FABY Hollywood Party

Press Sample
One of my goals in my 14 Days of Valentine's prompt was to pull polishes I hadn't used before. FABY is an Italian nail line that launched in 2013 by a family owned company. It is big 5 free to include toluene and camphor and is cruelty free as well. Today I have Hollywood Party from their Classics collection. This is a bright bubblegum pink creme.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl Top Coat. The formula was really nice on this polish - no pooling or flooding, and with their 400-bristle flat brush, it was easy for me to get some of my nails in one even stroke.

The shine on this polish without top coat is amazing. I actually thought I had top coat already on when I hadn't put it on yet. So this is shine on shine because this is with a top coat. Regardless, very shiny polish which makes me happy. It's definitely a great base for nail art if you're so inclined, and actually I think it would be a great base for some red hearts.

The only downfall I have with this polish is the price - on their website, FABY retails for $18 a bottle. Also I noticed my bottles (which were produced in 2014) say "Laquer" but the newer ones do have "Lacquer" - not a huge deal by any means.

You can purchase FABY on their website. Join the conversation on social media with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Love, Angeline Baiser de Mousse

Nothing To Disclose
We are halfway through my 14 Days of Valentine's and as I peer into my box that I pulled for this prompt, I noticed I have quite a few indies coming up. Today is a brand called Love, Angeline and this polish is Baiser de Mousse from the Chateau Macaron collection. The polish name translates to "Foam Kiss" (how's that for 1 semester of the French language in college!) and this is a light pink pastel matte with a teeny tiny pink microglitter that stays hidden in the matte formula.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote and 2 coats of polish. Because this formula dries matte, I did not use a top coat, which will reduce the "life" of your manicure. To extend your manicure, use a top coat, and then one last thin layer of color to bring your polish back to its matte state. That way if the top layer chips, you still have a beautiful manicure underneath instead of just continuing to peel away the matte layers.

So matte polishes need to be applied carefully because they can tend to gloop together. I was a little thicker handed than I wanted to be which also means your polish needs longer to dry. I was going through a matte pastel phase when I bought this collection but I'm pretty much over it now and want to gloss all the things. Or holo all the things. Gloss holo ALL THE THINGS. But this is a pretty matte pink to wear to a baby shower or office appropriate. I don't hate it. Update: As soon as I finished this blog post, I went to put my bottle up and it slipped out of my hands, breaking at the neck on my tile floors. RIP.

Love, Angeline has closed her business and is no longer available for sale.

An InLinkz Link-up

China Glaze The Heat Is On

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Yay for Saturday! How are you enjoying the series so far? When it came time for me to pick my China Glaze (because you know I had to use a China Glaze!)... let's just say I had way too many reds and pinks to choose from. I mean yes, China Glaze does have a good rainbow of color but holy cow... so many reds! Today is The Heat Is On from the Summer 2015 Desert Escape collection. This was that weird collection that was only available in open stock at a website called Lock And Mane, nail kits were going to be at Sally's and Ulta was like "Nope, we aren't doing anything with this." 

I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. 

So The Heat Is On is this tomato red almost jelly like polish. I was really surprised by it at first. The formula was super thin and runny - I gave in and just flooded my cuticles so I could clean up later. Not my favorite formula, but when I really like a color, I'll deal with more time in clean up.

You can see a bit of visible nail line on my middle finger so I may have needed 3 coats. Also my ring finger cuticle needs some serious attention. Right now I have oil on and I'm going to try and see my manicurist before the weekend's over because hey - we have another week of Valentine's to go through!

But back to the polish. this is pretty but the formula makes me mad. I prefer more of a thick creme that can be applied in 2 thin coats versus a runny thin formula that needs 2-3 coats. This red also has a lot of orange in it, which isn't my favorite but it's still doable.

China Glaze [Website] [Facebook] [Twitter] [Instagram] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty, Sally's Beauty Supply as well as TransDesign.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Morgan Taylor Ruby Two-Shoes

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TGIF seriously. This has been a hard, emotional week for me. I felt good ending my week with Morgan Taylor - a brand that has some pretty flawless formulas, a great wide brush, and they have some pretty interesting colors available too! Today I have Ruby Two-Shoes from the Holiday 2015 collection "Gifted With Style".

I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl Top Coat. The formula was flawless. I probably could have gotten away with one coat but I prefer two thin coats anyway. So believe it or not, this polish has shimmer to it. You honestly can't see it unless you're 2 inches away, but it's there.

So here it is. You can't tell there's shimmer but it's there and gives it a bit of depth. Maybe? I didn't have any staining but I seriously need to get my cuticles in shape. This polish is a good staple but it's nothing super special.

Morgan Taylor [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube] is available at CosmoProf for $8.50 a bottle. Online, non-professionals can purchase Morgan Taylor at Ulta Beauty. 

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Barielle Take Me Shopping

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I hope you're enjoying this journey into pinks and red that I'm going through. I still have many more polishes to use but today we are going into the world of Barielle. This happy coral is called Take Me Shopping and it's from the Vibrants collection that came out in Spring 2014.

I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The formula on this polish is thin and watery so use thin coats. Two coats covered well without visible nail line but I did have to clean up a little - it didn't flood my cuticles but I ended up getting it on my sidewalls.

Okay, so this looks a little tomato-ey but it's really a little melon like in person? Does this make sense? It doesn't look as neon in person but it's definitely vibrant and was shiny without top coat. If the formula was a tad thicker, I'd probably wear this more often. I won't get rid of it but I will have to be very careful when applying.

Barielle retails for $8/bottle on their website. Join the conversation by liking them on Facebook, follow on Twitter, follow on Instagram, and follow on Pinterest.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Valentine's Day Blog Hop Giveaway

I'm interrupting my 14 Days of Valentine's posts to have a fun giveaway! So first I'm having my OWN giveaway (open internationally!) and then below that you will find THIRTY SEVENhe more bloggers giving away prizes... and THEN if you enter into all those giveaways, you can enter into our BIG $400 Giveaway! Whew.

So let's talk about my giveaway. This morning, I showed you a great polish from ILNP. Well, it was only natural that I wanted to give away a $25 gift card to ILNP.com! Heck yeah! The only mandatory entry is to put in your preferred email address (in case you win!) and then you can earn extra entries by following the other prompts.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Now for the Blog Hop!

For this super-awesome Valentine's-themed blog hop, 38 fabulous bloggers have teamed up to give away some epic prizes, all beauty-related, of course! If you've been wanting to splurge on some fun items for yourself...you're in the right place!

Here’s How it Works: Each of the blogs participating are giving away their own prize on their blog. Yes, you heard that right — this blog hop has 38 separate giveaways that you have a chance to win! So after you’ve entered my giveaway, make sure you hop to all the other blogs (linked below) for more beauty products that you could win! 

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY: Because we like to spice it up a bit, we didn't stop at 38 giveaways...we wanted to make it a nice, round 40 with an epic grand prize that you could win! So, if you go around the blog hop and enter all the giveaways, you’re eligible to enter to win a $400 eGiftcard to Sephora or Ulta (winners choice!). If you live in a country that Sephora or Ulta doesn’t ship to, no worries! You’ll be given the money via PayPal to use at whatever beauty store you have nearby! 

International Readers: There are some blogs who do not have their giveaway open worldwide, but you can still enter to win the grand prize giveaway! Here's how that will work -- for all the blogs in this hop that do not have their giveaway open worldwide, all you have to do is check out their giveaway, complete the ONE required entry, and leave them a comment on their giveaway post letting them know you’re international but still did the required entry so that you can have a chance to win the grand prize! Then click the link below that will take you directly to where you can fill out the form to enter the grand prize giveaway.

You got all that? Any questions, just ask below! Let’s get into this hop!

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In the event that you get an ERROR message when clicking on any of the links below, try clicking on the HOME page of that blog. Or come back later and try again. There are often hiccups that happen in the beginning of a pre-scheduled blog hop such as this. Thank you for your patience!

From My Vanity // Cosmetish // XO, Noelle // All Things Beautiful, XO // Geniabeme // Colorsutraa // Painted Ladies // Vanity Rouge // Beyond Beauty Lounge // My Highest Self

Nail Polish Society // 

Beauty Info Zone // Notes from My Dressing Table // Norah Loves Makeup // Collective Beauty // NikMakeupJunkie // Beauty by Miss L // Color Me So Crazy // Makeup Obsessed Mom // Style, Decor & More

Lit From Within // Glamorable // Olive & Ivy // 

KellieGonzo // TheFabZilla // Clumps of Mascara // PolishGalore // Polarbelle // Belleza Kisses // Grow It Girl

Beauty in the Geek // Mina Slater // LVMAKEUP // Cybelesays.com // ShearGlamLife // Casual Contrast // Everyday Beauty Blog // Prime Beauty

GRAND PRIZE: $400 GIFT CARD to ULTA, SEPHORA, (OR PAYPAL)

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ILNP Cherry Luxe

Nothing To Disclose
I am absolutely obsessed with the indie line ILNP or "I Love Nail Polish". Barbra, the creator, has really pushed the limits on being unique, consistent, branded and just awesome. When she had to make the move from her original logo in round bottles to the new ILNP in square bottles, I didn't even mind THAT much because I love the brand. Today, in keeping with my 14 Days of Valentine's, I have ILNP Cherry Luxe from the Holiday 2015 collection. This is a really interesting red. So I have daylight light bulbs in my house and in my light box, but all I can really see in this photo is a cheery cherry red with some silver flakies. Sounds cool. This is from their "Ultra Metallics" line.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish, and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The polish dries smooth even though it looks like it would be gritty glitter - it's not. This is what I'm talking about when I say that ILNP is pushing the limits. 

This is from my light box. It almost reminds me of a candy cane - the red with silver metallic flakes. I love it and can definitely see myself wearing it around a lot.

BUT THEN as I was about to take it off, I saw a flash of holo. YES HOLO! So I ran outside and sure enough, there is holographic magic in this bottle.

So much goodness that my camera couldn't handle it. This photo was taken with my daylight light bulb desk lamp. You could have knocked me down with a feather. I'm so happy with this polish! The photos never do ILNP justice... as I was looking back on the website, there aren't many photos that really push the holo goodness - it's all about the metallic flakes. 

You can purchase ILNP on their website. For more on ILNP, be sure to following their various social media platforms: Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

An InLinkz Link-up

JulieG Romeo

 Nothing To Disclose

Welcome to Day 2 of the 14 Days of Valentine's! For Valentine's Day 2014, JulieG and Jesse's Girl paired up to make "The Perfect Pair." One JulieG nail polish was created to match a Jesse's Girl lipstick. While lipstick isn't really my jam, you know I had to get all the nail polishes. Today I have Romeo, a coral creme which was paired with Juliet, a coral lipstick. 

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The first coat of polish was a little on the thick-streaky and I got worried. Thankfully the second thin coat self leveled perfectly and I had little clean up to do.

Happy little coral polish. This is a little bland for me because I'm wanting to go all sparkly but I have to be semi-office appropriate right now. I may still end up using some kind of glitter over this next time I wear it just for a little happier time for my nails. As you can see, I had to nubbin again. I was getting the corners caught and tearing my nails and that's always a bad time for everyone.

Sadly, Romeo is currently out of stock and not listed on the website but you might find a back up somewhere online.

You can purchase JulieG in Rite Aid stores across the US or shop online at Jesse's Girl Cosmetics which ships worldwide!  JulieG sells for $3.99 for a 0.35 fl oz (10 mL) bottle.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Jessica Conch Shell

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Happy February! I had this wild idea that I wanted to showcase 14 Days of Valentine's with a different red or pink nail polish each day. So I asked other bloggers what they thought and everyone thought it was an awesome idea and I thought "Hey, let's make it a group thing!" So now there are a bunch of us doing 14 Days of Valentine's - be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the InLinkz at the bottom of this posting. Each day, I will have a different red or pink polish showcased all the way up to Valentine's Day - a mix of indies and mainstreams that I picked at random. My only criteria was that I couldn't have blogged about it before. This way I could finally get into picking some other brands and polishes that I hadn't worn before.

Today, Day 1, I have Jessica Conch Shell. This is a pink creme, that I would call Barbie Pink, from the Coral Symphony collection that was released in Spring 2014. This is also when Jessica launched their new formula that was supposed to flow onto the nails without any streaks.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The formula on this polish was pretty interesting. So first, I had total streakiness with the first coat. The brush on Jessica is round like China Glaze, so it's a learning curve for me to paint all sides of my nail without getting it into my cuticle. I finally gave up and just painted the whole nail and if some flooded, well that's what a clean up brush is for, right? 

The second coat I had to go a little heavy with to both self-level and and even out those streaks from the first coat. I'm not sure if this is a part of that new formula or if maybe my bottle needed to be shaken a little harder to mix back together. It has say on the shelf for 2 years! It also dried slightly matte but since I always top coat, that brought that shine back.

So as you can see I needed to clean up and probably needed to try a little harder on my ring finger. My nails are just barely peeking over my finger tip so it's time to either get them professionally shaped up or just nub them further with a file. I haven't decided based on time and effort. But back to the polish - it's pretty! Nothing extremely unique but a good staple to own.

Jessica is available on their website as well as select salons and spas for $8.40 for 14.8 ml/0.5 fl oz. join them on social media by liking on Facebook, following on Twitter, and following on Instagram.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Morgan Taylor Prettier In Pink

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Who doesn't love berry pinks? Maybe some of you out there aren't a fan but I love me some berry pink. I decided to wear Prettier In Pink, a core color from Morgan Taylor, for my recent presentation at work and I just can't help but smile at this happy little color.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. The formula was pretty dang fantastic and I didn't have any issues with staining, pooling or dragging. In fact, I had very little clean up too!

Seriously? LOVE. This wanted to photograph more red but it's definitely in the berry family for me. It's also not a neon but just a happy little creme. Yay cremes!

Morgan Taylor [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube] is available at CosmoProf for $8.50 a bottle. Online, non-professionals can purchase Morgan Taylor at Ulta Beauty. 

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Red Carpet Manicure Cuticle Balm

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So I'm working on getting my cuticles to be pretty and camera ready and today I have Red Carpet Manicure Cuticle Balm by my side to help me out! This professional salon strength cuticle balm instantly nourishes and conditions rough, ragged cuticles. 

This 15 mL/0.50 fl oz balm is seated inside of a glass jar and contains sunflower seed oil, palm oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil and many other ingredients that are all about hydrating and nourishing.

Don't be scared by the green - it goes on clear. You may need to stir the pot a little as some of the oils may have settled. Then apply a small amount onto your cuticles until completely absorbed. If desired, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles.

Naked nails! You can see some shine... while this is promoted as a non-greasy formula, it is a little oily. I was leaving residue on my desk and keyboard up to 30 minutes after applying. This is probably best used before bed so you don't transfer oils everywhere.

You can purchase Red Carpet Manicure Cuticle Balm at Ulta Beauty, Ulta.com and RedCarpetManicure.com Join the conversation on social media with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

ella + mila ibiza breeze

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Have you heard of ella + mila polishes before? This line was named after the founders' twins who I got to sneak a look at while at Cosmoprof North America last year... I saw the twins, she saw my Squish who was just 2 months old at the time. Moms love sharing photos of their kids! Well, not only does ella + mila have super cute packaging (who doesn't love elephants?) but they are also eco-friendly, 5 free, cruelty free, vegan and proudly made in the USA. They have a range of colors including today's light turquoise creme, ibiza breeze from the love collection.

I used a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. ella + mila features a round brush but features a good formula that almost covered in one coat but I used two to be safe. The second coat self-leveled nicely especially when I added my top coat. This color just screams Miami to me - don't ask why... I just feel like I need to be in Florida, on a beach, this polish on and a fruity adult drink in my hand.

Just look how beautiful this color is. I really think it may be my next pedicure color which is VERY out of left field for me (I normally stick to pinks and reds) but I just love these color so much! Again, paired with a nice applying formula makes me happy.

ella + mila may be purchased on their website for $10.50 for 16 ml (0.54 fl oz). Join them on social media: Like on Facebook, Follow on Instagram, Follow on Twitter, Subscribe on YouTube and Follow on Pinterest!

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Hand Lotion Coconut Lime

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Are you suffering from dry hands this winter? Our weather has been all over the place - 30s in the morning and then jumping to 70s in the afternoon. All that equals havoc on my hands and nails. Today I'm trying Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Hand Cream in Coconut Lime.

This hand cream has a list of natural ingredients to help repair the skin, moisturize, promote elasticity, promote anti-aging, reduce sun damage, polish, condition and rejuvenate the skin. Whew. That's a lot coming from a hand cream. But with Certified Organic Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Lime Extract, Coconut Extract, Avocado Oil, Safflower Seed Oil and Chamomile Extact, it's easy to see how they can pack so many claims into a 3 ounce bottle. Did I mention the cost is only $5.99?

Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Hand Lotion is also paraben free, no DMDM (a preservative), made in the USA AND doesn't test on animals. 

But let's be real, I wonder "Does it smell good?" and "Is it greasy/oily"?

From the above photo of the cream on my hand, you may be worried.

Amazingly, this is definitely a non-greasy, non-oily hand cream while giving a feeling of moisturizing and conditioning. I was able to type within 10 minutes of applying. And the smell? Pure Heaven. Now, I love both coconut and lime, so that helps but it doesn't smell fake or artificial. It's also not so strong that you just smell like sunscreen and a margarita. A+ in my book.

Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Hand Lotion may be purchased in retail stores found through their website in three scents - Coconut Lime, Moroccan Rose and Tropical Mango. Because of the price point, I'm seriously looking and picking up the other two. And if you check out the retail store locator, you may be surprised - I'm able to find this hand cream at my local Wal-Mart! I didn't realize it was so readily available.

Tree Hut has lines of scrubs, butters, sun protection, lotions, soakd and washes/soaps in a variety of scents. Join the conversation on social media by Liking them on Facebook, Following on Twitter, Following on Pinterest and Following on Instagram.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Morgan Taylor A Touch of Sass

Press Sample 
I feel like I should call this series "Red-y For Monday"! Well, technically two weeks ago I posted a lavender that leaned a little pink so not really red. Regardless, today I have Morgan Taylor A Touch of Sass from the Fall 2015 Urban Cowgirl collection. 

I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote, 2 coats of polish and finished with Glisten & Glow H K Girl top coat. I am absolutely obsessed in love with the wide flat brush that comes with Morgan Taylor. It's perfect for my nails. In fact, on my shorties, I'm able to pretty much cover my pinkie in one stroke. The formula on this polish was pretty fantastic but because it's SUCH a deep red, pay attention to your cuticles. It won't stain your nails but it will leave a red pigment behind that just needs a good hand washing.

I love this red. I love this type of red. It has a level of sophistication that's office appropriate but is also one of those colors that I'm sure my Grandmother would have whispered about. Lovely staple to pick up if you don't have one like it.

Morgan Taylor [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube] is available at CosmoProf for $8.50 a bottle. Online, non-professionals can purchase Morgan Taylor at Ulta Beauty. 

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Weleda Pomegranate Nail Care Pens

Press Sample 
Let's talk cuticles. There are so many different products out there to help soften, cut, clean up and remove your cuticles. There are just as many techniques. No matter how you do it, cuticle care helps keep your hands clean, soft, and healthy. Today I have the newest addition to the Weleda family: Pomegranate Nail Care Pens.

Now, please note that the press samples I received were in the German packaging. The products launching this month here in the USA are written in English.

This is a two part system that can be used alone or in combination with the Weleda Pomegranate Firming Hand Cream. You can also just use the Cuticle Softener Pen or the Nail Care pen independently of each other.

First I have the Weleda Cuticle Softener Pen ($17, 0.1 fl oz). This is a hard wedged shape sponge that is automated soaked with the cuticle softener (you do not "pump" the tip like some softener pens). The pen contains a rich blend of plant oils featuring 98% organic ingredients to help condition and remove cuticles. Apply the pen to your cuticles, allow to absorb briefly and then carefully push your cuticles back using the tip. Again, it's a hard wedge so feel free to apply a bit of pressure. The pen includes 3 replacement tips on the bottom that are covered by a protective see-through cap. Replace as needed.

No doubt about it, my hands are in rough shape. I normally get a professional manicure once a month but with the holidays, my Dad's illness, and work, I just haven't had time. Instead, I'm left to my own devices and so this is my before photo. I don't have incredibly overgrown cuticles but they are definitely there.

I followed the directions and carefully pushed back my cuticles. Can you see a difference? While some of my cuticle is still attached to the nail, it did help - especially on my middle finger which was overgrown.

Next is the Weleda Nail Care Pen ($17, 0.07 fl oz). So this is an easy-to-use brush application with 91% organic ingredients including vitamin-rich plant oils and moisturizing shea butter, as well as chamomile extract and beeswax. 

To use, twist the bottom end of the pen until you see a bead of oil, massage into your hands and cuticles until absorbed.

After application - shiny happy hands! I was surprised that the Nail Care Pen was more of a wax oil than an oily oil. That's good for me because I don't like oily hands. As the hour went by, I noticed that my hand really did look healthier - because I compared it to my Cinderella hand (you know, the hand that does all the work but never gets photographed?) which is still dry, rough, and without nail care.

Now, at $17 each, this is a little pricey for a nail care system but considering how little you have to use at each application, I can see that these pens will last you at least a couple of months if you're applying daily, and then the price point becomes more manageable. I especially feel that these are great to keep at work because it requires little maintenance and dries without being oily.

Weleda products can be purchased on their website. Join the conversation on social media by subscribing to their YouTube, follow their Instagram, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and follow on Pinterest.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.