An SNS/Dip Powder Nails Review

Painting my nails or having them done has always been a fun pastime for me. It’s a stress-reliever, and not to mention it’s an excuse to express myself with whatever color I see fit on my hands.

But, a few months back, I decided to try something new: the SNS/Dip Powder manicure.

It all started when I was talking to one of my friends, and she had a particularly fabulous manicure. I asked her if they were gel and how she liked them. Imagine my surprise when one, they were not gel, and two, they were SNS (a brand of dip powder) nails that hadn’t damaged her nails at all. In fact, they’d only made them stronger.

Then, more ladies - both women and girls from high school to adulthood - had lauded the joys of the dip powder manicure, and they encouraged me to try it as well.

It took a few weeks, but I eventually decided to go for it.

And, y’all…it’s worth it.

What’s a Dip Powder Manicure?

A dip powder manicure involves your nails being coated with powder as opposed to just a polish or acrylic bonding. There is a bonding agent, but it’s more akin to a base coat than a sealant (with the exception of the top coat).

There is always a “base coat” between layers. The color is applied in two layers, and it feels like dipping your fingers in powdered sugar. Then, finally, there’s a clear layer, and then two layers of top coat that only takes four minutes to dry, and you’re totally set.

Occasionally, depending on where you go, there is a drill used, but it’s more of a buffer. It does not - and should not - hurt. If it does, please go elsewhere.

How long does it last?

Three, up to four weeks without chips. If that doesn’t draw you in, I’m not sure what will.

Here’s a dip powder manicure the day I went to the salon:

And here it is three weeks later:

I’ve had it last up to four before, but my nails generally grow a hair slower, so please keep that in mind.

How much does it cost?

Depending on where you go, a dip powder manicure can cost $45-$60. It’s generally ten dollars more than a gel manicure. 

But when you’re looking for a place to go, please make sure that there’s a general positive client review base. You don’t want to leave with cut-up cuticles (which has happened to me before, and it’s never a fun time). A great salon will give you a great manicure for a reasonable amount.

Who is this for?

Go for the dip powder manicure if:

• You do a lot of labor-intensive work (such as farming, retail, etc.), or have a job that requires you to have a professional appearance (business, secretary, etc.)
• You, to be honest, don’t have time to do your nails weekly.
• You’re traveling (No need to bring nail polish with you on a trip! Save that space in your liquids bag or checked luggage and avoid spilled nail polish.)
• You’re getting married! (No need to worry about chipped nails on your wedding day)
• You’re in a wedding! (I did dip powder nails for the first time for one of my best friends’ weddings to cut their cake. I’m so glad I did.)
• You’re going to prom! Or some other special occasion.
• You’re sick and tired of removing glitter polish by hand (SNS glitter colors are some of my favorite manicures ever - see above)
• You’re sick and tired of your nails being so brittle (My nails have not broken since I’ve been getting dip powder nails)
• You want to!

Have you ever gotten an SNS/Dip Powder manicure before? Would you want to get one? Let’s talk in the comments! :)

What's in my Daily Makeup Bag | Fall 2017

The last time I did one of these posts was…November 2015?

Yep. Time for an update.

The last makeup post I did was on “Makeup to Fly Out the Door With.” A lot of those products (or, at least, the types of products) are actually ones I still use and love. My makeup routine these days is quite simple, with an emphasis on natural tones, simple graphic eyeliner, and (sometimes) an accent lip depending on the day.

By “makeup bag,” I mean the bag I keep on my vanity that I reach for every single day I go out. Some days I use all the products; other days I just use a few if I need to get somewhere fast.

Onto the products!

Face:

• Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme - I usually go no-foundation most days, and this is all I really need. The coverage is PHENOMENAL.
• No. 7 Dual Action Tinted Moisturizer - On days when I need SPF, though, I use this.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray - This stuff works. I apply this after I put on all my makeup (save lipstick/gloss), and my face makeup doesn’t budge, and it doesn’t alter the appearance of my makeup too much (i.e. it doesn’t seem more cakey or oily after the spray).

Eyes:

• Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue Glitter Shadow Primer - This is the only stuff that actually makes my eyeshadow stick.
• Too Faced Natural Love Eyeshadow Palette - This eyeshadow palette has such a massive array of colors that I’m able to create tons of natural looks with, from matte to tons of shimmer. (And if I want to add pops of pink or purple, I totally can.)
• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper - This. is. my. favorite. black. eyeliner. It’s the longest-lasting, and it’s the all easiest liquid liner I’ve ever used.
• Make Up For Ever Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara - This mascara has become a recent favorite as of late, but it’s the best non-tubing waterproof mascara I’ve ever tried. I can’t recommend it enough.
• NYX Tinted Brow Mascara - I’ve been using this lately for my brows and I like the way it keeps them neat (and the lightest shade is super-close to my hair color, which is awesome).

Cheeks:

• Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush Wardrobe - This is an awesome blush palette! I usually wear the shades “Baby Love” and “How Deep is Your Love?” (The full palette was Limited Edition, but you can buy individual shades here.)

Lips:

• Lipsense! (I’m not a distributor, but Lipsense is by far the best long-wearing liquid lipstick I’ve ever tried. Would you guys want me to post a full post on lipsense? Please comment and let me know!)

Anyways, that’s my daily makeup bag. What makeup are you guys loving lately? Any tried-and-true products? Let’s chat in the comments!

Quick disclaimer: I am not sponsored by any of the above websites I've linked. I just want to share my makeup with you guys. :)

January Favorites | 2017

Hello hello!

It has been a hot minute since I've done anything remotely close to a "monthly favorites" roundup. I'd have to say the last one has been a Mondays are for Music post, and that's just for favorite songs.

So, I wanted to change that. This year, I want to consistently share my favorite things with you, from Bible verses to travel to beauty to whatever else, on a monthly basis.

Before we get into the favorites, though, I need to mention that none of these links are sponsored. I mention specific brands, but hey, certain brands just work. (Or, as we say down south, if it ain't broke, don't fix it ;) ).

With that, let's get right to it! Here's what I loved in January.

Beauty

January Beauty Favorites | 2017 by savannahinwonderland featuring highlight makeup

This month, I experimented with various eyeshadows/palettes, but I’ve been having a lot of fun with makeup in general lately. I’ve also gotten back into using highlighters, which I’d been meaning to try again for awhile...I LOVE this blush/highlighter set from Too Faced.

Then again, Too Faced makeup is awesome. There's a reason why it's the only brand of makeup I've been obsessed with, at least eyeshadow-wise.

Hair

I got a haircut this month, which is always a great time, but this particular appointment, my hairstylist surprised me with curls since we had extra time.

So, as you may have figured, curling my hair has become a new favorite. To curl my hair on my own, I use the Bedhead by Tigi Curlipops 1 inch clampless barrel with Bedhead’s Masterpiece hairspray (which I have been loving since high school…it smells like sweet tarts!). 

Music

I’ve been into a wide variety of music lately, from dance to rock to pop, including some classic rock.

Here’s my top 5 songs for the month:

1. Now and Later - Sage the Gemini
2. Paris - The Chainsmokers
3. Working for the Weekend - Loverboy
4. Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
5. I Got You - Bebe Rexha

Also…yes, I still love my record player. :) 

Places

Palm Springs, California. 

I will never not love that place.

Bible Verses

Last, but certainly not least, I want to share with you my favorite Bible verses. I’ve never added these to a list of favorites before on this blog, and I think it’s high time I do so. My faith is such a huge part of my life, and I want to share as much of my walk with God with you guys as I possibly can.

But anyways, these two verses in particular resonated with me this month:

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” 

- Isaiah 41:13

“Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

- Isaiah 41:10

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What have been your favorite things this month? Let me know in the comments! :)

Makeup to Fly Out the Door With

I had one of those days recently where I needed to get out the door, and fast. As in, having only minutes to actually do makeup fast, along with the rest of my routine.

If you have five minutes to spare, fret not, dear reader. I have a list - a cheat sheet, if you will - of products that you too can use (and that I personally love) to fly out the door with. You'll be polished for any situation, whether that's work or school, and you can add products as the day goes on if you need a little something extra.

Also, quick disclaimer: you don't have to use these exact products. Use the ones that work best for you and your preferences.

Without further ado, on to the makeup! :)

Makeup to Fly Out the Door With by savannahinwonderland featuring a lip gloss

Eyebrow makeup / Tarte lip gloss / Benefit concealer / Too Faced Cosmetics waterproof mascara

1. Thick, Cream Based Concealer - This usually has the consistency of a typical foundation. Apply this first over any areas that need to be evened out (like under your eyes). I recommend finding a brightening concealer as well, just to help illuminate your skin. But if you don't want to go the concealer route, I recommend a tinted moisturizer, just so you get that coverage along with the moisture (plus, that dewy, fresh texture is awesome).

2. Volumizing Mascara - Then, go straight to your mascara. Use one that you know will last all day (waterproof or not), and your eyes will pop instantly. Tubing mascaras have always worked well for me (see the Too Faced mascara linked above), since they only come off with remover and/or warm water.

3. Brow Gel/Pencil - Brows are the frames for the rest of your face, so well-groomed brows will help you feel extra-polished. Use your favorite brow gel or pencil to set and groom your eyebrows however you like, whether that's making them stand out or just polishing them up.

4. Lip Gloss - Finally, add a lip color of your choice. On days when I want to stay neutral, I like a sheer pink gloss, but if you want to go a little more bold, rock a lipstick in a bright shade.

What's your favorite makeup to fly out the door with?