“Make-up in the Mail” posts feature products that were sent to me – within-depth reviews of some products and mini-reviews of others. I take my time to thoroughly test and review products, but I don’t want my readers to miss out on the latest and greatest on the market while I formulate my reviews!
Product: L’Oreal Paris Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque Nail 1-2-3
What is it? A 3-step nail system (primer/polish/topcoat) that provides the look of a Gel/Shellac manicure
Why is it special? It’s an easy way to get glossy, shiny nails without using a UV light or having to go to a salon
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| L’Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque in 700 Absolutely Timeless and 701 Don’t Shy Away |
My thoughts: I absolutely adore this Gel-lacque system. I’ve tried both salon Shellac manicures and at-home UV-light kits…and I prefer this L’Oreal kit over both those options! Here’s why:
Application: Curved brush applies polish neatly. Rock hard glossy finish typical of salon gel nails, and the formula dries very quickly!
Longevity: The L’Oreal Gel-Lacque polishes provide me with a solid week of wear (with minimal tip wear/chipping by the 5th day). Meanwhile, a large chip peeled off my nail on the 3rd day after my expensive salon CND Shellac manicure!
Removal: Comes off super easily with normal nail polish remover – no need to soak your nails in acetone and scrape of the uv-baked on formula (which can lead to damaged brittle nails).
Tips: The gel colour layer looks matte and dries very quickly – you NEED to use it with the Primer/Top Coat kit to get the super glossy look. Would follow the instructions and only use 2 coats of gel colour – when I applied 3 coats, I got a small air bubble on 2 of my nails. 700 Absolutely Timeless is a gorgeous pale pink shade, but the formula was slightly streakier than 701 Don’t Shy Away. Luckily most of the streaks smoothed out when I applied the Top Coat.
Price: Primer & Top-Coat Kit ($15.99), Gel Colour ($8.99)
Product: Live Clean Age Resist Collection
What is it? A 4-part anti-aging hair treatment consisting of: pre-wash oil, shampoo, conditioner and post-wash beauty balm.
Why is it special? Uses eco-friendly ingredients: Plant-based silicone alternatives (rosehip and avocado oil), Antioxidants (Pomegranate, Gogi and Blueberry extracts) and Volume-boosting Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.
Who is it good for? Anyone who has found that their hair has gotten thinner, fragile and dull over time.
My thoughts: I tried the whole system out, massaging the Miracle Resist Nutrition Oil in my hair before my bath, followed by the shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and applied the 10-in-1 treatment after towel-drying my hair. The whole system smells amazing. My hair looked very healthy and glossy after use – the strands felt fuller and were completely frizz-free. My only complaint would be that my roots felt a bit weighed down and oily. So depending on your hair type, I would recommend using a volume-boosting shampoo on your roots, and the Age Resist system on the rest of your hair.
Price: Shampoo, Conditioner & 10-in-1 treatment ($8.99 each), Miracle Nutrition Oil ($11.99)
Product: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Golden Orchid
What is it? Finely milled eyeshadow single in Pantone 2014’s color of the year
Why is it special? Buildable shadow with rich pigmentation and long lasting wear
My thoughts: I don’t usually wear colour on my lids, but this shadow was very easy to use. I applied it as a simple wash of colour on my eyelids – and because of the subtle gold dimensions, it actually looked like 2 eyeshadows blended together! Even without a primer, the rich orchid tones showed up, and the shadow lasted without creasing for the whole day. The shadow is light enough for everyday wear because it’s very subtle, but it could also be smoked out with deeper colors for a more dramatic look.
Price: $24
Have you heard of or tried any of these new products?
DISCLAIMER: These products were sent to me for review but all opinions are 100% my own.
Linking up with More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.
Love these excellent, detailed reviews. I am ALWAYS searching for a great way to get longer lasting manicures and haven't found anything that I love yet. Even Shellac/Gel only lasts me 3-4 days tops without chips. And like you said, it's beyond frustrating to pay so much for that and get a chip then have to go through the PITA removal process. I will definitely try the L'oreal option! If I could get 3-5 days of wear with an easy removal process I'd be thrilled. Bonus that they come in square bottles, my weird, random preference. :)Gina — On the Daily Express
Thanks Gina – so glad you liked reading my reviews 🙂 The long wear (definitely more than my regular polishes) PLUS the easy removal make it one of my current faves. And I prefer square bottles too – twins!
Have you done a nail post with the "caviar nails"? I know that was a thing a while back. I still haven't tried it. Cute post! :)I want to invite you to enter my blog's #HopeForMoms Giveaway (total giveaway valued at $810!) All you have to do is write a #HopeForMoms status which will be shared with mom survivors of human trafficking through International Princess project. 😀 Check out more details at my blog!God bless,Christinewww.beyoutifulhope.blogspot.com
this colour looks so pretty!!!!
Very pretty, thanks for sharing!-chelsey-http://chelseypatti.blogspot.com
I really love that shadow on you! It definitely looks layered/blended! And that blue polish is so fab!Carylee | morepiecesofme.com