Happy Skin X KC Concepcion Express Gel Polish in Beauty and Power Review

Happy Skin Express Gel Polish in Beauty and Power

SRP: P299/each

Available in: Happy Skin kiosks and online

I used to blog way back 2015 and the very first beauty products that I took interest in were nail polishes. I even used to post nail arts and designs which I hastily deleted because I don't think I'm ever good at that. I developed an obsession with collecting tiny bottles that there was a moment when I had more or less a hundred unused pieces in my stash. Eventually though, I got tired of removing chipped nail arts and colors and making sure there are no traces of yellowed stains left. I sold some of them, others were made for household use or thrown because they just expired.

The love did not die down completely though. Every time I see them in shelves, I still find them so inviting. Gel polish became a trend soon after and I wanted to try one but always hesitates because it still requires me purchasing a UV lamp. Last December, Sample Room stocked up for some holiday picks and these nail polishes was one of those. I eventually spent my points for these two because why not? Look at their shades...they are exactly what I'd pick up if I'm gonna buy a lipstick.

CLAIMS

For the first time ever, homegrown skin-caring brand Happy Skin collaborates with actress, TV host, and jewelry designer KC Concepcion on a limited edition HappySkin X KC gel polish collection. Known for her love for polish and all things feminine, the 2-piece collection was inspired by her favorite flower, the rose. 

A celebration of self-love, inner strength, and women empowerment, the first polish is fittingly named Power, which features a deep cherry hue. The second shade, Beauty, features a luxurious apricot color, a striking modern nude.

Chip-resistant & long-wearing, this dries quickly and cures in natural light-no UV lamp needed! Hydrolyzed Keratin helps make nails stronger and Almond Oil helps nourish.

PACKAGING

I love the overall packaging. It looks fancy and feminine especially with the rose design. Twist the cap open and you'll see the wide, slightly dense applicator that makes the job done easy as it covers a huge area of the nails in just a swipe.

TEXTURE AND PIGMENTATION

On first coat, you will already get a strong pop of color. You can enhance it by adding a second layer for an extra shine and better color buildup. I like that the formula is thick and creamy so it's feels good to apply. It just dries quick so you have to really blend it as fast as you could to avoid a clumpy finish.

LONGEVITY

Product stays put for about two (2) days. I noticed that mild chipping happened on day 3 on the bottom and upper part of my nail beds. This is pretty much usual as I tend to unconsciously rub and use my fingers to scratch skin whenever it itches. I do the dishes too, clean and mop the house and I like washing my hands every now and then. The picture below shows the manicure after 7 days. There were chipped parts but only on the outer areas of my nail bed, inner part is still intact. This is quite an achievement because regular nail polishes don't make it for a week.

NOTE: I applied the product as is. No base or top coats used in the demo. Base coat is necessary to avoid heavily-stained nail beds.

PERFORMANCE

Overall, I'm quite happy with how they turned out. Both shades are beautiful and suitable for any skin complexion. I like the fact that it's very convenient to use--no UV lamp needed and you get to have well-manicured nails with a shiny finish just like a regular gel polish (even sans top coat). I've tried a gel polish once before and I would say that wears longer but still Happy Skin Express Gel Polishes are quite an investment for women on-the-go. If you are someone who's very busy but still wants chic and stylish nails, go for these. It saves you time in every way.

💕💕💕

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Updated: Caronia Nail Hardener and Basecoat, Fast-Dry Top Coat and Kwik-Dry and Cuticle Conditioner

Got a problem with easy-chipping nail polishes? All it takes is just one day and there would be cracks and peel on your nail bed already? Say goodbye to them now! Because you can now have that professional-like manis and pedis even while you are in the comfort of your own home!

What I'm going to review today is the Caronia Nail Hardener and Base Coat, Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat and Caronia Kwik-dry and Cuticle Conditioner.

In 1968, founders of Vibelle Manufacturing Corporation, Don Vicente Ang and his wife Belen introduced the first locally produced nail polish brand in the Philippine market, Caronia.

Caronia, named after the luxury ship, RMS Caronia easily became a popular brand among Filipinas because it provided them an alternative to limitedly available imported nail care brands.

Caronia Nail Hardener and Base Coat (P49)

Caroia Fast-Dry Top Coat (P49)

Caronia Kwik-Dry and Cuticle Conditioner (P39)

Bought from: Watsons

All three are housed in glass packaging with proper labeling and cute differently-colored stickers and brush applicators. I'd say they are travel-friendly, but wait, who brings these to trips? Do you???

***

CARONIA NAIL HARDENER AND BASE COAT

***

If you want your nail polishes to stay longer on your nails without chipping or anything, I suggest that you use a base coat. To tell you honestly, I don't use any base coat before applying nail polish back when I was elementary neither when I was in high school. But when I became so addicted to nail polishes, that's when I became more aware to things essential for healthier nails such as base coats, top coats and nail polish remover.

Tell you what, this is my first ever brand of base coat that I was able to try. The next one is the San San (I'll be posting a different review for that one). Anyhow, Caronia changed my views when it comes to nail care. Number one rule which I have known: Invest in an efficient base coat prior to using colored polishes. It will prevent stains and will help in making your nails fuller and stronger with every coloring.

What it claims: Protect your nails from breaking and chipping with a base coat that locks on to nail polish color!

What I like:

-does not look cheap

-prolong the life span of polishes

-prevents my nails from yellowing

-retails for only PHP39 for a 15ml bottle

-does what it claims

-makes my nails harder which always weaken when cleaned using cuticle pusher

-dries quickly

-widely available

What I don't like:

-smells like rugby.

-brush is so thin that it takes too much strokes to cover my nails with base coat

-has 30% Toulene, Formaldehyde, and DBP! (For short, it has the Big 3 Toxins we always dreaded and wanted to avoid on products (Anyhow, it doesn't matter if you're not a health conscious. But I am! And as I said, I never care to nail products before as long as there's nail polish. I have already bought it before I discovered that nail polishes also has toxins which might be harmful for the health.)

***

CARONIA FAST-DRY TOP COAT

***

If you're really into nail polish, without a top coat will definitely make you feel that your manicure isn't done well. Like a house without furniture. While you can top off your polishes with colorless, Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat assures you to dry your nails even faster and make it last longer. Actually, with base coat and top coat, I noticed that even after a week, there is still very minimal to no chipping which is a lot better than having applied nail polish only.

What it claims: Get durable, glossy finish in express time!

What I like:

-very effective in drying my nail polish faster

-very good in providing your nails that glossy look even after days of handy works

-protects your nails from chipping

-15 ml bottle costs 49php only

-doesn't contain the Big 3 Toxins except I'm using it together with the base coat

-widely available

What I don't like:

-smells like those rubber balloons

-makes me feel dizzy

-the brush is too thin for my nails

***

CARONIA KWIK-DRY & CUTICLE CONDITIONER

***

While I already topped my nail polish with my preferred top coat, I still apply Kwik-Dry & Cuticle Conditioner. It's not that really necessary (in my own opinion) since my top coat is already fast-drying, I still apply it for conditioning purposes though.

It also prevents my nails from getting smudges, dirt and even light touches--which I always get from certain activities. Anyways, who would want ruined nail polish after an hour of prettifying? You definitely want it to be as perfect as the first time you apply your nail polish! So if you want a well-moisturized, added fast-drying components and smudge-free nails, you must give this a go!

What it claims: Dry your nail polish faster and keep it smudge-free while you condition your cuticles at the same time!

What I like:

-totally Big 3 Toxins-free (but using it together with the Caronia Top Coat does not make any difference at all)

-has mineral oil for further moisturizing effect

-affordable for only 49php for a 15ml bottle

-doesn't smell strong unlike the top coat and base coat

-Widely available

What I don't like:

-None

WOULD I BUY THIS PRODUCT AGAIN?

As of now, I'm still in the process of trying out new things to find what suits me best. But in any instance I'm not satisfied with any product which offers the same service, well, yes, I am most certain to buy these again!

Have you tried any Caronia product? Feel free ro share it here with me! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

NOTD2 (Nails of The Day)

This is actually my second installation for my NOTD Series. Lol. So I got bored, then I decided to just paint my nails earlier. I won't talk much. I'll just show my newly-painted nails to you. I saw the design on Google and I think I can do it naman hehe. So here it is!

For the materials...

I am using three kinds of nail brushes, the one I used for this nail art is the dotting tool, then for filling in the heart, I used the one which is slightly wide then I used the pointed brush for painting the heart beats. I bought the brushes on Divisoria. I forgot the price but it's between PHP200-PHP300, I think.

For the polishes, I used Sansan in French White and my old Sally Hansen No Chip 10-Day Nail Color in Rose.

 It's really simple to do this heart beat nail art and even without steps, I guess anyone could do this. So first, color your nails white. San San Nail Polishes dry fast enough so it does not took me lots of minutes to wait before designing my nails.

The photo above is the result for two coats since a single coat can't fill in sparse parts.

Next is, designing the heart beats using the pointed brush from BK, leaving my accent finger undone. Doing the heart, for me, is the hardest part since I can't draw a perfect heart on my nails. What I did was this: using the dotting tool, I patterned it like a heart so when I used the wider brush, I could just easily fill in the inside of the heart.

The photo above shows the heart unfilled yet.

My heart still looks a bit disoriented hahah. Anyway, for an amateur like me, I think that will do.

So yeah, isn't this easy? Do this for yourself and tell me how's it! Happy blogging!

Love,

Hanna

#NOTD1 (Nails of the day)

Lovely afternoon, everyone! Just wanna share with you guys my colorful but not so colorful(?) nails of mine for today! I'm just in the mood to paint my nails and guess what, this is my first-ever nail art that I did right in my entire life, so yeah, I hope you like it just how I do! Keep scrolling! >:D

Here's what you'll need to achieve the design!

Of course you will need a base coat before you put on the base color to avoid stains which is definitely hard to remove! You don't want that obviously. Currently, I am using San San Nail Hardener as my base coat. You can get it for only PHP37 at any HBC stores nationwide. For my base color, I used Cutex in Black (PHP50). Then, for my second coat, I used Cutex Nail Polish in Pure Cotton (PHP50) and Sally Hansen in Impatiens (I forgot the price). I could use another Cutex Nail Lacquer, but I found this Sally Hansen first on my stash so yeah. And of course, don't ever forget to use a top coat after everything's been dried up to prevent early color chipping!

For the design, you can use  single or two brush (the smallest and thinnest best work for me though.)

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

It's hard for me to explain everything but I'll try my best though. So first, just color your nails black. When dried, using a nail brush, create a wide V-shape on the middle part of your nails then fill the gap with your preferred color. Let it dry. Do the same thing as you've done with the second coat for your third coat then fill everything in. After it's all dried up (seriously, everything must be dried up first or the color would smudge when applied with the top coat), cover everything using your preferred top coat to seal in the color and add shine to your nails.

I don't claim to be any expert in painting nails and this nails art seem to be so much far from nails-that-are-done-by-a-pro. You can see that it isn't neat enough but I'm working on that. Hoho! Anyways, make sure that the previous coat is dried well enough that it won't smudge when touched by the brush. So basically, it took me an hour or two to finish the nail art as I don't have a nail polish dryer.

Share it when you tried it! Have a nice day, beauties! Happy blogging! xx

Love,

Hanna

Pastel Colors For My Nails ft. San San Polishes

Happy Eid'l Fitr! And because it's a no-class day, then I've got lots of time to paint my nails! Yieha!

Due to tedious projects and home works that we're supposed to finish these past few weeks, I've got no time to even pamper myself by painting my nails which, definitely, has been a hobby of mine since...well, I forgot. *face palm* Actually, I have still one report to do but too indolent to even start working. But I have generous time for blogging. *dance dance dance*

Anyway, the polishes that I used today were all from San San, my favorite local brand of polishes. Photos? Sure. And another thing, I've took lots of them. Since I do not know which photo should I feature, might as well include them all in this post.

Back when I was still in grade school, I always love to apply different shades on all of my finger nails. Since I was in love with them, and cannot choose which one's the best, then I prefer getting my nails painted using each bottle. It's like putting rainbow on my nails except they are not the rainbow colors. Hahah!

As you can see, the bottle looks sturdy enough for longer storage period. I actually dropped one during the photoshoot and it didn't break though. It has this signature polish handle colored in blue with the shiny silver-like plastic in the lower part.

One bottle costs only PHP37 (for a 12ml bottle), hence, the quality of the products exceeded all my expectations. I do not intend to compare them to high-end brands of nail lacquers since I haven't even tried one. The only brand of nail polish (which is more expensive than local brands such as Caronia, Chic, Bobbie, etc) is the Cutex which undeniably is still a lot cheaper than Orly, Zoya, etc (price ranges from PHP300 up to thousands). And there was no way that I would be able to collect nail polish from China Glaze, Orly, Sally Hansen, etc during these times because I was only getting money from my allowance.

If you can see, the brushes are almost similar to those of high-ends'. I cannot comment on the consistency/texture and application although I've read some reviews from other blogs that it works just as good as pricier brands.

But if you are to ask me, the application is pretty good. The brush is wider compared to other local brands so the application takes lesser time to do so. On the first coat, you will see that the polish is not that opaque enough (since they are pastel and you cannot expect a strong color payoff). You will notice streaks also. Note that I am not the professional in doing manicure.

And another thing that I like about them is that they don't tend to create bubbles. It also takes 4-5 days before you notice some cracks on your nails.

first coat

second coat

So that's my mani for today! Try to mix and match too girls! Happy blogging! xx

My Favorite Shades from Cutex

Hello! Today, I am going to swatch two of my most favorite nail colors by Cutex! These are green and Coral! Well, I actually don't like green of any shades or brand before I get to try these gorgeous colors from Cutex. I found these two as I went to Watsons at SM San Lazaro last December. Right. They have been sitting on my stash unused for quite a long time now. I hate myself for not trying them on as soon as I got them.

As I have told you, I used to hate greens of any shade so I didn't get the chance to try the green one the soonest since I also bought it for collection purposes. It turned out that it's the very first green polish I have ever had in my stash. Would you give me a high-five for that? LOL.

Picture! Picture!

Look at them! Aren't they cute? They are a bit different from the actual colors because I took the pictures during night time since I prefer painting my nails at night.

And the best thing about these colors is that I thnk they are perfect for my complexion! Plus they make my nails healthier because it's keratin-infused! I love that the texture's neither too runny nor too thick. It just glides well with every stroke, you'll definitely feel like you're a pro! I used to apply it after my preferred base coat. For the photos below, I used two coats only and I got a very pigmented nails already.

This is the actual color. Isn't it the best shade of green ever? Hihi I think the color's between pastel green and dark green. And on the back of the bottle, the name says, "Green there, done that." I currently have more than a dozen of Cutex Nail Colors, yet I have used only these two. Anyway, I'm planning to use the other shades the next time for another blog review.

This one's the "Tropical Bliss". The color here's a bit darker than the actual shade. It ranges between neon pink and coral pink. Hihi. It's just too girly but I'm loving it even more every time I look at my nails! I love how it makes my hand elegant-looking and everything! Looking forward to try the other shades on my stash soon!


What I like?

• has keratin for healthier nails
• packaging doesn't look cheap.
• not too thick nor too runny.
• costs 109php for a 7ml bottle originally, but I bought it at more than half the price (PHP50) because I think they are on sale?
• the brush is quite manageable and thick for the bottle size that it doesn't need too much stroke to cover my nail plates
• single coat could be enough, that's how pigmented the polishes are (I just apply another coat so it won't chip faster)
• big-5 toxins free!
• quick-drying
• doesn't create streaky lines
• doesn't smell like paint or rugby
• available on Watsons (SM Valenzuela, SM San Lazaro particularly)

What I don't like?

• comes in a very limited shades (I think what Watsons in SM San Lazaro been selling are pull out or surplus of US Cutex branches because they any comes in a very limited shades (for these 7ml bottles only). There are bigger ones, I forgot the size, but they are pricier of course.)
• They are too small. I hope there's bigger sizes available because they run out too fast considering I change my polish every other day!

Would I buy this product again? Definitely, yes! Until the last stock runs out. Hahah!

Would I recommend this brand? Totally! If I'm not mistaken, it's the very first ever brand of liquid nail polish that has been established worldwide back in 20th century, so for me, it's quite a privilege to own even a single bottle from this brand!

Have you tried Cutex already? Feel free to share it here with me! Happy blogging! xx

REVIEW: Caronia Nail Care Top Coat, Base Coat, and Cuticle Conditioner

Got a problem with easy-chipping nail polishes? All it takes is just a day and there would be slight cracks and peel on your nail bed already? Say goodbye to them now! Because you can now have professional-like manis and pedis in the comfort of your own home! What I'm going to review is the Caronia Nail Hardener And Base Coat, Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat and Caronia Kwik-dry And Cuticle Conditioner.

In 1968, founders of Vibelle Manufacturing Corporation, Don Vicente Ang and his wife Belen introduced the first locally produced nail polish brand in the Philippine market, Caronia.

Caronia, named after the luxury ship, RMS Caronia easily became a popular brand among Filipinas because it provided them an alternative to limitedly available imported nail care brands.

Caronia Nail Hardener And Base Coat (PHP49)
Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat (PHP49)
and Caronia Kwik-dry And Cuticle Conditioner (PHP39) 

CARONIA NAIL HARDENER & BASE COAT

If you want your nail polishes to stay longer on your nails without chipping or anything, I suggest that you use a base coat. To tell you honestly, I don't use any base coat before applying nail polish back when I was elementary nor when I was in high school. But when I became so addicted to nail polishes, that's when I became more aware to things essential for healthier nails such as base coats, top coats, nail polish remover.

Tell you what, this is my first ever brand of base coat that I was able to try. The next one is the San San (I'll be posting a different review for that one). Anyhow, Caronia changed my views whe it comes to nail care. Number rule which I have known: Invest in an efficient base coat prior to using colored polishes. It will prevent stains and will help in making your nails fuller and stronger with every coloring.

What it claims: Protect your nails from breaking and chipping with a base coat that locks on to nail polish color!

What I like:

• doesn't look cheap.
• prevents my nails from yellowing
• retails for only PHP39 for a 15ml bottle
• does what it claims
• makes my nails harder which always weaken when cleaned using cuticle pusher
• dries quickly
• widely available

What I don't like:

• smells like rugby.
• brush is so thin that it takes too much strokes to cover my nails with base coat
• has 30% Toulene, Formaldehyde, and DBP! For short, it has the Big 3 Toxins we always dreaded and wanted to avoid on products (Anyhow, it doesn't matter if you're not a health conscious. But I am! And as I said, I never care to nail products before as long as there's nail polish. I have already bought it before I discovered that nail polishes also has toxins which might be harmful for the health)

CARONIA FAST-DRY TOP COAT

If you're really into nail polish, without a top coat will definitely make you feel that your manicure isn't done well. Like a house without furniture. While you can top off your polishes with colorless, Caronia Fast-Dry Top Coat assures you to dry your nails even faster.

What it claims: Get durable, glossy finish in express time!

What I like:

• very effective in drying my nail polish faster
• very good in providing your nails that glossy look even after days of handy works
• protects your nails from chipping. (Well, with base coat and top coat, I noticed that even after a week, there is still very minimal to no chipping which is a lot better than having applied nail polish only)
• 15 ml bottle costs 49php only
• doesn't contain the Big 3 Toxins except I'm using it together with the base coat
• widely available

What I don't like:

• smells like those rubber balloons that children always wanted to play
• makes me feel dizzy everytime I caught a whiff
• the brush is too thin for my nails (I'm having thin nails as well)

CARONIA KWIK-DRY & CUTICLE CONDITIONER

While I already topped my nail polish with my preferred top coat, I still apply Kwik-Dry & Cuticle Conditioner. Although it's not that necessary (in my own opinion) since my top coat is already fast-drying, I still apply it for conditioning purposes. It also prevents my nails from getting smudges, dirt and even light touches--which I always get from certain activities--which ruin my manis and pedis. Anyways, who would want ugly nail polish? Of course, you would want it to be as perfect as the first time you apply your nail polish. So if you would want a well-moisturized, added fast-drying components and smudge-free nails, you definitely would want to give this a go!

What it claims: Dry your nail polish faster and keep it smudge-free while you condition your cuticles at the same time!

What I like:

• totally Big 3 Toxins-free (though, as I was saying, using it together with the Caronia Top Coat does not make any difference at all)
• has mineral oil for further moisturizing effect (Best use it at night before you sleep to find you nails the next morning totally smooth-looking!)
• very cheap as well for only 49php for a 15ml bottle
• doesn't smell strong like the top coat and base coat, probably because of its ingredients
• Widely available

What I don't like:

• None

WOULD I BUY THIS PRODUCT AGAIN?

As of now, I'm still in the process of trying out new things to find what suits me best. But in any instance I'm not satisfied with any product which offers the same service, well, yes, I am most certain to buy these again!

Have you tried any Caronia product? Feel free ro share it here with me! Happy blogging! xx