Salon Effects at home

This is my second time trying Sally Hansen Salon Effects because I really wanted to have my nails polished but I didn't want to go to the salon and I didn't want to wait for my nail polish to dry.  While at Duane Reade I picked up the Aflorable strips mostly because I had just seen so many beautiful flowers at the Botanical Gardens Orchid Show.

Applying the strips only takes 5 simple steps and best of all is the no drying time. I usually do a pretty good job polishing my nails but I usually ruin it because I do not give them enough time to dry.

In the Salon Effects box you will find a cuticle stick, mini file & buffer, 16 nail strips and detailed instructions with pictures.

1. Select the best fitting strip for each nail.
2. Peel the clear protective plastic from the backing paper.
3. Break silver tab from strip and choose a side which best fits the shape of your nail.
4. Apply the strip against the cuticle line; holding at the center for control. Press the strip to nail. Gently stretch strip for a perfect fit (careful not to overstretch). Firmly smooth strip over nail. Run flat side of cuticle stick along edge of strip to firmly bond strip to nail.
5. Shape the excess nail edge by forming a crease around the edge of the nail and filing away the excess with the light pink side of file.

For best results start with clean, dry nails. Push back cuticles with wooden stick (I like to trim my cuticles).  The stripes last about 5 - 10 days depending on your lifestyle.  To remove the stripes use nail polish remover as you would to remove regular nail polish.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects are available at most drug stores and cost about $11.

In my BAG

I have a subscription to Marie Claire and every month when it arrives in the mail I turn to the last page to see "In the BAG" I have to admit it is my favorite feature and I look forward to it. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I am the nosiest person I know. I love knowing what is behind the curtain or in this case what is "In the bag"  I thought you might want to know what is in my bag.

 

Coach: Hampton Leather Flap Bag in Plum - I've had this bag for about two years

I love how much stuff I can fit in this bag and how organized everything stays with four large compartments plus two zippered pockets. Every item has its place.

1. Ray-Ban - Great for walking around New York City as the lens is very light

2. Kindle - Although my kindle looks like a dinosaur compared to all the iPads and Kindle Fires out there this still does the trick and keeps me well read

3. Pill Box - I found this antique pill box while on a trip to Madrid it is perfect for keeping a small supply of pain medication and vitamins with me - just in case

4. Rollon Perfume - I love these roll on perfumes! They are just the right size for when you are on-the-go also a good way to try a perfume before investing in it

5. Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss - I am in love with this lip gloss it feels so luxurious and my shade of choice Insolence is such a fun name

6.Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment - I have large lips and must have them moisturized at all times 

7.Kleenex Tissues - You never know when you will need a tissue

8. Note book and Pen - I am very old fashioned and like to jot down ideas and notes in a note pad with ink and paper

9. Wristlet - I like to keep one of these in my bag just in case I go out on the town; I can transfer just the essentials to it and check my large bag

10. iPhone charger - I would not like to be caught with a dead iPhone 

Sugar by Fresh Lip Treatment

My lips had been very dry lately and my petrolatum based lip balm was not helping. I went online and typed in petrolatum to see if it is good for my skin and what I learned is surprising.  It turns out that it works as a barrier (like a bandage) on your skin; it will not let moisture in or out blocking out your body's natural moisurizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping! Petrolatum creates the conditions it claims to alleviate.  For more information on other cosmetic ingredients you should avoid visit Organic Consumers.

I made my why to Sephora and asked the sales lady to recommend a lip balm and she suggested Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh.  I looked at the ingredients and was happy to find it has a blend of oils that nourish the skin,  sugar to prevent moisture loss, and SPF 15 to protect from the sun.  The packaging mentioned the lip treatment is made without petrochemicals, sulfates, and synthetic dyes amongst other scary sounding ingredients.

At $22.50 one might say it is very pricey for a lip balm but at .15 oz it is enough lip balm to last you all season.  I've been using my Sugar lip balm for about two weeks now and my lips have not been dry since.