NAIL CARE: My two essentials

Lately I've been really trying to grow my nails longer and I'm actually quite successful, thanks to two simple nail care essentials.

Firstly, I never used to buff my nails with a nail buffer, but I've really noticed a difference in the wear time of nail polishes thanks to a nail buffer. A nail buffer basically has four sides to take care of your nails. With the four different sides you can even out your nails, mattify them, polish them up and lastly, make them shine. It creates a clean surface for your nail polish to go on top on. I just found a cheap nail buffer in a random shop and it works perfectly.

Another product that has made a big difference when it comes to nail care, is the Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as nails Nylon + Retinol strengthener (Sheesh, what a mouthful). You apply one to two layers before applying a basecoat and it makes your nails stronger. I've definitely noticed a difference, my nails don't rip or shred as easily. Thank you Sally Hansen!

Xx Anine

Nail polish: Essie Fiji

What kind of beauty freak would I be if I hadn't tried the Fiji polish from Essie? I picked it up whilst being in England a few months ago. At my first try, I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. Everyone said it was a pale pink color, but I felt that it was just an off-white cream color and thought it didn't look good on me. 

Last week I had to go to a wedding though, and this color seemed like the most wedding appropriate color I had in my nail polish drawer. I put it on and soon realized what the fuss was about. Normally I don't like how my nails look. However, with this polish, I like how they look and I feel more pretty with this shade than with a typical classic red or a cute pink. 

The polish stayed on for five days. Then it started chipping lightly, but not heavily and I removed it. I love the application of Essie polishes, which is usually very effortless and smooth.

I got a lot of compliments whilst wearing Essie's Fiji. Even the bride seemed to regret her decision of nail varnish and wished she had been wearing Fiji on her nails.

I would describe this shade more as a very light cream color. It is definitely appropriate for every kind and shape of nail, which I find a rare trait for most polishes. Love, love, love.

What's your favorite Essie polish?

xoxo,
Anine

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure 2013 collection

Recently, my eyes fell on a very interesting article that had found its way onto my computer screen. Sally Hansen is coming to Belgium! The polishes will be available at Planet Parfum. This higher-end nail polish brand is quite popular and so I couldn't wait to try them out.

I got my hands on these two colors. The first one is Jaded and this is a nice mint green color. The second color is Berry Important, which is (as you might guess) a nice, quite warm berry color.
 

Quality
I like these! They apply pretty easily and I prefer two coats, especially with the Jaded color. These polishes lasted me an entire week, which is the longest a nail polish has ever gone without chipping heavily or peeling off, I think.

Packaging
I love the packaging. You got a lot of product for your price and it's pretty to look at (you all know you like that too, just admit it!). I like that the brush is wider than your average nail polish brush. It makes application easier. However, the two brushes were kind of flared out (by accident I presume) which made it a bit harder for me to apply the polishes. It still was quite easy to use though.

Price
The polishes retail for 11.99 euros - 13.99 euros depending on where you buy them. I think that's a good price, considering you get a lot of product and they lasted me an entire week.

Selection
There are 10 polishes available for this Complete Salon Manicure collection. They're all beautiful colors, and you can also choose some darks.

Have you tried Sally Hansen polishes before?

xoxo,
Anine

Winter favorites: Nail polish

Let's get on with it!

I've been wearing more nailpolish than normally, and buying more as well. It protects my nails better, keeps them from tearing and just is a great accessory!

Essie Lady Like

This nail polish can be worn all year round and it's just so pretty and subtle.

Essie Fiji

I was eager to try this out, since the online beauty community keeps raving about this colour! It was more white and less pink than I expected, but very nice for a beach look! Also a very summery colour.

Essie We're in it together

I bought this colour because it supported breast cancer, but also because it's like no colour I've ever seen, let alone stand owned. It has tiny shiny particles in it which look amazing! I wanted to try something completely different and so picked it up. I wear it when I feel extremely girly.

Essie Scarlett O'Hara

This colour is so perfect for christmas. It's a nice dark red with a lot of shine and tiny sparkles that can complete a nice festive look.

 

L'Oréal

I can't find the name of this colour, but it's a bright coral-like orange. Even though it's too summery for the white winter that's going on right now, it's so nice and reminding of spring. It makes me happy just looking at it!