It's Chartreuse not Ogre

I get super excited to review Dermelect polishes because I get to skip base coat! I mean, I can skip base coat anytime I want, but with these polishes it is almost like they are giving me permission. I always feel guilty and afraid to skip base coat; I fear and loath staining. This way, if my nails stain, I have someone else to blame other than my laziness/nonchalant attitude. 

Dermelect is adding a few more shades to their peptide infused color treatments. I reviewed a few here and also did a comparison post here.

There are 3 new shades coming out in the 2013 Resort Collection.

I got to try one of the three colors... All The Envy

Dermelect - All The Envy

I was given a choice between the three colors. The other two were much more normal (Lust Struck - Coral Creme; Moon Kissed - shimmery off-white). I thought about it long and hard, all of 3 seconds, and came to the conclusion that I own nothing like All The Envy, thus decided to give it a whirl!

Although the top picture gives my skin a lovely purple hue, it is very color accurate. Simply put, the shade is a chartreuse.

VERY interesting. 

In terms of application, this polish takes a couple coats to get there. It will take about 3-4 coats depending on how thick you normally polish and how much visible nail line you can typically stand.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 1 coat

This was the first coat. Oh man it was so sheer, but look how even it is!

One the bright side... my nail damage is growing out on my ring finger. Remember this?

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 2 coats

Coat # 2.

No way I could stop here! Not only do I see nail line (which I personally don't mind), but I still see nail bed. Again, this coat is very even.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 3 coats

At three coats, this shade becomes more solid. You could definitely stop here. In some lighting situations some visible nail line peaks through.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 4 coats

Overall, the formula was very nice. I experienced no streakiness or bubbling problems.

The rest of the pictures are with 4 coats.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 4 coats

Depending on the lighting, the shade leans more yellow or green.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 4 coats

As I understand it, chartreuse made Pantone's fashion color report for spring 2013. See here.

Dermelect - All The Envy ... 4 coats

I mentally prepared myself for the real possibility I'd be left with chartreuse nail beds after removal. I am happy to say this scenario was not the case. 

If you want to be cool, on trend, have healthy non yellow nailsbeds, and are too lazy to wear base coat sometimes ... Dermelect's All The Envy may be just what you need in your collection.

Note: A few coupon codes popped up in my email:

$10 off $50 - 50LESS10
$20 off $100 - 100LESS20
$30 off $150 - 150LESS30

This polish and the rest of the color treatments can be found on the Dermelect website.  $14/0.4oz.

 *Sent for review*

Dermelect Color Comparison

In my last post, I showed you three of the six new color nail treatments from Dermelect.  Today, I'll show you comparisons to similar colors I own.

Comparison to Dermelect - Above It

Pointer -
China Glaze - Bahamian Escape

Middle, Pinky -
Dermelect 'Above It'

Ring -
China Glaze - Secret Peri-winkle




Clearly China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle is the odd man out. (Ring finger)









As a side note, China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle has more in common with Essie - Lapis of Luxury.

Left -
China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle

Right -
Essie - Lapis of Luxury.







More clear from this picture, Above It is not a complete dupe of Bahamian Escape, but they are very close.

As a side note, China Glaze - Bahamian Escape is similar to Color Club - Factory Girl.  Factory Girl is brighter.


Left -
China Glaze - Bahamian Escape

Right -
Color Club - Factory Girl







Comparison to Dermelect - Luxurious

Thumb -
Revlon - Gum Drop (Smelly Polish!)

Pointer -
Essie - Lilacism

Middle -
OPI - Rumple's Wiggin'

Ring -
OPI - Do You Lilac It? (more here)

Pinky -
Dermelect- Luxurious

OPI - Do You Lilac It? looks like a dupe for Dermelect - Luxurious

Top -
OPI - Do You Lilac It? (more here)

Bottom -
Dermelect- Luxurious

Comparison to Dermelect - Persuasive

Pointer, Ring -
Color Club - Vintage Couture

Middle, Pinky -
Dermelect - Persuasive

I think here you can tell Dermelect is only slightly more peach and muted, but not by much.

Overall, these two are difficult to distinguish in certain lighting situations.  Like I mentioned in the last post, Persuasive is a bit of a chameleon.


Top -
Dermelect - Persuasive

Bottom -
Color Club - Vintage Couture

It's nice to have choices! :D




*The Dermelect polishes were sent for review*

Lazy Solutions

There are base coat wearers and base coat ignorers.  What if these two groups of people came together and had a party?  What if in a tragic turn of events the base coat wearers had a momentary lapse in memory and forgot base coat?!  All is not lost.  A good time can be had by all, as long as Dermelect comes to the party.

Dermelect has come out with a new collection of color nail strengthening treatments for the summer.  I had a chance to try 3 of the colors.

Above It

Luxurious

 

 

Persuasive

 

 

 

 

 

 

These polishes are infused with peptides.  Peptides are made of small chains of amino acids (2-20 for example).  In contrast, proteins are large chains of amino acids, greater than 100.  My general view of protein based treatments (or polish) can be found in this post.  In short, I don't believe protein based treatments change the nail plate like formaldehyde, fluoride, DermaNail, and DMU can.  I do believe they can provide a nice layer of protection for as long as it is on top of your nail plate.  

What is interesting to me with these polishes is that because peptides are much smaller, I wonder if they somehow have the ability to interact with the nail plate?  I wonder about this, but have no other insight to give you.

The other tid bit I found interesting is the description of how to use the polish...

"The first coat instantly bonds to the nail, while the second fuses with the base coat to create a flexible web of color that resists chipping and improves brittleness (patent-pending technology)."

Wait, wait!  Are you telling me I can skip base coat??  That would be a fantastic option for my laziness and the ultimate solution for a successful party comprised of base coat wearers and ignorers.  I wrote Dermelect just to make sure that I was correct in my assumption and indeed you can do either or.  As soon as I heard this I ran with it.  *Feel free to click on the pictures to enlarge*

Out of the three, 'Above it' gave me the most trouble.  I did two coats for each polish except this one.  It was a bit thick and after two coats it was still a bit uneven.  I think some thinner will fix it right up.  This was the first coat, no base!

After 3 coats, 'Above It' ended up being a bright baby blue that is definitely eye catching.  I really enjoyed wearing this color.  

In direct sunlight.

This blue still manages to look bright in the shade.

The first coat of 'Luxurious' went on smooth and I only needed two coats to make it look flawless.  Again, I wore no base coat.

My camera makes Luxurious look a bit blue, but I guarantee it is lavender purple.  You'll be able to see it more clearly in the comparison pictures in the next post.

Lastly, here is Persuasive in full sun.  What an interesting color.  It is described as peach, but I noticed it tends to morph between pink and peach depending on the lighting.

 Indirect sunlight makes Persuasive look bright light pink.

More shade makes Persuasive look more peach ... and makes my skin look dirty. lol  

OPI's Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. also has this distinction.

Aside from giving me "dirty skin syndrome", I liked the formula.

You know how I feel about stains?  Look here, here, and here for major stains and how I remedy them.  However, none of that was necessary.  None these colors left any sort of stains. Woot!

Conclusion:

I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed skipping base coat for once.  It was very freeing.  I'm usually the type to wear two layers of base to prevent stains, so skipping this step allowed for frivolous dilly-dallying.  If you are looking for a Dermelect base coat, I reviewed their Anti-aging Ridge Filler in an earlier post, but as always feel free to use what works for you!

My absolute favorite out of the three polishes was Above it, even if the formula was a bit thick.  It was so bright, cheerful and compliment worthy.

This is the first color collection for Dermelect's color nail treatments, so I wouldn't expect the color range to be especially cutting edge, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have appreciated a surprise.  The colors are basic and as I will show in the next post, dupable.  I'm interested to see if their next collection keeps it safe.

These three polishes, along with 3 others, can be found on the Dermelect webiste.  
$14/0.4 fl. oz. 

 *Sent for review* 

My fav way to swatch lipstick

Cats are useful.

Can we say this is a tramp stamp? Or is that reserved for something else?

How convenient, a nail and lip swatch AND my "oops, I'm sorry cat" face.

Dermelect - Makeover, 3 coats
More (better) swatches can be found here.

Revlon (Colorburst) - Fuchsia (030)







No, actually I don't use the cat ... she just got in the line of fire.  But seriously, she makes such a great canvas.

Instead, I make my mirror dirty.

How cute is this, I mean really?!

*I need better lighting*

In case anyone was wondering, they are arranged same as above.  The Neutragena lippies are so saturated.  Color payoff is unparalleled.

I readily find these at Big Lots for under $2.  So, I have many ... MANY!

One day I will decorate one of my helmers in this manner. Yes ... YES.

Ooo colored nail treatments

The 4th hour of the today show the can be really ridiculous entertaining.

Morning boozing ... yes Hoda and Kathie Lee have the market cornered.










The other day I happen to be watching and caught a segment that stated Dermelect was launching a color line.  Very interesting.  I Googled furiously and came across ...

Dermelect

More fishing and I discovered they are taking color requests for their Spring collection on their facebook.  Heck yes!

Dermelect Facebook Page

Voice your opinion.  I requested duochromes.



I do hope they take these requests seriously and this is not just a ploy.  :-/



In any case, they have one color already out there called "Makeover":

Peptide Infused Concealer and Treatment.  Anti-aging Ridge Filler.

You can use it either on its own or as a base coat.

I am testing out the wear, but in the mean time let's look at the color.



 

This takes me back straight to high school.  I wore a color similar to this ... all the time.

Actually, it was a Wet 'n' Wild ... just like this.  Like my beloved sheer whites, I went through bottles upon bottles. 

Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler
1 coat

Obviously sheer and my nails are yellow, eh *note to self - take care of that poo poo* 

2 coats ... still sheer and I can guarantee it will stay that way.

2 coats vs. 3 coats (left to right)

My nails look less yellow no? Perhaps the blue shimmer counteracts this uglyness.















Fluorescent light:
3 coats
sheer blue shimmer

I am reminded how I love this look.  Clean, crisp, simple.

Daylight
3 coats.  In real life the blue shimmer is more visible.

First impressions:
As far as color is concerned ... nothing special.  It is easily dupe-able, for a much lower price.  However, the color is infused with good ingredients, so that does bump up its status slightly.  The jury is still out on the rest ... to be continued.

What would you recommend Dermelect include in their new spring line?








*This product was sent for review*

A non greasy moisture option

Recently I was sent a moisturizing cuticle cream for review ...
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment.  And by recently I mean months ago.  I have had the last few months to try it out and see what it has to offer.

As you know I am a tyrant when it comes to moisturizing nails and cuticles.  It is one of the most important things you can do for your nails, if you want them to be strong and flexible.  I have preached several times on the topic in the following posts:

1. Have you moisturized today?
2. In a pinch here is a possible substitue
3. Moisturizing Nail Polish Remover ... i.e. Zoya Remove + substitute and the video here.
4. My face telling your face that you need to moisturize

If you have previously perused the posts you know that I favor a combination of two ingredients ... oil, followed by a waxy cream/balm/butter to seal in the moisture.  However, moisture delivery is a highly individual thing.  For example many people don't like the greasy feeling or have had  unfavorable reactions to oils.  I hope to show you that perhaps Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment would be a good alternative to your moisturizing routine ... I'm talking to you Abby and Lena! <3

First a few vitals:
Product: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment
Size: 1 oz.
Price: $18
Can be found here

Now some pictures:

Here is the humungous pot you get.  I am not sure if you realize, but 1 oz. is a lot ... especially when you're only putting it on your cuticles!  Therefore, the $18 price tag is not as frightening.  It will last you a long time.

The product itself looks heavy, but is surprisingly light on the skin (more on that when I get into the ingredients).  It has a very light scent of roses, but not old lady roses, because that crap stinks.

  I would normally take a small bit out ... like so ...

Put a small bit on each finger.  Actually you can put waaaay less than what I have done, but surprisingly either way your hands will not be greasy.  Your skin will just be left hydrated.

Then start working it in by massaging each finger nail and cuticle for a few seconds.  Stimulate those cuticles!  Hopefully this will get the blood flowing and encourage faster nail growth.<--not a proven fact, I'm just a dreamer.

It makes no difference whether you have polish on or not, as long as you moisturize frequently and consistently!

I love that the directions on the box tell you to use it 3-4 times a day, hell yes! Listen to them ... see I am not the only one spreading the crazy moisturizing love.





The product seeps into your skin and leaves your cuticles and skin hydrated and silky.  I was pleasantly surprised and thought this would be the perfect option for those ladies who can't stand greasy fingers.

Since I would put more product than necessary, I would just let the stuff sit there for 5 min or so then massage again.  This is probably overkill, but hey ... I have a problem, this we know.

After a second massage it is nearly gone, but I leave what is left on my cuticle and go about my business.  The non-greasy formula allowed me to do this.

Now the result ...

So hydrated, but NOT greasy!

Don't forget to moisturize under your nails too.

A brush is totally unnecessary for application, however, if you are feeling fancy, do eet!

I have to include the following two pictures because I used my mouth and chin to take them, enjoy!

Work it in!



Polish: Color Club - Alter Ego

Find more pictures of it here.







I must discuss all of the great stuff in the formula.  Many of the ingredients are not the simple moisturizers, waxes and butters that we are used to seeing, although they can be found in there as well.

First I am going to group a whole bunch together, then go over individual ingredients I find interesting:

Emolliants, conditioners and lubes galore!:
cetearly alcohol
dimethiconol
isododecane
cyclopentasiloxane
glycerin
shea butter
almond oil
vitamin E
Isoparaffin
panthenol

The other more interesting ingredients:

Alkyl Benzoate - the main skin conditioner that allows for the non-greasy silky goodness. 

Wax - yes you are my friend.  Not that interesting, but I love you. <3

Hydrolyzed Keratin - Like the keratin in nail treatments, I am not truly convinced they do anything with regard to cross linking to my own nail keratin, but I like having it in there. You can read my thoughts and opinions on protein based nail treatments here.

Allantoin - I love this ingredient.  It does so many things.  It has the capacity to increase the hydration levels in the skin and has exfoliating properties.  Read this if you want more info.

Saccharide Isomerate - marketed as "Pentavitin", it is essentially a moisturizer that has a unique method of delivering hydration.  It contains carbohydrates similar to some found in your skin.  Their interaction apparently results in longer lasting water retention.  I would love to see published scientific research on this, but okay.  

Sodium Hyaluronate - Like Hyauronic Acid (HA) ... but better.  I first heard of (HA) watching Adrien Arpel on one of my favorite TV channels.   This is a great ingredient, but this is not the time or place to go into how it works.  In short, it is a moisturizer, but belongs in it's own category. One day I may write a post on the topic.  Until then, it will suffice to say, when I see it in an ingredient list it makes me happy.

Retinyl Palmitate - not to be confused with Retin-A, which I LOVE, but similar to retinoic acid, it does have complicated anti-aging and conditioning properties that I will not go into in this post.  I will leave it as a possible future post.


Short comings:
1. The container is really large.  It makes it quite cumbersome to carry around and apply 3-4 times/day.  However, like my other cuticle moisturizers, I would happily distribute the product into smaller containers.  Doing this makes it quite easy to reach for and use often.  You can place it anywhere you occupy space ... house, car, purse, work, etc. 

2. Price.  I would consider this a higher end moisturizer, however the ingredients are well worth it and speak for themselves.  You will achieve hydrated healthy nails and cuticles with these high quality ingredients. A price comparison to other popular cuticle moisturizers:

Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: $15/1.5 oz. = $10/oz
Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: $6/0.6 oz.  = $10/oz
Hard as a Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream: $7/oz
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula: $1/oz (not popular, but cheap and good) :D
Olive Oil:  $0.29/oz (wow! I never did this calculation before, but I like it)

Conclusion:
I looked at the ingredients alone and fell head over heals over this cuticle treatment.  After having tried it, I am highly impressed with what it is able to do.  Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment is a superb, high quality moisturizing option for the lady (or gent) that does not like greasy fingers!

Remember, no matter what you choose to moisturize your nails and cuticle with, just make sure to do it frequently and consistently!

*The product in this post was provided by Dermelect's PR department ... thank you!*