ULTA NAIL HAUL

I used to go and get my nails done professionally.  I had the fake acrylic nails that were the standard square tip and I preferred the pink and white style since that was the most low maintenance.  Then I began to paint them and since I like to change my color like I change my unmentionables, I noticed that after about a week, my acrylics were looking sad and misshapen.  So a couple months ago, I soaked off my fake nails and began trying to grow my own to no avail.  My nails are so brittle and thin, they peel like an onion.  I decided to try a new regimen when painting my nails.  I went to Ulta because they sell my favorite brand of nail polish: Butter London.  Here's what I picked up to begin my nail overhaul:

Essie Protein Base Coat - $8.00

Photo Courtesy of Ulta.com

I was searching for a good base coat that would extend the length of my manicure and would strengthen my nails so they wouldn't chip and peel.  Here's the claim:

Helps strengthen and protect the nail while leaving a smooth finish. Wheat Protein enriches healthy nails for strength and elasticity. Protein Base Coat extends the duration of a manicure.

I've been using the base coat for about a week and so far, I've noticed that my manicure is lasting longer and I haven't broken a nail yet.  Obviously for an accurate review, I need to use it for at least 30 days, but this is my first impression.  The price is good and it seems to work well.

Butter London Nail Polishes - $14.00 ea.

Photos Courtesy of Ulta.com
From Left to Right: Trout Pout and Primrose Hill Picnic

The Butter London polishes are by far my favorite.  Two coats and you have a perfect, streak free manicure regardless of whether you're using a sheer color or a more powerful color.  Butter London 3 Free Nail Lacquers are DPB, Toulene and formaldehyde free which is important to me because I often paint my two year old daughter's nails.  Butter London offers a wide variety of shades and I picked these two because I thought they would be perfect this spring.