All About Gel Nails! (Review)

I am personally one of those people who is slightly obsessed with keeping my nails perfect. I do not have pretty natural nails and I am prone to messing with them if they are not polished. Also my nails peel and become thin, so without the reinforcement of polish, my nails are brittle and sensitive. 

In order for me to keep my nails looking perfect, I have to polish them twice a week. After doing this for months, I got really tired of it and decided to try something new: gel nails.

Gel nails are not to be mistaken with gel polish! Gel polish is just a special nail polish cured by a UV light in between coats. Gel nails are actual enhancements onto your natural nails.
Application Process
1. The nails are prepped (usually filed, cuticle care, sometimes a nail primer, etc.)
2. If you asked for tips or nail enhancements (you want your nails to be longer) clear tips will be glued to the end of the nails. These tips will be super long at first but don't freak out! The nail tech will cut them to your desired length and shape them to your desired shape:)
One thing to remember when deciding on the length is how fast your nails grow. If your nails grow super fast like mine, then you may want to start out with them a little shorter than your desired length. This is because you will have these nails on for at least two weeks, so by the time that second week rolls around, your nails will be longer than when you first got them done.
3. A gel base coat will be applied and cured by a UV light. 
4. The nail tech will begin applying the gel. This gel comes in a pot and looks just like what it is: gel. It is applied to the nails with what looks like a paint brush. If they use a liquid and powder on your nails you are NOT getting gels but acrylics. This is a common scam and you can read about it here :)
If you are getting french tips (pink and white) the nail tech will apply a white gel to the tips, cure it, and then add a clear (usually actually slightly pink toned, very natural color) over it and cure that as well.
If you are getting the gel with just a solid color over it, the nail tech will most likely just put the clear gel over your nails.
5. Each coat of gel will be cured under a UV light.
6. The nail tech will most likely buff or file over the gel to make it less thick.
6. If you are getting a solid color, polish will be painted over the gel. I got a solid color for the first time recently and my nail tech used a gel polish. Gel polish is cured under a UV light between coats.
7. A top coat is applied and cured under the UV light, and you're done! 

CND Hot Lava gel polish over my gel nails. Sorry about being able to see the camera's reflection in the nail- they are that shiny!!

 The "Fill" Process
If you are familiar with fake nails, you are probably familiar with the term "fill". This is basically what you get done every 2-3 weeks after having your nails done. This process fills in the growth between your fake nails and natural nails. You can also get your nails shortened and a different color.
1. The nail tech files down the gel nails. They will especially file down the edges to make them blend with your natural nail. At this time they also will shorten and reshape your nails (at your request).
2. Any repairs will be made and then a new layer of gel and polish will be applied just like the first time. 
Keep in mind if you want to keep getting a french manicure you will have to get them re-balanced.
I got my fill after 3 weeks of having my gel nails on. This was WAY too long for me! My nails grow extremely fast, so by the time three weeks rolled around, my nails were way too grown out. Next time I will get mine filled after about two-two and a half weeks. 
When trying to decide how often to get fills keep in mind how fast your nails grow!

Prices
At my salon, the first application is $30. After this, fills are $20 and $25 if you get gel polish applied. Prices may vary greatly, so check around salons in your area and get as much info as you can on pricing. 


Pros
1. Because gel nails are an enhancement onto your natural nails, they make your nails much thicker. This makes them more durable so you don't have to worry if you have naturally brittle nails.
2. You don't have to worry about your nails for at least 2 weeks! Your nails will look perfect and you don't have to mess with polishing them and waiting for them to dry. This saves me so much time because when I polish my nails I have to do them twice a week.
3. If you have always wanted long nails, you can finally get the length you want! But if you like your nails shorter, you can also get gel nails without any lengthening enhancements.
4. No harsh smells like you get with acrylics!
5. Gel nails are more flexible and bend with your nails better than acrylics.
6. Gels look and feel more natural than acrylics.


Cons
1. Cost--gel nails can get pricey, especially because prices vary so much. Getting fills twice a month can add up.
2. Some think they can be time consuming, they take about an hour for application as well as for fills. 
3. Some damage may be done to the natural nails. 
4. Gel polish applied over the gel nails is not indestructible. It is often marketed as super strong, but it's not. It can get scratched.


Personally, I love my gel nails. They have held up great and require virtually no upkeep until your next "fill". They have saved me so much time and stress! The only downside is the gel polish painted over them this time was slightly scratched when I hit my nails on a brick wall. Nothing a normal human would notice, but of course I did. Other than that, I love them and would highly suggest you at least give them a try!

That's about it for my overview/review of gel nails. I hope this was helpful! Thanks so much for reading!!

Common Gel Nail SCAM!

About 6 months ago, I got what I thought to be "gel nails" at a nail salon for a special event. However, I completely got scammed! Gel nails are fairly new to the beauty world and are becoming popular because of their more natural look, feel, and wear.

Many "discount" salons have been taking advantage of the fact that they're new and something many people don't know the specifics (such as the application process) of. Basically what happened to me, and many others, is this:

I went into a discount salon and asked for gel nails. After applying the tips, the nail tech brought out a liquid and a powder and started applying it to the nail by dipping a brush in the liquid first, and then the powder to create a thick consistency. When I mentioned that it looked a lot like the same process being used on my friend's acrylics, the nail tech said it was a "special gel powder". After the nails were done, the nail tech applied a UV topcoat that was cured under a UV light.

What happened is the nail tech applied acrylics to my nails but finished off with a UV topcoat (that made no difference) and called them gels. They also charged me $20 more than what is charged for acrylics at that salon.

Another thing they did is use a drill on my nails. They didn't drill mine as much as usual because I asked them not to, but drilling your nails in order to apply any fake nails is actually completely unnecessary. The drill commonly used is a Dremel and is actually often used with woodworking. It is widely used in "discount salons" because it is cheap and fast. These drills are actually illegal to use on nails in many states. All that is needed (and some say this isn't even needed) when it comes to "drilling down" nails is to lightly run a file over the nails to give them a little texture.

So how do you not get scammed?

-First, get informed. Gel nails are applied just like they sound--with an actual gel. A gel tip may be sculpted or regular plastic tips can be applied. The nail tech will use a gel from a pot on your nails-- if the nail tech starts using a liquid and powder, it is NOT gel. There is no such thing as gel powder.

-Try to avoid "discount salons". If there is a huge language barrier, you may want to be careful. Many times, not all the people working in these salons are licensed. These are often the salons that scam you.

It is said that any damage done to your nails after having fake nails is caused by the nail tech, not the fake nails themselves.

Finding a reputable salon can be hard but is so useful! Even if you do your own nails or generally don't get your nails done, its nice to have a reputable salon in case you have a special event to go to or you just want a change.

I really hope this was helpful and informative!

Thanks for reading!

Jordana Made to Last 12 Hr Eyeshadow Pencil in Eternal White Review+Swatch

I don't know about you, but I feel like Jordana has taken the beauty world by storm lately! All of a sudden I'm hearing about their Best Lash Extreme Mascara, balm stains, Fabuliner, and definitely these Made to Last 12 Hr Eyeshadow Pencils!

 

 

Jumbo eyeshadow pencils are very popular right now, and the drugstore has definitely stepped up their game. With Wet n Wild, Rimmel, NYX, Milani, LA Colors, and now Jordana all having these jumbo pencils, there is a lot to choose from. 

 

 

Eternal White is a great, pigmented white. I love to use this in the inner third of my eyes every day so that no matter what eyeshadow I use over it, the inner part will stay bright. This is also an awesome color for intensifying any eyeshadow you put over it!

The formula of these is amazing! They are super creamy, pigmented, and easy to blend. They also stay on ALL DAY and have never creased on me! This is the best staying power I have found with any jumbo shadow pencil I've used. 

I actually own some of the Urban Decay 24 Hour Eyeshadow Pencils and I think the Jordana shadow pencils are better! The Jordana pencils are creamier, much easier to blend, and last longer. Even if Jordana doesn't have the color you want, I would definitely stick to the drugstore when it comes to these eyeshadow pencils.

These can be used as bases underneath eyeshadow or on their own, but I definitely always prefer eyeshadow pencils as bases. It is amazing how much more intense a shadow can look over the right base! 

The only downside to these is that they are not retractable, which means they have to be sharpened. Although this isn't a huge deal, it would still be more convenient if they were retractable. So if you buy these, you're going to need a jumbo pencil sharpener (which is kind of a hassle to have to get a sharpener just for one product). I have a Nars sharpener that has both a regular size sharpener and a jumbo, and I know Urban Decay and Elf also make dual sharpeners. I would definitely suggest getting a dual sharpener because they're so convienent. 

A little surprise dupe-- Jordana has a Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in Continuous Almond that would be an awesome dupe for a Mac Paint Pot! It is a great skin tone color that could be used as a base to even out your lids!

Although I don't like that you need a sharpener for these, I still highly suggest them! They are amazing quality and you can't beat the price at $3.99!

My shadow pencil in Eternal White has become a staple in my daily makeup routine.

I hope this was helpful! Thanks for reading!

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquers Review +Swatch of Comet

When it comes to lip products, I tend to be pretty picky. I hate the feeling of a heavy lipstick on my lips. I also hate having to fuss with the lip color smearing and having to reapply constantly. With that being said, I usually don't buy expensive lip products (or any at all) because I hardly wear anything on my lips.

Lucky for me (and all of you, too!) I found a GREAT drugstore lip product that is affordable! And even I approve of it! 

This is the Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Comet! Rimmel markets these lacquers as not a lipstick and not a lip gloss-- something bigger and better than both of those. I would describe these as a liquid lipstick.

 

These lacquers have a doe foot applicator that is different from anything I've ever seen! The applicator has a groove in it that holds more product so that you can cover your lips completely without reapplying. Although it holds enough product for your lips, it doesn't apply too much, so you don't end up with a mess! This doe foot applicator also makes it easy to be very precise.

These lacquers have a great formula! The formula is like that of a liquid lipstick, except it doesn't "harden" and dry. The formula does set, but does not make your lips feel tight and dry. The finish has a slight gloss to it when first applied, but eventually wears to a semi matte finish.

These lacquers wear for a very long time! Mine lasted at least 3-4 hours with me drinking, eating, etc. One of my favorite things about these lacquers is that it doesn't "chip off" or collect on your lips as it wears. It wears off very evenly without looking gross and feeling uncomfortable. Also, it leaves a slight stain on the lips without looking messy.

 The only issue I have with the formula is that it can make your lips feel kind of dry after a few hours of wear. Nothing obnoxious and flakey, but your lips definitely lose the moisturized feel with time. This can be fixed with a sweep of gloss or chapstick though.

These lacquers are also INSANELY pigmented. The picture below is one swipe. Although they're very pigmented, they don't feel heavy or cakey. They are also buildable, so if you want more color, it can be achieved easily!

I chose the color "Comet" because I repeatedly saw it described as a "my lips but better" shade. This is the issue I have with this color. Although this color is definitely a neutral shade, it isn't just slightly darker than my natural lips like most "MLBB" shades. This color is more like "my lips but 15 times darker"!

This color is a neutral pinky-brown. It is a great neutral shade for every day for those who are comfortable wearing darker color on their lips. It is darker but not so dark that it's "shocking" or "distracting". Because I'm not as used to it, I tend to only wear it on occasions when I want to look nicer, but it never disappoints.

When I want to tone the color down a bit, I can easily do that by blotting my lips. I do this by putting a tissue in between my lips and simply pressing my lips together. This gives a more wearable color:

These lacquers have a rosy scent to them, but it's not too noticeable and
I can't smell it at all once it is applied. 

The best part? These retail for around $6-8! 

I definitely suggest these Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquers and I love the color Comet! I think Comet will transition even better into fall and winter. 

Thanks for reading :)

OPI Tomorrow Never Dies Nail Polish Swatch and Review--The Perfect Purple for Fall!

Purple is my favorite color and I especially love it on my nails for Fall! I bought Tomorrow Never Dies by OPI last year as an impulse buy and never expected that it would become one of my favorite nail polishes!

This color is a gorgeous royal purple color with a slight royal blue duo-chrome to it. The picture picks up more of a blue-toned purple because of the duo-chrome but the color looks like more of a true, almost grape popsicle color purple in person. It is also slightly deeper than it looks in the picture.

This color has an amazing formula that applies extremely easily and is opaque with two coats! I love that the color is no-nonsense and applies without a fuss.

This color has become one of my go-to fall colors and I can't wait to wear it throughout the season!

This color is from the James Bond Skyfall collection that released last Winter, but you can usually find colors from collections fairly easily. 

 OPI Polishes retail for about $9.

Thanks for reading!

Mac Love Joy Mineralize Blush Review and Swatch

So we have finally reached September, and I don't know about you, but when it gets to around this time of the year I am pretty much done with summer. Although the afternoons here are still hot, the mornings are starting to dip into the 60s and it's slowly but surely (very very slowly) making a transition into fall. I am completely ready for boots, sweaters, and leaves falling off of the trees!

 In honor of my favorite time of the year, I got a new blush that I thought would be gorgeous for fall and also something different to add to my collection: Mac Mineralize Blush in Love Joy!

This is my first Mineralize blush from Mac! Just a sidenote--there is another Mineralize blush from Mac called Love Thing, so be sure to not get them mixed up!

Love Joy is a very unique color that is nearly impossible to describe! It is a slightly rosey, midtone brown color with gold shimmer. Although you wouldn't expect it to, it has a slightly apricot looking undertone on the cheeks (possibly from the gold shimmer?). When first swatched you may think it is too glittery, but once applied, all that is left is a subtle, glowy shimmer.

Love Joy is a great color for fall because it is a bit deeper, but I think it would transition well into summer as well because of its bronzey look. 

I am completely impressed with the formula of these mineralize blushes!! They not only have a great color payoff, but are easy to apply, blend well, and have a great staying power! I highly suggest checking out Mac Mineralize blushes even if this one isn't for you because in my opinion, they are better than the regular formula of blushes. If you do decide to try a mineralize blush, I highly suggest swatching them in store before buying one because they tend to be a little deceiving in the pan! 

*Quick tip: when swatching products, especially blushes, make sure you blend them onto your hand, wrist, etc. not just on your finger because some products look different when they are actually on your skin.

Just a disclaimer-- this blush is EXTREMELY pigmented. I am someone who loves blush and tends to wear a lot of it so I am usually not intimidated by people saying that a blush is pigmented. Especially because I never swirl my brush into blushes and most blushes don't show up well on my skin tone, but this blush shocked me! 

The first time I used it, I barely tapped my brush in twice and I ended up with a huge stripe across my face! My suggestion is to lightly tap your brush in once, tap off any extra, and then lightly blend onto the cheeks. If you want more color, simply repeat the process. It is better to layer the color than to begin with too much on! 

Overall, I am completely in love with this blush and have been wearing it daily. I highly suggest you check it out next time you're near a Mac counter because the pictures don't do it justice.  

These blushes retail for $25 wherever Mac products are sold. 

I hope this was helpful! Thank you for reading :)

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie Review and Swatches!

The craze of the Revlon Lip Butters has proven to not just be a trend-- its popularity has lasted quite a while now!

And I can definitely see why! These lip butters are moisturizing, easy to apply, and wear beautifully on the lips! When on the lips, they have a beautiful light sheen that makes your lips look nice and moisturized. They can be applied lightly for a slight tint or built up for a more noticeable color. They also feel very light on the lips, you can't really even feel that you have them on. AND there is a HUGE color selection! I can almost guarantee that there is a color for everyone and every occasion! 

This color is one that I haven't heard talked about quite as much as the others: Berry Smoothie!

This is a gorgeous light berry shade that easily adds color to the lips. The color is very versatile and could go with many different looks. One thing I love about this shade is that it can be a light tint or a full on nearly opaque color. 

The first picture is Berry Smoothie applied lightly:

The next picture is Berry Smoothie applied more heavily with more coats:

As you can see, you can get a light tint or a darker, brighter color (and everything in between) all from one product! It's almost like having two or three different lip colors in one!

This would be great for a day to night look-- you could apply lightly for daytime and then build it up for a darker look for night.

I would say the color wears for a few hours depending on how much you eat, drink, apply chapstick, talk, etc. But although it's not long lasting, it's not a big deal because it is so easy to apply. This color also leaves a slight berry tint to your lips once it is worn off which is very flattering!

Quick tip: If you want the color to wear longer or be more opaque, apply a lip liner under it!

Anyways, this is a great color and I highly suggest it (and any of the lip butters really)! I got mine at Walgreens in a buy one get one half off sale, so look out for those! These generally retail for $6-7.

I definitely suggest this color, check it out! Thanks for reading!
By the way-- the color on my nails in the pictures is this :)