French Manicure, 3rd Try is a Charm

I have lost interest in makeup, well not totally. I am excited to see MAC's Starflash collection. Anyways, I have recently gotten into taking care of my nails. =)

I used Orly Beverly Hills Manicure: Natural Look Nail Kit. This kit is a good starter kit for those getting into getting their nails done. The instructions tell you to put Bonder, then a layer of Beverly Hills Plum, Sheer White Tips on the tips, a layer of Beverly Hills Plum and In A Snap Topcoat. I tried that method, but I didn't like how it turned out. The tips were too sheer and too pink. I wanted the white to be brighter and darker.

This is the process I used. I let each step dry (~15-20 min) before I proceed.
1) Apply Bonder Basecoat. This dries in 2-3 minutes.
2) Apply a thin layer of Beverly Hills Plum
3) Apply a second layer of Beverly Hills Plum
4) Apply a very thin layer of Sheer White Tips in vertical strokes, starting from the middle and work you way out.
5) Apply a 2nd layer of Sheer White Tips
6) Apply In A Snap Topcoat
7) Apply 2nd coat of In A Snap Topcoat.

This whole process takes about 2 hours, and that didn't include prepping the nail. I know its hard to find 2 hours of absolutely nothing to do, but the results do pay off. While letting it dry, I carefully surfed the internet and watched tv. hehe.

From the picture above, my nails look natural and very shiny, like I just put on clear nail polish (except on the tips.) It's hard to see the plum/grapefruit tint, but it's there.

This is my third time doing my nails within a week. Bad, I know, but I had to. I first bought two orly colors Sheer Peche and Softest White as my French Manicure colors. That was a nice combo, but I didn't like how it took awhile to dry (I think it's my Maybelline Base/Top Coat). Then I attempted using the method given in the kit, but I hated it and painted over the nails again and that didn't dry. So I tried once again and I liked the results!

I wish I had pictures of when I first tried to do this freehand. It came out UGLY! But don't worry with practice it will get better. I also found it easier to do my nails on the floor and rest my hand on my knee while I do it. So I guess it's all about trying to find a method that works.

Product Review : CND Solar Oil

Price: 3/5
Packaging: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Repurchase: Maybe


CND stands for Creative Nail Design. CND Solar Oil is a cuticle oil that is brushed onto their cuticles and massages it in. Pretty Basic huh?

What the box says:

Solar Oil is a synergistic blend of naturally light oils and Vitamin E, designed to deeply penetrate and protect nails and skin.

Directions: Apply daily to top and underside of nail and massage into surrounding skin.

Warning: Discontinue use immediately if irritation develps.

Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Tocopheryl Acetate.


Originally, I bought this just to sample it and I hate to say it, but I really love it. It makes my cuticles soft and haven't really gotten any new hangnails since I started to use it. I love how it smells like almonds. It makes me want to put this on constantly. I also broke down and decided to get the 15 ml bottle (.5oz). It retails for $11, but I got it for $7.50 when Ulta had a $3.50 for $10+ purchase. Hehe. The .25 oz retails for $7. Now you see why I gave this such a low score in the price category. It can be found online for cheaper, but I shipping costs offset how cheap it is.

Here's my little army of Solar Oil. I got the small ones from Trade Secret.

I use this after I shower/before bed and in the morning (when I remember). This is a good product for the upcoming winter months since it will most likely be spent indoors with the heater on. The only thing I don't like is it can take a few minutes to sink in and that I have a fear that I will spill it.

There really isn't much more to say. It's glorified oil that you put it on, rub it in, and go on your happy way. I don't think it's a necessity to have. Based on the ingredients, I am sure you can use jojoba oil, almond oil or even olive oil. I just got it because it smells nice. LOL. Will I repurchase? Probably not because by the time I finish off the bottles, I think I would have my own concoction of cuticle oil.

My New Love - Nails!

I have seriously given up on wearing makeup. I am at the point where I am ready to sell it and start all over. haha. And I really think my MSFs (Natural in Med Dark, Warmed and Light Flush) are breaking me out. GRRR. That means I have $75 collecting dust. Blah. I should sell it.

Since the latter half of July, I have been learning and reading about nail care on the MUA Nailboard. I am still not a fan of they way the MUA boards work, but I sucked it up and used it. I have learned so much about how to care for my nails, what products to use and what tools are necessary. I do not have a lot of products (yet), but I have found a few things that I really like.

First, I love Creative Nail Design Solar Oil. It's a cuticle oil that you place on your nails and rub it in. It smells like almonds and it's easy to use. However, this little guy is expensive! I've seen a 1/4 oz bottle sell between $7-$10. When I am feeling cheap, I will use my jojoba oil since it is listed as one of the ingredients.

Second, I love my glass nail file from Sephora. Ever since I purchased it, I haven't used a nail clipper. I use it to shape my nails and to maintain its length.

That's what I love right now. I am pretty sure I'll find something else to add, but that is all for now.