Seche Premier Colour Lacquer

Hi, Ladies!

How have you been?  I'm back to review a new gel-type system from Seche.  Honestly, I don't understand the fuss about gel-like polishes.  I find that they are a little more glossy than your regular nail polish, but that's it.  

So for this post, I want to tell you that I may change my mind about gel-like systems.  I have been given the whole 3-step package to try.  

1.  Base:  And I thought it was our normal base coat.  I applied it as I usually would--all five fingers, then return to see if it has dried.  After a couple or so minutes, the base was still sticky!!  But that was how it was supposed to be.  They say it has "adhesives and plasticizers  to secure lacquer to all nail types for long lasting finish." 

2.  Lacquer:  I layered my lacquers right after I found out the base was not gonna dry normally.  The lacquers went on like butter on my nails.  They were all easy to apply and were self-leveling.  I had no problem with streaking or glooping.  All of them were opaque in two coats.

3.  Sealant:  On my first attempt, I found that the brush was a little unruly.  I was told to just clean it with polish remover, and it fixed itself.  This top coat sealed my polish and nail art really nicely.  It gave the mani the shine that I wanted, and it also dried instantly.  The Seche brand did not disappoint. 

This looks really promising.  I have done 3 designs using 3 different colors.  Here they are:

Seche Sassy

Seche Candid

Seche Intrepid

Overall, I love the colors that I got, and how easily I can apply them. I like that I haven't seen the same colors in their regular Seche polishes, so I have a wider array of hues to choose from.  For now, they have 72 different shades.  I'm also happy about the new bottles--very unique, and a breeze to store.  I also love that the bottles indicate the 3-step process , making it easier to use.  The price is very reasonable, nothing too expensive.

I will update you ladies on how long this mani lasts me. I usually don't wear the same polish / nail art more than 3 days.  I'm hoping this one doesn't chip easily! :)  Come back for the update in a week!

Get your collection from Beauty Kingdom. (6th floor, 168 mall.  Contact number: (632) 7083913.)

Ciao!

Jamie

Apharsec Nail Stamping

Hi, Ladies!

How have you been doing?  As usual, I am not always on here because I'm ALWAYS on Instagram (except, Instagram is starting to eff us over with their new algo-sh*thm).

I would like to share with you a new nail art stamping system called APHARSEC.  If you wish to check them out on Instagram, here:  Apharsec IG.   It was founded by Hila Raanan from the UK. 

Hila was extremely patient with me during my first attempts to use her stamping system.

First, let me show you how the packaging looks like.

I was ecstatic upon receiving my nail mail, and even more when I opened it.  The boxes looked like ones from eyeshadows / blushes.  They are all artsy and colorful, expressing the boldness and versatility of the system.  I swear, I kept all the boxes afterwards.

You may check their website or Instagram accounts to see videos on how to use their stampers.

At first I had difficulty using it because I was so used to the traditional stamping plates, where you put polish, scrape fast, pick up the image and stamp it on.  I found that I had to unlearn the usual technique to be able to make Apharsec work for me.  I had to put stamping polish on the stamper, scrape it on to paper (making sure the paper is flattened or else the polish wouldn't scrape off whole), and then WAIT until the polish is dried before transferring the image to my nails.

I haven't had the chance to use multiple colors in my nail art as I still have to practice more of this system.

Here are two of my nail art samples:

This was using Apharsec 5 and Q30 (picture above).  And the other one using Apharsec 3 and 10 (below). 

I loved how the images sent to me are so retro.  I have a lot of manis on my mind, I haven't been successful in translating them into actual nail art yet.  Please wait for them soon on my Instagram account (@tinseltownnails).

So far, I find that I need to do a LOT more practice before I can perfect this technique, but compared to traditional stamping, this is more on-the-go.  Light weight because all you need to bring is this rubber stamp vs. plate, scraper, stamper.  

A stamp costs £7.99 though, so it might be pricey for most.  Buuuuut, good news is, shipping is free for UK, so better hurry, grab that and try one!   It IS exciting to learn something new!

Ciao!

Jamie

 

Essie Retro Revival 3 of 6: Birthday Suit, Cabana Boy and Starry Starry Night

Hi there, everyone!

I have been out for so long.  I haven't felt like writing anything at all since the last time I did.  I've been active on IG as usual, but not on here (AS USUAL.)  In fact, I'm feeling kind of lazy right now.  I have a lot on my mind, but I'm escaping it by writing this.

I bought half of Essie's Retro Revival just to be able to swatch it.  When my friend Selina (from www.sluenidoesnails.com) and I were talking about this collection, I swore to her I wouldn't buy a single bottle.  But curiosity got the best of me...and addiction, of course.  I got my polishes from Polish Please.

Birthday Suit here took me 4 thin coats.  It was watery and streaky, so I had difficulty with it.   I was surprised to see this lovely outcome after the 4th coat because I was losing all hope after the 3rd.  I thought I was gonna throw this bottle away from disappointment.  I can hardly say I'm happy with it, but I know this is something I'm keeping for the rare times I'm feeling delicate.  This shade is really good for work or weddings, if you're interested.

Cabana Boy was something that I knew I would like, and it did not disappoint, with just 3 thin coats.   It wasn't too hard to work with, compared to Birthday Suit.  It has a slight silver shimmer to it, so it's really unique.  I haven't had any shade like this before.

I only bought Starry Starry Night because everyone was nuts about it.  I wanted to compare to Zoya's Dream, too.  I'm sad to say this falls short of expectation.  It does build up nicely, but is probably a 7 or 8 out of a perfect 10 score.

Here are some stamping I did with these shades:

I hope you guys have a good one!  I'm hitting the sack.

Ciao!

Jamie