HELLO GORGEOUS! I’m back in action and I haven’t come empty-handed. Ladies, I would like to introduce you to my new (nail) best friend, CND Shellac.

Now, I have known about Shellac for some time, BUT I was skeptical of its staying power and I most certainly didn’t favor it’s price tag.

HOWEVER, after much deliberation and a momentarily lack of self-will, I tried this “shellac.” I have to tell you ladies, I was really impressed. And when I say really, I mean omigod-my-red-nail-polish-was-shiny-and-did-not-chip-even-slightly-in-two-yes-TWO-weeks impressed.

Yep, you read that right. TWO WEEKS CHIP FREE. I was amazed. I even marked my calendar on the day I had my nails done to prove shellac’s staying power.  And to prove it to you, below is a short list of things I did while the shellac was on my nails. If this doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

Honestly, I should be doing a freaking infomercial for this stuff.

Here goes:

The LA Mud Run  (4 miles of crawling through mudpits, doing hoola-hoops, you get the drift)

Hot Yoga

A trip to Palm Springs where I lived in the pool for 2 days

Shower (obviously)

All right, that’s enough. But come on, the MUD RUN and that stuff stayed on? Try to do that with your regular nail polish…YEA RIGHT!

So here’s what I’m thinking:

Shellac is rather pricey ($40 give or take a few bucks)

BUT if you’re getting a manicure each week like I do, here’s your math:

Week 1 ($12) + tip ($3) + Week 2 ($12) + tip ($3) = $30

Tip included, you’re looking at about a $15 difference. So this is the question I pose to you, how much is your TIME worth?

For those of us on a bit tighter of a budget, I think I’ll save my shellac expenditure for vacations and special events — places I most certainly don’t want chipping.

Either way, this stuff actually works!

*Not all nail salons carry shellac, so you might have to do a little shopping around!

Beauty Tip Day!

Don’t you always wish your nail polish would last just a little longer?! And for all you ladies with fake nails, you don’t count. I’m talking to the natural, change your color every week, plan-and-simple manicure girls.

Whether you get your nails done or you do them yourself, listen up.

You want to know how to make your nail polish go the extra mile? Dry em. Yup. That easy…OK it’s never that easy…

You must make sure your nails are REALLY dry after you’ve gone through the whole cuticle-removing/massage part of your manicure.

I’m not talking “wash-your-hands-wipe-them-off” kind of dry, I’m talking “spraying-alcohol-on-each-separate-nail-wiping-it-off-with-a-new/completely-dry-towel-and-then-using-a-paintbrush-to-apply-alcohol-to-every-nook-and-cranny-of-your-nail-bed” kind of dry.

Phew, that was long!

If you take meticulous care of the prepping part (or push your nail lady to), your polish will last you a few days longer! Now, I’m not promising you the world (I’m sorry, I really wish I could!) because we all know polish chips eventually, but I will provide you with the tools to make your hard-earned buck (and/or time) go farther.

No really. You Don’t. But you can meet “him” with O-P-I’s You Don’t Know Jacques, a great neutral gray.

If you’re looking for a new color to rock, today’s post is for you! Take my advice, not only will you know Jacques, but you will love Jacques.

It’s still early enough in the year to wear dark colors…though it will be time to break out Essie’s Bermuda Shorts (a fabulous pinky-purple) soon enough. You Don’t Know Jacques is a great color for both nails and toes — I’m wearing it as we speak!

Girl on Top Shows You Here!

*You can find You Don’t Know Jacques anywhere O-P-I is sold (most beauty stores, including Beauty Collection).

In honor of a presentation I have today, I have decided to make our newest product the special edition Alice in Wonderland OPI nail polish colors. These delightful colors are inspired by the incredible color scheme of the new film itself and are sure to spice up your life.

In this box set, two of the polishes are shades of red (one more of an orange-red, the other a pinkish-red) and the other two shades are glitter polishes (one a purple, the other a blue).

Yesterday, I borrowed my friend Sam’s set to play around with. I now find myself wearing the purple-glitter polish and it is oh-so fantastical! These fun colors are just perfect to start off your spring wardrobe. Remember, it’s almost time to lose your dark purples and blues, Ladies!

Girl on Top Shows You Here!

You can buy both full-size and mini OPI colors. Look out for it at any store that sells OPI.

*If you haven’t seen the Alice trailer, you need to check it out! You’ll know where OPI’s line-inspiration came from:

Alice in Wonderland Trailer

So I lied. I’m posting on the weekend. Sue me.

I just had to tell you about the Essie nail polish I found today. I’m 100%, head-over-heels in love with Essie Sexy Divide. It’s a fabulous purple shade with shimmer and a great shine!

Sexy Divide is not a 2010 edition color (actually it’s a 2009), but I was so blinded by OPI’s Lincoln Park After Midnight (also purple) that I missed this great shade.

Because I know many of you get your nails done on Saturdays and Sundays, I just had to share. It’s winter time baby, go dark and love it!

Happy weekend.