preparing your hands and nails for a photo shoot

When preparing for your photo shoot, there are so many things to think about and remember. Yet, often we forget one of the most important things....our hands and nails. It is often said that our hands reveal our true age, so it is as important to care for them as you do the skin on your face.  Here are a few hints and tips to keeping your hands looking beautiful and camera ready:

• Moisturise your hands with a nourishing hand and nail cream, as often as needed, at least twice a day.
• Protect your hands from the harsh African sun by applying sunscreen with at least SPF15, to them.  This prevents sunspots and premature aging.
• Apply moisturiser or cuticle oil to the base and sides of your nails including the cuticles to stop them cracking and tearing, and preventing infections and hangnails. 
  
• Protect your hands by wearing gloves when doing the dishes or household chores. Hot water and chemicals strip your skin and nails of their natural oils and leave them dry and chapped.
• Remove old nail varnish with a moisturising and non-acetone based nail varnish remover. If you like to wear dark colours, they tend to cause yellowing of the nail. Make sure you remove and reapply once a week to prevent this. 
• Soak a cotton pad with nail varnish remover and apply to the nail for 10 seconds before swiping towards the tip of the nail. Swiping vigorously in all directions irritates the nail and cuticles.
• File your nails in one direction to prevent tears and splitting.
• Paint your nails with your favourite colour, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure before your shoot.
  

It is also important to consider what colour/style/nail art to use for your shoot. We suggest a more neutral colour, avoid too much bling and nail art as this tends to date your shoot. You want your photos to look timeless and elegant. Bright nail colours tend to compete for attention in photographs, and takes emphasis away from the important things, like your eyes or beautiful smile. Another thing to keep in mind is that a neutral colour will go with all the outfits you choose for your shoot.  

Timeless and Elegant French Manicure

Love
the femme fatale girls
xxx