Rest In Peace-Original Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

I've made it no secret that I love Blue nail polish. So it was a few weeks ago that I was in Walmart strolling down the nail polish aisle and I spotted a beautiful cobalt blue nail polish.  While I have more than I will ever use, I had to at least take a closer look. What to my shock, the Sally Hansen bottle was labeled "Pacific Blue". Being the Blue nail polish connoisseur that I am, I said that had to be a "mis-label", but then I saw more than one bottle.  I put it back and resolved to load a picture to my phone so that the next time, there would be no doubt. Although I already knew the answer.  Anyway, today I found myself in Walmart again, this time armed with a picture of the much love, cult classic Sally Hansen Pacific Blue; and as I knew, there was a definite change in the polish.  Not to take anything away from this impostor, it is a beautiful blue, so I had no problem purchasing it to do a comparison. 

NOTD: Mono-Chromatic, Multi-Textured Manicure...Gold Finger

I've never really been big on a lot of nail art but I do love a mono-chromatic, multi-textured manicure.  It gives the the look of nail art without having to have the artistic abilities...LOL!  I think this will make for a great holiday manicure.

I was inspired by one of the shades from the China Glaze 2013 Holiglaze Holiday Collection. One of the shades I purchased was China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, a gorgeous cool yellow gold foil.  

Once I decided on using Mingle with Kringle for my next manicure, it was easy to decide on the rest. Today's manicure includes, China Glaze Mingle with Kringle, OPI Honey Ryder, Orly Luxe, and Sally Hansen Glitter Gun. These four shades are all in the same color family but have different finishes.

I also love that it almost gives the mannequin hand look but with that extra bling. 

Just Keep Swimming...Some of the Sally Hansen Under The Sea Collection Swatches

I had been looking for the Sally Hansen Under The Sea Collection since late last year. So you can imagine my excitement when I finally found it at my local Walgreens and to make it even better, there was a pad of $2 coupons attached to the display.  There were 4 coupons left and the nail polish addict in me took over...LOL!  I used those 4 coupons to buy the following polishes:

Blue My Mind - pictured with 2 coats

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Blue My Mind is a Bright, Royal, Cobalt, Electric, Blue, Shimmer. Are those enough adjectives, LOL! This is just an "In Your Face" Blue. My love for blue polishes has been no secret. I went through my stash and found that I own several very close polishes, but I just can't pass of a gorgeous blue.

~~~~~~~~~~

When I first heard of Sally Hansen's Under The Sea Collection, the first polish that I was determined to own was Mermaid's Tale. There were claims that it was a duplicate of Deborah Lippmann's Across The Universe. So when I saw the display, it was the first polish I put in my shopping cart.  

Pictured with 1 coat of base and 2 coats of Mermaid's Tale

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Mermaid's Tale is a deep, blue, jelly, base with green and teal hexagonal and micro glitters. This polish is very versatile depending on the base used.  I tried to show some variety. Index Finger: WnW French White, Middle Finger: SH Blue My Mind, Ring Finger: SH Water Cooler, and Pinkie: SH Black and Blue.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

The next blue I picked up was Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Water Color. It is a medium, sky blue cream with a slight teal undertone. It's about one shade lighter than Orly Blue Collar.

Pictured with 2 Coats-be sure to wear a base coat. This shade stains.

It is just difficult for me to pass up blue polishes.  With Sally Hansen's Water Color, I took a few minutes to decide. I wanted it but didn't need it. I already had several polishes very close, but I just couldn't leave it in the store.

~~~~~~~~~~

Lastly from this collection is one of my favorite finishes, a duochrome.  This is  Sally Hansen Black and Blue.  I had a difficult time capturing its beauty in a photo, but there is a visible duochrome quality. The bottle color is just gorgeous.

Pictured with 2 coats.

Sally Hansen Black & Blue is a very pretty deep navy, teal, purple, green duochrome.  Originally before seeing it in person, I thought it was close to OPI Glacier Bay Blue, but it is more teal where OPI GBB is more navy.  This is a definite must have from the collection, but pretty much all of the collection are must haves...

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Well those are all I have purchased from this collection so far. I still want the foam mint green shade. So don't be surprised to see that in a future post. 

Have you purchased any of the shades from the collection yet and if so which did you get? Also, if you bought Mermaid's Tale, what bases are you planning to use?

 Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money, unless otherwise noted. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Epilepsy Awareness: Day 7-WnW Thru The Grapevine

Well today I wrap up my week of Purple polishes, showing my support for Epilepsy Awareness. In addition to showing support for fellow nail polish blogger, April and her young daughter, Kaylynn, I've really enjoyed going through my untried polishes.  In doing this I've identified some brands that I really need to pay closer attention to.  

Today is a polish from one of those brands. Today I'm sharing with you Wet N Wild Through The Grapevine. A red-violet purple cream polish. I remember when they first released the Megalast Collection with their Manicurve Pro-Brush. While I liked the colors, I had never been a wide brush fan.  But in selecting this polish for my purple manicure, I realized that I really do like this brush. I achieved full nail coverage in three strokes with almost full opacity in one coat.  I know that many of my fellow nail bloggers have raved about this line and now I understand why.

While I loved this manicure, I wanted to add some bling. I decided on an accent nail with one of my untried Sally Hansen Gem Crush polishes-Be-Jeweled, a purple micro glitter and pink hexagonal glitter in a clear base. I really like this combination.

One of my favorite beauty bloggers, Nouveau Cheap, who always seems to be in the know of the latest products to be released, did a blog post on the 40+ new shades Wet N Wild is adding to the MegaLast collection.  Are you looking forward to purchase any of the new shades?  If so, which shades?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

My Spring Nail Polishes Picks, 2013

Although the first day of Spring was officially March 20, 2013, to me, Easter has always been the day I start wearing more Spring colors.  So it was time to go through my stash and identify my Spring Nail Polish picks. I equate Spring with pastels, similar to the colors of the Easter candy, Peeps. While I don't limit myself to polish trends, this is just the norm for me. I tend to wear more brights and neons during the Summer, so I will post those picks shortly.

Here are my Spring Nail Polish picks.

Products Mentioned:
1.     Sinful Colors Clementine
2.     Zoya Arizona
3.     China Glaze Peachy Keen
4.     Orly Gumdrop
5.     China Glaze Aquadelic *received for review
6.     Sinful Colors Pullover
7.     Essie Play Date
8.     OPI Planks-A-Lot
9.     OPI You're Such A You’re Such a Budapest
10.   Orly Pixie Stix
11.   Orly Cotton Candy
12.   Zoya Lara
13.   Orly Snowcone
14.   Sally Hansen Pacific Blue
15.   Illamasqua Cameo

What are some of your Spring Nail Polish picks?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings. 


* FTC: These products were bought with my own money unless otherwise noted. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

SERIES: Nail Care-My Top 5 Cuticle Removers

3/13/2013

Just under a week ago, I shared with you the "Big Chop" I went through after experiencing a severe break on my swatch hand.  I also mentioned that I would be doing a Nail Care Series, sharing with you my nail regimen and the products I use. So today, I am starting with the Cuticle Removers I have used throughout my nail care journey.  Of all the cuticle removers I've used, these are my Top 5 Cuticle Removers. I realize that there are still many others on the market but since I have not used them, I can't comment on them.

3/19/2013

5. Develop 10 Creamy Cuticle Remover ($6.99 for 4oz): Claim-"This gentle cream softens your cuticles to the point where they can be gently pushed back or removed." I purchased this product from Ulta and found it to be effective but a bit messy.

4. Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm* ($6.99 for 0.28oz): Claim-"Combination remover and creme quickly eliminates excess, ragged cuticles & hangnails as it conditions nails and cuticles." I received this product for review. At first, I wasn't absolutely keen on it, because I don't like the container. But I gave it a try and overlooking the container. I like the results and love its clean, fresh scent. I started using it daily before my last hand washing of the night. I massage the product into my cuticles, push them back and follow-up with a hand-washing.

3. Blue Cross Cuticle Remover ($5.99 for 16oz): Claim-"Lanolin enriched. Removes cuticle safely without cutting. The choice of professionals since 1933."  This is by far the most cost effective product. You get 16oz for less than $6. I found it to be effective by extremely runny. I transferred the product to a smaller bottle with a squeeze top and applied the product with a cotton swab. I found the scent to be less than pleasing.

2. Sally Hansen Smooth Cuticles Now* ($6.49 for 1oz): Claim-"Fast-acting formula softens rough cuticles for easy removal." This is another product I received for review consideration. When I finally gave it a try, I was very pleased with the results.  Applying a bead of the product to each cuticle, massaging it in, and then pushing back my cuticles. I found it very effective, and moisturizing.  I like that it also contains Vitamins A, C, E, and Pro-Vitamin B5-each are beneficial to nail health.

1. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover ($4.97 for 1oz): Claim-"Cuts manicure time in half. Revolutionary gel formula melts away and breaks down excess cuticles. With regular use, helps prevent cuticle problems before they start." This is absolutely my favorite cuticle remover. It's readily found, inexpensive, but most important effective. I have been using this product for years, but it wasn't until recently that I noticed in the directions, that it states that  you should also apply it under the nail tips. I find this helpful in preventing that skin build-up that sometimes occurs.  Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is my #1 Top Cuticle Remover.

So as one of the first steps in your manicure process, it is imperative to care for your cuticles.  Some might ask what's the big deal about caring for your cuticles?  A well done manicure is far more than just polishing your nails. It also requires caring for your cuticles.  Having healthy nails and cuticles is more than just the look, dry, and cracked cuticles are prone to hangnails, and possible infection.  Some Steps to having Healthy Cuticles are as follows:

3/19/2013

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.  I have been beating that drum long before I started blogging. You must keep your cuticles hydrated. I moisturize throughout the day. I have shared with your my cuticle oil mix. Natural oils are excellent for moisturizing.
2. It's often said not to cut your cuticles.  I agree with this 95% of the time. I use my nippers for hangnails and the occasional difficult cuticle. But this MUST be done with care. If done incorrectly, you could do more damage than good.
3. Use a Cuticle Remover when pushing back your cuticles; never push back dry cuticles. I use an orange-wood stick or my rubber-tipped cuticle pusher. Also, throughout the day, when I was my hands, since my cuticles are already soften, I gently push them back again.
4. Caring for your cuticles really isn't that difficult. Just handle them with care because damaging your cuticle could lead to damaging your nails.

These are the steps I follow for maintaining healthy nails and cuticles.  I have several other posts planned to help with your nail care regimen-moisturizers, base coats, top coats, tools, and supplements.  If you have any other posts you would like to see, leave them listed in the comments and I will get to them as soon as possible.  As my good friend and a former owner of a nail salon always said, "Treat your nails as Jewels, not Tools."  

Caring for my nails, it won't be long before I'm back to the nails I'm used to. 

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* Those products noted with an asterisk (*) were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company. 

NAIL CARE SERIES: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize...This has been my mantra for quite some time.   As I have explained in several of my blog posts; I believe that to have healthy nails and cuticles, it is imperative to keep them moisturized.  

I have posted about my own cuticle oil mix but not everyone wants to make their own, so today I would like to share with you a drug store product that I also like and I believe that for those who don't choose to make their own oil, will address the need to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized. Today I would like to highlight the Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil.  When I started making my own cuticle oil, I became very concerned about its ingredients.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil has some very beneficial ingredients, that each add to the health and condition of your nails & cuticles.  These ingredients include:

• Vitamin E: acts as an antioxidant; and when applied topically, vitamin E oil penetrates the deeper skin layers and moisturizes it.  It can also be used for treating dry and cracked cuticles.
• Safflower Oil: treats flaky, dry skin and enables the skin to retain moisture. Safflower oil does not clog the pores, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Wheat Germ Oil: contains vitamins A, E and D, all three of which are good for the skin. The oil also contains fatty acids and minerals with anti-oxidant and regenerative properties that help keep skin soft and supple
• Aloe Vera: beneficial for cracked and dry skin.
• Panthenol: a natural humectant that improves the moisture-retention capacity of the skin and stimulates skin regeneration. It has an anti-inflammatory benefit and the ability to penetrate skin layers.
• Coconut Oil: has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that can stop minor skin infections from starting.
• Apricot Kernel Oil:  its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil comes with a brush to make application easy.  The instructions state that you should bush onto you nails nightly and to be certain to wash your hands before applying any nail polish. Personally, I apply cuticle oil twice daily, once in the morning and again before bed. I also apply it to my cuticles but also to the underside of my nails. So in summary, if you are looking to have healthy nails and cuticles, moisture is key. A product to help you get there is Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil.  

Summary:

• Size: 0.45 FL Oz (13.3 ml)
• Availability: readily available anywhere Sally Hansen products are sold; drug stores, grocery stores, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc.
• Price: not overly priced, I've seen it in the $4-6 range 
• Consistency: unscented, not overly greasy, quickly absorbed into the skin.

So long or short, if you wish to have healthy nails and cuticles, keep them moisturized.  

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* These sample products were sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however, are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

NEW: Sally Hansen Fall Fashion Week w/ Designers Alexander Wang & Prabal Gurung

With

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

The Alexander Wang Fall 2012 Collection plays with contrasting elements presented through a fractured view

THE NAILS

To complement his collection, Wang partnered with Sally Hansen to create three exclusive shades inspired by the color palette of his Fall 2012 designs. On the runway, he used Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bandage, a creamy nude shade, to accent the aesthetic of his collection.

THE SHADES

The exclusive Alexander Wang with Sally Hansen collection includes the following shades, named by Wang himself:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For

 
THE DESIGNER 

With his fresh designs and inventive silhouettes, Singapore-born and Nepal-raised designer Prabal Gurung has skyrocketed to the top of the American fashion scene. Drawing inspiration from his global travels, Gurung transforms clothing into wearable art. Although a veteran in the fashion world, Gurung's personal collection launched just three years ago, and has continued to be coveted by the fashion elite.

THE PARTNERSHIP

To complement his Fall 2012 collection, Prabal Gurung collaborated with Sally Hansen for the fourth consecutive season. On the runway, Gurung used Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Onyx, a deep black, Blue Rose, an intense cobalt blue, and Gilded Lily, a shimmering gold-flecked shade, to reflect the color palette of his Fall 2012 collection.

THE SHADES

The exclusive Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen collection includes:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The seven shades in the two limited-edition collections are made with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, an all-in-one formula that combines all the 5 steps of a professional salon manicure—a base coat, a strengthener, a growth treatment, rich color and a top coat—in a single multi-tasking polish.  The limited-edition shades will be available beginning fall (September, 2012) for $7.99 each.  
WHERE TO BUY: Target
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As these are limited-edition collections, be on the lookout for them. I need Gilded Lily annd Blue Rose for sure.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.