I hate to say it but I’m kind of a nail polish snob. I usually stick to certain brands when it comes to polishes and although I have tried a few Sally Hansen colours in the past (which I really liked actually), I only own a couple shades.
I recently received the colour Sea from their Smooth and Perfect line which hides ridges and imperfections with a breathable porcelain-smooth finish. The polishes are enhanced with ginseng, camelia oil and lotus to promote stronger, healthier nails. Now, this shade reminds me greatly of Essie’s Absolutely Shore, which is also a seafoam green shade, and although the colour is similar, the finishes are very different.
The final result of this polish is very pearlescent. It’s smooth and gel-like (it’s even thicker than a normal polish when applied) and looks very opaque on the nails. If you have ridges, you wouldn’t see them with this polish. The colour did go on very sheer at first, but after three coats it got opaque.
I actually really like the Smooth and Perfect line by Sally Hansen. It’s a thicker formulation than my other polishes but I love the finishes on these. The colour was very eye catching and I did receive a few compliments on it. I used Beauty Secret’s Base Coat and Poshe’s Top Coat for this manicure.
Have you tried Sally Hansen’s Smooth and Perfect in the colour Sea? If so, what were your thoughts?
Like what you read? Check out these related posts:
I was in the market for a new base coat as my Seche Vite one that I have had forever finally ran out. I did like the Seche one but after learning that it’s not “3-free” I thought I should probably find something that would be healthier for my body.
I use a base every time I do my nails, which is pretty often as seeing I have around 100 polishes and I am practically obsessed with painting my nails. I went to Sally’s because I figured they would have the best selection and I was leaning towards Orly’s Bonder which I know they sell.
Upon asking the sales associate which one she would recommend, she showed me the Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat, which to be honest, I have always been attracted to because of the giant round bottle. This thing is embarressingly big, and although I could have gotten the .5 oz. bottle, I chose to splurge and buy the 2.5 oz. one (around C$8) because I know that it’s a product that I always use when doing my nails.
Now this base coat is vitamin and protein enriched and protects and moisturizes. It is also Toulene and formaldehyde-free, which is a major plus in my books. I have used it a couple times since buying and it seems to have all the requirements that I would look for in a base coat. It is fast drying, it goes on nicely, and my nail polish doesn’t seem to chip after a day. I did Google the product after purchasing it and it got mixed reviews, but so far it seems to be working just fine. I have read from some reviews that their nails got yellow (so basically the product isn’t doing its job), but I haven’t seen any yellowing on my nails thus far.
Have you tried the Beauty Secrets Moisturizing Base Coat? If so, what were your thoughts?
Like what you read? Check out these related posts:
I have always been obsessed with bronzer.
I don’t typically tan very well so I often have to fake it. A forever lover of self tanner, I also am a daily user of bronzer. Bronzer has so many features to it, you can use it warm up a face, as well as a contour agent so your skin looks more sculpted.
I have tried a few bronzers and still have a number of them in my collection. Some go on quite chalky, others too dark, so I often stick with my tried and true (and everyone’s favourite cult bronzer) NARS Laguna. Unfortunately I ran out of it earlier this year so I have been using NARS Casino with the occasional application of Joe Fresh’s bronzer (which I have had forever but it applies quite well). I have a few more but they are more trouble than they are worth to apply.
It Cosmetics was kind enough to send me their Bye Bye Pores Airbrush Bronzer and Illuminator Wand Brush last week and although I have tried a few products from the brand, I haven’t used any of their powders. I have tried their Bye Bye Under Eye concealer and swear by the stuff, and their Bye Bye Pores product is an award-winning “airbrushing in a jar” finishing powder, so I figured this bronzer would probably be good. And yes, just like every product I have tried by the brand, it’s pretty freaking fantastic.
Just like all their other products, the Bye Bye Pores Bronzer was developed with leading plastic surgeons and is a super lightweight micro-bronzer that is supposed to deliver a face-perfecting vitality glow and airbrush effect. The product absorbs oil and shine, and blurs away the look of pores without settling into fine lines and wrinkles. The product also includes hydrolyzed collagen, silk, and vitamins A, C, E and K that treats skin with anti-aging benefits, giving a more youthful radiance while blurring away the look of imperfections. Alright, enough PR talk, does the stuff actually work?
The first thing I noticed when I opened this product is that this is bound to get messy. And yes, even after using it, I still think this way. Luckily there is a little puff that I always cover the holes with, because honestly, I don’t think I would even ever use the puff to apply bronzer anyways, if just doesn’t seem like a good idea in my mind (unless, you know you really wanted to cake the product on).
It Cosmetics also sent me their Illuminator Wand Brush, which is the first brush from them I have used and wow, this thing is incredible. Not only is it the softest brush I have probably ever used, it also distributes the product wonderfully on my face. I dip the brush onto the holes in the jar and then tap off the excess in the lid. If I want more product I will just use up whatever is left in the lid.
Before
Here is my before shot, so full face of makeup but no bronzer or blush.
After
Here is my after. I look much more bronzed (yes, I should have blended the product onto my neck as well, I snapped these shots getting ready for work so I didn’t have a lot of time). I also have to admit that I do look a bit airbrushed and I although I do Photoshop my photos, I only tinker with the lighting (check out my FAQs for my information on how I edit photos).
I found that this product goes on very lightly on the skin and it’s subtle, but not in a bad way. I have a few bronzers that when you apply them they are just this chalky mess and you can clearly see the bronzer; with this product it’s a nice natural-looking glow.
I have to admit that I really do love this product. Although it may be a bit messy to store (I make sure to lay this flat, not on its side), this stuff is great and I don’t think I would even repurchase NARS Laguna right away (I was planning on picking it up in Vegas at the end of the month).
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer retails for $24 USD at itcosmetics.com or at QVC. For my Canadian peeps, you can pick it up at theshoppingchannel.com for C$29. Seriously though, if you need a new bronzer, pick this stuff up, I can’t recommend it enough.
Have you tried It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer? If so, what were your thoughts?
Please note, I was provided with these products for review purposes. With that being said, all opinions are my honest own :).
Like what you read? Check out these related posts:
