There’s nothing worse than going about your daily grind, only to have something go epically wrong in the hair, makeup, or skin department. Whether you’ve got a bought of the frizzes, a cat-eye gone awry, or a spray tan that’s bordering on oompa loompa territory — these experts are here to save you, before the rest of your office notices. Heed their advice and then get back to business.
NAIL EMERGENCIES
1. You just got your nails done and you already smudged one. “Dip the pointer finger pad of the opposite hand in nail polish remover (avoiding your freshly painted fingernail) and gently wipe the area that has been smudged, from the cuticle downward,” says Maxus Nails founder Dasha Minina. “Depending on the severity of the smudge, you’ll be able to smooth it out and apply another coat of polish if needed.”
2. One of your nails tore on the side and now it’s snagging everything in sight. “If the nail is ripped on the side, you can buff it out so it’s smooth and doesn’t snag,” advises Minina. “If the nail is broken (but you want to retain the length), you can use a tea bag to enforce the split. Simply empty out the bag and cut off a piece slightly bigger than the split. Apply nail glue to the area, use an orange stick to align the two sides, add some more nail glue and place the tea bag cut out directly on top. Use the wood stick to push it down and keep it in place, before applying a coat of Maxus Nail Strengthener ($20). Buff the area to make sure it’s smooth, then apply a final coat of the strengthener.
4. Your cuticles are looking dry, cracked, crusty. Minina suggests using jojoba oil, on the nail and the surrounding skin area because it replenishes the oil content within the plate, which is the cause of dry, peeling nails. Moisturizing is essential, especially during winter months, she adds. “If jojoba oil is not available, coconut oil can work as well.”