It seems we fashionistas can’t get enough of quickie solutions in the beauty department. Not only do I want an effective solution to my beauty woes – I want it yesterday! My main obsession when it comes to the quickfix – my nails. My hands take a beating and I don’t have time to constantly freshen my manicure. When it comes to major events, my favorite product is Broadway French Manicure that you just glue on in seconds flat. But for day-to-day that’s simply not necessary.
So I searched for a product that’s between my French Manicure and completely undone nails. The beauty industry heard my plea and sent me two candidates!
Neutrogena Instant Nail Enhancer 0.2oz $7.79
Neutrogena’s Instant Nail Enhancer gives nails a beautiful, healthy look. It also strengthens nails with Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 and lets nails breathe and they claim it’s clinically proven to reduce nail peeling, chipping, and roughness. It’s available in Buffed Sheen (most natural) and Pearl Sheen (just a tiny bit glamorous).
This product has been out awhile and though it offers barely a glisten on my nails once it’s dry – it doesn’t need remover and it doesn’t smell like nail polish. It just doesn’t have much oomph and I have to reapply constantly. However, it is a product I highly recommend for men who have a hard time keeping their nails looking nice. It doesn’t have the strong chemical smell and it’s very easy to use. It’s also completely harmless looking if left out on one’s desk.
The new Sally Hansen Natural Shine Instant Nail Finish ($6.99 for .4oz) seemed more promising, but it comes with its own down side. This product does smell like nail polish and it does require remover to get it off. It does, however, look much better on and it lasts much longer between applications. The telltale nail polish smell dissipates very quickly as it dries in seconds. It also touts Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin B5, Sea Minerals, Calcium, Magnesium and white tea extract.
I’ve been keeping both in my purse, but I must admit to being more happy with the results of the Sally Hansen product – even if it is a glorified thin version of clear nail polish. It does a great job and everyone thinks I just have nice looking nails. The finish lasts and it’s a better value being almost exatly twice the size of the Neutrogena version.
Bottom Line
The Neutrogena product is much more of a treatment for nails while Sally Hansen’s really falls into the cosmetic category. That thin layer of protection Sally Hansen’s Instant Nail Finish provides does help keep nails from splitting and breaking, especially if you keep the nail polish remover use to a minimum.
So get the Sally Hansen Instant Nail Finish for you, and pick up Neutrogena’s Instant Nail Enhancer in Buff Sheen for the man in your life.
