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The Toronto Star

This article appeared in The Toronto Star on January 12, 2006:

The Diva Divine spa kit by Burton includes crystal files, which are healthier for your nails and the environment than metal and paper alternatives.

Crystal files for healthier nails

Jan. 12, 2006. 09:54 AM

DAPHNE GORDON
THE CONSTANT SHOPPER

THE ITEM: Burton crystal Diva Divine spa kit

THE COST: $70, on sale from $110

WHERE TO BUY: For the special price, order directly from http://www.crystalfiles.com.

For information about retail availability in your neighbourhood, call 1-888-642-0770.

Crystal nail files are a better alternative to the metal and paper nail files that you may have been using for years.

Imported from the Czech Republic by Burton, these patented Bohemian glass files are more hygienic than the alternatives and gentler on the nails.

The Constant Shopper can vouch for the claim that crystal files prevent the splitting, cracking and breaking that is so common during dry Canadian winters. My nails are much stronger when I stick to crystal files.

"Women find it much easier to grow their nails if they are using a crystal file," says Monika Burton, the B.C.-based importer of the files. "If you use a metal one, even if you're only using it (as directed) in one direction, it separates the layers of the nail. You can't see it with the naked eye, but it makes it easier for the nails to chip and split."

As well, because of their hard, smooth surface, crystal files do not allow bacterial growth. Washing it with soap and water is enough if you're the only one using your file. They can also be sterilized for use at spas and with friends.

Hygiene in spas became a hot-button issue last year, after American Idol judge Paula Abdul went public with her experience of contracting a serious infection after a manicurist accidentally poked her with a nail file. She ended up having her thumb nail surgically removed and last summer testified before California legislators in support of a bill to increase nail salon health standards.

"It's very easy for something like that happen by accident," says Burton. "I'm not saying they don't care, but sometimes the aesthetician can be very rushed."

Burton recommends bringing your own tools.

"That's why we've created these kits, so that you can bring them along with you to the spa and give it to the aesthetician. Often, we are so concerned about insulting the aesthetician that we don't want to ask, but I just say, 'My skin is very sensitive,' and I feel good that I didn't upset anybody."

The Diva Divine kit, just one of several available on the website, includes three crystal files, a buffer, a nail pencil, toe separators, a cuticle nipper, a heel smoother, a cuticle pusher and cuticle cream.

Single files are also available for about $15. Fashionistas will love the zodiac and Swarovski crystal-encrusted files!

Crystal files are better for the environment than the metal and paper alternatives, Burton notes, because they last a lifetime, provided you take care to avoid snapping the hard crystal in half. (To avoid breakage, be careful not to drop it on a hard surface, and store it in its hard plastic case.)

As well, since they're glass, if they do break they can be recycled rather than go into landfill.
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Daphne Gordon's Constant Shopper column appears every Saturday
in the Shopping section and
Monday to Friday online at
http://www.thestar.com/constantshopper. Email: constantshopper@thestar.ca.