Sunday, August 7, 2011

Product Feature: OPI Nail Envy

Earlier this year I was hooked on CND Shellac manicures.  If you haven't heard about Shellac, it's this long wearing nail polish that's applied with UV light and lasts for two weeks without chipping.  They're getting pretty popular, and in my experience they really do look great and last for weeks.  Unfortunately, the removal process involves soaking your nails in acetone for several minutes and then using a metal tool to chip off the polish.  While my nails looked fantastic with the Shellac on, the removal process left my nails really weak, short, and peeling.  No good.

Since I quit Shellac cold turkey two months ago, I've been trying to get my nails back to decent shape.  In addition to obsessive regular trimming, buffing, and filing, I've been using OPI Nail Envy and I'm in love.


It's basically just a nail strengthening base coat that you can use alone or under polish.  I've been applying it to my nails once or twice a week for the past month and my nails look a hundred times healthier than before.  No more splitting or snagging.  

It also gives nails a really subtle shininess, which is a really easy and low-maintenence alternative to polish.  I'm terrible about chipping and scuffing manicures, so it's nice to have a look that's a bit more polished (no pun intended) than bare nails without the upkeep of nail color.  

Have you tried a nail strengthening product in the past?  What are your favorite work-appropriate nail looks?  
xoxoKate 

4 comments:

  1. I've never had a Shellac manicure, but I've tried similar things and it's definitely a give and take. They stay on for a long time but are so much thicker than a regular manicure, which I didn't like.

    I've never tried a nail strengthener before, but your post makes me want to try! I don't wear nail polish 24/7 so this sounds like a good way to keep nails looking nice :)

    Lindsey @ littlejournalist.blogspot.com

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  2. I love OPI nail strengthener! It works wonders on my frail, chippy nails. Never tried the Shellac manicure, but I might have to! Sounds worth it. :)

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  3. I've never tried the Shellac manicure, because my mom was doing it for a while and had similar experiences as you mentioned - looks great while it lasts, but the removal process is rough.
    Ah, so good to know that OPI has a product like this! My nails are perpetually in a weak state and break easily, so I'll have to give this a shot. Great review! xo

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  4. My nails are naturally dry and brittle, so maybe this will be a lifesaver - thanks for sharing!

    XO -Becca
    www.ahintofsparkle.com

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