Review - Talika Instant Manicure

When added to water, this effervescent powder enables you to whiten and clean your nails in just a few minutes, giving you the benefit of oxygenation power and the rich cleansing and nutritional values of plant extracts.
Your fingers are delicately scented, you [sic] nails are protected with and [sic] imperceptible film and their tips become whiter use after use. Cuticles are made more supple and the skin around the nail is thoroughly cleansed.

In this review, I hope to channel the good people over at The Impulsive Buy. Their product reviews are a sight to behold.

It took me a while to try this product, because I so rarely have naked nails. My nails, like me, like to be clad in bright colors at all times. But I decided to give them a little rest and a little spa treatment with this Instant Manicure.

Before you go getting all excited, this is not really a manicure. It is part of a manicure, yes, but the name is misleading. Basically, you take this little packet of powder, throw it in a bowl, fill the bowl with warm water, and get to "wiggling" your fingers. (They used the quotation marks first; I am just being consistent with their conventions.) The first thing that happens is EFFERVESCENCE. As anyone who's ever drank (drunk? drink...en? and I was an English major, people) Schweppes knows, effervescence is just a fancy name for bubbles, the kind you get when you plop, plop, fizz, fizz or when you make one of those volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda.

So basically I figured I was going to be soaking my fingers in a bowl of Alka-Seltzer. But to my great delight and surprise, it smelled a fair bit better than Alka-Seltzer, AND it fizzed for a longer time. I didn't really notice a huge difference in the whiteness of my nails, but that's a really weird thing to be vain about. Almost as weird as eye whitening (the weirdest of all whitenings). But it felt nice on my fingers and even once the fizzing had stopped, the warm water was a lovely green color, like this:

So I sat there for a while, watching a syndicated episode of The Office that was on our DVR, with my fingers in a bowl of warm water that reminded me of Yellowstone National Park, until I realized that was a really weird thing to be doing.

The end result was that while my cuticles did feel nice and soft, it wasn't any more soft than if I'd taken a shower or done the dishes, and for $33 for 8 of these treatments, I can just stick my hands in some warm ginger ale.

Pros: Effervescence. Single-serving packets. Baking soda volcanoes. Soft cuticles. The Office on TBS and on my DVR. "Wiggling."

Cons: Costs $4 per single-serving packet. Needing Alka-Seltzer because you ate too much. Eye whitening. Being a weirdo with their fingers in a bowl of turquoise water.

Sultana says: I've been growing my nails lately so I was excited to try this. The bubbles were fun and it wasn't a long process but I honestly didn't see any results. My nails weren't any whiter and my cuticles looked exactly the same. At $4 a pop, I would skip this.
Perhaps you would need to use this continuously to see long term results. I think the price is a bit too high to maintain.

Hillary says: I have to totally disagree with the ladies on this one.  Although I'll admit, I sort of cheated.  I liked the fizzy feeling and after the "suggested" amount of time I noticed my nails were a little whiter (just a tad).  So I sat and I wiggled and I sat and I wiggled for at least 3 to 4 times the recommended 3 minutes.  Lemme tell ya, I had some gleaming white nails when I was done.  I don't know why the say to leave your fingers in for such a short time, because if you are willing to sit there & wiggle, eventually these little packets do wonders.  I'm currently a little compulsive about nail polish- the second it chips I either fix it or take it off (my teacher told me that chips scream unprofessional in the world of Make-up Artists').  So that's stuck in my head and I rarely paint them anymore.  But as long as they are super-white, I no longer care.

Review - Avon Nail Experts Smudge Fixer

Fix your nails. color mistakes in seconds!
Unique brush instantly smoothes away smudges and streaks , for a perfectly smooth manicure. Price varies upon seller -- very reasonable.

There is not much to say about this product except it REALLY DOES WORK. If you are rushing your nails or just smudge the polish a bit -- this fixes it. Just keep it handy when doing your nails. It is so much easier and less time consuming than removing the smudged polish and starting over. Funny thing is that I cannot find it on Avon's Web site. I bought it through one of their representatives on sale. However, I found it on EBay for very good prices, even considering s + h. Perhaps it is a discontinued product but, if so, that is their mistake. It is a very handy to have on hand -- just in case.

Review- Poshe Anti-Microbial Cuticle Oil

Anti-Microbial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial (Broad Spectrum). No Formaldehyde, No Toulene.

Like I said in my review for Poshe Anti-microbial Basecoat, I get manicures. This time I couldn't find my tools to bring with me to the salon, so I was so happy that I had this cuticle oil. It put my mind at ease because all I really need is a nail fungus, right? Don't we all?! Pu-lease! Anyway this stuff obviously does the trick on my cuticles because they came out flawless & I had the added bonus of a worry free mani/pedi. This is a "must have" for us ladies that like their hands and feet pampered by others.

Sheba says:

This Poshe Anti-Microbial Cuticle Oil is a blessing for people like me. I am constantly picking at the skin around my nails without even realizing it -- until I have created a problem. I might pull off a sliver of skin causing a tiny open cut. Many times these will become infected -- no more. Other times I will yank at a tiny little piece of nail that is at the edge of the nail. Sure enough that tiny piece ends up being a much larger piece when pulled out and I have now caused a cut on the skin right at the nail. I have been applying this oil all around my cuticles, around the edges of the nails, and especially to those little areas and have had no more problems at all. I heartily recommend this product as it does prevent infections -- I know. I got myself out of the habit of biting my nails years ago and have no idea when I developed this bad habit to replace it. This may not cure my bad habit but it makes it a lot safer.

Deedlejuse says:

So.... my story is a little bit different than the others above. I don't generally go and get my nails done. So I don't really have to worry about the salons and such, but I recently lost a toenail. Yes, I know GAG, no nothing makes that look better.... except: Poshe Anti-Microbial Cuticle Oil. I can't say that my nail bed was instantly healed of course, but when I first received this cuticle oil I was psyched because nothing was working. I would put on lotion, lavender oil, anything for a little relief from the tenderness. In about four days the very thick, very tender skin barrier between the new nail and the place it should be was much softer, no longer darker than the other areas, and the nail was growing quicker than I had seen before. Phew!!! and I don't have to worry about infection any more! I think this cuticle oil is awesome, and I have to admit I have never found it necessary in the past. That means this must be a very superior product!
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CitySlicker Says:

I, like Deedlejuse don’t get my paws manicured and painted.. Well, for a special occasion I do. I do experience a lot of hang nails. I have dry brittle nails that totally peel. I hate it. First thing this bottle is a hefty size and when I apply I have never had to actually apply pressure on the dropper top, the oil around the outside is enough, I put a tap on each nail and voila perfectly distributed. This has been saving my fingers, I have found that the dry edges of my cuticles are moisturized and I haven’t gotten one infected. I am known to have a little red area that get infected. I think does a great job of moisturizing my nail bad, cuticles and hands. When I have finished working into my nails and cuticles I rub my hands and I get light moisture. I really enjoy using this and truly believe this bottle will last me forever!

Maria says:

What a funky little line this Poshe is - I got the cutest cosmetics bag with their logo on it and I can't wait to travel so I can show it off - just so retro and cute. But I digress...onto the cuticle oil - I too am one who keeps very short nails and don't have them done - I also "pretend" to know how to play the guitar, so I do have to keep the nails short or else I sound even worse than normal - this feels really nice going into the nail bed. I just dot it on the center of all five of my fingers on one hand, then slowly massage the oil in then repeat on the other side. My nail beds are so dry lately - I don't know why - but this really helps with that and brings a lovely natural shine to them as well. It takes literally 30 seconds, but it's a nice treat and really worth it - your fingernails will thank you. The bottle will last quite a while too!

Joyce says:

I had “something” going on, on my fingernails and toenails (not the same thing, though). Both had been present for over a year. Nothing I tried made a difference. One thing was for sure: I never went without colored polish on my finger- or toenails! The first time I used this oil I removed all the polish, of course, and used a buffing stick on my fingernails. I applied the oil to both sets of nails. I also used Poshe’s basecoat (for a separate review) and within two days, noticed my “problems” in both areas disappearing. Using these two products together, my nails haven’t looked this good in years. In fact, I’ve been using just these two items (no color) for weeks. I really do prefer the natural look. To say I’m pleased that this oil does what Poshe promises is an understatement.

Review - Poshe Anti-Microbial Base Coat

For healthy natural & artificial nails highly adhesive for longer wearing polish. Protects nails from damage and staining chips. Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial. No Formaldehyde, No Toulene.

I'm always wondering, why the heck does nail polish have formaldehyde in it?!? And then I see Poshe makes products without it, which is awesome. Formaldehyde can definitely soak into your skin through your nails... And wind up in all sorts of places in your body, seems pretty shady doesn't it? Well, anyway, on the bonus side, this is great base coat, it held my polish on and dried REALLY fast. There's nothing more painful than a base coat that didn't dry enough and your polish clumps or smears and then you have to start all over again. I really like this stuff, it's body safe, and it's comparable in price to other nail polishes you'd find at a drug store. Pretty soon I'm going to try out the anti-bacterial oil and I'll let everyone know how that works out too.

Sheba says:

I like the Poshe Base Coat: it applies very easily and dries quickly. It says it dries super fast and it actually does seem to so. I have many other polishes that dry quickly but this one outshines them -- it is definitely drier must faster. I have worn it a couple of days without adding color and it gives a very nice shine. Then I added my color and it did keep the color on without chipping or wearing off for quite a while. I may even try it with one of my cheapie nail colors to see if it might make it last a bit longer. It is an excellent base coat and, as Amanda mentioned, the price is very reasonable for such a good product.

Hillary says:

I love this product not only because it dries quickly (who WANTS to sit there watching paint dry?) but because it is anti-microbial. Last time I had my nails done I couldn't find my cuticle nipper to bring with me. I'm a little cautious about the sanitation at any nail salon, but I felt much safer this time because I used this anti-microbial base coat and also the Poshe Anti-Microbial Cuticle Oil. The week before I used it on it's own and it stood up to my obsessive hand washing. I feel this is a "must have" product for those of us who frequent nail salons.

CitySlicker Says:
My nails are weak, brittle and always dry so I try to keep them painted with a clear or very light polish. I always use a base so I get longer wear from my polish. I, like everyone really enjoy using this and I do believe it dry much quicker than any others I have. The formula isn’t thick and provides a great base for my polishes. I have found that no matter what the tips of my nails are the tell tale sign that I need to refresh my polish but I honestly am getting a longer run using this base than the others I have... I did put on a dark polish just for giggles to see how the base performed. I am happed to report that my nails didn’t absorb any of the color at all so all the ladies who like dark colors this is perfect for that too. On another not I love the this base coat offer all the Anti’s, I am not Miss Germ conscious but I like the face that I am getting a little extra protection cause nails with fungus’s don’t look pretty! Thanks Poshe for being so Poshe!

Joyce says:

I love this product! Using this basecoat plus their cuticle oil has made all the difference in my nails getting healthy again after being affected by “something” for over year. My fellow bloggers are right about the fast drying time. Too often, with regular polish, it’s really not dry or set enough by the time I start getting active again. Not so with this basecoat. I also notice that when I put it on, my nails feel harder. One thing: layering coat upon coat doesn’t quite do it. My hands are in and out of water and doing stuff so often during a day, I always manage to need to redo my nails often. I have layered this one if I just don’t take the time to do a fresh coat, but the fresh coat (plus another two days later as recommended) really does a far better job of giving me the nails I enjoy.

Review - Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base & Top Coat

Use as a base coat to infuse nails with vitamins and moisture, and help stop brittle nails from breaking.
Use as a top coat to protect nail color from UV damage, keeping it fresh, bright and incredibly glossy.

Use as a base coat to infuse nails with vitamins and moisture, and help stop brittle nails from breaking. Use as a top coat to protect nail color from UV damage, keeping it fresh, bright and incredibly glossy.

I have always had this major problem where, when I paint my own nails, the polish/base coat invariably turns my nails yellow and I end up having to use whitener/bleaching/buffing the heck out of them to get them back to 'normal'. I actually went through a period where I felt FORCED to paint my nails because their color was so gross. But then I found this stuff about a year ago, and I use to religiously whenever I paint my nails (I even bring it with me if I am getting a manicure/Pedicure). It never causes any discoloration of my nails and makes the color last 2 times longer with way less chipping. And it's super cheap!

Review - Lady Primrose Signature Crystal Nail File

Crystal nail file is the essential manicure tool for natural nails. Specially designed, ever-lasting abrasive surface can be washed, sanitized, or sterilized for repeated use. Crystal File prevents natural nail from splitting and peeling. $6

You may at first look at this file and think that it's a little lackluster in the abrasion department, and wouldn't work too well. But I've got news for you, it works great! I am sure many ladies and gents out there have issue with those sand papery or metal files causing nails to split between layers and break off in terrible little sheets and bits after polishing. This is something that happens to me almost any time I attempt to file my nails myself, and it drives me absolutely MAD. I used this file two times already,for shaping my nails before painting them. Both times it worked as quickly and accurately as a regular file, and I am happy to report that my nails, LITERALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, did not split and crack within a few days of the filing. That said, if you suffer from this problem it's well worth the $6 to get this file and you'd be a fool not to give it a try!

Joyce says:
What a delightful idea! Who imagined a nail file could be pretty, as well as efficient. When I use it, I feel as though I’m grooming my nails without abusing them. My nails seem to agree.

Sheba says:
This file is not only very pretty, but appears to be delicate. I thought that something that looks like this cannot do the job. I was wrong!! This little file does a better job than any of my emery boards or nail files. I usually have to go over my nails after filing -- a second time with the gentler side of the file to smooth out all the rough edges I got while filing. This was just part of filing my nails. Well, it isn't any longer. This file does the filing without shredding the tips of the nails -- they are pretty well smooth right away. It does follow through with the claim to prevent splitting and peeling. Now I am thinking my emery boards and nail files might well have been the cause of some of my damage. I was thinking it was the nails, themselves. This file seems to prove my theory wrong. It has cut my filing time in half. . . and at the same time my nails look better groomed than ever. I have to say this file is worth the small investment as it works.

Hillary says:
How do I love this file? Let me count the ways! Actually, I love it for a two-fold reason: It's hearty enough to tackle the big jobs (like filing down a 1/4 inch of nail) and delicate enough to use for the little details. In my opinion, those are qualities that women are constantly looking for in nail files. To get them both in one file is a rare treat. To find them together for $6 even more rare. As an added bonus, it's obvious I'm going to have this file for quite some time as it's no transient nail file.

Deedlejuse says:
Personally, my nails hate me. I keep them quite short, and they really don't get the love they deserve. So I just can't compare this file to other ones, because I haven't really used anything other than those orange sticks that rip huge chunks of fingernail off in no time. This file is so different (from orange sticks) it is gentle and delicate. It gets the job done, and it will I'm sure be around forever even if you do use a file regularly. I guess my favorite part of the Lady Primrose nail file is that it is quite substantial, it makes the hold you can get on it better and I can't loose it in my huge beauty bag. Really how could you ask for more?