Olivia Frescura

los angeles beauty & lifestyle blog

10 Free Chemistry Vegan Nail Polish in Smooth Sailing

10 Free Chemistry Nail Polish in Smooth Sailing

Since week 1 of quarantine consisted of me soaking my nails in acetone and scraping my gel polish off with a butter knife, I took some time before I decided to paint my nails again to let them heal. This made me realize that 1. I suck at doing my own nails and 2. nail ladies are really doing the lords work.

I’ve been getting my nails done for a solid 4 years now…if my nails aren’t professionally done, I’d just leave them bare. I did that for a while when I started doing personal training in the beginning of last year. I actually got rid of my nail polish collection quite a while ago because it got to be overwhelming for storage, and I don’t even enjoy doing my own nails anyway.

Thankfully, I managed to find some 10 Free Chemistry polishes in my stash that were sent to me a few months back. This line is vegan, non toxic, and cruelty free.

I applied their Prep With Peptides base coat followed by 2 coats of Smooth Sailing, finishing with Pep In Your Step high gloss top coat.

The polish surprisingly only needed 2 coats, although the formula is very thin. The top coat was too thin and not glossy enough to my liking— but, I’m also used to having gel polish on which is a lot thicker. So, for a vegan/plant based nail polish, I think it’s more than satisfactory.

While the brand touts 10 day wear time, my nails started chipping by day 2. It could be because my nails were thin, or due to all the hand washing we’re doing now— but I wouldn’t trade it for my gel polish ever. And for $18 per color, I’d really only recommend this for those who are vegan and require vegan polish. Personally, I’ll stick with my OPI and gel!

**This post contains products I’ve received for free & affiliate links – for more information, please read my Disclosure Policy**

Static Nails in “Empire” Review

Static Nails Reusable Glue On Nails Empire Review

I’ve always been tempted to get acrylic nails, but have been way too scared to go for it because of the damage they do to your nails. But, it takes months and months to grow out your nails & they almost always break. So, why not try press-on nails? Static Nails is a luxury line of reusable nails that you can apply in seconds. I was introduced to the brand last year, and I was kind of intimidated by the idea of gluing on my nails, so I didn’t even try them until recently.

I got the Empire set ($16) which is a gorgeous nude with a black triangle accent. Each Static Nails set comes with 24 nails (12 sizes per hand), non-damaging glue, a nail file and instructions all packed in a small suede pouch- perfect for carrying your glue on the go!

I got so many compliments on these nails when I wore them. They lasted about a week for me, with reapplying periodically because they last depending on how much glue you put on them. I think the only improvement that they could do is labeling which size is which, because it’s easy to mix up the sizes and accidentally use two of the same one. Other than that, I think what Static Nails is doing is amazing- affordable reusable nails with high quality designs, what more could a girl want?

**This post contains products that I have received for free-for more information, please read my Disclosure Policy**

 

 

http://staticnails.com/shop/empire-going-soon

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Polish Review

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Polish Review
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark has been a nail polish shade that I’ve heard of for YEARS. Everyone raves about it- it seems like a winter cult classic. It’s the darkest shade of purple. Not quite navy, not quite burgundy, and not quite eggplant. They describe it as “where midnight meets purple” which is the perfect descriptor. I’ve been dying to try, but rarely buy nail polish. But, a few months ago I got my nails done with this shade at a nail salon, and as soon as I saw my nails afterwards, I went across the street to a beauty supply store and bought it! It was love at first sight.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Polish Review Swatch
OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

It went great with my long nails. I miss having long nails so badly, but with work & how busy I am lately, I can’t seem to grow them out this long again. But, for now, I’ll just reminisce…

If you haven’t tried out this shade, you better snag it before spring comes! It’s such a gorgeous and rich shade, that’s dark without being as unapproachable as black, and not too bright

International Salon & Spa Expo 2015 Highlights (Glycelene, Cailyn Cosmetics, Caption Nails)

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Caption Polish
ISSE Long Beach 2015- Caption Polish

As a blogger, going to industry trade shows is always a ton of fun for me. I get to see some of my favorite brands in person, and meet with new brands to see the latest beauty releases. ISSE is a salon and spa expo where professionals in the hair, nails, and spa categories go to learn and find new product to purchase. For myself, I was there to check out and see if there are any interesting products that I could possibly review on this blog! I attended ISSE 2013, so you can check out my posts from that. Thankfully this year I did essentially no shopping, which is always a hard thing to resist! I got to hang out with some blogger buds Stephanie, Alyson, Mai, and Romy. Show their blogs some love! Anyways, here’s a peek at a few of the best brands & most exciting products that I scouted.

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Glycelene The Rejuvenation Creme
Glycelene Rejuvenation Creme

Glycelene is a 100% natural, organic, and vegan skin care line created by makeup artist Kim Borio. I hung out at Glycelene’s booth for quite a while and got a demo of quite a few of their products. I was super impressed by their Luxury Face Oil (I need it!), Seatox Mist, and yet-to-be released eye oil.

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Glycelene No. 1 Natural Parfum Oil
Glycelene No. 1 Natural Parfum Oil

I also tried their No. 1 Natural Parfum oil, which is also new. It contains citrus notes such as lemon and neroli, blended with jasmine. It’s inspired by Sorrento, Italy- which was a match made in heaven for me since I stayed there for a weekend when I was studying abroad there. I received a sample size of the Rejuvenation Creme pictured above, and although I’ve only used it once- I’m already a fan! My skin was baby smooth overnight!

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Cailyn Cosmetics Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint
Cailyn Cosmetics Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint

An exciting makeup product I tested was Cailyn Cosmetics’ Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint. These matte liquid lip colors are all the rage right now, and I think one of the biggest trends I’ve seen to start off 2015- and I’m all over it! They were kind enough to give me a shade to try, so you’ll have to wait to see my thoughts, besides the fact that I want them all & they should release a wider range of colors ASAP!

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Cailyn Cosmetics Cocoon Lip Stain Collection
Cailyn Cosmetics Cocoon Lip Stain

Yet ANOTHER Cailyn Cosmetics product that I found was their new Cocoon Lip Stain line. This product is unlike any other lip stain you’ve ever seen or tried! You apply the stain gel like a mask, wait 10 minutes for it to try, and then peel it off to reveal a gorgeous stain! I’m DYING to get my hands on the orange color (okay, all of them) to do a video demo for you guys.

ISSE Long Beach 2015 Caption Polish 3
Caption Polish in Shizaaam!

New brand Caption Polish promises gel-like shine without the UV lamp. I was in love with their display (first picture in this post), and all of their colors are gorgeous. I had this amazing glitter polish Shizaaam! applied over my nude nails- can you say amazing? This was 1 coat, and it dried lightening fast! Definitely hoping to get my hands on some of these polishes for a review- already impressed!

Those are the main brands that I was blown away by at ISSE, but I checked out a lot more brands, but I don’t want to go on forever so I’ll keep it brief! Hover over the images to see my thoughts & click to enlarge photos.

Overall I was pretty thrilled with ISSE this year. I’m highly considering applying for a press pass for their biggest show- Cosmoprof in Las Vegas this summer! I think it would make for great networking- and who can resist Vegas?

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish System & Nail Lacquer Review

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Tutti Frutti Smoothie Strawberry Macaron I'm Beachy Lotion Please Blueberry Sno Cone Week in Provence Review Swatch
Dazzle Dry Nail Polishes (Tutti Frutti Smoothie, Strawberry Macaron, I’m Beachy!, Lotion, Please!, Blueberry Sno Cone, Week in Provence)

Dazzle Dry is a nail polish line that promises to dry in 5 minutes and wear like a gel polish, without the UV light! After loving Dazzle Dry’s top coat that I received a sample of in the April Vegan Cuts Beauty Box, I was excited that the brand contacted me and let me know that they have an entire line of stunning shades! I was sent a bunch of gorgeous colors and the Dazzle Dry 3 Piece Nail System, which includes a nail prep, base coat, and top coat. After trying these products I’ve fallen in love! You really need to use Dazzle Dry polishes with the nail system in order for optimal results in my opinion!

Dazzle Dry 3 Piece Nail Polish System Nail Prep Base Coat Top Coat Review
Dazzle Dry 3 Piece Nail Polish System

The Dazzle Dry 3 Piece Nail Polish System contains a nail prep, base coat, and top coat. The nail prep doesn’t seem to do much besides make your nail dry and oil free, similar to using nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. I apply it with a cotton round and sometimes get lint on my nails, so you definitely need something lint free. The base coat is very liquidy and needs to dry matte before applying Dazzle Dry nail lacquers over it. It’s formulated without nitrocellulose, phthalate, camphor, and formaldehyde. The Quick Dry Top Coat is great for adding amazing shine after applying polish, it is very liquidy, and it really does dry quickly! The set retails for $28.50 and is definitely a must-have if you want to try these polishes, or else they won’t work!

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Strawberry Macaron, Tutti Frutti Smoothie, I'm Beachy Review Swatch
Strawberry Macaron, Tutti Frutti Smoothie, I’m Beachy!

The first 3 polishes I have are Strawberry Macaron, Tutti Frutti Smoothie, and I’m Beachy! These 3 are all cream shades, although Tutti Frutti Smoothie acts a bit like a jelly as well. My favorite one of these 3 is definitely Strawberry Macaron, the pale pink is wearable at any time of year! These nail polishes are interesting because they dry matte. You have to apply them over the base coat once it is dry & matte, and then apply a thin layer of polish. After the thin layer I like to do a thicker layer. But, if you need 3 coats I would do 2 thin coats and 1 thick one.

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Strawberry Macaron, Tutti Frutti Smoothie, I'm Beachy Review Swatch (2)
Strawberry Macaron, Tutti Frutti Smoothie, I’m Beachy!- 2 coats & using nail system

I put 2 coats of each polish on my nails, and I used the entire 3 piece nail system to give you the best results. As you can see, they are all very shiny. Depending on how you apply the polish, you may need another coat. Strawberry Macaron looks a bit streaky, but a 3rd coat would make it perfect. The top coat gets rid of the matte look and gives a fabulous shine.

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Week in Provence, Lotion Please, Blueberry Sno Cone Review Swatch
Week in Provence, Lotion Please!, Blueberry Sno Cone

The other 3 colors I have are Week in Provence, Lotion Please, and Blueberry Sno Cone. I’m wearing Lotion, Please! right now, actually. It’s probably my favorite one out of this bunch, but I still need to try the rest out! These polishes are creams as well, but Blueberry Sno Cone is jelly-ish as well.

Dazzle Dry Nail Polish in Week in Provence, Lotion Please, Blueberry Sno Cone Review Swatch (2)
Week in Provence, Lotion Please, Blueberry Sno Cone- 2 coats, using nail system

I only had a problem with Week in Provence because the top coat brush made streaks in the polish. I think if I gave more dry time that would not have happened!

I really love these colors, and they last for ages. I have worn Lotion, Please! for a week (maybe even 8 days) with only minimal chipping and 1 or 2 big chips that I just got in the past 2 days. I think I am a Dazzle Dry convert…I just need more colors! A white, nude, black, and other essential colors would be great to have, because they are essentials to any nail collection. These nail polishes are only $9.00 each, which is on par with other brands, but these last longer when you have the nail system. You have to check Dazzle Dry out, I’m surprised I haven’t heard many bloggers talk about them because they are amazing. Now I’m off to scour the website for which shades I want next!

Olivia Frescura Blog Signature 2014 3

**This post contains products that I have received for free– for more information, please read my Disclosure Policy**