Amazing Nails

Well, this update certainly is long overdue. I've developed a whole new beauty regimen since I last posted, but I'll have to discuss that later. This post will be about an amazing nail hardener that I recently discovered! It's simply called "Nail Magic," and it lives up to its name and certainly exceeds my low expectations, which are the result of an endless string of disappointing so-called strengthening products.

I purchased Nail Magic a few months ago at Sally Beauty Supply but stashed it away and forgot about until two weeks ago. For the past couple of months, I've become really lazy about polishing my nails, so I've found that a few coats of clear polish on buffed nails is my staple look. Up until I rediscovered my new bottle of Nail Magic in my nail polish box, I had been regularly switching between two Sally Hansen clear strengthening treatments. When I switched to Nail Magic, the difference was almost immediate! My nails are prettier, stronger, and whiter than ever before!

The only time I got comparable results was when using a three-part system from QVC.com, Pro Strong or something, which worked very well but was expensive, time consuming, and cumbersome, not to mention that it required bare nails for optimal performance. Nail Magic, however, serves as a clear polish, a base coat, and a top coat, so you can wear it alone or with polish and achieve the same results!

Many people know that my obsession with polish and perfect-looking (key word: looking) nails stems partly from my trouble with my nails -- weak, peeling nails, aggravated by my habit of splitting them further for fun or out of boredom. A recipe for thin, weak nails that can't grow too long. I've realized that at the least, I need a clear coat on my nails at all times not simply to give the appearance of nice nails, but especially to prevent such destructive behavior; hence the clear Sally Hansen products. Unfortunately, the superficial protection and cosmetic effect seem to be the only discernable benefit of the Sally Hansen products. The Nail Magic is the best of all worlds, because it's a protective layer to prevent me from picking at any peels, a mask for any existing flaws, AND the kicker -- a successful hardener that penetrates the entire nail. Today when I removed my polish to reapply it fresh, I noticed fewer peels, and the few there were were much harder to split (yes, I admit it, I attempted -- I had to test it!). All of which leads me to believe that while my nails look glossy and natural during my daily routine, the Nail Magic is secretly working overtime to fuse the layers of my nails together!

I will mention a few drawbacks about this product. First, the instructions are careful to note that it is to be applied on nails only, not on skin, not under the nail, and only at a certain frequency. After a few weeks of use, I can see why: my cuticles have gotten slightly dry, creating a few painful and annoying hangnails. I will definitely begin using cuticle oils and creams from here on out (which I should be doing anyway) to prevent any further damage while I use Nail Magic.

Second, this product contains formaldehyde, which might be the cause of the above phenomenon. I read an article in Allure a while back about how terrible formaldehyde can be in hair and nail treatments. The highlighted cases of potentially fatal (!) exposure to toxic beauty products seemed to be a result of illicit importation or idiotic usage, but just because Nail Magic is available at Sally Beauty Supply doesn't mean it's completely safe. I know formaldehyde is found in other more common polishes and treatments, so I think the key is being aware of how much of it you're exposing yourself to. I will definitely be careful with the fumes and application, including taking care not to over-apply and making sure never to apply it in an enclosed space.

Enjoy, and report back with any comments!

Nail Magic: http://www.nailmagic.com/
Sally Beauty Supply (my Ithaca, NY staple, also to be found in Arlington, VA): http://www.sallybeauty.com/