It’s suggest that you bite them, tear them, or clip them, but whatever way you choose, trimming a baby’s nails is never fun.

What if we told you that there was a magical machine that would make baby manicures stress-free? Zoli’s award-winning Buzz B nail trimmer is a buffing machine, which gently files down the nails using textured pads. There are two different settings, and four different pads (depending on baby’s age.) The pads are soft enough that they won’t damage skin, and the Buzz B works on infants and toddlers.

Yes, we know it sounds expensive, but the good news is, the Buzz B is only $36, which is less than the cost of a manicure. Now, if only they’d invent a magic machine to paint our nails for us. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Buzz B Nail Trimmer, $36 at www.safandbenjamin.com

Fancy a little update for spring? Herewith, some beauty trends sure to put a skip in your step.

Perfect Plaits
Braids are so chic right now, and we’re not talking Pippi Longstocking plaits, but rather messy braided up-dos that no matter how long they take to create, look effortless.

Editor's pick: This gorgeous Italian bride more is bang on the mark. Don’t you just adore her Valentino gown, too?

Chic Shades
Is anyone else tired of talon art? Bring back natural, freshly buffed nails, I say. Creamy, feminine shades of grey, pink, vanilla and caramel are in for Spring.

Editor's pick:  Try Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Naked (pictured), $16 at www.lippmanncollection.net

Bright Eyes
Coloured mascara (not a typo) is making a comeback. Before you dismiss the idea, try it; the right colour lifts the face and makes the eyes pop.

Editor's pick: Try Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Exaggerated Lashes Mascara in Vibrant Plum, Violet and Blue are the pick of the season. $36 at www.holtrenfrew.com —Athena Tsavliris

The best part of a pedi is getting our twinkle toes kneaded by a pro.

Suat at Jeanet Spa doesn’t make us wait until the end, but rather integrates massage techniques throughout her treatment. In between soaks, scrubs and snips,
the lovely Tunisian native gives our feet a strong-handed pressure point massage that is downright heavenly.

We leave feeling both relaxed and ready to walk a thousand miles. —Athena Tsavliris

Jeanet Spa, 140 Yorkville Ave., 2nd Floor, Toronto, 416-921-2996, www.jeanetspa.com

You won’t find the prim symmetry of a “basic French,” or the luxe trend-baiting of magazine manis, on the nail art blogfolio of local artist and OCAD grad Mahban. But the ad hoc presentation of colours, lines and patterns is what makes the completely custom, lo-fi designs so necessary.

“I want my art to be a portrait of the wearer,” says Mahban, who digs bright colours and bold patterns; she likens nails to moving, temporal canvases. Last summer she showed (and did) nails at cool contemporary art space 52 McCaul. You can e-mail her to set up an appointment, but Mahban's back next Sunday, August 28, with nail artist Michelle LeFebvre for an afternoon nail party at Dundas West creative co-op Miracle Thieves.

Just in time for the September debut of the fall clothes you've been hoarding all month. —Anupa Mistry

www.mahban.tumblr.com

In summer, the frequency of our pedicures goes up almost threefold.

To give wallets a fighting chance, an arsenal of good, reasonably-priced spas is a necessity. Do yourself a favour and add Arona Nail and Spa to your rotation. The Standard Pedicure is just $28 and includes a thorough buff and relaxing massage in a pristine setting.

Arona welcomes walk-ins and has a wide selection of OPI, Essie and China Glaze polishes. But when we realized it was full of regulars (including super-cute moms and daughters on a spa day) we knew it was a keeper.


Arona Nail and Spa, 205 Davenport Rd., Toronto, 416-413-1100, www.aronanailspa.com