It's been waaay too long since my last blog.  It was a VERY busy holiday season, but it was fun.  I am glad, though, to be back in the swing of things.  

Lately I've found myself wandering away from makeup for a little bit and veering towards nails.  I'm slowly becoming obsessed with nail polish.  My reasoning to myself every time I purchase a new color is "its cheaper than getting a professional manicure" haha. ;)

I have run into one problem.  (I think all ladies at some time or another have this issue).... HOW the HECK do you get nail polish to last longer than a day??  I recently treated myself to one of those gel manicures for the holidays and there was absolutely NO CHIPPING for 3 WEEKS.  I had to finally take it off because my nails grew out.  Not because the mani looked bad.  Now, I know I can't get the gel polish results at home because you need a special UV lamp to cure the gel layers, but I really want my DIY manicures to last more than a freakin' day!

After countless trial-and-error experiments, I've run across a concoction that has proven to last again and again.  This discovery works waaay too well not to share with you all.  So feel free to pass it along!!  :)

1. BASE LAYER: Sally Hansen's "Hard as Acrylics: Hard as Wraps" (with nylon)

Apply not a thin, but not a thick layer of this.

Make sure it dries completely!

2. COLOR: Any color you want is fine.  

The one I am wearing currently is from Revlon's new collection called "Flirt" #250

It's a gorgeous cool-toned bubblegum pink

Make sure you apply 2-3 coats to get your desired opacity.

Make sure every layer dries completely before you apply a second coat

3. TOP COAT: Sally Hansen's "Mega Shine" 

(dupe for Seche Vite but without the stink or nasty chemicals)

**It says it dries within 60 seconds...and it will be to the touch, but 

wait about 10-15 minutes before you touch anything

because it will smudge.**

Then I apply the mega shine top coat every 2-3 days to give it an added layer of protection and to extend the life of my manicure by a couple days.

And there ya go...this is after 2 days (and counting!) after I applied another layer of the 

Mega Shine and it's still lookin very purdy! :)

xoxo.  Laura

This past month, I received Philosophy's Purity one step cleanser in my Birchbox.  I was really excited to try it because so many people have raved about how good it is!

It's a natural product (no harsh chemicals), which is fantastic for those of you with sensitive skin.  It claims to wash away dirt, oil, makeup, even waterproof mascara.  I've been using it with my Olay Pro-X spinning brush and have gotten fantastic results!  My skin has been transformed from dull and lifeless to glowing and clear in just one use!  Now, the downside is that it's too expensive for my taste.  I mean $20 for an 8oz bottle of face cleanser?  Come on.  I'm starting to run out of the sample they gave me, so I've been on the lookout for something that gives the same result and is easier on my wallet.

Behold.. I've found it.  It's the Neutrogena Naturals Cleanser.  Both have a light, fresh scent.  Both have the ability to remove all traces of makeup.  It's even gentle on my eyes.  It doesn't strip my skin's natural oils and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.  Not dry like other drugstore products do.  Pair this cleanser with the Olay Pro-X Brush, and you will have the best skin of your life.  Just be careful...this formula likes to foam when used with the Pro-X brush.  I got suds alllll over my mirror the other day!  :)  And the best part...the Neutrogena cleanser is only about $7 at drugstores.  YES!  You're skin will thank you for it!  :)

I will say this though...I absolutely love both cleansers.  if I HAD to choose one (money no issue) I would go with the Purity.  Reason being is that I feel like it gets my skin just a tad cleaner.  Not by much, which makes the Neutrogena a fantastic alternative.  It really comes down to just a matter of budget and personal preference!  :)

Stay Gorgeous.

Laura

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