Over the past year I've felt myself maturing in different ways, but one way I know for sure my frontal lobe has fully developed? My need for neutral nails. I used to love my bright, fun colors like green, blue, and purple, or on the other end of the spectrum I loved a black polish but lately I just want something simple.
I definitely still enjoy a color...but mostly in the pink or peach family, or if it's the colder months I love a brown. However, when I want a true color, especially in the 'in-between months' I'm probably going with red.
The issue I was running into was that all my Olive & June red polishes are too dark, too bright, or have the wrong undertone. None of the polishes were a true, blue red until now.
Olive & June has admitted that they haven't had a blue-red but are not answering for their sins with one of their newer shades 'Secret Recipe' I am still on my low-buy and not indulging in as many nail polish purchases as I usually do, but I needed to restock some of my nail care items so it was a good time to place an order.
In addition to Secret Recipe, I purchased the new Super Nail Treatment Set which consists of O&J's nourishing nail polish remover pot, nail hardener, nail strengthener, and the new cuticle oil. I always liked O&J's nail care products but their base coats weren't my favorite so I was excited to try their new formulas.
To give Secret Recipe a proper chance I set out to give myself an in depth manicure without skimping on the steps. I buffed, filed, clipped my nails, removed my cuticles and prepped the bare nails with the new Olive & June Nail Strengthener.
In a twist of events, I also used the Olive & June 'Poppy' for the first time ever (even though I own 4 of them). I wanted this to be a true Olive & June manicure and see if that made any difference and I'm here to tell you, it does.
The experience of using the Poppy was unreal. I was able to get a super smooth, even and clean swipe of polish, especially on my right hand. I don't think I'll ever do another manicure without the Poppy.
Secret Recipe went on like a dream and I think part of that is because my nails were properly manicured and prepped. I did two clean coats and topped it off with the Glossy Top Coat.
My nails have never looked this good. It was a salon quality manicure at home, unlike anything I've ever experienced and I think part of that is because I took my time. I also think the new nail strengthener was an incredible base that sealed everything in nicely.
Secret Recipe is a true blue red. It is what you think of when you think of the color red and it looks even better on the nails. It's a classic red that brightens up your hands and makes you feel sophisticated, chic and like life is going to be ok.
I thought the manicure looked great on me but the real test would be how my mom reacted. She is a very harsh critic and for my entire life has been telling me to take my time and go slow with things -- I'm notoriously very impatient. When she saw my nails she was incredibly impressed and a little speechless -- it looked that good!
This manicure really makes me feel like I have my life together and I think I will be wearing Secret Recipe for a long time. I have no desire to experiment with colors for the next 2-3 months...this red is enough for me.
xoxo
B
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