sally hansen

At Home Manicure

Screen Shot 2015-06-14 at 3.44.52 PMSundays mean pamper time – especially some much needed nail care. I don’t go get manicures very often, but every Sunday I like to trim, file, cut and paint my nails myself (I save the pricey mani-pedi’s for special occasions). No need for special, expensive files or this, that and whatever (see I get manicures so infrequently I don’t even know the proper terms) – just a few, well-priced products from the drug store, a little patience and a steady hand.

1. First I give my fingers and cuticles a good moisturizing massage. The skin around my nails often peel and get sore, so moisturizing is important. For this I use the Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm. You simply massage a little bit into your cuticles to help keep them in check.

2. Then I cut away those ragged cuticles by using the simplest of tools. It’s the Revlon Cuticle Trimmer, which is a tiny little contoured clipper to trim your cuticles by following the natural curve of your nails. No need for a small set of scissors that will very likely cut your cuticles too short and leave your nails sore for the rest of the week.

3. If you’re happy with the shape and length of your nails, then move on the the base coat. I like to use the Essie Protein Base Coat. It helps strengthen and protect using wheat proteins for healthy nails – makes a smooth base and extends the wear of your polish.

4. The polish!! I change it drastically every week – switching from the dark, the bold, the neon, and the simple neutral colours. This week I chose a simple dusty rose pink – Essie’s Eternal Optimist. 

5. Finish it all off with the only top coat out there that will actually dry your nails as fast as it claims to – it’s Seche Vite! Dries your nails in about a minute – and makes for a smooth, long-lasting finish on your manicure and colour.

Love my Sunday nail routine! Now that I can wear nail polish to work it’s become one of my favourite pamper sessions! With a few special occasions coming up this summer I am excited to splurge on a manicure or two, but my routine at home is just as good for the daily nail needs!

What do you like to do with your nails at home?

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Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes

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A new nail polish has taken hold of my life. I’ve set aside my Essie’s and O.P.I’s and made some room for the amazing Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes. Amazing quality polishes for only half the price – seriously! no exaggeration here. They’re literally only half the price of the most popular nail polishes but are just as good in every single way.

So, why do I love these polishes? The brush is short and square, and I can paint each nail with only one stroke! As much as many people prefer the skinnier, longer brushes for precision purposes, this brush can be turned on its side so some skinnier detail work. The best of both worlds! And the colour payoff is unreal! It’s the only polish I’ve ever used were I don’t feel the need for a second coat. And no, I’m not being paid to say these wonderful things. This is actually how much I’m excited about and love these polishes!

My only complaint about the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri collection would be the lack of colour options. They still have an amazing range of 40 shades, but when compared to Essie’s 343 shades it’s lacking significantly. I currently have 5 shades – Show Steeler (a light bluish grey), Cinna-Snap (my ultimate favourite maroon/burgundy), Jade Jump (a light minty green), Set Sail (the perfect light blue – almost cornflower), and Orange Zest (a quirky orange flare).

Have you ever tried  the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri? If not I highly recommend it.

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Top 5 – April

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Another month come and gone – sigh still no job folks; we’re getting there. But, of course, in my empty days I’ve been blog reading, makeup experimenting, and playing around with the products I already have in my arsenal. I thought it was time to revisit some of those products at the back of the drawers and I’m glad I did! The warmer weather and sunshine means it’s time for some new things, but doesn’t necessarily mean I need to spend the money in which to do so. These are the top five products I’ve been loving this past month.

1. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polishes have quickly become some of my favourite polishes. The formula is just as good as Essie, Orly or O.P.I polishes at a fraction of the cost. And they’re usually on sale at Shoppers. I love the long handle with the short thick brush at the end, and the formula is amazing and usually only requires one coat. I think I’ll be sticking to this brand for awhile even if they don’t have as many shade options as the other brands. I’ve been loving Set Sail and Show Steel-er. 

2. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Petalite has been on my lips almost daily for the second half of this month. Check out my full review of it here.

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is something I’ve been talking about a lot lately. It’s become a staple in my everyday makeup routine. It’s so simple, so easy, and feels absolutely amazing on my face. Like cool silk. It’s fabulous and is just the right amount of coverage for me. Just a little concealer under the eyes and on any dark spots and that’s it for my recent flawless face.

4. Maybelline Lash Sensation Mascara has been everywhere in the beauty blogging world lately so I thought I’d give it a try….just a few days ago. And after only a few days it’s made it onto my Top 5 for the month. With just a few quick swipes I was in love with this mascara. I’ve been having a little more difficulty than normal removing it, but I’m okay with that when it’s such a great mascara. I’m planning a full review soon so stay tuned.

5. Last but not least is the I.C.O.N India Hair-Yurvedics Curl Cream. This may be a surprise seeing as my review of the India Hair-Yurvedics products was not the most positive (and is my most read ever post), but this is one from the back of the drawer I’ve pulled forward lately. My hair has needed help. It’s so fuzzy and I can’t figure out what it is (shampoo? conditioner? product?) so I’ve been changing a few things and have decided to stick with this curling cream for awhile. I’m enjoying it!

What have you been loving lately?

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