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7 things you should know before getting a gel manicure

<p><strong>Are gel manicures good for your nails?</strong></p> <p>Opting for regular nail polish sometimes seems like a waste since the colour easily chips off. One alternative, gel manicures, lasts much longer and generally costs more, too. It could be worth the investment if you avoid common mistakes and remember these things before your first gel manicure.</p> <p><strong>The benefits of gel nails</strong></p> <p>“The perks of a gel manicure include its longevity (often ten days or more!),” says Mabelyn Martin, creative director at Paintbox nail studio. Unlike regular polish, which can chip after two to three days, they’re borderline indestructible, which makes them ideal for weddings, special occasions and holidays.</p> <p>Plus, gel manicures cure in seconds, Martin explains, so you can leave the salon without worrying about smudging your manicure. She also adds that while the gel is on your nails, it’s like wearing a layer of protective armour that keeps your nails from breaking.</p> <p><strong>Be wary of UV light with gel manicures</strong></p> <p>The application of gel is not totally different from the application of a traditional polish, with the exception of the curing process under the UV-emitting lamps, according to dermatologist, Dr Chris G. Adigun. And therein lies the potential problem. “These lamps are not to be underestimated, even though the exposure times are brief,” Dr Adigun says.</p> <p>“They are very powerful and are emitting UVA rays far more powerful than those emitted by the sun.” She recommends purchasing a UVA-blocking sleeve, and bringing it to the nail salon to wear while your gel polish is curing. LED lights are actually no safer than traditional fluorescent UV lamps. In fact, according to Dr Adigun, they emit exponentially more powerful UVA rays, which is why the curing times are shorter.</p> <p><strong>Gel nails need to be applied properly </strong></p> <p>It’s not just the UV light that’s potentially damaging. While an experienced nail tech will always make sure the correct lamp is used with the proprietary gel polish for the recommended amount of time, it’s easy to mess up the steps. “Any alteration in these variables can lead to polish that is over-cured to the nail plate that becomes very difficult to remove,” explains Dr Adigun.</p> <p>“A properly applied gel should literally ‘float’ off the nail with the acetone soak. However, when a gel is not properly cured, it will not come off, and needs to be manually chipped off, which is very traumatising to the nail plate.”</p> <p><strong>Gel manicures may weaken your nails</strong></p> <p>There is evidence to suggest that the gel manicure process can lead to dehydration and thinning of the nail plate. “In one study, nail plate thickness was measured both before and after a gel manicure, and thinning of the nail was observed,” notes Dr Adigun. She says that acetone is known to thin the nail plate but the gel polish may contribute to the thinning as well.</p> <p><strong>Remove gel polish gently </strong></p> <p>Removing gel polish doesn’t have to mean complete nail destruction. For the most part, nail technicians remove soft gels with an acetone soak-off process. “Gently file the surface of the nail to initiate the break-down of the outer coat of the gel,” says influential manicurist and nail artist Jin Soon Choi.</p> <p>Next, place a small piece of acetone-soaked cotton and cover with tin foil. Pro tip: placing nails into a nitrile glove will speed up the process. After 7 to 10 minutes, the gel should be crinkling up.</p> <p><strong>Don't get gel manicures too often</strong></p> <p>According to Dr Adigun, it’s absolutely fine to get gel manicures every once in a while. “I simply recommend to my patients that they take gel manicure detoxes intermittently to allow their nails to rehydrate and repair.”</p> <p><strong>Moisturise your nails post-gel manicure</strong></p> <p>“You need to do major moisturising after you remove a gel manicure,” Choi says. “Soak your nails in a warm lotion that contains vitamin E and use cuticle oil as often as possible.” Choi also suggests indulging in a salon paraffin treatment to aid in recovery. This will help repair any damage and strengthen nails.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/beauty/7-things-you-should-know-before-getting-a-gel-manicure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Beauty & Style

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17th-century Polish ‘vampire’ found buried with sickle across neck

<p dir="ltr">The remains of a woman found in a 17th-century graveyard in Poland are believed to be an example of an ‘anti-vampire’ burial after a sickle was also found placed across her neck to prevent her from rising from the dead.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dariusz Poliński, a professor at Nicholas Copernicus University, led the archaeological dig where the remains were uncovered, with the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11173505/Remains-VAMPIRE-pinned-ground-sickle-throat-Poland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a></em> reporting that the skeleton was found wearing a silk cap and with a protruding front tooth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The sickle was not laid flat but placed on the neck in such a way that if the deceased had tried to get up… the head would have been cut off,” Professor Poliński told the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <em><a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/17th-century-poland-vampires-werent-boogeymen-out-town-girl-or-boy-next-door-180953476/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smithsonian</a></em> magazine, Eastern Europeans reported fears of vampires and began treating their dead with anti-vampire rituals during the 11th century.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e1199576-7fff-cba7-8161-75f5e8ce3f2a">By the 17th century, these practices were common across Poland in response to reports of a vampire outbreak, per <em><a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/research-reveals-the-origin-of-poland-s-mysterious-vampires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ScienceAlert</a></em>.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/skeleton-lady1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The skeletal remains, pictured from above. Image: Łukasz Czyżewski, NCU</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Professor Poliński told the New York Post that there were other forms of protection to prevent vampires from returning from the dead, including cutting off limbs and using fire.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Other ways to protect against the return of the dead include cutting off the head or legs, placing the deceased face down to bite into the ground, burning them, and smashing them with a stone,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The skeleton’s toe was also padlocked, which Professor Poliński said likely symbolised “the closing of a stage and the impossibility of returning”.</p> <p dir="ltr">This isn’t the first time a ‘vampire’ has been discovered by archaeologists either.</p> <p dir="ltr">Matteo Borrini, a lecturer at Liverpool John Moore University, discovered the remains of a woman who died in the 16th century and was buried with a stone in her mouth in a mass grave with plague victims.</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that outbreaks of ‘vampires’ were often associated with periods where people were dying from unknown causes at the time - such as pandemics or mass poisoning.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These ‘vampires’ start to hunt and kill family members first, then the neighbours, and then all the other villages,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is the classical pattern of a disease that is contagious.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The most recent ‘vampire’ remains, which were dug up in August, are being further investigated by scientists.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c133c871-7fff-ea85-c6ce-820b4d4d2ba2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Mirosław Blicharski</em></p>

International Travel

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New type of gel helps the medicine go down

<p class="spai-bg-prepared">Swallowing tablets can be a challenge for most children and some adults, but scientists have come to the rescue with a new drug-delivering oleogel that can make it easier to consume a variety of medicines.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">According to a <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abm8478" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new study</a>, the gels are made from plant-based oils and can be prepared in a variety of textures – from a thickened drink to a gel with yogurt-like consistency. This could help adults who have difficulty swallowing pills, such as older people or those who have suffered a stroke.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">The gels have also been designed to remain stable at 40°C for two weeks, and even up to 60°C for one week. This could make them especially helpful for children in developing nations, where the gels might be transported in vehicles without refrigeration. </p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“Given the simplicity of the system and its low cost, it could have a tremendous impact on making it easier for patients to take medications,” says senior author Giovanni Traverso, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, US.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">Existing strategies for people unable to swallow pills have relied on dissolving drugs in water, but this requires a water-soluble medicine, as well as access to clean water and refrigeration. It can also be difficult to achieve the right dosage for children if the pills used are meant for adults.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">To avoid these issues, the interdisciplinary research team focused on the potential of oil-based gels, also known as oleogels, for drug delivery.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">The researchers explored several different types of plant-derived oils, including sesame, cottonseed and flaxseed oil. By combining these oils with edible gelling ingredients – such as beeswax and rice bran wax – they found they could control the texture depending on the type of oil and gelling agent, and their concentrations.</p> <div class="newsletter-box spai-bg-prepared"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p193139-o1" class="wpcf7 spai-bg-prepared" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.61 spai-bg-prepared init" action="/health/oleogels-alternative-medicine-delivery/#wpcf7-f6-p193139-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <p class="spai-bg-prepared" style="display: none !important;"><span class="wpcf7-form-control-wrap referer-page spai-bg-prepared"><input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page spai-bg-prepared" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/" aria-invalid="false" /></span></p> <p><!-- Chimpmail extension by Renzo Johnson --></form> </div> </div> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">To identify the most palatable oleogels, the researchers worked with a consulting firm specialising in consumer sensory experiences to narrow down the oleogels to those made from oils with a neutral or slightly nutty flavour.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“That approach gave us the capacity to deliver very hydrophobic drugs that cannot be delivered through water-based systems,” says lead author Ameya Kirtane, former MIT postdoctoral researcher and current instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It also allowed us to make these formulations with a really wide range of textures.”</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">They then tested delivering three oil-soluble (hydrophobic) drugs from the World Health Organization’s (<a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) list of <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2021.03" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential medicines for children</a>: praziquantel, used to treat parasitic infections; lumefantrine, used to treat malaria; and azithromycin, used to treat bacterial infections.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">The tests showed that in pigs the oleogels were able to deliver doses of these medicines equal to or greater than the amounts absorbed from tablets, and that a water-soluble <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/antibiotic-resistance-millions-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic</a> (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) could also be successfully delivered.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“Based on that list, infectious diseases really stood out in terms of what a country needs to protect its children,” Kirtane says. “A lot of the work that we did in this study was focused on infectious-disease medications, but from a formulation standpoint, it doesn’t matter what drug we put into these systems.”</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">A phase I clinical trial of the oleogel formulation of azithromycin should be underway within the next few months.</p> <p><!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --></p> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" class="spai-bg-prepared" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=193139&title=New+type+of+gel+helps+the+medicine+go+down" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><!-- End of tracking content syndication --></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/oleogels-alternative-medicine-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/imma-perfetto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imma Perfetto</a>. Imma Perfetto is a science writer at Cosmos. She has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Science Communication from the University of Adelaide.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Body

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Low-cost gel film pulls clean drinking water from desert air, raising hopes of quenching the world’s driest communities

<p class="spai-bg-prepared">One in three people lives in <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.un.org/en/events/desertification_decade/whynow.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drylands</a>, areas covering more than 40% of the Earth’s surface that experience significant water shortages.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">Scientists and engineers have now developed a new material that could help people living in these areas access <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/water/an-answer-to-the-clean-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean drinking water</a> by capturing it right out of the atmosphere, according to a new study in <em class="spai-bg-prepared">Nature Communications</em>.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">They’ve developed a gel film that costs just $2 per kilogram to produce and can pull water from the air in even the driest climates; 1kg of it can produce more than 6 litres per day in less than 15% relative humidity (RH), and 13 litres in areas with up to 30% RH.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">Relative humidity is the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity.  So a 100% RH means that the air is completely saturated with water vapour and cannot hold any more. People tend to feel most comfortable between 30% and 50%, and arid climates have less than 30% RH.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">These results are promising, as previous attempts to pull water from the desert air have typically been energy-intensive and not very efficient.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“This new work is about practical solutions that people can use to get water in the hottest, driest places on Earth,” says senior author Guihua Yu, professor of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin, US. “This could allow millions of people without consistent access to drinking water to have simple, water-generating devices at home that they can easily operate.”</p> <div class="newsletter-box spai-bg-prepared"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p192317-o1" class="wpcf7 spai-bg-prepared" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> </div> </div> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">The gel is made with <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hydroxypropyl-cellulose" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydroxypropyl cellulose</a> (HPC) which is produced from cellulose, and a common kitchen ingredient called <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813016310339" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">konjac glucomannan</a>, as well as lithium chloride salt (LiCl). It forms a hydrophilic (water attracting) porous film with a large surface area that collects the water vapour from air.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“The gel takes two minutes to set simply. Then, it just needs to be freeze dried, and it can be peeled off the mould and used immediately after that,” explains Weixin Guan, a doctoral student on Yu’s team and a lead researcher of the work.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">And, because the cellulose is thermo-responsive, it becomes hydrophobic (water repelling) when heated which allows the collected water to be released within 10 minutes through mild heating at 60 °C.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">This means that the overall energy needed to produce the water is minimised. The film is also flexible, can be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes, and producing it requires only the gel precursor – which includes all the relevant ingredients poured into a mould.</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">“This is not something you need an advanced degree to use,” says lead author Youhong “Nancy” Guo, a former doctoral student in Yu’s lab and now a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “It’s straightforward enough that anyone can make it at home if they have the materials.”</p> <p class="spai-bg-prepared">And because it’s so simple, the authors say the challenges of scaling the technology up and achieving mass usage are reduced.</p> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" class="spai-bg-prepared" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=192317&amp;title=Low-cost+gel+film+pulls+clean+drinking+water+from+desert+air%2C+raising+hopes+of+quenching+the+world%E2%80%99s+driest+communities" width="1" height="1" /></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/gel-film-desert-drinking-water/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/imma-perfetto">Imma Perfetto</a>. Imma Perfetto is a science writer at Cosmos. She has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Science Communication from the University of Adelaide.</em></p> <p><em>Image: The University of Texas at Austin/Cockrell School of Engineering</em></p> </div>

Technology

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Harry Styles’ foray into the beauty world sparks huge demand

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The world of men’s beauty products has remained relatively untouched in the past, with many believing these self-care products are exclusive to women. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, as Grammy award-winning musician and style icon Harry Styles has launched his own non-binary line of products, the demand for men’s products has seen a global rise. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His new brand, called Pleasing, was launched in November and features skin care items and nail polishes, which have become Styles’ signature in recent years. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global fashion marketplace, </span><a href="https://www.lovethesales.com/press/articles/fashion-data-daily"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LoveTheSales</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, has been tracking demands and a range of sales data from over 10 million international shoppers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since Pleasing was announced on Styles’ Instagram account, shopping searches for “men’s makeup” sky-rocketed a whopping 393 per cent compared to the week before.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeVKMVvrpI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWeVKMVvrpI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Harry Styles Updates. (@harry_update1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There was also a 72 per cent increase in fashion searches for “men’s nail varnish” and a truly giant 641 per cent increase in demand for “men’s lip serums”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harry started his line with specifically non-gendered items, as the conversation around gender and fashion continues to be evolving and changing amongst younger generations. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s starting with nail polish because that was kind of the birth of what it was for,” he told </span><a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/54765/1/harry-styles-pleasing-brand-cover-2021-interview"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dazed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in an interview. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Me seeing a colour on a flower or a wallpaper or something and thinking, ‘Oh, I wanna put that on my nails.’”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWTYc_4lWHf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWTYc_4lWHf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Pleasing (@pleasing)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harry Styles has long been known for embracing gender-neutral style, as he has pushed the envelope with his fashion in photoshoots, and donning a more progressive way of presenting himself. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the help of his army of fans, Styles is helping to break down gender stereotypes in the world of beauty and fashion, as his new Pleasing brand is only the beginning. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram</span></em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Bicarb to the rescue

<p>This magic ingredient has scores of extraordinary uses about which you may have had no clue - until now.</p> <p><strong>Rescue Remedy 1 Clean your produce</strong></p> <p>You can’t be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Wash fruit and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and voila, it will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Alternatively, put a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving.</p> <p><strong> RR2 Make your own dishwashing detergent</strong></p> <p>The dishwasher is fully loaded when you discover you’re out of your usual powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do? Make your own by combining two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two tablespoons of borax. You may be so pleased with the results you’ll switch for good.</p> <p><strong>RR3 Remove crayon marks from walls</strong></p> <p>Has a small child redecorated your walls or wallpaper with some original artworks in crayon? Don’t lose your cool, just grab a damp rag, dip it in some bicarbonate of soda and lightly scrub the marks. They should come off with a minimum of effort.</p> <p><strong>RR4 Deodorise your rubbish bin</strong></p> <p>If something smells off in your kitchen, it’s probably emanating from your bin. Some smells linger even after you dispose of the offending bin liner, so make sure you give your bin an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in bicarbonate of soda (wear an old pair of rubber gloves for this job). Rinse the bin out with a damp sponge, then let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off bad smells by sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the bin before inserting the new bag.</p> <p><strong>RR5 Douse that fire</strong></p> <p>Did you know that bicarbonate of soda is the main ingredient in many commercial fire extinguishers? You too can use it straight out of the box to extinguish small fires throughout your home. For quick access, keep it near the stove for any unforeseen mishaps. In the case of a grease fire, first turn off the heat, if possible, and try to cover the fire with a pan lid. Be careful not to let the hot grease splatter you. Also keep a box or two in your garage and inside your car to quickly extinguish any mechanical or car-interior fires. Bicarbonate of soda will also snuff out electrical fires and flames on clothing, wood, upholstery and carpets.</p> <p><strong>RR6 Get stains off piano keys</strong></p> <p>That old upright may still sound great, but those yellowed keys definitely hit a sour note. Remove age stains by mixing a solution of 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda in one litre of warm water. Apply to each key with a dampened cloth (you can place a thin piece of cardboard between the keys to avoid seepage). Wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water, then buff dry with a clean cloth.</p> <p><strong>RR7 Remove musty smells from books</strong></p> <p>If books that have just been taken out of storage have a musty odour, place each one in a small brown paper bag with two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Don’t shake the bag, just tie it up and let it sit in a dry place for about a week. When you open the bag, shake remaining powder off the books and the smell should be gone.</p> <p><strong>RR8 Deodorise rugs and carpets</strong></p> <p>How’s this for a simple way to freshen up your carpets or rugs? Lightly sprinkle them with bicarbonate of soda, let it settle for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.</p> <p><strong>RR9 Polish silver, and gold jewellery</strong></p> <p>To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of bicarbonate of soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it and rinse clean. Be warned though: don’t use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as bicarbonate of soda could damage their finish and loosen the glue.</p> <p><strong>RR10 Tidy up your toilet bowl</strong></p> <p>Instead of using chemicals to clean your toilet bowl, just pour half a box of bicarbonate of soda into the cistern once a month. Leave overnight. This cleans both the cistern and the bowl. You can also pour several tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda directly into a toilet bowl and scrub it on any stains. Wait a few minutes, then flush away the stains.</p> <p><strong>All these tips</strong> – and hundreds more to save money and time – can be found in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things, Reader’s Digest, RRP $49.98. To order visit <a href="http://www.healthsmart">www.healthsmart</a> magazine.com.au or call 1300 300 030.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/bicarb-to-the-rescue">Reader’s Digest</a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Reader’s Digest</em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Home & Garden

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Doctors issue warning: How your gel and acrylic nails may be affecting your health

<p>With nail salons around the country advertising their services at affordable prices, the popularity of gel and acrylic nails have hit its peak. More long-wearing than your standard manicure, it’s the most convenient option for women on the go.</p> <p>But as the saying goes: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. New research has shown that a certain chemical found in both treatments can cause adverse reactions if not applied properly. Dermatologists in both the UK and Ireland have officially issued a health warning about the methacrylate chemical – a substance that is found in almost all gel and acrylic nails, which is causing an “allergy epidemic” across the two countries.</p> <p>Allergy tests of 4,931 patients across 13 dermatology units were assessed to come to this outcome, as results showed that at least 2.4 per cent of those people could be suffering from this allergy. Another study conducted in 2017 by the British Association of Dermatologists discovered that the chemical was most likely to cause a reaction when it touches the skin, with side effects including loosening nails or a red and itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body.</p> <p>Those affected the most were nail technicians who come into regular contact with the chemical and those who attempt to do their own manicures at home rather than seeing a professional. </p> <p>The moral of the story? Go see a qualified nail technician and dump the at-home nail kits in the bin.</p> <p>Do you prefer to do your own nails or get someone else to do it for you? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Body

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Why nail polish lasts so much longer on toenails than fingernails

<p>It’s a question that’s plagued women for centuries (ok, slight exaggeration but who knows maybe Cleopatra had this issue) – why is it that nail polish lasts barely days on our fingernails but seemingly forever on our toenails? Well, wonder no more. According to Smith &amp; Cult Beauty Ambassador Sarah Bland, it’s all about wear and tear.</p> <p>“Polish lasts longer on toes than fingers because we use our hands as tools and they’re in water much more often than toes,” she tells <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/why-does-nail-polish-last-longer-on-your-toes-plus-4-tips-to-extend-the-life-of-your-manicure-45495" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bustle</span></strong></a>. That’s all well and good, but how can we make our manicures go the distance? Here are her top tips.</p> <p><strong>1. Clean your nails</strong></p> <p>Before applying any varnish, Bland suggests using rubbing alcohol or pure acetone to clean the nails and nail beds. This will get rid of any oils that may prevent the polish drying properly, making your mani last longer. And, prior to applying any varnish, always apply a base coat.</p> <p><strong>2. Be generous with top coat</strong></p> <p>When you think your nail polish is about to chip, give it another go-over with top coat. “The best thing to do to extend your manicure is to add an extra top coat a couple of days into your mani,” says Bland. Extra top coat will extend the life of your varnish beyond those first few chip-prone days.</p> <p><strong>3. Paint outside the lines</strong></p> <p>Forget everything you learnt as a child about colouring within the lines! According to Bland, being a bit messy with your top coat will ensure it lasts longer – at least, if you apply some to the top edge of your nail. This will act as a sort of seal, preventing any big chips.</p> <p><strong>4. Stay hydrated</strong></p> <p>Not only will cuticle oil keep your nails hydrated, but it will make your polish last longer. Just make sure you only apply it after painting your nails, otherwise you’ll find it difficult to make your manicure last through the day.</p> <p>How do you make your manicure or pedicure last longer? Share your tips with us in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Banana peel great to polish shoes

<p>If you’re looking for a more natural way to polish your shoes than the traditional shoe polish, look in the fruit bowl. </p> <p>While it might sound crazy, you can polish your leather shoes quite well with the humble banana.</p> <p>All you need to do is wipe off any dirt and grime from your shoes first, then rub them all over with the inside of the peel. Then grab a clean cloth, rub the shoes all over and give them a bit of a buff and shine.</p> <p>It’s the potassium that bananas are well known for that actually has the shoe polishing capabilities. So as well as being delicious and nutritious, they are super handy to have around the house. Plus you can still use the fruit itself to top your cereal or bake a cake.</p> <p>Fruit bowl empty? You can also rub in a few drops of olive oil or a smear of petroleum jelly, then buff with a clean cloth.</p> <p>Do you know of any other foods that can double-up as a household cleaner? Share your tips in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/dirtiest-items-in-your-home-and-how-to-clean-them/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Dirtiest items in your home (and how to clean them)</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/6-kitchen-tips-and-tricks/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>6 essential tips and tricks for your kitchen</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2017/02/mistakes-to-avoid-when-washing-sheets/%20"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 common mistakes to avoid when washing your sheets</strong></em></span></a></p>

Home & Garden

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Mum writes moving note for her son who wears nail polish

<p>A mother in the US has taken a stand against bullies and bigots in a powerful Facebook post about her 6-year-old son. Devon Berryann shared this sweet photo with one of the most heart-felt pleas for love and acceptance we’ve ever seen.</p> <p><img width="500" height="909" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22934/13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n_500x909.jpg" alt="13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n"/></p> <p>“My six-year-old son likes to wear nail polish,” she writes. “He likes to wear girls’ clothes and tutus. He tells me about the boys he likes at school. He says he will marry them and adopt babies. Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not. I love and accept him for who he is. I always thought that doing that would protect him from the pain of hurtful words and bullies, and I didn’t worry.”</p> <p>After returning home from school one day, Silas told his mum about the teasing and bullying he experienced from his classmates. While she admits she is afraid for what the future may hold for her son, simply because he is different, she realised none of it matters as long as her son is happy.</p> <p>“As scared as I am, I know that this world is not going to change with more fear. It has plenty of that. What it needs is more love and acceptance.</p> <p>“So yesterday, we went out and bought more nail polish, and today we wore tutus,” she concluded. “So here he is world. See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance. Help us change the world into one that deserves him.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/devon.berryann/posts/10154232144767930"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to read the entire post. Warning – it may bring a tear or two to your eyes.</p> <p>What do you think can be done to deter bullying in schools? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/9-year-old-is-worlds-youngest-wedding-photographer/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>9-year-old is world’s youngest wedding photographer</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/teacher-donates-kidney-to-student/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Teacher donates kidney to her student</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/boy-is-overwhelmed-at-toy-store/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Adorable little boy can’t contain himself at the toy store</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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6 clever uses for silica gel bags

<p>The tiny packets of silica gel are a mainstay of new bags and shoes, and are often thrown out as soon as a new item is purchased. But they actually have a range of practical uses!</p> <p>An ordinary 10g bag of silica gel can absorb up to four grams of water, which lends it to a variety of practical purposes. We’ve taken a look at a few you should try next time you get a pack.</p> <p><strong>1. Preserving old photos and books</strong></p> <p>A few packets of silica gel placed strategically in a photo album can ensure your memories will be preserved for years to come, while packets placed in dusty old books can get rid of any bad smells.</p> <p><strong>2. Keeps your make-up bag fresh</strong></p> <p>To help stop powder-based products in your makeup bag from becoming too sticky, you can simply place a few silica pouches in your make-up bag, which will keep it fresh as a daisy.</p> <p><strong>3. Saving drowned phones</strong></p> <p>Of course, there are some cases where your phone will be too far gone, but if you’ve dropped your phone in a pool, puddle or even a toilet try leaving it in a bowl of silica bags. This variation on the bowl of rice method is said to be 10 times more effective.</p> <p><strong>4. No more smelly gym bags</strong></p> <p>Gym bags generally smell the opposite of good after they’ve been full of damp clothes and sneakers all days. By a few silica gel packets in your gym bag can help eliminate dampness, and rob the bacteria in the bag of the moisture it requires to thrive. A useful solution!</p> <p><strong>5. Keep silver items shiny</strong></p> <p>Tarnish is a layer of corrosion on silver caused by the reaction with the material and chemicals in the air, and humidity increases this considerably. To protect your fine silver, wrap it in silica gel packets.</p> <p><strong>6. Packing wet clothes</strong></p> <p>How many times have you been leaving a hotel with damp clothes and no choice to pack them in with the rest of your luggage? A few packets of silica gel helps eliminate dampness in your suitcase.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/how-to-become-happier-with-age/"><strong>How you can become happier with age</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/spot-the-cat-hidden-in-this-picture/"><strong>Can you spot the cat hidden in this picture?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2015/12/why-coffee-can-be-good-for-you/"><strong>Why giving up coffee could do you more harm than good</strong></a></em></span></p>

News

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Do you really need a base coat for your nails?

<p>If you’ve ever done your nails and debated skipping the base coat, you’re not alone. Applying a base coat can seem like an unnecessary and annoying step, especially when you need results and quickly. While it may seem like a time consuming pain to apply, including a base coat of nail polish to your DIY manicure is one of the best ways to ensure a good result. Think of it like the foundation for a house. You can’t create anything with a shaky foundation. Here are three other reasons why applying a base coat has its benefits.</p> <ol> <li><strong>It’ll make your manicure last longer</strong> – Think of a base coat as double sided tape for your nails. These nifty products contain special chemicals to give them “stick”. This allows them to adhere to the nail below and above the polish to help prolong your manicure. Without this sticky surface for the pigment, your colour would end up chipping very quickly (as we are sure you’ve experienced!)</li> <li><strong>It’ll prevent stains</strong> – If you’re partial to bright shades, you may have experienced the less than appealing shade of yellow they leave behind on your nail. This is due to the chemical reaction that sometimes occurs between the ingredients in your polish and your nail beds. A base coat is your best defence against staining.</li> <li><strong>They can actually improve your nails</strong> – Gone are the days when a base coat was ‘just’ a base coat. These days, you can choose a base that suits the needs of your nails. From extra moisturising properties to ridge fillers, there’s a product on the market to help improve your talons. One thing to avoid is products that market themselves as “nail hardeners” as they usually contain formaldehyde which is best avoided.</li> </ol>

Beauty & Style

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Great storage ideas for nail polish

<p>It’s nice to have lots of options when it comes to nail colour. But if your collection is getting out of hand it might be time to get organised with some budget friendly storage solutions.</p> <p><strong>Spice rack</strong></p> <p>Grab yourself a cheap and cheerful spice rack and mount it on the inside of a bathroom cabinet. Easily see your collection all at once and grab what you need.</p> <p><img width="308" height="462" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9236/spice-rack_308x462.jpg" alt="Spice Rack" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>See through jar</strong></p> <p>If you are keen to pack away your nail polish into a cupboard or drawer, you could store them in a see through jar with a lid.</p> <p><img width="274" height="391" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9237/clear-jar.jpg" alt="Clear Jar" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Upright utensil holder</strong></p> <p>Find a utensil rack with equal sized sections and turn it on its side. Mount on the wall or in a cabinet and it is the perfect size for your bottles.</p> <p><img width="314" height="314" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9235/1_314x314.jpg" alt="1 (63)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Hanging pocket organiser</strong></p> <p>Also great for storing craft supplies, these organisers work well for nail polish too. You could organise by colour if you have a lot of nail polish.</p> <p><img width="264" height="321" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9238/3.jpg" alt="3 (62)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><strong>Decorated shoebox</strong></p> <p>Let your inner child out by decorating a shoebox to use as a storage container. </p> <p><img width="306" height="197" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9239/2_306x197.jpg" alt="2 (66)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image source: Pinterest </em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/08/age-proof-hands/">Age-proof your hands in 6 simple steps</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/08/why-to-use-retinol-for-wrinkles/">Why you should be using retinol in your beauty routine</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/08/best-varicose-vein-treatments/">Causes and treatments of varicose veins</a></em></strong></span></p>

Beauty & Style

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Darker shades chip quickest (and 5 other things you didn’t know about nail polish)

<p>Thought you knew everything about nail polish? As it turns out, there’s more to your favourite shades than meets the eye.</p> <p><strong>1. The darker the polish, the faster it chips</strong> – Because they are a darker colour, dark polishes have higher pigmentation. Higher pigmentation increases the rate at which your polish chips.</p> <p><strong>2. You can do more than just paint your nails</strong> – Polish can be used for more than decorative fingertips. Coat costume jewellery that would otherwise be prone to rusting in clear polish to prevent oxidization. Use a small dab on a run in your stockings where it will dry and stop the run from traveling any further.</p> <p><strong>3. Your colour choice is significant</strong> – According to studies, your choice in colour is most likely related to a personal experience involving said hue. We are emotionally linked to colours, so that bright fuchsia you just spontaneously chose might not be a random choice at all, but a subconscious memory or association.</p> <p><strong>4. You’re storing your polish wrong</strong> –If you’re storing your polish anywhere but the fridge, you’re doing it a disservice. The low temperatures of your fridge actually help to prolong the shelf life of your favourite shades.</p> <p><strong>5. You need to take a break</strong> –If you paint and repaint your tips for weeks on end, you could be causing damage to your nails. Keep your nails free of polish for a few days every three weeks for optimum nail health.</p> <p><strong>6. You can be allergic</strong> – Most nail polishes contain formaldehyde, an irritant which some people are allergic to. Luckily, many brands have branched out into allergy-friendly formulations.</p>

Beauty & Style

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