The Style Revolution Challenge is a companion to The Style Bible, your guide to iconic style. This series previews the details that shape a wardrobe as unique as you. Don’t forget to download the digital worksheet at the end for a glimpse into the full experience.
Welcome to part two of the first installment of the Style Revolution Challenge, a five-week journey into often-overlooked aspects of style to help you identify and create Style Signatures™ that elevate and personalize every look. Today’s post is an extension of Week One’s exploration of nails and skin.
After struggling with blurry vision for nearly a year, the first thing I noticed after putting on my new glasses this past weekend was how busted my nails and skin looked. A literal jumpscare. You might ask why I’ve been walking around practically blind for a year. Well, I’ve been on a silly protest against my glasses and contacts in pursuit of getting LASIK surgery. But a year later, I could no longer take it and finally gave in to temporary glasses while continuing my search for the perfect LASIK surgeon. However, the real question is: what do I plan to do to rehabilitate my signature almond nails and flawless skin?
When I first started planning this Style Revolution Challenge, I intended to share the blueprint this December and follow up in January with updates on my own execution. But this absolutely cannot wait. Consider this an extended version of last week’s post. Honestly, I felt like the original post was missing a little spice anyway—it was missing me. ;)
To sweeten the deal, this extension includes a podcast episode alongside even more insights from the original post. We’ll stay on schedule with Week Two’s post on discovering your signature scent, so expect that in your inbox later this week.
Let’s dive in!
Today’s Post Includes:
Nail Basics
Shape
Polish & Overlay Options
Color Patterns & Nail Art
Skincare Basics
Skin Type
Products & Tools That Work
My Skin Arsenal (Approved by Yours Truly)
Paywall - Fabric Snob Inner Circle Members:
The Formula for a Beautiful, Fresh Face
My Personal Skin and Nails Blueprint
Style in Action
Nails and Skin Routine Upgrades
Homework
Polish and Glow: Your Nails & Skin Signature Worksheet
We’re starting with the basics—two unsung heroes of personal style that don’t get nearly enough love: nails and skin. These aren’t just accessories; they’re the foundation upon which your style empire is built. If clothing is the statement, then nails and skin are the punctuation marks. Let’s make sure your commas and exclamation points are on point.
Nails: Small Details, Big Impact
Your nails are tiny style billboards, broadcasting your vibe. Are you rocking classic French tips, moody monochrome, or a playful set that says, “I’m fun, and I know it”? From shape to shade, your nails reveal more about you than you might think.
Start with Shape
Your nail shape should enhance your natural nail bed and complement your fingers’ proportions. Got slim fingers? Almond or oval might be your best bet. Larger nail beds? Square nails could be your chic match. Not sure? Experiment! Finding your signature shape is half the fun.
Polish & Overlay Options
Hate chipped polish but not ready to go full acrylic? You’ve got options:
Gel Polish: Long-lasting and glossy, cured under a UV lamp.
SNS Powder: Strengthens natural nails with nourishing ingredients.
Builder Gel: Lightweight yet durable for strength without the damage.
Colors, Patterns & Nail Art
This is where your personality shines. Start with three signature nail colors: one neutral, one bold, and one that screams seasonal diva. Feeling extra? Add nail art to the mix—whether it’s minimalist line art or 3D museum-worthy designs, the sky's the limit.
Skin: Your Natural Radiance
Your skin is your largest accessory, and it’s front and center every day. Whether you’re into dewy glass skin or matte perfection, a healthy complexion is a style signature in its own right.
Products & Tools That Work
Start simple: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. Not sure where to begin? Budget-friendly brands like Good Molecules and The Ordinary are skincare superheroes.
Feeling fancy? Invest in tools like gua sha for lymphatic drainage or an LED face mask to amp up your glow game.
My Skin Arsenal (Approved by Yours Truly)
Cleanser: Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar
Moisturizer + SPF: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Mineral SPF 30
Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Clear Spray SPF 50
The Formula to a Flawless Fresh Face
Achieving a flawless fresh face isn’t just about skincare. Beyond a consistent routine, a stunning fresh look highlights your natural features, including your brows, lashes, and lips.
Brows
Brows are the focal point of your face. The secret to finding the perfect brow shape is to embrace your natural brow’s unique elements—whether it’s thickness, width, or the natural arch. Decide which features you want to highlight, then consult a professional to shape your brows in alignment with your style. This could include shaping, tinting, or lamination.
Tinting involves using a temporary dye, often henna, to darken the brows and create more dimension. I’m also loving the trend of bleaching your brows, as well. It’s bold and iconic.
Lamination uses a mild relaxer to smooth and style brow hairs, making them more pliable for your desired shape.
Lashes
Lashes perfectly complement your brows. Enhance them with mascara, a lash lift, or lash extensions:
Mascara: Tubular formulas with fine brushes are ideal for length, while volumizing formulas with dense bristles create a dramatic, doll-like look.
The Mascara That’s Had My Heart Since 2014: L’Oreal Telescopic in Carbon Black
Lash Lifts: This treatment uses a lotion to lift and curl straight lashes, often paired with a tint for a darkening effect. Always visit a professional for safety.
Lash Extensions: For the most dramatic results, choose extensions based on density and lash map patterns. To harmonize your lashes with your face, match the lash style to your eye shape and brow intensity. For instance:
Thick brows pair well with lighter volume lashes, while thinner brows work with denser extensions.
Almond eyes suit cat-eye shapes with C-curl lashes, while monolid eyes benefit from L-curl lashes in a dolly placement to enhance and enlarge the eye.
Lips
Lip care is often overlooked but crucial. Crusty lips can overshadow even the most polished look. For soft, supple lips:
Use weekly lip scrubs and daily moisturizers with skincare-worthy ingredients like hyaluronic acid and SPF.
My favorites: Topicals Lip Salve (doubles as an overnight mask) and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C.
A New Era: My Personal Skin and Nails Blueprint
Nails
As I shared in the Style Revolution Challenge introduction, my Saturn return has been intense—stripping away even my most cherished self-care routines. But once I saw the state of my nails and skin, I knew it was time to get back in formation.
I used to be a “nail appointment every two weeks” kind of girl, transitioning from square-rounded gel polish to almond-shaped SNS with designs. However, during my Solidcore era, my nails often split at the nail bed, leading me to step back. Now that I’ve left the cult of Solidcore, I’m ready to return to nail care—this time with a focus on health and style.
For this new nail era, I’m prioritizing length retention and artistry:
Russian manicures, which emphasize nail and cuticle health.
Gel builders, known for their strength and flexibility.
Both are gaining popularity, but I’m still searching for a professional who offers these services along with nail art. My signature almond-shaped nails and nail art remain, but I’m leaning into black-and-white designs over bright colors.
Skin
I’m starting from within to address my skin concerns. The small bumps on my cheeks and seasonal eczema signal a gut imbalance. To restore balance, I’m returning to:
Black seed oil and grapefruit seed extract, recommended by professionals to manage inflammation and candida. (Consult your doctor to find what works best for you.)
For topical care, I’m doubling down on:
My earlier product recommendations.
Weekly at-home facials paired with a facial steamer.
Brows & Lashes
For my brows and lashes, I have a clear vision but haven’t found the right professionals yet. After two years of growing out my brows to their natural thickness, I’m extremely selective about who I trust to shape them. For lashes, I’d love to return to extensions, but I’m hesitant about the bi-weekly upkeep. Stay tuned for updates on my progress!
Style in Action: Nails and Skin Routine Upgrades
Now that we have a basic understanding of the full scope of nails and skin, it’s time to bring your nails and skin to the forefront of your personal style. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate the glow-up!
Mask Monday: Make it a ritual. Detox your skin with a face mask while sipping on something warm and cozy.
Exfoliate Weekly: Buff away dullness for a radiant glow. Use a chemical exfoliant for sensitive skin or physical scrub for tougher spots.
Trim & Hydrate: Maintain nails and cuticles weekly with cuticle oil, and seal with a clear coat for a natural, polished look.
Fuel Up: Iron, biotin, and vitamin D-rich foods will work magic from the inside out. And don’t forget the ultimate beauty hack—water!
Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to professional facials or mani-pedis once a month. It’s self-care, not a splurge.
Homework (Don’t Worry, It’s Fun!)
Complete this week’s worksheet (Polish and Glow: Your Nails & Skin Signature) to reflect on your current routine and discover how to make these elements a cornerstone of your style.
Your nails and skin are the foundation of your style story, and they deserve the same love and attention as your wardrobe. Think of this week as your glow-up prep phase—because when you feel polished and radiant, the confidence you exude makes every outfit look better. Remember, your style revolution starts here, one chic step at a time. Let’s make those fingertips and faces flawless!
What’s your go-to nail color, or do you have a skincare holy grail? Drop it in the comments—I can’t wait to hear about your favorites!
Here’s to polishing and glowing 🥂
xoxo,
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