If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a bit of an obsession with my nails, as demonstrated by my multiple #notd posts. And while I do enjoy the occasional trip to the manicurist, I’ve built up a toolkit to allow me to maintain my nails at home. So in Part 3 of the 2012 Beauty Awards, there won’t be any winners but I’ll be sharing my favorite nail products.
Orly Cutique Cuticle Remover – A discovery at Beautyworld ME, this makes at-home mani’s a cinch. No more annoying hangnails or build up of cuticles.
Seche Vite Top Coat – The holy grail in top coats. I picked this up at Beautyworld last year and it’s still going strong. It has a strong alcohol smell so apply in a well-ventilated area but it dries up within a few seconds.
Sephora Glass Nail File – I must have gone through a hundred emery boards by now but as an impulse, I picked up this during the summer. These file your nails in a jiff and last forever. I wihs I had discovered these earlier.
Bourjois Nail Polish Remover – When you need to get rid of the chipped polish in a flash, this is a savior. No need to hunt for cotton pads and be worried of spills. Bonus, the fruity scent and oil-based formula leave your nails in top condition. Special mention to Zoya Remove+, my basic polish remover that comes in a pump bottle, and Boots Polish Wipes, which are a must-have while traveling.
Nailstation Drying Drops – Even when I’m having a manicure done in the salon, I have these in my handbag. They cut the drying time in half. Dollz Tip – use them between each coat if you’re in a really hurry.
And now for the actual nail polishes! I think nail color is a very personal thing and more often than not, I use it as a mood enhancer. However, there are a few brands that I’m partial to.
Chanel – Overpriced, definitely. But they are the trendsetters for the seasons colors. I’m a fan of their jelly finishes, especially Morning Rose (LE) being a favorite this past year with its gold shimmer pink. Unfortunately, most of the new collections sell out within days of arrival.
Christian Dior – I picked up my first bottle of CD with the blue-green St. Tropez. The formula is average but I’m a fan of the oval, oversized brushes. And they too are catching up with Chanel by putting out some unique color offerings.
Deborah Lippmann – I call these the party polishes. When in NYC this summer, I dedicated one afternoon to finding Bloomingdales, just so I could shop the entire collection. I love the jelly glitters/sequined polishes. In case you haven’t discovered this brand, start with Across the Universe or Ruby Red Slippers. Available in the UAE at NBar.
A-England – A boutique brand based in the UK that delivers to the UAE! Amazing formula with some really unique colors. Check out the glossy red Perceival or the gold-green Princess Sabra.
Rescue Beauty Lounge – Another boutique polish brand from the USA. Pricey but great formula and some unique colors that sell out quickly. My pick is the grey Concrete Jungle and they also produce my favorite matte top coat.
Hope you’re enjoying the 2012 Beauty Awards series. In case you missed the previous segments, links are below.
Check back soon for the next segment on the Best in Skincare.
