China Glaze Magnetix Review

China Glaze Cling On & Magnet

I first ran across magnetic nail poish at Sephora and tried it on my neice. It didn't work. So I was less than enthused when I saw the China Glaze Magnetix display a month later at another location. The workers assured me, however, that it really did work and should give it a shot.

A big thanks to my neice for being my guinea pig…again!

Cling OnI started with a base coat of Cling On. The application is really smooth and as a stand-alone polish, would work with just two coats.

Close UpIsn't this a pretty avocado green?

Magnetix MagnetThe magnet comes with three designs: chevron, star and diagonal lines. I tried out all three to see how they looked on the nail.

Using the MagnetWorking on one nail at a time, I added another coat of polish. Immediately after, I placed the magnet above the nail, making sure I wasn't too close. The magnet helps with this. There is a ridge above each of the magnets to set against your finger. Still be cautious. If your second coat of polish is too thick, the magnet will pick it right up off your nail!

Magnet Designs

Here are my opinions on each design.

The star is really cool and versatile. Changing where you hold the magnet changes the entire design.

The diagonal lines create a really neat effect. To get the lines to reach clear across the nail, however, you have to move the magnet. Too slow and the polish will dry before the design is made. Too fast and the design doesn't have time to come out.

The chevron pattern is lame. Lame, lame, lame! As you can see, it just looks a little jagged like I messed up. I wouldn't even bother with it.

I let my neice decide her favorite design and she chose the diagonal lines. So here's the finished look!

Finished NailsI couldn't help but do an accent nail on her ring finger. (It's an addiction.) I love how the star adds some interest, but doesn't detract from the unique effect on the other nails.

Here's a closer look at the accent nail.

Star Accent NailI really love the Magnetix line. The polish alone is quality. Add the magnetic effects to it and you have nails people are sure to notice.

The Magnetix line comes in six colors. The magnet and polish retails for $10 each.

Northern Lights Top Coat Review

I first saw this polish by INM 10 years ago and had to have it. It had the tiniest sparkles and I loved wearing it by itself on my nails. When I saw it again a couple weeks ago, it charmed me again. This time, though, I wasn't just wearing it for looks, but to see how it stood up as a top coat.

Northern Lights makes a few claims. Let's see if it lived up to them.

Perfect for today's high fashion nails?
I don't know if they're wearing it on the runway, but I think it looks pretty cool.

The Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat "dries in seconds"?
Yes, but you have to give enough cure time for the polish underneath to dry completely. If you don't and you bump or touch your nail, the top coat is fine, but the polish below gets ruined.

Forms a glaze to make your polish chip-proof?
Nope. My polish lasted as long as it would have without this top coat. As you can see, my nails still chipped (my right hand is even worse).

Northern Lights over OPI's I Vant to be A-Lone Star All in all, it creates a beautiful effect. It definitely looks better in person than in the photo. But if you're looking for a sturdy top coat to make your manicure last, I don't recommend Northern Lights.

Venique Nail Polish Review

It took a couple of trips to the beauty supply store before I caved in and bought this polish to review. Once I have a brand I trust, I usually stick with it. But the employees convinced me this wasn't like other polishes.

Why? Venique Nail Lacquer is made with Sil-Tek. This silicone-based ingredient allows the polish to expand and contract with the nail rather than chip or flake off. The company says it should last 7-10 days.

I'm all for making my polish last as long as possible so I gave it a whirl and bought one in "Biker Couture".

I tested this out on my sister since I had just done my nails. The polish goes on a little thick, but the application turned out smooth. I did two coats, but I really didn't need to. Probably force of habit more than anything.

I didn't use a base or top coat with this just to see how the polish itself performed. I was super disappointed. There was chipping happening within 12 hours. And not just a nick at the tips. We're talking 1/4 of the polish gone on some nails.

I checked out online reviews to see what people had said and everyone agrees that you need a non-Venique base and top coat or it won't last. It's a shame since the polish itself applies so well. The company's Facebook page said they're working on new formulas for their base and top coats.

I'll continue to try new brands as they come, but I won't be buying more Venique anytime soon. If you're still interested, you can purchase Venique polish at salons for $7.50 MSRP.

Dry Shampoo Review

Rhyming words make me smile. One of these dry shampoos made me smile too.

I've been growing my hair out for about 1 1/2 years and have tried to blow dry, curl and flat iron it as little as possible. Thus, I try to only wash it every other day. Some days it's fine, others…not so much.

On those "not so much" days, my hair can look a little greasy. Product can make it even worse. So I've been very anxious to see if dry shampoo could extend the life of my style.

I purchased Kenra Platinum Dry Shampoo last week. After I got home I realized I had gotten a sample of Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray in the mail. So here's my take on both.

I tried Kenra on second-day hair. Following the instructions, I shook the can and sprayed the product throughout my hair. I focused mainly on my part at the roots since that's what would show. After the shampoo dried, I brushed my hair to disperse the product.

My first impression? I used so little product that I was nervous it would work. I couldn't see anything on my hair, but after brushing, success! My hair had lost its greasy sheen. Even better, it had more volume than before I started.

Some hairsprays smell overly sweet or like rubbing alcohol, but this one smells almost tropical with a mango-melon scent. A plus in my book!

Another plus? Kenra offers a 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, just return your product to the place of purchase and you'll receive a full-refund. Kenra Platinum Dry Shampoo can be purchased at salons (for the money-back guarantee) or online.

Up next was Suave. The instructions told me to hold the can 8-10 inches away from my hair and spray on my roots. Then rub in the excess powder with the heat of my hands.

The biggest initial difference was that I could see the powder. My hair is dark, but even after rubbing the product in, it was still visible. I had to really work for it to fully dissolve.

After all that work I was disappointed. My hair still seemed greasy. There was less of a sheen, but the oil never fully absorbed. The scent was so-so and I felt like I needed to wash my hands after using the product.

Maybe using the Kenra first spoiled me, but I probably won't use the rest of my sample can. If you'd like to try it for yourself, Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo can be purchased where Suave Professionals products are sold.

Have you used dry shampoo? What is your favorite?