Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat and Topcoat

Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat and Topcoat ($6.99, Sally Beauty Supply)

My recent post about Sally Hansen ‘Salon’ nail polish got me thinking about mastering painting my nails on my own. And I’ve just added a new tool to my DIY manicure arsenal!

Orly Top 2 Bottom Basecoat and Topcoat is amazing. The first coat, which you apply before using color, provides a solid base that allows you to apply a smooth, even coat of color. After your color has dried, apply a second coat of Top 2 Bottom. It provides a transparent seal that prevents chipping, helping your manicure last longer.

I was amazed at what a neat job I was able to do. After a little help from a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover, which I used to clean up any excess polish from the cuticles, I felt like I may never need to go for a professional manicure again!

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Sally Hensen Salon Nail Polish

Sally Hensen Salon Nail Polish

It is rare to go to a drugstore these days and not see Sally Hensen products in the nail polish section. From strengthening treatments to “hard-as-nails” color durability, the Sally Hensen line has a nail polish for every need. I recently tried one of her “Salon” polishes, which I didn’t even know I had, and was so happy that I did!

My nails are quite weak and are prone to breaking. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of polishes that promised to make my nails stronger but ultimately found that only a professional manicure could adequately protect my nails. Now I see why this Sally Hensen collection of polishes is branded under the name “Salon.” It was as if I’d had a salon manicure. I removed the color after about 5 days and was surprised to see that my nails looked much healthier and had grown.

If part of your “recession-tastic” plan to cut costs includes indulging in manicures less frequently, I highly recommend you try these nail polishes. I had trouble finding the exact price online but I do know that the “Salon” collection falls into the same price range of $6-7 like other Sally Hensen polishes. Not bad!

StealThisDress! Rating: 5

Multicolored Nails

Never thought that loud statement nails would make a comeback! Have to say though, it’s a really fun trend! Next time you feel the need to spice up your manicure, go for either bold stripes or an animal print. Speaking of nails you should get a Ruba Bar Laser – Nail Fungus Treatment if you see you are starting to get fungus on your nails.