Seche Vite, Still My All Time Must Have Top Coat

Hi Ladies,
You know by now, that I'm a diehard fan of Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat. I can't say enough great things about it. It's good for oily nails that chip easily (like mine).  It forms a solid coating that makes it more durable, and it makes your nails look like gels (I get that a lot). But most importantly for me, it dries super fast. This is important to me because I often paint my nails in the morning before I go to work and I really don't have time to wait for them to dry. After I shower and dress, I'll swipe on  two coats of polish, then top it off with one coat of Seche Vite. I don't have time to stop and wait so usually, I'm able to do my makeup and get out the door without damaging my fresh manicure. Of course I might have to ask one of my kids for help with my shoes, but that's it. And they're already used to seeing me drive with my fingers splayed out over the steering wheel, carefully maneuvering turns so I don't ding my manicure.

But, like all things in life, there's a down side. First, Seche Vite tends to pull back from the edge of  your nails after a day or two. This can be solved, for the most part, by being sure to wrap the tip of your nails with every coat of polish including the final coat of Seche Vite itself. The second issue really isn't an issue at all, but an asset.  In time, the formula tends to thicken in the bottle. This is actually a plus since a thicker coat helps you get that squishy gel effect.  Last, and probably the most important factor is that it contains toluene, which is what keeps the polish smooth and even when applied. Toluene is one of the 5 chemicals excluded from 5-free polishes, and there's much debate over it's harmful effects.


So, why do I still use Seche Vite? One of the conclusions about the harmful effects of the chemical toluene is that it's present in such small quantities in nail polish until it's not an issue. Also, much of the harmful effect in question deals with reproductive problems and birth defects, and I have no plans to have any more kids (two is enough for me).  Yes, there are other possible problems, but I don't think the amount of toluene in Seche Vite is enough to cause real harm.


All in all, the only thing that will deter me from using Seche Vite is if they stop making it. And then I'll try to sue to the company for taking away one of life's true essentials next to water, air and food.


Ciao for now!

Seche Vive Instant Gel Effect Top Coat: The New Seche Top Coat

Hi Friends,
Have I missed the boat here? Or is this really new? I came across this product by Seche Vive, maker of my beloved Seche Vite top coat (I swear by this stuff and buy in bulk!). The ad caught my eye because of the brilliant blue bottle, which I thought was a blue color polish. Upon closer review, I realized that this is a gel top coat. Is everyone jumping on the get top coat bandwagon?

This gel top coat is described as a "specially formulated fast drying top coat" that has the plumping effect of a "gel in a glossy, high shine finish without the use of a UV/LED light!" It removes easily with acetone or non acetone nail polish remover.  Yeah, I'd like to see that.


It promises...

 NO UV/LED lamp required
- Durable gel-like finish
- Fast drying
- Prolonged, intense shine
- Easy removal


On the beautyfactorynails.com website I saw it sold for 8.25 in British Pounds. The equivalent in dollars is $11.44.  The regular Seche Vite quick dry top coat sells for under $10 in most places.


It even comes in minis

I might have to give this one a try. Hmm, I wonder if I can get it in bulk too...


If you try out this top coat, please tell me what you think.  If you've already tried it, I'd love to hear your full review.
Ciao for now!

See my results post here.

My New LED gel Lamp

A few days ago I wrote about gel polish and whether or not it's a good idea to use it. After my research I concluded that it was safe enough to use (with care).   The only change I'm making to my routine is to replace my UV lamp with an LED one.  So, I ordered an LED lamp and thanks to Amazon, it arrived in two days.

Right away, I scanned the instructions, plugged in my lamp and painted a clear coat of gel polish on my nails.  I was all set to go.  I put my hand inside the lamp, turned it on and in 30 seconds my nails were perfectly cured.  Initially, when I turned it on, the lamp got a little hot for a second or two, but then it was fine.  I'm sold.  I'm loving my LED!

Ok, so let me give you a little information about the lamp.  It's a Professional LED Manicure Lamp by Ivation.  It has time presets for 30/60/90 seconds and for 30 minutes.  30 minutes?  What the heck?!  It uses 12 watts and has 60 tiny little LED bulbs that never have to be replaced (thank goodness for that!).  It also has a few other little features like a heat exhaust and rubberized stability feet.  If I recall you have the option of choosing teal (which I did), red or black.  The price was $39.95 with free shipping.

I give this lamp two thumb nails up!

Results -- Tada!