I’m a girl on the go. When I’ve got a booking, there’s almost always extensive travel involved. I don’t have time to do much more than shower and shine before I have to hit the road. Do any of us?
So, whenever I can, I look for products that’ll make my life easier and save a little time. This is especially true when it comes to my beauty routine, which I’ve managed to whittle down to a 6-minute affair.
But hands are tough. Because when I’m not modeling, I’m usually carving stamps with an X-acto knife, experimenting with watercolors, punching my Everlast heavy bag or playing my ukulele. And, well, my hands reflect that.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is my personal salvation. I reviewed this product last March and am still happily hydrated by it on a daily basis.
Nails are trickier, though, as upkeep typically tends to be more tedious. So I keep mine clean, filed short and, when I need to appear in front of the camera, I polish them with light, neutral colors in quick-dry formulas.
I’ve tried Sally Hanson’s Insta-Dri and Revlon’s Top Speed. They were fine, but not particularly remarkable. My polish of choice? Maybelline’s Express Finish 50-Second Nail Color in Sheer Satin Slip (#35) or Blushing Bride (#40).
A Sampling of Maybelline’s Express Finish 50-Second Nail Color
Express Finish goes on smooth, dries in less than a minute and wears well, with minimal chipping. The brush is easy to manipulate and the formula is fluid, making application a snap. There is no streaking and, after almost a year of dipping into the same bottle, no coagulation. Now that’s noteworthy.
As for the “dries-in-50-seconds” claim, it’s absolutely true when using the product by itself and in single application. You probably wouldn’t want to run right out and build a sand castle 50 seconds later. However nails are dry enough to perform light tasks like putting on makeup or getting dressed (incidentally, I’ve amazed more than a few clothing stylists as they’ve witnessed me apply Maybelline’s nail polish, then immediately handle sample garments).
On the occasions when I use a deep shade of Express Finish ~ say, a double application of Timely Turquoise (#899) ~ and in conjunction with a base coat, I allow plenty of time for the base coat to dry and wait an additional couple of minutes between color coats. Still, layered dry time is pretty impressive.
Best of all, this polish is in for the long haul. Colors remain vivid and true. And, though I’m really tough on my hands and nails, I rarely see chips and only occasionally experience a softening of color along the nail edge. I can easily get two or three days’ wear out of one coat. Two coats will last for five. And one of my bookers says that, with a topcoat, she gets a full week out of her Express Finish manicure. Nice.
Got 50 seconds? Give Maybelline’s Express Finish 50-Second Nail Color a go. Priced right, it sells for about $4 a bottle and is available at CVS, K-Mart, Rite Aid and in select Wal-Marts as well as online via Amazon.
Surprise Giveaway!
Win this little collection of Maybelline polishes!
I am so delighted with my Maybelline polishes, that I picked up this pretty collection to send to one lucky little blog reader.
It includes three Express Finish formulas in Coral Glaze (Advance Wear), Copper Glaze (#587) and Candy Coated (#619) as well as two ForeverStrong formulas in Sands of Time (#190) and Petal Power (#50).
Simply leave a comment below and you’ll be entered to win. Tweet this post using the hash-tag #alittleblogtoldme for an additional entry! And, if you have not yet subscribed to little blog, click here for another chance to score this polish pack!
Winner announced next week!
UPDATE
Congratulations, Carole May!
You are the lucky winner of little blog’s Pretty Polish Pack Giveaway!
I have been using the Sally Hansen Insta-Dry for several months but am willing to try this product. I really like having my nails polished.
You won’t be disappointed, Marie…. I found that Maybelline’s brush is a bit easier to control. And the formula is a little thinner for a better stroking blend.
Thanks for the recommendation. I often go without polish because I don’t have the patience for it. When confronted by the myriad options in the drugstore, I never know what to pick. I’ll definitely try Express Finish next time!
Thanks for the tip. I have been using the Sally Hansen Insta-Dry, but I’m going to the store later today and will look for the Maybelline Express. The colors look lovely and I’m in a sassy mood, so maybe I’ll even go for the turquoise 🙂 I do love having my nails polished, and I hate polishes that start chipping the first time you shower after doing your nails. So if I can find one that lasts 3 days, I’d be super happy!!
Chance for free stuff? I’m in!
Plus, this sounds great… thanks for the review. With 11 and 15 year old girls in the house we go through nail polish like crazy. I’ll have to try it out!
My daughter just loves Maybelline. She has been asking for those colors but cash is really tight right now. My hubby lost his job so I told her she has to wait. I will let her know your review of them. Thank you.
I’m always looking for a great polish too. Thanks for the recommendation!
I try to have my nails polished 95% of the time. So of course I love having lots of colors and good quality polish. You are so sweet to do this giveaway!
Could this be the inspiration for me to stop biting my nails????!!!!
WOW! This is so cool! As someone who work s crazy hours like 3:00 AM this would be a great way to save time and look good too!
Thanks for sharing your blog on AQ…I’ll be following it now! Would love to check out the polish! 🙂
I have been wanting to try these, but skeptical that they really work.
I rarely polish my real nails, since it usually takes so long. (I glue on fake pre-decorated ones instead, lol!) Maybe if this is as fast as it seems, I can give my real nails a break (and some colour!) 🙂
These are great colors! My daughter paints her nails so often these wouldbe great for her. Quick dry would mean quick change, lol. And there are a couple colors she doesn’t like so I could have some too, smiles!
I love the quick-dry nail polishes – and Maybelline is one of the better brands, I’ve found as far as lasting power. Thank you so much for the giveaway! 🙂
G_Patton@hotmail.com
I’m a subscriber! 🙂
Gianna Patton@hotmail.com
Welcome to the little blog nest!
These are awesome colors.
I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks
Aw, I missed the prize drawing, darn it. But thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check these out. I rarely polish my fingernails because chips happen in less than a day, even with my Seche Vite top coat (which keeps my toes from chipping for at least two weeks). I suspect it’s because I wash my hands approximately one million times per day.
I’m tough on my nails, too. Between the wet artwork I often do, the OCD sterilizations and strumming the uke, my nails really don’t have a chance. But, this polish in a light color is good for a couple of days.
It does dry so fast. I was looking for a comparisn between these and the Revlon because I havent tried Revlon’s so thats how I found this blog. I have one Express Finish in Blue Brilliance I want to get more!
Glad to hear you’ve had a happy experience with the Express Finish! You’ll find a wide and varied color selection on the Maybelline polish rack . ~ Look for bonus color choices in drugstores on Seasonal displays!
A friend threw out Maybelline Express Finish Color #280 and I tried it … it’s the BEST nailpolish that i have ever used. It dries quickly, even the second coat, and it STAYS ON !! I LOVE it 🙂