Before I get into my post, if you are reading this, that means the world has not ended… yet :p.
Alright, so for the past month I have been nail polish free, which is weird because wearing nail polish is second nature to me, so it’s been quite the adjustment. For the past while I have found my nails to be thin and peeling; nail polish would only last a day until the tips would start chipping. I tend to change my polish quite often, having to do my nails a few times a week wasn’t a big deal, however, it was bothering me that my nails were so brittle.
I’m not sure if it is my base coat or the weather, but I knew I had to do something. In a night of desperation, I went to Chatter’s Beauty Supply and picked up OPI’s Nail Envy Nail Strengthener for Sensitive and Peeling nails. I actually got a free bangle with the product because of the holidays.
Now I always thought that Nail Envy was just a base coat. The product is a treatment more than anything (although I have read that you can layer it underneath your nail polish).
How it works:
For maximum results, apply two coats of Sensitive & Peeling Nail Envy to each nail. Then, apply one coat every other day. After one week, use any OPI Polish Remover to remove all nail lacquer (if present) and Sensitive & Peeling Nail Envy. Begin application again. Sensitive & Peeling Nail Envy works best as a base coat in actual contact with the natural nail. It can also be used as a top coat over nail lacquer.
I have been using the product religiously for the past three or so weeks and am mixed about the results. I still find the treatment to chip at the tips of my nails, however, I have found my nails to be stronger. Additionally, some of my nails are still peeling. It may be too early to tell if this product actually does work (at least for me) but the real test will be when I start using nail polish again (I can’t wait).
I have heard nothing but good reviews about Nail Envy and if your nails are like mine – weak and peeling – I would give it a try. Like I said, the real test will be when I start using polish again. Not all my nails are peeling and they certainly are not breaking so easily anymore, so that is an improvement. I think I will also give it a try as a base coat, as the one I am currently using is not doing much for my nails.
Nail Envy is a bit on the pricey side at C$17.95, but I figure if it does work it’s well worth the money.
Have you tried OPI Nail Envy? If so, what are your thoughts? Also, do you have peeling nails? What have you been doing to fix it?
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It’s the most wonderful time of the month! Topbox time!
If I had to choose one word to describe December’s box it would be “mediocre”. I was expecting some full-size, amazing, possibly even glittery, products for the holiday season, but instead I got the same old skincare and perfume sample.
Here’s what I got:
- Chloe eau de parfum – 5 ml (50 ml retails for $90, 75 ml retails for $115)
- Ferro Cosmetics – three-in-one colour for cheeks, eyes, and lips (full size retails for $17)
- Goldwell Hot Foam Spray – 30 ml (150 ml retails for $20.95)
- Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser – 30 ml (200 ml retails for $35)
This isn’t a horrible box, but it was a let down. Come on Topbox, it’s the holidays, throw us something special! Now with that being said, all the products are stuff I would use. The Chloe perfume smells divine (although I certainly do not need another perfume sample), the Goldwell Hot Foam spray I can use for travel or at the gym, and the cleanser will go straight to my gym bag as well.
I actually received the Chloe lotion a few boxes back, so it was nice to layer the two products together. I tried the Murad Exfoliating Cleanser with my Clarisonic and I would not recommend the two together. The cleanser has exfoliaters in it so it was a bit too harsh for my face when I combined it with my Clarisonic Mia.
As for the makeup product, I love the colour, it’s super pretty (and shiny), however, the stuff is so messy! As soon as I opened the jar the product got everywhere. I like the colour, but the pigment formulation is kind of a turn off from me using it.
Overall, it’s not a bad box, I will definitely use all the products that it included, however, I am just so sick of perfume samples. Please Topbox, no more! I can’t even finish what I have, nevermind the little sample bottles that seem to come in every second box. Same goes for lotion! I don’t necessarily mind skincare because I keep it in my gym bag (and it’s perfect for travel), but I wouldn’t mind more makeup and nail polish; it’s the reason I signed up in the first place.
What did you get in your Topbox this month?
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I am very serious when it comes to skin care. I have actually recently just switched up my nighttime routine from Clinique’s 3-Step System to Kiehl’s, with a Clarisonic Mia thrown in the mix. This is my typical nighttime routine, however, I do switch it up. For example, I don’t use my Clarisonic everyday because I don’t want to overdo it, I tend to use it every second day.
Step 1: Remove eye makeup
To remove my eye makeup I will grab an all-purpose wipe with some makeup remover on it and wipe away any eyeshadow or mascara I have on my eyes. I bought my wipes at Wal-Mart and they can be found in the baby aisle. I would recommend picking up the makeup-removing wipes so you don’t have to put an additional makeup remover on it. The ones I recommend are by ELF- the Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths, they are only $3 at Target.
Step 2: Cleanse
I have been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser since fall and have been liking it a lot. I have not broken out at all and it works great with the Clarisonic Mia. I will squeeze my cleanser in a ring on the Clarisonic head and then, in round motions, scrub my face with the Mia until it turns off.
I picked up my Mia during Sephora’s 20 per cent off for VIB members a month back and have been really enjoying it thus far. I will go a full post on it soon, but I just want to note that I only use the Clarisonic every second day. Since I read that it may break you out when you start using it, I didn’t want to overuse it initially, so I have been cleansing my face with it every second day. On the days I don’t use it, I just use my cleanser and water.
Step 3: Toner
Once my face is washed, I always use a toner. I still love the feeling of the Clinique Clarifying Lotion so I have been still using that one. With a cotton round, I use two pumps of the product and wipe it all over my face. Clinique toner just makes your face feel so fresh; it gives you a tingling sensation.
I also have the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner, which I mostly use during the day. I actually keep this product in my gym bag for when I shower at the gym. It is also a good toner, however, it doesn’t give you that tingling sensation that the Clinique one does. I like when my face feels clean.
Step 4: Eye cream
I always use an eye cream after I wash my face, whether it is at night or in the morning. Right now I have been using Clinique’s All About Eyes, which I have really been liking. I have also used Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream on in the past, which was good as well. I take a small drop of it on my ring finger and pat it under my eyes up to my brow bone. The reason you use your ring finger is because it is the softest one with the most padding, which is good for the delicate skin underneath your eyes.
Step 5: Moisturize
Almost done! To finish up my routine, I will slap on some moisturizer. I have currently been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer and a little definitely goes a long way with this! You only need a nickel-sized amount to cover your whole face and neck.
A couple times a week I will actually skip out on moisturizer at night and apply Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate instead. The serum is just so relaxing to apply at night and leaves my face feeling soft and supple the next morning.
Step 6: Lip balm
I like keeping my lips moisturized at all times, but especially at night. I have a few different lip balms but my favourite is Smith’s Rosebud Salve. This is a multi-use product, which is not only great for keeping your lids hydrated, but if I have a pimple, I will apply this over my breakout before bed, and in a few days, that pesky pimple will be gone. I have also been applying this to my cuticles at night to keep them moisturized.
Step 7: Time for bed!
I have really been enjoying my nighttime skin care routine. My daytime one is basically the same except I don’t use my Clarisonic.
As for the products I have been using, I did receive all my Kiehl’s products for free (my mom won a contest when our local store opened, and we got a whole skin care regime for free). I have really been liking the Kiehl’s products, however, I am not sure if I will be repurchasing them. I find it’s better bang for your buck with Clinique (as you can buy all three products for a set price), whereas, with Kiehl’s you have to buy them separately. Also, Clinique often has gift with purchase, so I try to stock up then. If you are looking for a new skincare regime, I would give either brands a try, they have both worked great for my skin (normal, I tend to get dry patches occasionally, but not often).
What is your skincare routine?
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