Look Good ... Feel Better

 Look Good … Feel Better, an organization  which helps women who are facing the challenges of cancer treatment to look good and feel better about themselves, is celebrating its 20th anniversary – as is OPI Nail Lacquer.  To mark the occasion, we've designed a special Look Good … Feel Better display featuring our everyone-loves-it shade of Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer.  In addition, OPI has made a donation to the   organization, to support its effort to increase patient participation by 20% this year.

 Look Good … Feel Better offers a free workshop where women undergoing cancer treatment can learn simple beauty techniques for skin and nail care, makeup application, and coping with hair loss – plus receive a complimentary bag of makeup and a healthy dose of self-confidence.   Show your support -- because making a difference feels good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Say Faux

I know.  Summer means lots more bare skin, and nothing looks better on bare skin than a golden, glowing suntan -- NOT!  Faux is the way to go; if you don't believe me, just ask the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  In a 2008 study, NCI reports that between 1980 and 2004, the increase in invasive cutaneous melanoma cases (skin cancer at its worst) was 54%.* And although melanoma accounts for only 3% of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75% of skin cancer deaths.  Don't become part of that statistic.  If tan is the look you crave, go with one of today's state-of-the-art self-tanners at the cosmetic counter, or an all-over beautiful bronzing cream or gel.  And please, please use the right SPF when you're out in the sun.  Check out www.cancer.gov for the latest from the National Cancer Institute on how to stay safe in the sun this summer.  

* Caucasian women in the U.S., ages 18-39

One, Two, Three Free

OPI is proud that its Nail Lacquer is what has been termed "Three-Free" -- meaning that it contains no DPB (dibutyl phthalate), Toluene, or Formaldehyde.  Beauty blog bellasugar.com offers a shout-out to OPI and other nail color companies whose formulas are Three-Free; as well as a downloadable card from the National Healthy Nail Salon Alliance listing these brands so that you'll remember whenever you visit your nail salon.

Breathe Life!

  The facts can leave you breathless: 

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of women, making it more deadly than the six next largest cancer killers combined.  And 60% of new lung cancer victims will be non-smokers. OPI’s Breathe Life Nail Lacquer (a fresh-air, silvery blue) was created exclusively to help the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (and Lung Cancer Canada) in its efforts to raise funds for early detection, diagnosis, and, most of all, a cure.  OPI has also made a donation to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.  For more information about the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, please visit www.LCFAmerica.com. For more info about Lung Cancer Canada, go to www.lungcancercanada.ca.  Lung cancer has stopped our breathing long enough.  NOW, LET'S CURE IT.

Pink About How You Can Help

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time to remind yourself and all your girls (your mom, sister, girilfriends) to schedule your annual mammogram.  Empower yourself by getting the facts about breast health and breast cancer from your doctor as well as other resources (e.g., Susan G. Komen for the Cure), and then do your part to stay healthy with monthly breast self-exams.  You can also demonstrate the "power of pink" by wearing Pink of Hearts 2, OPI's newest Nail Lacquer created to build support for breast cancer awareness, research, and finding a cure.  This 2008 Edition of Pink of Hearts is a full-of-life light pink -- a color of hope, optimism, and positivity -- and a beautiful way to salute women everywhere as they fight this disease. OPI will make a donation of $25,000 to Komen for the Cure in 2008. Be pretty -- and powerful! -- in pink.

A Clean Salon is a Safe Salon

Not only do you deserve excellent service and beautiful results when you enjoy your regular mani or pedi -- you also deserve a clean, healthy salon environment.  Many women bring their own salon essentials to every appointment -- files, clipper, cuticle pusher -- but the concern extends to all salon equipment, including surfaces, implements, and equipment, such as pedicure spa tubs.  OPI takes salon sanitation seriously -- and so should you.  We offer a complete system of sanitation products that provides the maximum level of germ-fighting protection, for hands and feet as well salon implements, pedicure spa tubs, and more.  New OPI Spa Complete One-Step Cleaner & Disinfectant is a hospital-grade disfectant and a must-have for every salon.  What can you do to keep your salon experience safe and healthy?  ASK.  Ask if your salon cleans and disinfects its tools and spa tubs before each service (they must!).  Ask about your salon's sanitation practices.  And ask if your salon uses OPI Spa Complete.  It's your right to enjoy clean, worry-free salon services -- if your salon doesn't measure up, move on to one that does.

Mommys Love Manicures

For moms busy running around after toddlers all day, a pampering manicure at a professional salon is a terrific way to relax and recharge.  Ask for a Manicure by OPI spa service to rejuvenate hands and nails (and your spirits!) with a luxurious system of facial-qualtiy products. (Don't forget to splurge on a sitter so that you can have this time for yourself.) The perfect shade for mommy manicures?  Parents magazine offers OPI's Suzi Loves Sydney (a rich shade of wine) as a beautiful choice for fall.  Who says moms can't look fabulous?

You Time

I was in the bookstore about a month ago, right after school had started, and overheard a woman tell the sales clerk, "I can't wait to start reading again!  Now that the kids are in school, I've finally got some time of my own."  That made me realize again just how little time we, as women, may have to ourselves.  Between caring for kids, husbands, partners, aging parents, our jobs, life crises, everyday stresses, and more, it's not easy to carve out that time to just exhale -- but it's so important that we do.  Experts recommend designating a space in your home -- even a screened-off section of a room -- as your retreat.  Choose favorite objects to put in this area that you find comforting and relaxing, whether it's pottery, candles, paintings, a beautiful afghan, big pillows, a vase of flowers -- or keep it simple.  Then try to take at least 20 minutes each day to retreat there (even setting your alarm a half hour earlier in the morning is worth it).  Let your family know that this is your private space, and that when you are in it, you are not to be interrupted.  You'll find that these few minutes to yourself, whether you read, meditate, knit, listen to music, or just stretch, will help to ground you and remind you that you are worth taking care of.  The only rule is that the time spent in your space is to be just about you.  This little piece of time really can give you a little more peace of mind.

Share the Power of Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, time to remember to schedule your mammogram and to wear a pink ribbon in support of the fight against this disease.  With more than two million women in the US alone afflicted with breast cancer, it's essential that you speak with your doctor about when and how often you need a mammogram, and learn how to do a breast self-exam each month.  There are also many sources available online, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, that can provide valuable information and answer your questions (in addition to, not instead of, your doctor's advice).  Another way to show your support is through wearing Pink of Hearts, a new OPI Nail Lacquer created exclusively to support Komen for the Cure in its promise to end breast cancer forever (plus, OPI is making a donation of $25,000 to the organization).  A helpful, hopeful light pink, Pink of Hearts represents the power of caring, the power of women supporting each other, and the power of pink (and it's so pretty!).  My hope is that you all stay in the pink!

Comfy Cuticles

Okay, maybe cuticles aren't the most glamorous topic of conversation, but well-cared-for cuticles mean fingertips that look better and feel better, too.  The first rule of cuticle care?  Never cut.  Cuticles are a protective barrier for your nailbeds, and cutting them can only lead to no good.  Instead, gently push cuticles back with a towel after washing your hands. And be sure to apply a rich, hydrating oil, like Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil, daily to keep cuticles soft and smooth.  Out-of-control cuticles?  Exfoliation can do the trick.  Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment is a gentle alpha hydroxy formula that eliminates dry, rough cuticles while replenishing essential moisture and lipids.  And for cuticle care on the go, look for Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go, coming next month.  It replenishes essential moisture and lipids with all kinds of goodies -- like Vitamin E plus Avocado, Sunflower, Sesame, and Kukui Nut oils.  Plus, it comes in the cutest little tube with brush (perfect for even your tiniest purse), and has a lead-proof, lock-tight closure.  Now who's the got the cutest cuticles?