Renunail Strengthening Nail Polish + 3D Top Coat

 

The Strengthener: Dr Lewinn’s Renunail is probably my most raved about beauty product ever. It’s a nail strengthener that takes poorly nails from 0-60 in 1-2 weeks (full review here). For a long time I used it as a base coat, which works ok, but it’s a bit shiny for polish to adhere to. The answer: a colour formula with strengthening powers. This has been out for a while now and the colour range is quite small, but the formula and results have impressed me so far.

The Colour: I have the shade Pomegranate - I shared a pic on first use after chopping back my brittle nails two weeks ago here. Two weeks (& 3 applications) later, my nails are definitely longer and more importantly, stronger. This may have happened regardless, but the improvement has definitely been faster and more dramatic than I would normally experience. My nails feel harder, though not rock hard like they do with the original Renunail, but that’s ok - and obviously the full shebang of ingredients can’t be added to the colour without affecting its formula. I like the Pomegranate red a lot - fingers crossed that more shades will be released soon. Application is super smooth and although the brush is quite narrow, it fans out really nicely and is quick and easy to use. The colour seems to cling to the nail really well, unlike some which are all over the shop.

The Top Coat: I’ve paired Pomegrante with the Renunail 3D Top Coat, one of the most Seche Vite-like formulas I’ve tried (except this one is good for your nails!). It’s similarly thick, smoothing and glossy - liking this a lot. I was disappointed with the original Dr Lewinn’s top coat, so skip it if you’re choosing one and go for the 3D. How long a mani lasts is like how long is a piece of string. It’s such an individual thing, affected by so many factors - from your nail condition to application methods and what you do with your hands - but this duo was above average for me. It lasted 3-4 days whereas I’d normally only get 2-3… I’m very hard on nail polish and wash my hands a million times a day.

Which one’s for you: If your nails are very thin, brittle and peeling, I’d recommend starting with the original Renunail. I’ve pictured my (now slightly skanky) bottle next to the colour above to show how big it is - the 30ml bottle is literally double the size of most nail polishes. I’m telling you this because it isn’t cheap, but believe me, it’s worth every penny. It also comes in a Sensitive formula, which is smaller, cheaper and also good, but this one is more powerful and effective. You can read how it all works at drlewinns.co.uk

If your nails are in ok shape and you want to keep them that way, the colour formula and 3D top coat are a great way to maintain them. Certainly not essential but I really enjoy using them and am very happy with the results.

• Dr Lewinn’s Renunail Strengthener £17.50
• Colour Polish & 3D Top Coat £14 & £11

Nailtiques Formula 2 & Orly Cuticle Oil+ ~ Nail Rescue Mission

My nails were in serious need of some lovin’. They had become dry, thin and peeling and the cuticles were raggedy and untidy looking. Nice.

On spotting my tweets of woe, a kind PR lady swooped to the rescue with Nailtiques Formula 2 and Orly Cuticle Oil+ which I have been using consistently ever since – and thought I’d share the results.

Here comes the embarrassing bit…

Before…

It gets worse…

And worse…

Ewww… my ugly split nail, which had been split for more than a year. Grosstastic huh?!

The Solution….

Step One: Nailtiques Protein Formula 2

Formula 2 is a paint-on protein formula to treat ‘soft, peeling, bitten, weak or thin nails’. It applies as a clear polish, bonding and strengthening the nail layers.

“The salon-tested formulations offer special combinations of ingredients, including hydrolysed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium to build a healthy nail foundation. The protein immediately acts to help bond nails that are splitting or peeling…  resulting in long, strong and healthy nails.”

Usage - For a couple of months I have applied Nailtiques Formula 2 daily (when I remember – ie at least several times a week!). I love that this can be worn alone or under nailpolish, but most of all I love how quickly it dries… this makes it so quick and easy to use and a perfect basecoat for polish. By the time I’d painted both hands, the first hand was ready for a coat of polish. The formula is also quite thin, which is great as I hate the feeling of lots of thick layers on my nails.

Results - It took a little longer than I expected for my nails to feel really strong again. I’d say 3-4 weeks, although if I’d been more diligent about daily application it may well have been less. I know that’s not actually a long time, but I’ve used other formulas that worked quicker; however the long term effects of Nailtiques have been preferable. My nails feel strong, but there is still some flexibility; they don’t feel thick and hard, just like a strong, natural nail. I’m genuinely impressed and plan to switch to Nailtiques Formula 1 to maintain my new healthy nails.

Step Two: Orly Cuticle Oil+

This was the second step in conditioning my nail area. My cuticles had never recovered after being snipped off in a manicure about 18mths ago (no kidding) I didn’t even want them snipped off.  It was my first ever mani (yes really!!) and I didn’t know this was part of the process!  My cuticles have always been  unobtrusive and would have happily been left alone (plus the manicurist snipped my skin and made me bleed while she was at it!) Nice. So, for the first time I had cuticle issues.

‘Cuticle Oil+ professional-preferred nail & cuticle conditioner is formulated with orange blossom and wild cherry extracts to moisturise, heal and refresh problem cuticles. This nutriment formula ensures longer, stronger nails.’

This is the bottle after a couple of month’s use, so you can see how little is required!  Literally one teeny drop at the base of each nail is more than enough, in fact it’s quite difficult to use a small enough amount. I massage it into the cuticle, nail and surrounding area, then leave it to soak in. If I’m in a rush, I keep massaging it in until there’s just a fine sheen. It’s a little messy as you can imagine, so I tend to keep it by my bed and apply each night before I go to sleep, allowing it to soak in.

Soooo… fast forward a couple of months, following the above routine – and voila!

After…

Note former ugly split forefinger nail, finally healed!  Now I have tried EVERYTHING to try and restore this nail: little bits of teabag stuck on with clear polish, nail glue, plasters, erm – well that’s it really! But it’s been vertically split for 18months, so this is one serious result!

Now my nails are not yet perfect – as you can see the edges look a little scratched/ worn, which is actually my fault. This has happened because I’ve just had a nail bitingly stressful week  and while I don’t actually bite my nails, I do have a shameful habit of chewing at them. Awful I know, but that’s why they’re a bit battered again - and yes I’m gutted I didn’t take these pics a week earllier – but still, a massive improvement on the original I’m sure you’ll agree!

Orly Cuticle Oil+ costs £11.30 with free delivery from Feel Unique

Nailtiques Formula 2 costs £9.95, 7ml or £15.50, 15ml (free del) from Beauty Bay

Have you tried Nailtiques Formula 2 or Orly Cuticle Oil+ ?