Our nails can be our calling card. There's just something about sporting well-manicured, freshly-polished nails that help us feel our very best. But are you taking care of your nails as well as you should be?
From basic, everyday activities to manicure habits we never think twice about, you may be shocked at the ordinary things that are doing some real damage to your nails.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, shared five things you need to stop doing immediately if you want your nails to always be on-point.
1. DON'T: Cut your cuticles too much. "Cuticles protect the base of the nails, where the nail is made," Dr. Zeichner notes. "Cutting away cuticles expsose that area to potential infectious organisms."
DO:Push them back -- always!
More from The Stir: 8 Beautiful, Natural Nail Polishes Without the Worst Chemicals
2. DON'T: Clean out the underside of your nail too abrasively. "Trauma can lead to separation of the nail from the finger," Dr. Zeichner says. "This allows yeast to grow under the nail, preventing the nail from reattaching. This is known as onycholysis."
DO:Be careful about cleaning, especially while using an instrument that can separate the nail from the nail bed.
3. DON'T: Bite hangnails. Never use your teeth -- no matter how tempted you are to get rid of that sucker in a pinch.
DO: "Cut it with a sterilized cuticle scissor, and apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin," Dr. Zeichner explains. "Infections of the cuticle and soft tissue around it is known as a paronychia and can lead to permanent nail deformity."
More from The Stir: 12 Wintry Blue Nail Polishes We're More Than a Little Obsessed With (PHOTOS)
4. DON'T: Overexpose your nails to water. "Whether it is from household cleaning, handwashing, or doing the dishes -- excess exposure to water can dry out not only your skin but also your nails," Dr. Zeichner says. "Dry nails are brittle, easily breakable, and can peel at the tips."
DO:Protect your hands. Use gloves when you are doing the dishes, and always moisturize both hands and nails after you feel they've spent a bit too much time under water.
5. DON'T: Get artificial nails. "The glue from fake nails can causes damage to the nails themselves," Dr. Zeichner shares. "While they can provide a protective barrier to the nail when they're on, when they're taken off it causes damage to your nails themselves."
DO: Own your own tips. Take care of your nails and get them manicured regularly if you desire a well-groomed look.
Image via sirastock/iStock.com
When we're talking about snowflakes and glowy lights, we love winter. It's the best. But when December hits and we remember the way icy winds desecrate our skin, we start thinking twice. It's a good thing, then, that there are so many fantastic body lotions ready to sweep in and save our struggling relationship with winter, because we really want the two of us to get along.
Getting a manicure can be pure bliss for a busy mom. But sneaking out the door and leaving the kids and chores behind is no easy feat. If you've ever had difficulty making the great escape, you'll relate to these 12 stages of one mom just trying to keep her nails on-point.
If you’re lucky enough to get an invitation to a winter wedding, you’ll definitely want to reach for an embellished sheath dress. During this festive time of the year, it’s nice to give your LBD (little black dress) a rest and reach for something with a little sparkle. 
Some of the most beautiful tattoos are of nature -- trees, leaves, wildflowers, mountains -- and there are very creative ways to create a tattoo around the great outdoors.
Wondering how to transition your look from day to evening without a lot of effort this hectic holiday season? A series of simple changes will transform your ensemble from functional to phenomenal! 
Mary-Kate Olsen's engagement ring from Olivier Sarkozy is a massive vintage Cartier with diamonds and sapphires. It's major. But we didn't know the 
The 'it' look of the moment is all about velvet. It's plush and luxe and so very festive -- plus, the fabric will keep you warm and cozy. From sexy velvet dresses to even velvet underthings -- this collection of velvety goodies will have you dying to indulge.
Imagine a shampoo that not only promises to be sulfate-free, but also assures it can take the place of your daily conditioner, deep conditioner, and detangler. Sweet, right? Now let's say you splurge and buy a bottle, take it home, and use it -- and your 
'Tis the season ... for feeling festive, spending time with the special people in your life, and sharing the love. We want to experience the joy of this time of year with YOU -- our lovely readers -- so we're excited to celebrate with The Stir's 12 Days of Giveaways!
It's the holiday season! The time of year for feeling festive, spending time with the special people in your life, and spreading good cheer. We want to experience the joy of this time of year with YOU -- our lovely readers -- so we're excited to celebrate with The Stir's 12 Days of Giveaways!
Braids are the perfect style for the holidays, but it's easy to feel like like your braiding game isn't Princess Leia–strong enough to master certain styles. One look that's much easier than it appears: this infinity braid! You can take your basic braiding skills and create this beautiful braided bun look.
Many of us wouldn't associate holiday time with sexy time, what with all the turkey and Christmas cookies we're busy scarfing down. But then again, the deadly combination of eggnog and mistletoe has been known to lead to dirty deeds. For such occasions, there is holiday-themed lingerie, in all its tinseled, candy-cane thonged, fishnetted, unintentionally funny, naughty-Claus glory.
Merry holiday season! We're celebrating this wonderful season of giving with YOU -- our lovely readers -- with The Stir's 12 Days of Giveaways! Check out what we're giving away today!
Ah, the 1980s. The decade that gave us The Breakfast Club, Miami Vice, and A-ha's "Take on Me." Not everything that came out of the '80s ended up a classic, however. In fact, we can think of more than a few fashion trends from the neon-filled decade that we hope never resurface. Yes, headbands worn over mullets, we're talking about you. 
Happy holidays! We're celebrating this joyful season of giving with YOU -- our fabulous readers -- with The Stir's 12 Days of Giveaways! And have we got a treat for you today!
