Sunday 21 February 2016

Weleda Pomegranate Cuticle Softener Pen & Nail Care Pen

Weleda, makers of natural skin and body care products since 1921, is turning its expertise to nail care with the newest addition to the Weleda family, Pomegranate Nail Care.

To be used alone or as a 2-part system, the Pomegranate Nail Care Softener Pen and Nail Care Pen work to soften, protect and intensively care for the nails. Use with Weleda Pomegranate Firming Hand Cream for the healthiest hands, as well as nails.

Weleda Cuticle Softener Pen $17/0.1floz

"Rough and dry cuticles are softened with with a rich blend of nurturing plant oils featuring 98% organic ingredients that work together to condition and help gently remove cuticles."
Source: well.ca

This cuticle softener pen comes with one pre-saturatd tip and three replacement tips at the other end of the pen. These tips are about the same size as an orange stick. At first I thought you had to pump the tip to release the product but the tip does not move, instead the product is absorbed by the tip and you apply the product as needed. Not a lot of product comes out and I almost wished that the tip could release more product.

The instructions advise you to use the cap as the cuticle pusher but I preferred using the tip instead because it was just as rigid as the cut but it was thinner in width and I felt I had more control. Although the cap did have a nice curve to it that would fit to the contours of the nail.


Overall I liked the scent of the product, which smelled like citrusy pomegranate to me. I liked that Weleda included replacement tips conveniently placed at the other end of the pen and that it did help soften up my cuticles. It made pushing them back easier. It did not however, remove cuticles as it claims on the label. But what with the product being 98% organic I didn't expect it to contain anything harsh enough to remove cuticles anyways. It was most useful to me as a touch up pen to gently keep the cuticles back, I would not recommend this product if you had a thick cuticle overgrowth. You would need a stronger product in that situation. 


Weleda Nail Care Pen ($17 0.07fl oz)

"Featuring a convenient, easy-to-use brush applicator, this 91% organic nail pen provides intense nourishment and promotes healthy nails and cuticles with vitamin-rich plant oils and moisturizing Shea butter. Chamomile extract and beeswax round out the list of beneficial ingredients."

Source: well.ca

Ingredient Spotlights
Pomegranate Seed Oil
  • High in antioxidants A, C and E to strengthen nails
  • Deeply moisturizes
  • Sourced from organic pomegranates grown in Turkey
Sweet Almond Oil
  • Rich in vitamin E to help strengthen and nourish nails
  • Easily absorbed into nails and nail bed
  • Sourced from organic almonds grown in Spain
Shea Butter
  • Nurturing and smoothing properties
  • Highly moisturizing
  • Ideal for helping restore dry, sensitive cuticles
  • Organically sourced
Jojoba Seed Oil
  • Organic wax that is similar in composition to human skin
  • Highly stable
  • Moisturizing and suitable for all nail type
    This cuticle pen had a thicker consistency than any other product in pen format I've used before. I suppose I've grown used to cuticle oil pens so I pleasantly surprised that instead of oil the product was more like a thin balm that melted and absorbed quickly when I applied on the skin.



    These nail care products are a little bit on the pricier side compared to what else if on the market but they contain almost 100% organic ingredients which reflects the pricing. They work nicely hand in hand and have kept my cuticles looking hydrated and healthy these past couple weeks. They were especially helpful a couple weekends ago when Toronto experienced a cold snap with the temperatures feeling as low as -39 degrees celsius!

    The Weleda Cuticle Softener Pen and Nail Care Pen can be purchased through the Weleda website, Amazon or well.ca to list a few vendors.





    Until Next Time,


    Annie



    This products was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. Opinions reflected are my own with no influence from company

    Friday 12 February 2016

    wet n wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Polish Swatches - Part 2

    If you missed my first post where I swatched 7 out of the 18 shades from this collection, you can read my post here. The 1 step wonder gel collection is the newest line from wet n wild, here is a little info from the company:

    THE FORMULA
    • New 1 Step WonderGel™ was developed using the same technology that’s used in dental veneers for durability and shine.
    • This formula delivers the color and shine of a true UV cured gel polish, without the need for a special UV light.
    • It cures with the regular ambient light from overhead lighting or sunlight.
    • Because it is a true gel formula, the formula is light sensitive and requires an opaque bottle.
    THE RESULTS
    • Color and shine last for up to 2 weeks! 
    • Results are achieved in just one easy step. 
    • No top coat or base coat required! No harsh removal! Removes with regular nail polish.



    Click to see individual swatches.

    Sunday 7 February 2016

    Orofluido Asia Kit Press Release

    Happy Chinese New Year fellow readers! It's the year of the Monkey. For those of you who don't know, I am of Chinese descent and in the Chinese culture the new year is a big deal to us. We Chinese can get pretty superstitious during Chinese New Years, for example no cleaning/sweeping because you will be sweeping away your fortune, new clothes are to be worn on new years day because wearing old/damaged clothing can cause bad luck for the year and you are not to cut or wash your hair. The word hair in Chinese has the same pronunciation of the word wealth so it is seen has severing or washing away your wealth.

    I thought this would be a great time to share a new product line from Orofluido.


    "The brand Orofluido rediscovers ancient beauty secrets based on traditions and natural ingredients from the farthest parts of the world, transforming them into rituals and bringing richness back to hair. Orofluido is starting a new journey in Asia, providing their beauty secrets in our product. The zen way of beauty is the perfect balance of harmony, tame and control."

    Their newest like is the Zen Beauty Ritual, specialized for all types of frizz-prone hair, it helps with frizz control and promotes elasticity and smoothness.

    "An enticing blend based on treasured Asian ingredients with a soft texture and an exquisite fragrance specially mixed to stimulate the senses. Orofluido Asia has been formulated for women with dry, coarse, brittle hair who suffer from frizz, particularly in humid conditions."

    The Zen Beauty Ritual line contains the zen control shampoo, conditioner, mask, and elixir. These products are ideal for achieving exceptional frizz control, elasticity and smoothness.




    I'm most excited about the hair mask which helps repair damaged hair in need of TLC and conditioning. The ends of my hair tend to feel more dry and requires a little more attention. I think this mask will help hydrate and add a healthy shine to my mane. 

    We received a press sample package of these products and will cover a more in depth review once we've had a chance to try out this products.

    In the meantime, from my family to yours I like to wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year filled with happiness, health, luck and prosperity!


    Until next time,

    Annie

    Red Carpet Manicure Hydrating Cuticle Balm

    Launched in September 2011, Red Carpet Manicure has become a well known brand in the gel polish world. In fact, they were first in the world to release an at-home professional salon LED light activated gel polish system. Which was something new I learned. Back in 2011 I wasn't quite as heavily in tuned with the nail world as I am now. Regardless, becoming the world's first anything is an amazing accomplishment.

    Since then, Red Carpet Manicure has expanded its product lines to include nail lacquers, nail art kits and hand and nail treatments. Today's post will focus on a product from their hand and nail treatment line. More specifically, their Hydrating Cuticle Balm.


    Source: Red Carpet Manicure


    "A professional salon strength cuticle balm that instantly nourishes and conditions rough, ragged cuticles - guaranteed. This exclusive micronized combination of essential nutrients, micronized botanicals and vitamins allow for natural smooth and healthy cuticles."


    The box suggested using this cuticle balm either alone or in conjunction with Red Carpet Manicure's Youth Creme (a revitalizing hand, cuticle and nail cream) or Cuticle Elixir (a cuticle serum that deeply hydrates and conditions rough, ragged, sore cuticles and nails) which are both from Red Carpet Manicure nail treatment line.

    I really liked the fact that the balm came in a small glass jar, it gave the product a high quality feel to it. The balm, which had a slightly citrusy scent to it, was quite soft and melted quickly when applied to the skin and left a very slight dewy feel. It didn't at all feel overly greasy or oily.



    One thing I didn't like about the balm was that I had it back in its packaging on its side and when I went to use it the next day there was oil on the lid and around the threads of the jar. Due to the low melting temperature of the balm and having the heat on at home it caused the oil to melt and seep out. This is not a cuticle balm I'd carry around in my purse, especially during the summertime. That being said, the balm would be more suited to be used at home or at the office to ensure it stays upright at all times.

    Overall I enjoyed using this cuticle balm as an overnight treatment, since the first ingredient (sunflower oil) has such a low melting temperature it didn't take much for the balm to melt into the skin. It didn't leave my fingers feeling overly greasy. It is more pricier (suggested retail price of $15) compared to other brands out there on the market but a little bit goes a long way. There is 15ml of product in the jar so this will definitely last a long time.Here is a picture of my cuticles after a full week use of the balm on a nightly basis:



    Ingredient as listed on the box: Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Beeswax, Mineral Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Vitamin C Palmitate, Fragrance, Shea Butter, Antioxidant, Vitamin E Acetate, Orange Peel Wax, Vitamin F, Yellow 5, Water, Blue, Citrol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, d-Limonene and Linalool 

    Red Carpet Manicure is available at Ulta, Ulta.com or Redcarpetmanicure.com in the U.S.
    For us Canadians Red Carpet Manicure products are available at: Rexall, Pharmaplus, London Drug, Lawtons, Pharmasave, Nailpolishcanada.com, Well.ca and Theshoppingchannel.com

    You can join in on the ongoing Red Carpet Manicure conversation on facebooktwitter, and Instagram. Don't forget to tag #rcmnailit in your posts!


    Until next time,

    Annie







    This products was generously provided in exchange for my honest review. Opinions reflected are my own with no influence from company

    Tuesday 2 February 2016

    wet n wild 1 Step Wonder Gel Polish Swatches - Part 1

    Last week Mir and I had the amazing opportunity to attend wet n wild 2016 preview event. We got to test some new products coming out this spring and learn more about this cruelty free company. We had a load of fun and left with a bunch of products we are looking forward to reviewing.

    I must admit I don't have too much experience with wet n wild beauty products, however I do own quite a few of their nail polishes. They're very modestly priced with a vast colour selection, my favourite line is their Mega Last polishes which offers creme polishes and more muted neutral tones. wet n wild's latest release is their 1 Step Wonder Gel Polish with 18 colourful shades to choose from. Here is some info on their site about this new line:

    THE FORMULA
    • New 1 Step WonderGel™ was developed using the same technology that’s used in dental veneers for durability and shine.
    • This formula delivers the color and shine of a true UV cured gel polish, without the need for a special UV light.
    • It cures with the regular ambient light from overhead lighting or sunlight.
    • Because it is a true gel formula, the formula is light sensitive and requires an opaque bottle.
    THE RESULTS
    • Color and shine last for up to 2 weeks! 
    • Results are achieved in just one easy step. 
    • No top coat or base coat required! No harsh removal! Removes with regular nail polish.

    I have 7 shades out of the 18 to share with you all today. No top coat was used in any of the swatches






    More detailed descriptions and pictures ahead




    Condensed Milk
    An off white creamy beige polish, it was slightly streaky so I had to use 3 coats for full opacity. I tend to gravitate towards these milky whites in the summer when I have a slight tan.





    Pale in Comparison

    The pink sister of condensed milk, off white with a hint of pink. This was streaky as well so I needed 3 careful coats for opacity. Again, I feel that this shade would look lovely against a summertime tan.




    Stay Classy
    A soft mauve creme. This shade had an awesome formula, only 1 thick coat was needed. One of my favs from the collection. Reminded me of Essie Ladylike or Demure Vixen




    All That Jazzy
    A silvery gold metallic polish, a little more care is needed with the application of this polish as the brush stroke can be seen when dried. 2 coats were needed for full opacity but you can get away with 1 coat for a softer gold. I liked this colour more than I thought I would!




    Pretty Peas
    A mint green that I feel leans more to a light turquoise depending on the lighting. Like most pastels, I needed 2-3 coats to fully cover the patchiness. The extra work is worth it because this colour is beautiful and perfect for spring/summer.




    Peri-Wink-Le of An Eye
    Another one coater! 1 thick coat of this periwinkle beauty was all I needed, very impressed with this one as well. A good dupe for this shade is China Glaze Secret Periwinkle.





    Cyantific Method
    2 coats were needed for this vibrant blue. A good dupe is OPI No Room For The Blues.




    The standouts of mine from these 7 shades were Condensed Milk and All That Jazzy for their colour and Peri-Wink-Le of An Eye for the formula. None of the shades were totally unique from any other collections I've seen but there are good basics shades in this collection plus I found that the polishes dried very shiny and no top coat was needed.

    I can't speak for the 2 week wearability claim these polishes have because I change my polish every couple of days, but I can however note that I was about to easily remove the polish with both acetone and acetone free and I am happy to add that none of the polishes stained my nails.

    wet n wild’s 1-Step Wonder Gel is chip resistant and 3-
    Free with no Formaldehyde, Toluene and Phthalates, they are available at major food, drug and mass retailers beginning January 2016.

    I usually don't like to post any pictures of myself but this selfie Mir and I snapped at the event was too cute not to share plus in case any of you were curious about what we look like, now you know ;)




    Stay tuned for next time when I have 7 more swatches from Wonder Gel collection to share.


    Annie





    *Press Sample*