplastics that can remain in the earth for long periods. Opt for nontoxic nail polish like DEMIblue, whose ingredients are water-based and have fewer damaging chemicals. These are both healthier for you and the environment. DEMIblue bottles are also recyclable for easy disposal. Acetone nail polish remover can also be toxic to the environment. Opt for an organic option, like DEMIblue’s Soy-Based Remover. If you do need to dispose of nail polish, the best option is to drop it off at the nearest hazardous waste facility that can dispose of the nail polish properly. However, if you cannot find a hazardous waste facility near you, pour out any liquid polish remaining onto an old newspaper and let it dry. Let any residue dry in the bottle as well. Then screw the cap back onto the bottle for recycling and throw the dried polish away. If you just have that little bit of usable polish left, you can use it as paint. Because nail polish was originally derived from paint, the small applicator for nail polish and the long-wearing formulas can work well in painting various items. For example, a common hack is using nail polish to paint over keys to differentiate them from each other of a similar shape or size. Make sure to test the surface first by dabbing a dot of polish on it. Clear nail polish can be used to fix frayed edges too. Let’s start caring for the environment today, one nail polish bottle at a time!

Spring is arriving as we transition from March to April. With spring cleaning, also consider looking through your nail care toolkit. Here are some ways to freshen up your arsenal of nail care products and polishes in preparation for the warmer months. Audit old nail polishes Nail polishes that are unopened are usually okay. If they are left open, some liquid might evaporate, leaving the formula thick and at risk of separating. If you see the clear liquid part of the polish and the pigment have separated, try rolling your nail polish bottle around to see if you can get the two parts to mix again. If they don’t mix, it’s probably time to toss that polish. Restock your favorites. If you throw away some of your favorite spring and summer shades from last year, check out some new colors available at your favorite shops. Oftentimes, companies will release new colors and products every year. For instance, DEMIblue recently released fresh new press-on nails with several floral patterns perfect for the spring. Also, check out the blog from last week for more info on spring nail art ideas. Clean your nail care products Clean nail tools are critical for preventing the buildup of bacteria. It’s suggested to sanitize tools after every use. Boil nail clippers in hot water for 30 minutes or soak them in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (at least 70%) for 30 minutes. Cuticle pushers, cuticle clippers, and nail scissors can be disinfected similarly. Nail buffers are porous and can’t be disinfected. If you’re just using personal nail care products at home, you can wipe them down after use and spray them with alcohol to minimize bacteria transfer. The same applies to porous nail files, though you can clean glass files using the boiling water method. If you use nail brushes for nail art, it is good to clean them after use to keep the brushes nice and usable for sanitary reasons. Stock up on nail care supplies If you’re looking for nail care tips and tricks, check out these articles for the rundown on nail care products and more. A Guide to Essential Nail Care Products 8 Nail Care Do's and Don't's Restock on any supplies you may have cleaned out as spring is here. DEMIblue recently launched an on-the-go manicuring kit, perfectly stocked with everything you need to care for your nails from anywhere. It comes with: nail clippers, nail files, cuticle pushers, and more Also, grab some of our other popular clean and vegan nail care essentials here! Now you’re ready to tackle a new season with healthy and beautiful nails! Whether you opt for natural nails, polish, gel, press-ons, or any other manicure technique, healthy nails are always best as they create the base for applying manicures. The key to self-care starts at your fingertips!

Spring has sprung! The first day of spring was March 20, so to kick off the arrival of a new season, DEMIblue is rolling out a variety of new products. From our very own press-on nails to new equipment, there’s an abundance of new products for everyone to check out. Nail Care and Essentials Press-On Nails As a nod to our new press-on nails, check out these 5 lovely spring nail art looks. Florals Flowers are a representation of spring. They also make a great nail art option, adding very interesting detail to the nail. Grab DEMIblue’s colorful flowery FlowerMellon nails. Pastel french tips Pastel colors feel very representative of spring as well. Soft primary colors are a great way to switch up the usual rainbow. Change it up even more using these pastel colors for a french tip design. Check out DEMIblue’s pastel blue french tips Baby Blu Crush. Bright shapes Bright colors are always in. Colorful shapes, swirls, and patterns are always entertaining. These can be good for spring but also as you transition into summer. Check out Wild Card Press-On Nails or make your own design with bright and cheery DEMIblue colors. Chrome and shimmer Chrome and shimmer-type nail polish are often popular across all seasons. During spring they can spice up your nails with some sparkles in any color. Check out Grape Fizz for some shimmer, Silver Stiletto or Lustful in the Flesh for some sparkly chrome. Pastel swirls Pastel swirls are great for a funky design this spring. You can even try these out in other colors besides pastel. The Amazzin press-on nail set uses green, pastel blue, and creams. Happy Spring everyone! Go out and enjoy the warming weather!

DEMIblue has recently launched our new collection of press-on nails, “Naturally Press’d.” True to our brand name, these are created using clean and vegan nail polish, use non-damaging adhesive, and are a healthy alternative to traditional press-on nails. Each set comes in 12 sizes and 24 nails, with a wide variety of designs. You can mix and match to what best fits you! Explore the designs and collection here! What are Press-On Nails? Press-on nails are quite simple. They are artificial nails that go on top of your natural nail. Attached using some sort of adhesive or glue, they are a quick and cost-effective way to change up the look of your nails without the hassle of painting them or going to a salon. Press-on nails are easy to apply and remove with minimal damage. They come in such a massive variety of colors, shapes, and sizes that you can practically acquire any look you desire. You don’t need a perfect natural nail shape to pull them off. Generally, they last around two weeks, but you can switch them up anytime you’d like. Press-on Nails vs. Acrylic Nails Both types of nails are, in a sense, artificial nails. The crucial difference is that an acrylic nail is an artificial extension of your natural nail, while the press-on nail goes on top of your entire nail. Press-ons are usually easier to do yourself, less expensive, and less likely to damage nails. But they tend to be less durable and long-lasting compared to acrylics. Tips and Tricks Our DEMIblue Press-On Nails come with instructions on how to apply and a size chart guide, but here are some tips for a more enduring and smooth experience. Keep nails short For a longer-lasting press-on nail manicure, clip your natural nails shorter. Clean your nails Make sure to clean your nails to have a nice clean base for the press-ons to adhere to. Also, make sure to dry them thoroughly before applying. Make sure the size is right Picking the right press-on nail size for each nail is crucial. This ensures a good fit as well as comfort for you. File the artificial nail if necessary. DEMIblue has a handy sizing guide with tips to help you choose the right nail size. Be careful of contact with water Because they are only attached using slight adhesive, prolonged contact with water can wear out the stickiness and cause them to fall off. Removal Removal is pretty straightforward. Soak in water for 10-15 minutes. Pat your hands and nails dry, and gently pull the press-ons off the nail. A wooden stick might be helpful in getting in under that edge. Apply at a downward angle Line the press-on nail to your cuticle line and apply at a downward angle. Apply pressure to the center and sides to firmly adhere the press-on nail to the natural nail. Press-ons are a reusable, quick, and easy alternative to naturally painting your nails or using acrylics. Shop today to get your own DEMIblue “Naturally Press’d” nails!

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 this year. The celebration centers around St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over the years, the holiday has grown popular in the US, becoming a time to celebrate Irish culture. Today, many cities will host parades. But besides St. Patrick’s Day being a major celebration in US cities, it is also a day for some fun St. Patrick’s Day-inspired nails. While the color green became synonymous with the holiday, there are still many creative ideas for nail art. Green swirls Swirls are another design that uses the same combination of colors but can have a different design on each nail. Clovers Four-leaf clovers symbolize luck and a standard image you see during the holiday. You can draw entire clovers or make the french tips with the shape of a clover leaf. They end up looking like hearts. Green and gold Adding gold accents to deep green creates a sleek but still-on-theme design you can continue to wear past the holiday. It’s a perfect color combination for any occasion. Metallic green Metallics have been popular recently, and the great thing about metallic nail polish is that they come in every color of the rainbow. A green shimmery metallic color adds a playful and fun look to your nails. Simple green You can’t go wrong with classic greens. Solid colors such as deep forest greens and muted moss or fern greens are great not only for St. Patrick’s day but also every other day. Check out There is Hope’s deep green color and Lend a Hand’s fern green. Glitter All that glitters is gold. You can never go wrong with some glitter here and there. Green marbling Mix and match greens with some marbling. It’s a great way to keep the look simple and still pretty cool. Rainbow Since it is said that you can find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, rainbow patterns are an exciting way to recognize St. Patrick’s Day while also being different. DEMIblue has all colors of the rainbow: Summer Dress Season, Explosion, Sunny Juliet, Lend a Hand, and Boo Blue, for some examples. Green gradient Along the theme of solid green colors, instead of just one color for every nail, you can do different colors of different shades on each nail. Neon green Add neon green for a pop of color for St. Patrick’s Day. You can apply it to the entire nail if you feel bold or mix it with the typical deep greens. Check out Rave or Dizzy Girls for kids. You can buy them together as a Mommy and Me duo! Blobs Blobs are always fun. There’s no right way to do it. You can just add all sorts of colors in funny shapes. Add some contrasting black swirl lines for a more interesting pattern. Happy St. Patrick’s Day this Friday! It’s the perfect day for some green inspiration!

Happy International Women’s Day! Since this month is also women’s history month, we are tracking the development of nail polish throughout history and the women who drove the movement over time. To explore more about nail polish history, check out: Ways People of Color have Shaped the Modern Nail Industry and 8 Fun Facts about Nail Polish Early Uses Using pigments to decorate fingers and nails was nothing new. But painted nails were typically reserved for the rich and well-endowed to show off status and wealth. Pharaohs in ancient times often dyed nails with henna. The first instance of nail polish that could be applied to nails appeared in imperial China, where wearing nail polish separated the ruling class from the common people. Evolution of Nail Polish Before nitrocellulose was introduced around the 1920s to America, women would buff powders onto nails to create a subtle finish. However, the new chemical soon changed the nail polish scene into what we think of as nail polish today. Nitrocellulose is a leavening agent also found in paint and lacquers. It allows nail polish to dry smoothly. The first liquid nail polish was introduced in 1916 and was actually clear. Nail polish took off from there. More and more colors were introduced. More and more women experimented with different colors. Colors like red, silver, gold, blue, green, black, and more were worn by women everywhere. Nail polish had become a part of the beauty industry and something women considered to be a part of their look. As more people began using nail polish, more how-to’s, design techniques, nail art looks, and nail care advice emerged. Prominent nail polish companies such as Cutex and Revlon began producing their own lines for women everywhere. Soon, innovations in nails, from acrylic to gel nails to the now popular dip and press-on nails, blossomed everywhere. The industry continues to value convenience, the longevity of wear, and wellness. Clean and Vegan Nail Polish The discourse around clean and vegan nail polishes has grown in recent years. Original ingredients in nail polish that had made the formulation either smoother, more durable, or quick-drying were found to be damaging to nails. Perhaps not surprising, considering the original inspiration for nail polish came from automobile paint. Luckily, there are now many great companies out there, large and small, that offer nail polishes free of damaging chemicals. Indie nail polish brands such as DEMIblue have emerged to also participate in this vibrant and flourishing industry. Now there are so much variety and choice in the nail polish world. You can decorate your nails however you’d like!

Today is International Women of Color Day. To honor powerful women of color, we’re looking at how nail trends and the nail industry have been shaped by people of color. From the nail industry in America to the popular nail art and trends you see today, people of color have touched many aspects of the modern nail scene we know and love today. 41% of workers in the nail industry are Vietnamese. As a result of the influx of immigrants after the Vietnam War, many nail salons in America are run by Vietnamese technicians. The story goes that Tippi Hedren, a movie star from the 90s, saw that Vietnamese women from a refugee camp she was volunteering took an interest in her nails. Hoping to turn this interest into jobs for the immigrants, she brought her manicurist to teach the women, many of whom later opened and owned their own nail salons. Nail care became more mainstream, accessible to not only the rich but also the common everyday people. Elaborate and bold nail art originated from black and African American communities. In the 80s and 90s, black women were already rocking eye-catching and ornate nails. While the trend for daring and intricate nail art became popularized in pop culture by influencers, the African American community was largely uncredited. Even now, white women may feel braver experimenting with unconventional nail art, but black women are often less likely to do so for fear of being labeled “unprofessional.” Charlie Vo and Olivett Robinson opened Mantrap, the first nails-only salon in South Central LA. This salon left a legacy that continues to this day. Opened by a Vietnamese woman and a black woman, it provided a space for both Vietnamese and black women hoping to enter the nail industry. It was an inspiring moment for the nail industry and the two communities. Check out Adele Free Pham’s documentary, Nailed It, for more about the nail salon and its impact on the industry: https://tubitv.com/movies/629631/nailed-it?start=true Long acrylic and artificial nails worn by black women were once looked down upon. Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo Jo) holds the world record for the 100-meter race. However, in 1988, racing in the US Olympic track and field trials, her long tiger-striped nails caused a stir in the media. Her nails, a practice retained from her upbringing in LA, were considered deviant and abnormal then. While nail trends related to bright colors and long square shapes are often miscredited, black women continue to express themselves through nail art and manicures. Check out this article to learn more about the nail industry and black culture: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/04/225614/nail-art-black-cultural-appropriation Black celebrities continue to express themselves through their nails. Celebrities are unapologetic about their style and brand. From Cardi B’s signature long nails to Missy Jackson’s embellished nails, they impeccably express themselves through nail art. Thank you to all the inspiring women of color in the nail industry continuing to advance and diversify the industry. Give credit where credit is due.

This is our final blog post of the series for this month! We hope you have enjoyed learning about all the amazing and inspiring women in the beauty industry. That said, this week will be all about Nancy Twine, a hair care business owner and champion of environmentally-friendly products. Twine started young, assisting her grandmother when she made homemade hair care products for the community in West Virginia. Moving out into NYC in her youth induced her to realize that store-bought products for natural hair care simply did not live up to expectations. Armed with her grandmother’s recipes and a talented natural chemist team, Twine took a leap, leaving her job in finance and launching Briogeo Hair Care. The company produces high-performance hair products based in natural ingredients. Considered a “green beauty expert,” Twine became the youngest African American to launch a line at Sephora. The goal of her company is to provide clean and natural solutions for all people’s hair. Briogeo was named with this mission in mind. “Brio” means vibrant and full of life in Italian, and “geo” means earth and nature in Latin. Her Don’t Despair, Repair!™ brand line has grown very popular, with the Deep Conditioning Mask even winning awards. Products can be used universally by all people and aim to nourish damaged hair, reducing breakage and dryness. Twine wants the company to represent a way for people to make informed and healthy choices. Her brand has been defying the norms of the beauty industry, becoming one of the first movers towards more inclusivity in the hair care space. Twine hopes that people of all hair textures and ethnicities can relate to her brand. She enjoys the supportive space she formed with her fellow business owners in the beauty and wellness industry. Recently, she is still launching new products in line with her clean beauty brand image. Twine has also been amping up sustainable practices within the company and recycling capabilities for products. Check out this interview to learn more about Nancy Twine and Briogeo. Thanks for following this series for Black History Month! You can view all our posts from the series so far here.

Welcome back to another week of inspiring women in beauty. This time, we’re focusing on Bernadette Thompson, legendary manicurist and trailblazer on the nail scene. She creates bold, blinged looks for both the fashion world and celebrities. Growing up in New York, Thompson was already experimenting with nail designs. She credits her creativity to her youth in a low-income neighborhood. As a manicurist, her big break came when Mary J. Bilge’s sister connected Thompson to the famous singer-songwriter. Soon, Thompson became the top manicurist for hip-hop and R&B artists. Thompson has worked on editorial sets, fashion shoots, and with top artists at the time. The realm of nail art was still relatively new, and Thompson had to fight for her designs. Eventually, nail art and manicurists became more and more common in the fashion world. For Thompson, she believes in giving credit when credit is due. While designers are gaining more inspiration from the hip-hop scene, Thompson wants to ensure that all sources are properly acknowledged. She’s a big advocate for addressing the issues of appropriation in the beauty industry, which commonly overlooks the true origin of some of the most popular trends. Thompson continues to work in the fashion and beauty industry and still does her own nails. Tune in next week as we highlight more amazing women in beauty! Check out our blog for the past weeks’ posts!

We’re back again this week to continue our celebration of Black History Month and influential women in the beauty industry. This week, we’re highlighting Lisa Price, an entrepreneur and business owner of Carol’s Daughter. Named after her mother, who encouraged Price to start selling her products to the public, the company is one of the first African-American-owned product lines with a flagship store. It sells a wide variety of natural skin care products, both for the face and body, hair products, and even aromatic products for the home. Founded in 1993 from Price’s kitchen, the brand saw great success when Oprah Winfrey promoted the products on her show. Since 2002, Price’s company has seen massive growth in revenue and popularity. In 2012, she sold the company to L’Oreal but continues to play a part in product development and the course of the brand. Price is a big proponent of black-owned businesses and business owners, acknowledging the challenges in resource disparities that frequently occur. She continues to mentor other black-owned companies and advocate for business owners. Even though she doesn’t own Carol’s Daughter anymore, Price still makes homemade skincare products, indulges in baths and massages, and experiments with makeup and nail polish. According to an interview with The Cut, she advises others to not give up. Take a break if you’re stressed and regroup to tackle the situation. For Lisa Price, you should always learn from mistakes and keep going. Stay tuned next week as we highlight more amazing women in beauty! Check out our blog!

To kick off Black History Month, DEMIBlue is excited to present our new blog series showcasing influential women in the beauty industry. We’re starting with a bang this week with the legendary makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath, named “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Vogue. She’s the first makeup artist to be awarded Damehood by the Queen for her impact on the fashion and beauty industry. For nearly 20 years, she has been at the top of her game, involved in developing cosmetic brands, runway shows, and editorial work. Born in Northampton, England, Pat McGrath credits her introduction to the beauty industry to her Jamaican mother. A follower of fashion, her mother taught her everything about the beauty scene, quizzing her on makeup products, colors, and textures. Her mother pushed the idea of creation, making her own foundation shades because shades matching darker skin tones were near nonexistent. McGrath, also known as the Mother of Modern Makeup, actually has little formal training in professional makeup artistry, but an encounter with the later editor-in-chief of British Vogue started off her career in the 1990s and hasn’t stopped since then. She continues to create beauty looks for some of the world’s most well-known fashion shows, from New York to Paris. Her roster of clients includes prestigious brands like Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and more. “Beauty is in all of us.”- Dame Pat McGrath Known for her innovative and unique makeup technique, she has been at the forefront of many makeup trends, such as dewy skin and powerful natural foundations. Check out some of her runway looks here. Her most recent venture is her own cosmetic company, PAT McGRATH LABS, aiming to elevate beauty further. The brand has seen great success with high-performing cosmetics for customers, collaborating with various pop culture brands such as Supreme and Star Wars. She strives for inclusivity with universally flattering colors for all skin tones. Celebrating skin and embracing your own beauty remains a big part of her makeup philosophy. Stay tuned next week as we highlight more amazing women in beauty! Check out our blog!