Doctor's Advice: Shellac Gel Manicures. Are they safe?

First of all, Happy New Year to my readers! 

I recently got a free Shellac manicure from a local salon. I took advantage of their offer during my Christmas break and added a little bit of fun with a cute Chanel add- on. The cost of the service is $30. My frugal self would never shell out such money on a service!

They told me the Shellac mani would last for about 2 weeks- which is accurate. Around the two week mark, my nails grew long enough that you could clearly see a line of demarcation- making me tempted to start peeling it off. They say that you need to dip your finger in acetone to take the polish off, but I was able to peel it off on my own with no added equipment.

Now, although I loved the look of the polish when I initially got it, or maybe I was just excited because I had not had a mani in so long, this is NOT a service that I would recommend. Here is why....

1. They actually use UV light (the same UV light used in tanning beds) to set the polish. UV light = cancer risk. Now I tan very easily, and I noticed when I got back home that my fingers looked slightly tanner. NOT a good look!

2. For some reason, the polish did not dry right on me- when I would take my fingers from under the UV light, the polish would have ridges in it - forcing the nail attendant to start all over - dipping my fingers in acetone, scraping off the polish, and starting from step 1. The whole process took over an hour... who has time for that... Not I!

3. During the step of scraping off the polish- they use metal tools. These metals tooks look verrryyy similar to the equipment used in a dental office or even in the operating room. I began to question how CLEAN are these tools? I know they dip them in cleaner--- but are they realllyyyy that clean. This is something that turned me off to the whole experience.

4. When they scrape off the polish, the tools go beyond your cuticle... a littttle to close for comfort. I am sure people get cuts all the time from these metal tools. This makes you are high risk for infection.

5. The gel is actually BAKED into your top layer of nail. While this may be OK for once in a while, if you are getting it done all the time, the damage is equivalent to multiple dye jobs on your hair, or use of excess heat.

As for me.... from now on I will stick to my regular nail polish!

Kumare - Fake guru, real truth

A must see documentary that should be on everyone list! Very thought provoking...

Residency Interviews: How to Prepare!

Residency interviews are a long and grueling part of becoming a full pledged physician. We fly around the country, with our suits, heels, and bags ready to start the rest of our lives. Residency interviews are unlike any other job. No offer is given on the spot, and the program is trying to win you over just as much as you are trying to convince them that you are a competent person.  This can be an exciting time in the life of a medical student but is also a very stressful one. Depending on the field of medicine that the applicant decided to enter, they may not have much say in where they end up in their list of programs ranked for match day. When you take into consideration family life, and long term aspirations, the matching process is life changing.

So here are a few tips for applicants and well as those interviewing for jobs in general:

1. Always look your best. Get a haircut, have a neutral hair color, and wear neutral makeup. Now is not the time to make a bold statement.

2. Find a mature suit that flatters your body type and can be used for years to come. Honestly... how often are you going to wear a suit? I prefer to play it safe and wore a plain black suit with white cami underneath. Paired with Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps in Black, I was good to go for a whole day of interviewing while still looking stylish and put together.

3. If your suit does not fit properly, get it altered! There is nothing worse than having your pants drag on the ground or an ill fitting suit!

4. Do your research. Read about the program, the attendings, the city etc. This is your time to ask all the necessary questions.

5. Carry a professional bag.

6. Get business cards from everyone who interviews you! Write thank you letters within 2 weeks.

7. Smell great! The sense of smell is powerful...

8. Be confident. Don't be intimidated by those vying for the spot/ spots you really want. If you get an interview... you deserve to be there and should carry yourself as so!

9. Smile! In the end... people want to work with happy, and positive people who can also get the job done.

Good luck! 

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My Mac lipstick collection! Shades for Indians / Asians.

From left to right:

Mac Honeylove: Matte formula. The lightest of the bunch. I little too light on it's own, but works great with a light lip gloss on top. It is a bit drying.

Mac Mocha: Satin. My first Mac lipstick. The darkest of the group. A nice brown/ pink shade. Would work well for those with skin tones darker than mine as well. 

Mac Half and Half: Amplified.This is my favorite finish for mac lipsticks and I wish they had more colors! Great neutral for work or with dramatic eyes. A nice brown/ pink shade once again.

Mac Kinda Sexy: Matte but not drying at all! I beautiful pink that works for olive/ indian/ asian skin tones. I think it works so well because it has some coral/ warmth to it.

Mac Ravishing: Cremesheen. This is my go to lipstick on vacations and in the summer. It instantly brightens up your face and I like to wear it when minimal/ no eye makeup.

Ombre Hair on Indian or Asian Hair!

I recently got asked by a local salon to be a hair model. I jumped at the idea of trying a new style! During the consultation, they recommended that I try the Ombre Hair style. I've seen Ombre done great and very poorly, so took some time to do research on this hair style. Speaking with the owner at the salon, she told me why Ombre is hot right now.... One - since the color is on the bottom, you don't have to get touch ups like traditional highlights. Two- The hair is protected from the elements a little more on the underside and therefore will not fade or get damaged as quickly. Three - Ombre hair can look natural and gorgeous if done right. This is a style that i suggest you do NOT do at home - as you don't want to end up with the dipped in look. Here are some pictures of ombre colored celebs. I will post up pics when I get the coloring done!

A great video on Ombre done on gorgeous Asian hair. I would love if my hair looked like this!

True or False: I need to drink eight glasses of water a day.

OK... This is something I hear all the time... everywhere. I remember a period of time in high school when this craze began. Somehow it was wrought into all out heads that we need to drink 8 glasses of water a day! Girls would bring to school mini jugs of water to sip on all throughout the day. Along with that came multiple visits to the ladies room! We are constantly told that water is one of the keys to maintaining beautiful and youthful skin. We are told to drink water to exhaustion and if we don't there will be consequences.

So what is true?!

This statement is absolutely false. What is true is that up to 60% of your body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are composed 90% of water.Our bodies have an amazing way of maintaining homeostasis, and sometimes we just have to trust that it can work itself. Our kidneys contain a complex system that control how much water is absorbed into the system and how much is excreted in urine. The kidneys also maintain salt balance and blood pressure. When your body needs water - It will let you know!

Remember, "water" is not only in what we drink, but also in the foods we eat. An apple for example is around 85% water!

In fact, drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia ( too much water and not enough salt). This itself can have negative impacts on the body.

So... while it is important to stay hydrated and drink water multiple times a day.. we should not get caught up on this figure. We should however, listen to our bodies, and use that as a gauge for what we need - whether is is more water, more sleep, or more exercise.