Vertical Fingernail Ridges? Don't Worry---Quite Normal

Vertical fingernail ridges. Let's be frank here, the ridges aren't pretty. And no, you can't file them down and make them disappear, unfortunately. We've already tried.

But don't freak out----the condition is quite normal, according to the experts at the famous Mayo Clinic:

"Vertical nail ridges, which extend from your cuticle to the tip of your nail, are fairly common and often become more numerous or prominent as you age. Vertical ridges in your nails are not a health concern. Although the exact cause of such ridging isn't known, heredity likely plays a role."

Hmmm. We don't like these vertical ridges, but then again, it's the horizontal ridges we should be concerned about, says the Mayo Clinic:

"If your fingernails change color or develop horizontal ridges, see your doctor. These changes may indicate underlying health problems, such as respiratory disease, malnutrition or even heart attack."

Our best nail advice: Don't worry about the ridges. But do worry about having strong, healthy nails. There's nothing worse than splits and cracks, and weak nail beds.

There are some super nail strengtheners out there, like this cult favorite:

Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener ($16.99, follica). This little bottle has a huge following of fans. Hard to find, but we located a stash at folica.com. One woman says she's been using Mavala for some 30 years. Now, that's an opinion we can trust.

Mavala describes their little nail hardener this way:
The tip of nail is the most fragile part which breaks easily. Logic and experience have proven that it is the tip of nail which needs to be strengthened. This Scientifique is a special treatment for the nail tip. It helps prevent splitting or flaking, strengthens soft nails. It features fast result, ease to apply and economical. And one little bottle lasts an entire year.

Exuviance's New Peel Off Mask Gets You Red Carpet Ready

Gotta love the peel-off mask. It wakes up a tired, dull complexion in sheer minutes. And let's be honest-----isn't it kind of fun to peel away the dirt, debris, and dead skin cells with it?

We've just tried a new peel-off mask full of anti-aging ingredients by Exuviance:
Rejuvenating Treatment Masque ($30, neostrata.com. And this refreshing, cool mask gets you red carpet ready in just a few minutes.

First....the mask will give you clearer skin. And secondly, Exuviance's Rejuvenating Peel-Off mask does what great anti-aging products do, and that is---stimulate cell renewal and exfoliate for brighter, healthier skin.

The Rejuvenating Treatment Masque is different from other peel-offs. It's concentrated and very powerful. This is what the folks at NeoStrata say:

"...Alpha and Polyhydroxy acids (AHA/PHA) that offer full-strength anti-aging benefits without irritation. Gluconolactone, a potent Polyhydroxy Acid decreases lines and wrinkles by strengthening the skin and building the dermal matrix so skin appears fuller and plumper. This gentle exfoliant and natural antioxidant also improves the skin's clarity, luminosity and refines pore size, leaving skin truly refreshed and rejuvenated. The addition of Mandelic Acid (AHA) helps to visibly reduce wrinkled areas, while Vitamins A, C, E and a Pro Vitamin B Complex provide superior moisturization.".

It's smart to use a mask once a week or every other week, to wake up a tired, dull complexion. And trust us, this one makes you feel alive and alert. And after you peel away the mask, say hello to a more radiant face and neck.

Are You Willing To Pay $150 For 6 Fl. Oz. Of Conditioner?!

At $150 for a 6 fluid ounce tube of hair conditioner, well, this beauty product better give us Gisele Bundchen locks and Tom Brady as a bonus accessory, ha ha.

So, the question begs----Are you willing to pay $150 for 6 fl. oz. of conditioner?!

Celebrities like Penelope Cruz are willing to pay, but then again, her beauty budget probably has no limits. And girlfriend does have a glossy, gorgeous mane.

Maybe it is the Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme. The hair expert who developed the expensive conditioner, Philip B., himself, has boasted that Russian Amber Imperial is "10 times more effective than any other formula."

Let's take a look inside this tony tube of hair magic:
Amber Oil, Eleven L-Amino Acids, & Pure Plant Extracts---
Nettle, Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Burdock & Grape Seed.

And according to the website, your mane will look and feel pretty darned good after one use:

"Philip B® Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Crème restores hair's pH balance for superior detangling and shine. It makes fine hair feel thick and lush. It softens coarse, difficult hair, turning it silky and manageable. And on damaged hair, the luxuriant, rejuvenating formula sinks right in, restoring precious moisture and elasticity to dry, parched strands."

By the way, there is a Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo that has won numerous beauty awards, Lucky and Vogue magazines, just to name a couple. And you can get a hefty 12 fl. oz. jar of the shampoo for $140.

As Philip B. says, "Treat your hair like royalty — the Imperial way!"

Now, if only our pocketbook felt the same way.