Like most women, I like to look cute and put together. But as a single Mom of 2, I do not have hours (sometimes I don't even have minutes!) to put into getting ready. I love to have my nails prettily manicured, but who has the time to go to the nail salon every week? And do them myself? By the time I have 5 free minutes to paint my nails, it is bedtime - and then I wake up with the inevitable sheet marks! When I heard about the new CND Shellac system - a UV-cured hybrid nail color that claims to last 14-days - I was so excited. As in dreaming about it every night the week before it was released excited. I mean, even I can spare 30 minutes every two weeks for the perfect manicure!
Finally, Shellac day was here. I had my hands manicured - filed my nails, clipped my cuticles, and made them look extra pretty. After all, if I am going to have a beautiful manicure last 2 weeks, I want to start with the prettiest palette possible! The process is amazingly easy (and in case you didn't notice, EASY is high on my list of necessities!) - apply base coat (just like polish), cure for 10 seconds under the UV lamp. Apply 1 coat of color, cure for 2 minutes. Apply second color coat, cure for 2 minutes. Apply top coat, cure for 2 minutes. Wipe thoroughly with 99% alcohol (this is the MOST IMPORTANT step) to remove the top layer film and DONE! My nails were beautifully painted in the exotic Tropix color, shiny, and DRY!
For my first Shellac test, I immediately put my hand in my pocket to retrieve my watch and lip gloss. I will admit it - I was nervous. I am Queen of having creases and lines in my nail polish, because I always forget to have everything out of my purse or pockets before polishing. Not to mention having to change a diaper or fix a broken toy... With Shellac, IT DIDN'T MATTER! I stuck my hand in my pocket, got my watch, pulled my hand back out - and my polish was still PERFECT!
The most amazing part about my manicure is how glossy it is. My nails honestly look wet. I have tried tons of top coats to obtain that high-gloss shine that lasts, to no avail. Shellac is different - it looks like I just left the salon. Finally, stress-free nails! YAY!
Shellac Attack - The Single Mom's Stress-Free Answer! Day 1 - Review by Tara
