REVIEW OF FORMULA X: NAILS OF STEEL
Photo Credit: sephora.com
Formula X is certainly a different kind of nail experience. First of all, it is a huge range. Walk into any Sephora and you will be overwhelmed with the choices of a rich rainbow of colors, cool textures, shimmery metallics, glow in the dark neons, over the top glitters, and wild eye-catching finishes. The extensive selection will set every nailaholics’ heart a flutter. For me, however, I was searching for my go to beige, creme, pearl, and shell tones. (I know…yawn). If you can’t decide on your favorite shade, Sephora has a clever tester set up on the display—you slip your fingers under a clear acetate sheet and polish over your nail to see how it would look against your skin tone.
When it comes to beauty services, I’m all about saving time. Between working on my collection of Apple electronics 24/7, carrying around a bag that weighs a ton, running from meeting to meeting, in and out of taxis, etc. my typical mani lasts 2-3 days tops and I usually break at least one nail. I tried one of the home gel kits but it was too complicated and messy for me to stick with. I don’t have a schedule that lets me go for professional gel manis—nor the patience—and I’m too ADD to sit still long enough to have it done anyway. Therefore, my nails really take a beating and it’s not pretty.
So the promise of lasting well (like a whole 7 days!!) without chips and without UV light exposure that can cause skin cancer, got my attention. The idea of being able to take off or change your polish without soaking or using a sharp instrument also appeals.
To get into the Formula X frame of mind, start with the System Kit ($32.00) that contains 4 key steps needed to deliver the whole Formula X experience. It includes a cleanser, base coat and top coat, plus the color of your choice (that is, if you can pick just one!). I was skeptical about why I really needed to use the Nail Cleanser instead of just washing my hands, but after trying it, I can see the benefits. It gets your nails and cuticles squeaky clean without oils, dirt, sweat, or residue, so they are ready to accept the polish. The Base Coat is supposedly designed to be an adhesive primer that forms a sticky layer, thereby helping the polish stay in place. Next step is the color of your choice. And the last step is to finish with their signature shiny Top Coat to protect your mani and voila—you’re done! It’s that fast, easy, and it looks like a pro did it.
I’m in LOVE with Formula X. In fact, I’m going back for more colors—and I might even venture out of my comfort zone this time (brights or metallics?). I especially love the Neutrals and the New Classics collections. I am very impressed with the long wear time and chip-free formula. And I’ve already bought the System Kit for two girlfirends for the holidays.
Ladies, this nail polish is a MUST try!
Look for Formula X on Sephora.com and in Sephora stores, prices range from $10.50-$12.50 depending on the polish.
CLINIQUE SENSITIVE SKIN NAIL ENAMEL REVIEW
Photo Credit: Matthew Minucci
When I heard about Clinique’s sensitive skin nail enamel, I was even more curious than if it was the latest skincare trend. After all, I had never heard of sensitive nails but I felt as though I must be missing something.
Leave it to Clinique to figure this out. They have discovered that we touch our eyes eyes about 200 times a day; therefore, nail enamel that is not properly formulated for sensitive skins can cause significant allergies or periorbital dermatitis, which is a facial rash that develops around the upper and lower eyelids. No thank you!
A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins(ARV $16)
This newly realized data inspired Clinique to devote six years of R&D to develop
NEW NAIL ART: IMPRESSIVE DIY NAIL LACQUERS
While nail art itself has existed for decades (in the 1970s, salon aestheticians used to draw cute designs with pens on polished nails), the practice today is still a hands-on experience, but with many more options. You can visit your nail art salon and ask them to create your heart’s desire. Or, you could just shop for nail lacquers by brands like L’Oreal, Illamasqua, Sally Hansen, and Essie and create looks that will make even your aesthetician envious.
Here are ways to take your digits to another level using just a few nail lacquers:
Illamasqua Speckled Nail Lacquer in "Fragile"
Illamasq
QUEUE UP LIKE BRITS DO FOR NAILS INC. LONDON
We are OBSESSED with Nails Inc. – fresh from London, this kitschy High Street brand has come across the pond with 42 shades of stunning varnishes to choose from. From matte to shimmery shades, crackle topcoats, jewel toned beauties and rich glitter that smacks of the 80s club scene on Carnaby Street, the collection has something to make every mani proud. We love the ones named after London streets and neighbourhoods like Westminster Bridge Matte Effect Top Coat and Kensington Caviar Top Coat and Base Coat – they add a touch of fun and whimsy to the task of painting your nail and toes. Some of our faves are Wellington Square – a peachy neutral, Cadogan Square – a subtle beige, and Old Par
