A Cult Review: Seche Vite Topcoat

Okay, if you have seen any nail videos or read any nail blogs, Seche Vite is the topcoat of choice. It's claim is that it dries super fast and leaves a high-gloss finish. And there's no need to to sugarcoat it-- this stuff really works!

Before, I was using this Revlon topcoat and base coat, and it was just OK. It took pretty long to dry, so my nails would always end up smudged, chip fast, and were never even that shiny or glossy. But, all of the nail tutorials I'd seen were using Seche Vite, so I just had to try it.

I bought it for about $9 at Sally's, but I've seen it at Target for $10. Overall, it dries in about 2 minutes or less, is the glossiest topcoat I've ever used, and as far as the chip factor? Average. Although some people say it gets lumpy and thick after a couple uses, I've used it 10+ times with the same consistency as the day I bought it.

So, I would definitely buy this again, and ai think the price is fair for the quality and results. It's glossy, fast-drying, and definitely my nail holy grail!

OH CRAP! Nail Breaks and How to Save Em.

If you've read my previous posts, you may know that I am a reformed nail biter, and now I'm just in the even more painstaking process of growing these nubs out. And, I actually see about a centimeter a tip, which is the longest my nails have been in a LONG time.So, when I got back from the pool, I just started picking off my polish-- with my teeth. Stupid, I know. And just a few moments later, I was left with a tear that would take off the entire tip of my "long" pinkie nail. And then I thought, there MUST be a way to save it. So, I turned to my trusty friend, YouTube. And. what do ya know? There's something called the, um.. "Teabag Method". Awkward, I know. So, here's how it works:

Lumpy Shatter??

Okay, I wasn't in the mood for full-on nail art, so I thought I'g give my OPI Black Shatter a little love. So, I went through my collection, found it, and cps crewed off the top only to reveal a crusty opening, mangled brush, and lumpy product inside. Grr! This polish isn't even a year old yet,and nail polish has a shelf life of two years, although some disagree.


But anyway, this just bugs me that I'll have to spend another $8 for a trend that I can't see lasting much longer.

So, have any of you guys faced this problem? Have any solutions? I'd love to know, because this just boggled my mind.

Thanks for reading and I'll be sure to post again soon!

A Trend That *sigh* Just Won't Die

NEON. Urrgh. This has been a trend that just hasn't quite vanished. And I so desparately wish it would! Neon nails, neon pants, neon shirts, neon hair, NEON VOMIT. Now, my only excetion might be neon nails to liven up a bland outfit, but other than that, I think neon pink, and especially neon green has officially driven me up a wall. Yes, as a fourth grader who used to shop at Justice, it was cool. So were glitter monkeys, those stupid sleeve-glove things you wore with tee-shirts, vests and those cheapo shirts you buy at JCPenney with the scarves sewn on. But let's face it-- I've learned my long division, given up on cooties, and given up on neon. It's just gotten old, boring, and to me-- tacky. So good riddance neon. We had a good run. It's not you, it's the overuse of you.

So what do you guys think? Still going strong with neon? Hate it? Have some exceptions or funny trends you remember following? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!!

Charming Charlie Review

Hey there! About two days ago, I went to possibly one of my new favorite accessory stores for the first time, called Charming Charlie. I knew about it for a while, but never checked it out because I though it was a, uh-- senior ladies' store. But after seeing what a family friend had purchased there, I just had to go check it out. And boy, am I glad I did!

Tutorial: "Abstract Lines" Design

Happy Saturday! Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I went to a Cubs game! So, here's a Cubs-inspired manicure, although it's totally cute enough to be worn to any occasion. And once again, it was made using Scotch Tape! So,  here's whatcha do:

Katy Perry Black to Blonde

I love Katy Perry. Her pinup style, crazy nails, and of course-- amazing talent! She's even recently been nominated for 9 VMA awards.. The most this year.And, the day she was told, she publicly debuted her noticeably lighter locks. As you can see, she's gone from jet black to strawberry blonde. Ironic, because she actually IS a natural blonde. I really like this change. I feel like it just makes her look sunnier overall. KP, you've got my vote!

So what do you guys think? Love the lighter locks? Prefer the bolder black? I'd love to know!