Bare for Brave - My thoughts on the Mentality fiasco

I wanted to wear my nails bare, to show my support for those brave ladies that showed their affected bare nails, in order to warn us about the damage that some Mentality Polishes have caused.  I'm not going to write some bs about how it 'allegedly' causes nails to look burnt.  I noticed that some of the articles out there, including the ones from famous magazines, are using the word allegedly.  I want to make this clear for my readers.  These are not just allegations that can be brushed away, these are facts.  All the ladies who have posted severe nail damage have one common denominator: they have used the indie brand Mentality.

We are not "freaking out", we are genuinely concerned for the health of these people who used those products. Ever since I found out, I thought about this issue every day, and I wanted to find a way to talk/write about it.  I just couldn't find the words to express my frustration.  I thought to myself what would I do if that happened to me? And what about all the guilt that they must be feeling for doing what they simply love?  I know that feeling, and it's not a fun one. Today, I want to thank them publicly, for doing what they did, for posting those pictures of their bare nails, and raising awareness.

I am angry.  This is the word that most accurately sums up my opinion about this horrible ordeal. Not only am I angry at the way that the company has handled this situation, but I am angry at how deceiving one can person be, and ruin people's trust.  When they state that they have tested their nail polish while they're making it, because it simply splashes onto their clothes, I get angry. When they post new sales and swatches, and new gel polishes, I get angry and sad.  I feel really bad for anyone who is starting up a new indie polish company, because thanks to Mentality, no one is going to want to venture with newer brands anymore.  The indie community was already in decline and this was a stab in the heart.

I could really go on about all the things that sum up my reaction and feelings, but this post is about supporting those bloggers and customers who have posted the truth, and have opened our eyes.  Thank you.

Please join me in supporting them by posting your bare nails with the tag #bareforbrave

Cult Nails Clairvoyant sandwiched with black jelly

I went to meet my two nail polish buddies today, so I had to wear something epic.  It did however, look better in real life, and in certain lighting conditions.  I managed to snap a couple of good pictures before they chipped.

Layering Order:

OPI Nail Envy

1 coat Nfu Oh JS01

1 coat Cult Nails Clairvoyant

1 coat Nfu Oh JS01

1 coat Cult Nails Clairvoyant

Seche Vite Topcoat

Bonus pic (gifts from my friends):

One more bonus pic (mini-haul from nail supply):

L to R: Essie Allure, OPI Eurso Euro, OPI DS Charcoal, Essie Watercolor Pen & Inky, Essie Watercolor Point of Blue.  Bottom: Essie Blossom Dandy.

Nail wipes review

I know this sounds random, but I've been needing to remove my nail polish on-the-go lately.  I think these have been around for quite a while, but I haven't paid attention.  I have used the Sally Hansen ones before, they were awful; and the La Fresh ones, but they are expensive and solely available online.  I've also tried the ones from Rite Aid, and they are ok, but this is a drugstore that is not everywhere in the US.  Recently, I came across the Ulta ones (3 pads at $3.99) and the Target brand ones (10 pads at $3.49).  I love them both.  My favorite ones are the Target Nail Polish Remover Pads.  Here is why:

-the ingredients include oils
-more pads per box, per dollar
-1 pad removes all 10 nails
-it removes glitter nail polish faster (but for glitter manis you will need more than 1 wipe for all 10 nails)
-no significant smell or after-scent
-does not dry your skin

The Ulta ones are good too, but if you have a Target nearby, I suggest those instead.  The Ulta ones will remove the nail polish really fast too, but it doesn't have any oils, just glycerin, which is a cheap moisturizer.  The only thing I noticed is that, it doesn't have any artificial coloring.  I don't understand who was the genius at Target, who decided that it was ok to add 'color' to the pads.  To me, it seems unnecessary.  The Ulta ones have no smell either, so it's good.  Although, the La Fresh ones are not pictured here, I think that it's worth mentioning that they have the best scent out of all the pads I've tried.  Those ones did not do a great job at removing glitter, which is another reason why I don't go out of my way to buy them.

Hope this helps someone!

A couple of lavender manis

I have been wearing pastels lately.  Especially purple ones.  I don't know how I feel about these.  Wishing Star Sky was not as amazing as I expected.  It looks ok, but the color is so simple, it has no depth.  Girls Shift Faster was a bit disappointing, because it doesn't have the color-shifting pigment that I expected (such as the one in Clarins 230).  That being said, it does shift a bit, but more towards gold, instead of green.

Layering Order:

OPI Nail Envy

2 coats Chaos & Crocodiles Wishing Star Sky

OPI DS Topcoat

Layering Order:

Chanel Protective Basecoat

2 coats Colors by Llarowe Girls Shift Faster (tips only)

1 coat Orly Fancy Fuchsia

Dior Gel Coat

Barry M Need for Speed is a perfect lavender crelly

My friend Sue got me this polish from the UK.  It applied effortlessly.  The color is so pretty in real life.  It reminds me of Chanel Rodeo Drive, but without the microshimmer.  This is just lovely.  It dries very glossy, it can probably be worn without topcoat.  It can also look pink in certain lights.

Layering Order:

Chanel Protective Basecoat

2 coats Barry M Need for Speed 

Dior Gel Coat

Impala Charming is a cute green crelly with glittery goodness

I don't really know why this one was in my untrieds for almost a year.  It's gorgeous in real life.  I think it's unique, because of the magical shimmer.  It glows beautifully in the shade.  I love it.

Layering Order:

Chanel Protective Basecoat

2 coats Impala Charming 

Dior Gel Coat

French tips on almond-shaped nails

 I wasn't used to doing french this way, but now I really like it.  I did a couple of easy manis french style, and I liked how they turned out.  I've been using a lot of yellow lately, apologies for those readers who dislike yellow.  I don't think it's too flattering on my skin tone, but sometimes I like getting out of my comfort zone.

Layering Order:

OPI Nail Envy

1 coat OPI Life gave me Lemons (tips only)

1 coat Wet n Wild Correction Tape 

1 coat Nfu Oh JS19

Seche Vite Topcoat

Layering Order:

OPI Nail Envy

1 coat Colors by Llarowe Rest in Pieces (tips only)

2 coats Pa AA120

Seche Vite Topcoat