Showing posts with label MAKE-UP: Nails. Show all posts

PRESS RELEASE: Introducing ORLY® Color Blast® and Color Care®





Brush on something new with 72 dazzling shades and 12 treatments that deliver salon results


If you've followed my blog for a while or more recently my Instagram feed you're aware of my love for the Orly Nail Polish brand. However, recently I came across the newly released Orly Color Blast line.  And the bottle size change had me puzzled and a little disappointed so I decided to contact my PR contact at Orly. Below is the response of the Director of Communication, John Galea along with the official Press Release.

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. 


REVIEW: SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish System

It was a least a year ago, a friend of mine, knowing that I had a nail polish blog, asked me what I knew about the gel nail kits.  Although my blog started as a nail blog and I had tried many different brands and products, up to that point, I had had no interest in trying any of the gel nail systems. Their primary selling point was manicures that would last up to 2 weeks without chipping. Well, with my manicure regimen, my manicure would last at least 2 weeks without chipping anyway.   

My concerns with these gel nail kits were a few:
  1. I use a treatment product to strengthen & harden my nails. Would a gel system strengthen & protect my nails?
  2. How easy would the application be?
  3. Would these gel systems give me the same results that my normal regimen give me?
I have since again had people ask me about gel systems, but still I could never answer their questions, so when the opportunity to review SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish System, presented itself, I took it.  So this review is from the prospective of a true gel nail novice. I have never even tried the gel nails at the salons.

My Experience:
  • Even before I received the SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit, I watched several You Tube videos so that I would know what to expect and learn how to apply the system.
  • So, the SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit comes with following:
The Pro 3060 LED Lamp, The Gel Primer, The Gel Cleanser, Gel Base & Top Coat, Color Gel Polish, Lint-Free Wipes, Double-sided buffer/file, Orangewood Manicure stick
 
The Application
  • Before starting my gel manicure, I first took care of my cuticles, then filed and shaped my nails.
  • Once I opened my SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit, I set out all the items and plugged in the 3060 LED Lamp.
  • There is a Quick Reference Guide included with the kit. As instructed, the first step is to file and lightly buff your natural nail. The buffing is necesssary to give your nail some texture.
  • Following the buffing, I used one of the Lint-Free wipes to clean my nails with the included Gel Cleanser.
  • Next step was is apply a light coat of the Gel Primer and let it air dry. With each product applied I was careful not to get any on my cuticle but to make certain I wrapped my tips or as SensatioNail™ refers to it "Cap the edges".
  • Following the Gel Primer, I applied the Gel Base & Top Coat, capping the edges, and cured my nails for 30 seconds.
    • I like that the Pro 3060 LED Lamp is time smart. Once you press the button, it will chirp at 30 seconds, and then turns off at 60 seconds. It takes out the guess work.
  • Next, I applied my first coat of the Gel Polish. The kits come with Scarlet Red, Raspberry Wine, or Pink Chiffon. The kit I received to review came with the Scarlet Red but I wasn't in the mood for red, so I purchased a bottle of the SensatioNail™ Ocean Sparkle. After I applied the first thin coat, I cured for 60 seconds; followed with a second coat and cured for another 60 seconds.
  • After the Gel polish, I applied another thin coat of the Gel Base & Top coat and cured for 60 seconds.
  • The last step is the wipe down your nails with the Gel Cleanser using the lint-free wipes. If this step is omitted, you will find a tacky layer remaining on your nails.
  • At this point, as sceptical as I am, I was amazed, my nails were 100%, completely, absolutely dry and had a glossy shine.  The entire first time use took me no longer than 30 minutes.
 So back to my original concerns:
  1. Would a gel system strengthen & protect my nails? 
    • To date I have worn this manicure for 5 days and my nails feel almost as strong as with the other products I used with my normal manicure and look at that shine.
  2. How easy would the application be?
    • Yes, the application was easy. It just took some getting use to doing my thumbs last. I actually love how fast my manicure is done and completely dry.
  3. Would these gel systems give me the same results that my normal regimen give me?
    • Yes, there is no difference in the outcome. I even applied the SensatioNail™ Gel Polish over two nails that had patches and it's indistinguishable.
  4. Removal of the gel polish, is not as troublesome as removing glitter polish, but you can use the same foil method to remove.

Overall opinion after initial use:
  • SensatioNail™ Gel Polish is great for those who go for weekly manicures. This is definiately a money saver. For the price of a gel manicure, gas, tax and tip, you can get the SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit and do 10 manicures in the comfort of your own home.
  • I would definiately recommend this product for the busy woman who just doesn't have the time to go get manicures or pedicures.  No need for baby-sitters, or after-work salon visits.
  • This kit is readily available. I have seen them in Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS. They are also available at several online retailers.  Also, I have seen a coupon on the SensatioNail™ Facebook page, click HERE.
  • There is currently 12 core colors, as well as 2 french maniures polishes but SensatioNail™ also releases seasonal collections, including magnetic and glitter polishes.
  • On a personal note: As I normally change my polish at least twice a week, this probably would not be a product I would look to use regularly, but would definitely use when I knew I wouldn't have time for my frequent polish changes, like when I go on vacation or away on business.  So SensatioNail™ Gel Polish will be a product in my arsenal.
I would absolutely recommend this product.  As we are in the midst of the gift giving season, if you have a lacquer lover on your shopping list, SensatioNail™ Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit would make a great holiday gift option.  Also with family & friends gatherings, and office parties, this would be great for achieving that long lasting festive holiday look.

Price: Suggested Retail Price: $60, but I have seen the starter kit for like $10 less in Walmart. Also, check out the SensatioNail Facebook page for the occassional coupon offer.
Availability: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Target and several online retailers.
Products: Starter Kits, Essentials Kits, Color Gel Color, Remover Kit, Remover Tool, Magnetic Colors, Glitter Effects Collections, Limited Edition Seasonal Collections, & French Manicure Kits 
Website: SensatioNail
 
Grace, Peace, & Blessings.
 
* This sample product was 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.