Call Me Paranoid... But You Should Be Too!

by - Thursday, February 07, 2013

#letsnailitsaturday

I have always loved going to the nail salon having my nails pampered either for just a cleaning, a foot spa, or have my nail color changed when I am in urgent need of spoiling myself. But ever since my friend told me a few years back (maybe 3 years ago) about what she read in the internet about how that lady in the US contracted that some kind of fungus from having her nails cleaned in a nail salon, I literally turned green and wanted to faint.

Some would say I am too anal about my nails or that I am being too paranoid (and someone even used the word 'un-trusting'?), but I really want to be safe than sorry later on. Sometimes it can't be avoided that you get wounds during a cleaning when the technician "digs" too deep the cuticles and hangnails, and what if the tools were un-clean? What happens then?

I now present to you my Top Secret, 007 stuff that I bring with me every time I want to have my nails done. Hahaha! Just kidding about the top secret stuff. I have had this kit for the past 3 years and I don't have a plan to stop using it!


Let me show you what I have inside my personal "Nail Care Kit". I bring this every time I go to the nail salon to have my mani pedi. I know I know, they now have new equipment to sterilize everything and all that, but I stil feel comfortable knowing where my tools have been, and that I am the only one who is using them. Not even my husband is allowed in here. LOL


Now, let me show you each item individually:

First of all, I love how this product makes my hand so soft. Secondly, I am in love with the smell. I mean come on, how much do you really like the smell of that lotion they put on your hands? So why not bring a product that smells terrific?

Some nail salons use pure acetone to remove existing nail polish that can be drying and turn your nails brittle and white. I love Sally Hansen's Strengthening Nail Polish Remover for weak, thin nails. I transferred it to a pump dispenser so it's easier to use.

Toe separators. I love to know where my toe separators have been. I doubt if they really wash and sterilize these things at the salon, right? Or maybe that's just me.

Only because I don't like the smell of rubbing alcohol the technicians use. It smells like the hospital (*cringe*) and I also use these to spray on the tools before using them.

Nail brushes. I make it a point I soap these in soap and water after each use. I also use direct sunlight to dry them. Never store them damp! Otherwise, molds will build up on them. Eew!

A whole bunch of nail files and nail buffers!

The tools! I have a nipper from Cala, large nail clipper from Revlon, and some other generic brands of other tools. That blue thing is a cuticle trimmer, and the one beside it is the cuticle pusher. I don't know why that travel size nail care kit has a pair of tweezers but anyway.

Cotton buds to clean up nail polish mess!

Of course, lots of cotton pads. I love pads more than cotton balls. They shrink when they get soaked with polish remover which makes it so tiny to use to remove polish!

I love this cuticle oil from Dashing Diva. I got this a year ago and it still smells like citrus. Just use a single drop to moisturize cuticles on one hand.

After a nice foot spa, I love asking the technician to spray my heels with these and brush with a wet brush to tone down the redness. I use this on my hands as well after they do the cleaning on my hands. I ask them to spray a tiny amount of this stuff on the nail brush and brush on my nails. I do not like using merthiolate but I like the blush it gives my cuticles. It is a mercury based antiseptic that is not good for you and it's drying too!

 This cuticle remover is gentle on the hands. Plus, it's pink! Hahaha! I usually transfer this to a tip spout plastic bottle like the ones they use in the nail salons, but I wanted to show you the full sized bottle and the brand. I love this stuff!

My foot file. I mean come on... How can you not bring your own? My favorite part? It's pink! Change this as soon as if becomes smooth, otherwise you're just scrubbing your foot with a wooden pad.

Nail Wood Sticks.

Last but not least, a regular sized bath towel. Did you know that warts can be transferred thru the use of towels even though you have washed them? So if you are going to get warts, might as well know where they came from your own towels!


You see ladies, it's better to be paranoid sometimes specially when you are not sure where the tools are coming from, or if you do something often enough. I go have a mani pedi for cleaning once a week, and just change my nail color at home by myself. So it's best to bring your own tools for your own piece of mind.

What do you think ladies? Is it just me? Here are some interesting links about mani pedi safety:



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94 comments

  1. Hello, darling! Thank you so much for your comment!! Of course we can follow each other!! I follow you now with GFC and Bloglovin!! Amaizing post! I love to look at the contents of the cosmetic bags and handbags!
    http://raslinkina.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You and I have that in common! Thank you so much for dropping by and following me :)

      Delete
  2. I think as long as you go to a pretty reputable place/salon, there's no need to worry about the hygiene of the tools being used, etc. I'm not saying it applies to all, but in general, of course :) I've never had a problem so far with getting an infection or anything right after a mani or pedi, and I've gone to places that have pedis for as cheap as P170 and as expensive as P400+

    The only thing I'm particular about is that I tell them not to cut my cuticles whenever I have a mani, but that's it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good point :) Well, I guess it's just me then? Hahaha! When OC-ness and paranoia kicks in I guess :) Thanks so much for the comment :) that means a lot to me :) XOXO

      Delete
  3. I've always avoided nail salons as my friend used to work in one and not all of the salons are very clean. If I was as prepared as you were, I'd be going all the time :P

    Are the ladies used to you bringing your own equipment? Was it hard to get them to use your stuff?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nail care tools come affordable now in Landmark and in SM. I guess a lot of women prefer bringing their own tools as well now a days :) As for your questions, actually, no. They're very understanding that I preferred using my own tools. As long as you make all the tools available for them to use, then they won't have a hard time doing their job :) I just put my kit in my car when I leave the house in case I have the time to drop by a nail salon to have my mani pedi :)

      Delete
  4. HI darlin! THank you so much for following my blog! I"m following you back on gfc, bloglovin, and facebook:))!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your posts are always so funny!!! I really enjoy reading them! :-)
    You are a very good writer!!
    Fabina
    makeupfabinamind.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! Thank you for the comment :) I try my best and I'm glad you like my writing :) Thank you for dropping ny luv! ♥

      Delete
  6. I never went to a salon for mani-pedi. When I get addicted to nail arts, I bought my own tools mainly pusher and nipper and I do it myself. My mom owned a salon before and yun talaga kabilin bilinan niya, wag daw kaming gagamit ng kahit na anong gamit sa salon niya.

    XX, IamJenniya

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And it is not only you. Hehe. Mas okay na yung maging paranoid pagdating sa bagay na iyan.

      Delete
    2. Your mom is a very wise woman. I also doubt these nail salons would really take the time to sterilize properly because of the demanding flow of customers in the salon... I am still hopeful though that they do the proper protocol for sterilizing :) Thank you for your comment :) You made my day!

      Delete
  7. Hello dear,
    Thank you sooo much for your lovely comment on my blog. I'm following you too <3
    Have a nice day, xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for dropping by and for the follow back! XOXO

      Delete
  8. great post =)

    glad that Ive come across your blog =)
    come and see mine too =)
    and we can follow each other via GFC and Bloglovin ^^

    http://www.dreamloveshop.com/

    http://www.dreamloveshop.com/

    http://www.dreamloveshop.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much for the sweet comment you wrote on my blog.
    I already follow you with Google Friend Connect. I am an older follower.

    I appreciate what you do here!

    http://mademoisellezaria.blogspot.com

    xoxo, M.Z.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for returning to my blog to leave a comment, I appreciate it! Sending kisses from Manila! ♥

      Delete
  10. Thank you for your comment on my blog. I follow you now on all the platforms! =)

    Marta

    New post on my blog! Take a look!
    A NEW fashion view

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marta! I appreciate that :) I will definitely check out your new post! ♥

      Delete
  11. Thanks for following, but im sorry i just follow blogs which i like I visit your blog from day to day and if i think i want to follow you i will do ;). I hope you understand my opinion. Another question, could you read German? Or do you translate it with a translator.
    Best regards!
    Astrid

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely understand, not to worry :) I use the translator to translate your blog and read :) Thank you so much for dropping by though!

      Delete
  12. woah! I just had my mani pedi earlier this afternoon. and you got me worried there. but i totally agree. ill look for my own set soon as possible. im thinking of having my own nipper because we have my neighbor who got hepa b positive

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! I'm sorry for starting a wide spread mass hysteria! LOL But seriously, better safe than sorry right? So sorry to hear about your neighbor... That's awful :( I sure hope she's OK though now... So much nail stuff at Landmark! I swear, I got everything from there!

      Delete
  13. That's one awesome mani-pedi kit! And, no I don't think you're paranoid for having a kit with you at all. Better safe than sorry my mom always says!

    http://www.maitaatienza.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for making me feel better about my being anal about these things. LOL Saw your website. Beautiful work! Hope we get to meet each other soon! ♥

      Delete
  14. Hey,
    nice Blog & nice Girl :).
    Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! And you're very welcome for the follow!

      Delete
  15. I love bodyshop almond too :D




    Cheers,

    Yulia Rahmawati

    ReplyDelete
  16. I, I follow. I follow you....
    Realy interesting und helpful entries. :)

    Best wishes Natascha from ugly-edgar :)
    http://ugly-edgar.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and for the follow! Huggies from Manila! ♥

      Delete
  17. Absolutely! Following you now on GFC! Thank you so much for dropping by and hope to see you again here soon! XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  18. you are not paranoid, you are so right to be
    i do not like to have any virus because of so-said clean! tools
    the campaing should be: bring yuor tools to manicure :)
    thanxx for the post !

    Esra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the support! I love that you dropped by and left a lovely comment! Hope to see you here again soon!

      Delete
  19. Hi dear!! Sorry for my delay but I was been in hospital during this days >.<
    Anyway first thing thank you for appreciate my blog and my pics!
    You're really kind :)
    And 2nd thing I agree with you: better to make SPA at home and not out.
    Me too I'm scared about fungus ( eww!) and I like to make manicure by me.
    I dont have one case so cool like you, sincerely I not really good to put polish but I like take care my hands and my foots :)
    Thank you for ur precious suggestions!
    I wish you a great day, hugs Laura xoxoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! i hope you're feeling better now... I know right? I really feel better after I get a mani pedi because i know where my tools have been. It's most alarming when you get wounds when they use their own tools. Scratches and wounds can't be avoided so better to be safe than sorry ♥ Thanks for dropping by and the follow!

      Delete
  20. hey again,thanks for your sweet comment,just followed you back!

    www.viewrama.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. great and useful post dear!

    XOXO
    Arianna

    http://aryannastyle.blogspot.it/

    https://www.facebook.com/AryannaStyle

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello beautiful

    What wonderful products, which have no shame here in Brazil: (
    Thanks for your comments whenever you want visit my blog will be very welcome.


    Whenever you post new posts will do everything to warn you.

    Kisses, even more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you! You are most welcome to come by my blog too anytime! Kisses!

      Delete
  23. You nail brushes and files are so cute <3 And I agree that using my stuff Makes me feel better and you don't have to worry much :)
    And thank you for stopping by my blog :) you have a lovely space here!
    Following by gfc and bloglovin too <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am obsessed with nail files! Every time I spot nice ones at beauty stores I have to buy them! I mean, might as well be cute right? Hahaha! Thank you so much for the visit and the follow :)

      Delete
  24. thank you for visiting my blog, means the world to me…. Love yours so I’m a new follower on GFC and Bloglovin, follow me back and lets stay connected!
    Have an amazing weekend,
    Kisses from Miami,
    Borka
    www.chicfashionworld.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the visit! Know that I am following you back now too on GFC and Bloglovin'! ♥

      Delete
  25. Hey...nice post!
    Thanks for your comment on my blog...i follow you :D

    ReplyDelete
  26. Really like your blog and your bloggin' <3...

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow, that's a whole lot of stuff!
    But it sure feels good to carry your own stuff!!
    Love
    Juneli from Fashionably Yours

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does feel good! And it's not that much of an inconvenience to bring it, it's remembering to bring it is the harder part! Hahaha! Thank you for the follow :) Following you back now too!

      Delete
  28. Hello from France
    I am very happy to welcome you!
    Your blog has been accepted in Asia Philippines n°474 a minute!

    Following our blog will gives you twice as many possibilities of visits to your blog!
    Thank you for your understanding.
    On the right side, in the "green list", you will find all the countries and if you click them, you will find the names of blogs from that Country.
    Invite your friends to join us in the "directory"!
    The creation of this new blog "directory" allows a rapprochement between different countries, a knowledge of different cultures and a sharing of different traditions, passions, fashion, paintings, crafts, cooking,
    photography and poetry. So you will be able to find in different countries other people with passions similar to your ones.
    We are fortunate to be on the Blogspot platform that offers the opportunity to speak to the world.
    The more people will join, the more opportunities everyone will have. And yes, I confess, I need people to know this blog!
    You are in some way the Ambassador of this blog in your Country.
    This is not a personal blog, I created it for all to enjoy.
    SO, you also have to make it known to your contacts and friends in your blog domain: the success of this blog depends on all Participants.
    So, during your next comments with your friends, ask them to come in the 'Directory' by writing in your comments:
    *** I am in the directory come join me! ***
    You want this directory to become more important? Help me to make it grow up!
    Your blog is in the list Asia Philippines n°474 and I hope this list will grow very quickly
    Regards
    Chris
    We ask that you follow our blog and place a badge of your choice on your blog, in order to introduce the "directory" to your friends.
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/09/06/12090603083012502810288938.gif
    http://nsm05.casimages.com/img/2012/03/19/120319072128505749603643.gif
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    If you want me to know the blog of your friends, send me their urls which allows a special badge in the list of your country
    I see that you know many people in your country, you can try to get them in the directory?
    Please! Actively support the "Directory" by making known to your friends! Thank you! "Unity is strength"
    Not need an invitation to join the Directory. Any person who makes the request is entered
    ****************************************

    New on the site
    Ranking of Countries
    Invite your friends know made ??
    the website to raise your ranking in the Country

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for this! It's such an honor to be a part of your community! I have posted a link in my site to your site :)

      Delete
  29. If you ever decide to open a Nail Salon, call me! I'll be your loyal client! :) miss you! :)

    xoxo,

    Iya

    http://youtube.com/missplpify

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! I wish! But if I do open one, you'll be the first to know! Missing you too ♥

      Delete
  30. Thank you so much for the comment, sweetest thing ever! :)
    I followed you, your blog is amazing, love this post.

    xx MJ
    http://shopaholic-thoughts.blogspot.pt

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for comment,I follow you now :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lovely post and beautiful blog! thx for the comment.. follow back in GFC and bloglovin'.. keep in touch!

    kisses,
    http://rosdays.blogspot.co.il/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to drop by! Kisses!

      Delete
  33. I love this haha! I definitely need to think about putting a little kit together!

    Emma xx

    http://uglybugbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! The best part, it's fun to put together your own kit, you have an excuse to buy stuff! Ha! Thank you for dropping by!

      Delete
  34. A really lovely detailed post, I'd never thought about this before either so I might be doing this next time I get my nails done!
    http://thelipstickthegirlandherwardrobe.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you should try it sometime. It feels better after you leave the nail salon :) Thank you for dropping by and the follow!

      Delete
  35. a loot cool stuff <3
    enjoy your weekend! have a great saturday night <3
    LVE xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi, thanks for your kind comment! I'm follow you back now!! If you are interested in exchange links/ banners of our blogs, just let me know!

    You really have a lot of tool for you nails :D, I must say i don't pay to much attention to my nails :D
    And I'm very curious now to see how your nails looks :P

    www.cecilleblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hehehe... Thank you! But I think they're just stil regular looking nails, I just bring my own tools at the salon! Hahaha! Thanks for dropping by :) Oh, following you back now too!

      Delete
  37. This is great detailed post. I really like it. Btw I love your blog, I am looking forward to more posts from you =^.^=
    tanyaminxy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much for visiting my blog and for the follow back :)

      Delete
  38. I'm soooo anal when it comes to my nails, that's why I started doing my own and scrapping letting someone else do them hehe, thankyou for the lovely comment on my blog post it was so sweet! I will 100% follow your amazing blog on bloglovin sweetie xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!!! I really love that you came by and followed me :) Hope to see you here again soon!

      Delete
  39. Great post and blog!

    Do you want follow each others?
    Follow me, I follow you back soon!
    Cheap and Glamour

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I am following you back now on GFC, BlogLovin' and liked your FB Page :) I love you blog! Looking forward to more posts from you!

      Delete
  40. following back!

    keep in touch <3

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great post!! What a complete kit you got! I have the nasty habit of biting my nails so I always have to get acrylic ones. I think that if you go to a responsible clean place you won't get fungus!
    Take care
    x
    Bel
    http://b-by-bel.blogspot.fr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! I used to be a nail biter too but I bought those bitter anti-biting serum things and put them on my nails so I would stop biting! Hahaha! Thank you for the visit! Following you back now too!

      Delete
  42. Thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving me a comment! :)
    Your posts seem very helpful!
    Sure, I'd like to follow each other. I am following you on both Bloglovin and GFC.

    xx, A!
    glimpsesofa.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Luv! ♥ hope to see you here again soon!

      Delete
  43. wow I'm not as extreme as you are about protecting my nail supplies, but I do have the same fear of contracting some strange infection in a nail salon. I've heard about people who have had to amputate their infected limbs!

    http://shortandsweetjoy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AAAaaaahhh! For real? All the more I'm thankful about being OC! Thanks so much for dropping by and for the follow!

      Delete
  44. Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I get so freaked out at salons.
    xo
    girlintheyellowdress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! Thank you so much for the visit and the follow back :) Following you now too!

      Delete
  45. Thank you! I am following you now too! :) I wrote a comment for you in french using Google Translate :) Hoping that if I use it enough I will learn your beautiful language :) Thank you again! XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thank you for dropping by :) Following you back now :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Absolutely! I'm actually following you already :) Thank you so much for dropping by and for the follow back!

    ReplyDelete
  48. i love your blog! i'm reading all your posts, and they are really useful! I didn't know this things, thank you so much for all the advices! I follow you now!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Agree, better be safe than sorry! Altought most of salons look fancy and clean, you never know how the tools are being handled. Love your idea for personal salon tools storage :D
    enjoy ^^

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lovely blog:)

    Would you like to follow each other? I follow back x

    http://crystalcosmicchic.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete

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