Lea Michele Goes Green To the SAG Awards

It’s no secret that SAG nominee, Lea Michele is a huge fan of HIPPxRGB nude nails, especially for red carpet events and award shows.  But “it’s not all just about the nails, not even close,” says her nail stylist, Jenna Hipp.  “Our sessions are practically a ritual now, the polish is the finishing touch.”

A pre-carpet relaxation treatment includes a salt detox scrub, stress relief aromatherapy oils, hand, leg and foot massage to promote circulation, hydrating cuticle treatments with major omega’s and to top it off, a moisturizer that literally melts onto the skin when applied with a foundation brush. Luxury, yes.  And you, too, deserve it - everyday.

Get Jenna Hipp’s must-have products for an organic and eco infused mani/pedi treatment that includes and incorporates the entire body.

Dr. Hauschka Neem Oil Pen gets product right where you want it- and no where else.

Dr. Hauschka Hand Cream smells like soft roses and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.

Dr. Hauschka St. Johnswort Foot Cream smells delicious and leaves a powdery soft finish.

John Masters Organics Cacao and Cupuacu Hand and Body Butter literally melts on the skin.  I like to apply it with a foundation brush.

One Love Organics Detox Soak whitens nails when scrubbed with a toothrush and Supercritical Chia Oil absorbs into dry skin instantly to treat deep down for lasting benefits.

RGB Cosmetics “Base” is my favorite. It is the perfect prep for polish.

HIPPxRGB Nail Foundation “F2” is Lea’s perfect opaque nude with her skintone.  She wanted nails to blend to the focus could remain on the dress without being distracting.

H. Gillerman Organics Stress Remedy is applied on wrists, backs of knees and on bottoms of feet to create instant calm.

Ilia “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” highlighter applied up the fingers and on the backs of hands as a final touch for hands to appear healthy and hydrated all night long.

The Fashion Spot: Spring’s Hot Nail Polish Collections

What’s A “Green Manicure” ? (In my opinion)

Why did you decide to “go green” when it comes to manicures?

After personally experiencing extremely negative side effects (nosebleeds, rashes, memory loss, etc) I discovered many others in the industry have had many of the same experiences, if not much worse. I decided for my own health, as well as the health of my clients, that I was only going to use “green” products (free of these harmful chemicals) from that point on.

So, what is a “green” manicure?

A “green” manicure is a manicure free of harmful chemicals.  I only use nail polish that is “3 Free,” meaning without formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP.  Acetone-free nail polish remover is also the only way to go!  My favorite products contain lots of organic, natural ingredients, and I also only use lotions and hand treatments that don’t contain parabens (a harmful preservative).  (NOTE:  Chemical preservatives called parabens include methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)

Here are some fun ways to go glam and green at the same time:

Start with a beauty exchange.  Get all your girlfriends together and bring your unused beauty products…then everyone swap!  We all have a great nail polish or lipstick that just isn’t our color, but we can’t bring ourselves to throw away. A beauty exchange makes sure everyone goes home feeling like they just went on a fantastic free shopping spree!

Make your own manicure treatments. For the ultimate “green” concoction, skip the store and head to your kitchen.  Mix a little raw sugar or sea salt with a tablespoon of grapeseed oil to create a hand scrub. Dab extra virgin coconut oil on your cuticles to hydrate them. To make a sanitizing spray, create a solution of 40% water and 60% alcohol in a refillable spray bottle.  This solution also helps a mani/pedi last days longer if you spray it on before applying your basecoat.

Part of being green is being eco-friendly, so please recycle your used beauty product containers.  Check out Earth911.com to find a recycling center in your area.

What are some of your favorite “green” products to use? Also, what makes them different from traditional nail products?

Companies like Priti NYC, Butter London and Zoya are amazing!  Not only is their color selection amazing, but they’re all “3 Free”.

How can our readers achieve a “green” or mani pedi at home? Any tips?

The best way is to create a “green nail kit”. Go through your products, read ingredients and toss anything that includes formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.  Since these are considered harmful chemicals, please only dispose of them at proper hazardous waste locations.  Earth911.com can help you locate your closest center.  Replace discarded nail products that are over a year old. Make sure your nail polish remover does not have acetone.  I’m a big fan of Priti NYC Soy Nail Polish Remover.  You won’t believe how good it smells!

What are some of your top “Hipp Tips” for extending the life of a mani or pedi?

Before applying nail polish, swipe your nail with the above mentioned homemade sanitizing spray.  This solution will remove natural oils from the nail so that polish can adhere better and last longer.

Use a base coat, two coats of polish and a top coat (preferably all from the same brand), as they were formulated to work together so your manicure will have its longest life.

Need nails to dry faster?  Try your blow drier on the “cool” setting.  Just remember to take it out of the drawer BEFORE you paint!