[Nail Care] Base & Top Coats, Treatments, Oils, Removers!

I Bought This Press Sample

Hi everyone! Now that we're getting into fall, I thought it'd be a good time to do another nail care post. It's been requested for a while now (hi, Steph!), but I honestly didn't have more to say since my nail care post from earlier this year. If anything, I use less products in the summer. ^^;; During the second half of summer, I started testing out a lot of new products, so I wanted to share my thoughts on them with you.

I'm going to warn you - this is a long and wordy post. Feel free to skip around to the parts you're most interested in. ^^

Hand Perfection Anti-Aging Hand Care System Review & Giveaway

Press Sample

Hi everyone!  Today I'll be sharing with you this new hand care system developed with Ellen Sirot, the nation's top hand model.  Here's some information on this new line:

Hand Perfection® is the only Anti-Aging Hand Care treatment line available at mass  market. The line consists of a Nourishing Day Cream and Revitalizing Night Cream  which when used together, are clinically proven to help turn back the hands of time -  guaranteed! The fragrance-free, non-greasy formulas go on smooth and absorb quickly for an invisible, weightless feel. There is also a Nail and Cuticle Treatment which is clinically proven to moisturize the cuticles and help improve the look and feel of the nail bed for an overall healthy and beautiful looking hand.

Shown here is the limited edition introductory promotion pack, which comes with a Nourishing Day Cream, Revitalizing Night Cream and a Nail and Cuticle Treatment.  The system is clinically proven to show results in just 2 weeks.  So here are my thoughts after using them for a little over 2 weeks.

Julep Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum + Invisible Dry Shampoo Review

Hey all!  One of my readers requested a review of the Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum I got in my April Maven box, so here it is. :)  I've only used these for a few days, so please note that this is more like a first impressions review.

Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum

First off, I just want to say that I love the packaging for both the box and the cuticle pen!

I love this sleek design, but it is a little bulky.  Compared to their previous rollerball cuticle oil, this one is roughly twice the length.

When you open the cap, you'll see that the applicator is a brush.  The other end twists to release the oil into the brush.  I had to twist mine like crazy at first to get the product to come out.  Once it starts coming out though, you only need to twist it once or twice.  The oil itself has no fragrance and the brush does a good job of evenly applying the oil to your cuticles.  Actually, I don't even think it's an oil, so I probably shouldn't call it that.  It's really a serum like it says, so it dries quickly once applied.  You don't have to rub it in, and it doesn't make your cuticles oily.

At this point, I can't really tell you how effective or moisturizing this is.  It does seem to temporarily take care of dryness if you need to quickly mask it.  However, I will need to test it longer for long term results.


Invisible Dry Shampoo

I tried this for the first time yesterday and thought it was okay.  I've never used dry shampoo before, so I can't really give you any comparisons.  However, based on my experience, I would say that the Invisible Dry Shampoo is satisfactory.  It doesn't have any added fragrance to it, so it basically smells something like hair spray.  It doesn't smell bad and it's not overpowering.  When sprayed to my roots as directed, I noticed that it did a good job of absorbing the oil.  In terms of volume, it didn't add much, but I also have really long hair.  After I was done, I didn't notice any white residue as long as I sprayed it close to my roots.  For reference, I have black hair.  I did see some white residue when I accidentally sprayed some directly on my hair.  But for the most part, it was invisible when used correctly.


Hope you find this product review helpful!  Have you tried any of these?  Let me know in the comments! :)

Liz

Essie Nail Care Line Follow Up

Press Sample

Hi guys!  As promised, here's my follow up on these three Essie products after having used them exclusively for 1.5 months.  For my first impression and in depth product description, visit my previous post found here.


Apricot Cuticle Oil:  I've used this consistently on nearly an every day basis.  Usually before and after a mani, or whenever my cuticles looked like they could use some love.  Because it absorbs quickly, I was able to use it between swatching sessions as well.  When I started out, my cuticles were a bit dry but now they are in good condition.  This may also be due to regular use.  I generally kept it around me so that I remembered to use it. 

*Helps dry cuticles?  Yes, with consistent use.
*Maintains cuticles?  Yes.  Again with consistent use.


Millionails Treatment:  This was my only base coat for 1.5 months.  I even wore it on its own over bare nails and during swatching sessions.  Basically, it's supposed to strengthen your nails and resist peeling.  Lately I've been having problems with my pointer and middle nails peeling where the corners curve.  After using this, I'm happy to say my nails have stopped peeling!  Peeling up to this point had been inevitable on my left pointer nail once it got long.  Right now my nails are pretty long and not even a sign of peeling.  So happy!  This will be joining my regular nail care routine. :)

*Resists peeling?  Yes!
*Resists splitting?  Yes.


Fill The Gap Treatment:  I don't have any major ridges in my nails, so I've been using this as another base coat over the Millionails Treatment.  I mainly used it only when using very pigmented colors to prevent staining and under creme polishes for extra smoothness. x)  It's nice, but I don't think it's essential to my nail care routine because I don't have any ridges.  It did prevent staining though. ^^

*Conceals imperfections?  Yes.  The sheer color is nice for covering minor staining.  Great if you wear a lot of sheer nudes or pinks.
*Fills in ridges?  Not applicable to me, so I'm still not sure.


Verdict:  I definitely love the Millionails treatment.  The cuticle oil is nice as well and smells very good.  The only thing I wouldn't purchase when I run out is the Fill The Gap Treatment because I don't really need it.  But I think it's worth a try if you're looking for something to fill nail ridges.  As always, these are my honest opinions based on my experience.  Results can vary from person to person depending on factors like lifestyle and body chemistry.

Availability:  Apricot Cuticle Oil retails for $8 / Millionails Treatment for $10 / Fill In The Gap Treatment for $10.  Visit Essie.com for a full list of their nail care line and to find a store near you.


Liz

My Nail Care Routine

Hey all!  It doesn't look like the sun's coming out anytime soon.  I should just get a full spectrum bulb and build a light box. -_-  Since I can't swatch, I thought it was about time I showed you my nail care routine. ^^  (Disclaimer: I don't claim to be a professional, this is just what I do/use to care for my nails.  Also, all of these items were purchased by me; none of this is sponsored.)

Mmm...I love this stuff!

Let me introduce you to Lemony Flutter, cuticle butter.  Doesn't it just sound great?  My sis got this for me over the holidays and I love it to pieces.

Lemony Flutter can be found in that great smelling store, Lush.  It's $14.95 for a 1.5oz tub, which is expensive!  But, it's not as small as I thought it would be.  As you can see it's roughly the size of my palm.  Please note, however, that my hand is on the small side.  But I still think it's a decent amount, especially since I'll be using it solely on my cuticles. 

I've also noticed that you only need a small amount for all 10 cuticles as it is very creamy.  I've used it a couple times now, and it still looks like it did when it was brand new.  So I'm guessing this will last me at least a year.  It's also does a good job of keeping my cuticles moisturized.  I haven't had dry cuticles since I've used this and I don't use it on a daily basis either.  I use it more like once a week, or after removing glitter, since I use the foil method.

As you've probably guessed, it does have a lemony scent.  I don't think it's particularly strong, but it does linger for a bit.  I don't mind though, since I like the smell.  Lush also uses a lot of natural ingredients like avocados, beeswax, and you guessed it, lemons.  You can read more about this product here.

If you haven't tried it before, I suggest checking it out in stores.  There should be a sample tub in store you can try.  I believe you can also ask for a sample size to try back at home.

Let me know in the comments if you've used this before, and what you thought of it!  If you haven't, is this a product you would buy?


Liz