SPONSORED GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY: AT-HOME GEL MANICURE FROM RED CARPET MANICURE
Photo Credit: beautyinthebag.com
THE BRAND
Red Carpet Manicure has created the first at-home LED Gel Manicure system, it’s also the official nail sponsor of the 2016 #VSFashionShow.
Visit redcarpetmanicure.com for more info.
THE GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY
ONE lucky winner will win ONE Red Carpet Manicure Starter Kit at and a LED gel polish set
The Red Carpet Manicure Starter Kit contains everything you need for a professional salon gel manicure in the comfort of your home. Our RCM Portable LED Light is especially designed to efficiently cure RCM Structure, LED Gel Polish and Brilliance in minutes. The Red Carpet – ready manicure will last weeks of long wear and shine.
LED Gel Polish:
Brilliant color
Weeks of mi
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.
ARE YOUR MANICURES TOXIC?
Gel manicures and pedicures are popular largely because they last a lot longer than traditional manicures with acrylic nail polish.
How much longer? Traditional manicures last two to three days tops without chipping (most of the time, your nails chip before you get home from the salon), but gel nail polish can last up to two weeks without a chip or crack.
Yes, that’s a major plus, but experts warn that the risks of gel manicures may outweigh their benefits. Gel manicures may be causing your nails to grow brittle and/or peel and crack, says Chris Adigun, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at New York Un
