Formula X Prime Xcel Base Coat

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is given to me. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.

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I was fortunate to receive Formula X nail products from Influenster.

I took this picture from my Instagram. I already reviewed Formula X in TGIF (bottom right) and Formula X Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser (bottom middle).

The nail polish was the chosen color for Formula X The System Xcel. At first, I was going to review The System Xcel as one post then I realized each product is sold separately. I already reviewed Formula X Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser (left). For this post, I will review the base coat (second from left).

Product Review: Formula X Prime Xcel Base Coat/ Formula X The System Xcel

Where to purchase: Sephora and online at sephora.com
Price: $10.50 for 12 mL/ 0.4 fl oz/ $32 for The System Xcel

Made in USA

Description from the website:
What it is:
An ultra-sticky base coat to prime nails for long-lasting polish application while protecting them from staining-now in an improved formula and a redesigned brush.

What it does:
Prep, protect, and help polish stick. This multitasking base coat primes nails for the ultimate long-lasting mani. Specifically formulated to be used as the second step of Formula X's gel-like mani set The System XCEL™, PRIME XCEL is formulated with advanced bonding agents and keratin to form a sticky layer that helps bind color to the nail, letting polish take hold stronger and longer, improving overall polish performance. With Formula X's innovative Xpert Strokes™ Brush, redesigned for faster, smoother application, PRIME XCEL also acts as a protective barrier, standing between you and your polish to prevent staining.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
A three-free and cruelty-free product, PRIME XCEL features Formula X's redesigned Xpert Strokes Brush, approved by salon professionals for faster, smoother application in just a few strokes. "The reduced stem allows for controlled application, and the wide, rounded tip with... for a custom glide and streak-free finish.

Research results:
In an independent study on 33 women:
- 94% said that the flat, rounded shape of the Xpert Strokes Brush provided an easy, fast, even application.
Ingredients:

Click on the picture to see the original size.
Thoughts: This came at the most perfect timing. I had to throw away the one I was using, Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat, because it got so thick to the point a thinner wasn't working anymore.

It comes with an additional top.

Here's a closer look at the color. It's a clear, light purple.

Here's a closer look at the brush. Compared to my favorite OPI brush, the length is the same but the width is slightly wider. It also has a curve tip, whereas, OPI is straight.

Now for my overall opinion... First of all, I love the brush. It's wide enough that I can do two strokes and I'm done with each nail. Also, I noticed the quality of the brush isn't like Formula X Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser. Formula X Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser brush seems more plastic than this brush. When I dip the brush back into the polish, it did not separate like Formula X Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser. That is a big plus for me since I didn't enjoy the brush hair separating while using. Secondly, the consistency is in the medium. It does not have that thick layer as some base coat. It leaves a decent amount. With that said, it leaves a smooth and nice base for the polishes. I also touched the base coat while wet to see if it has a sticky texture. It does and compared to Formula X Prime Base Coat, slightly less. I remember thinking that Formula X Prime Base Coat felt like cotton candy. This base coat, Formula X Prime Xcel Base Coat, did not feel like cotton candy but sticky enough that I felt it on my fingers. As I get older, I prefer base coats with sticky textures. The stickiness helps the polish adhere to the base and this definitely did! Lastly, it can be a combination of all the different products I'm been using. All I can say is that the polishes are lasting longer than before I started using these products. Most of the polishes have lasted longer than 5 days which is a big plus for me since I change polishes in a weekly basis. Also, I noticed my nail beds have not turned yellow. It could be any products but I have not seen yellow on my nails in years. This has to be part of it since it's the foundation to polishes. Since I've been introduced to Formula X, I became a fan especially their treatment products like their base coats. You cannot go wrong with this or the other one I have tried, Formula X Prime Base Coat. They're both are good!

Pros:
* Gorgeous clear, light purple base coat.
* Wide brush.
* Easy to use.
* Quick strokes on each nail.
* Medium consistency.
* Leaves a smooth and nice foundation for the polishes.
* Sticky texture; adhere polishes to the base.
* Polishes have lasted a decent amount of time.
* No yellow on the nail beds.
* Paraben-free.

Cons:
* Cheaper to buy the set than individually.
* Comes with two tops; waste of space.

Would repurchase: Yes.
Rating:  4/5 Tobey's Paws


Other Formula X reviewed/swatch:

Atom + Eve

Bond, Ionic Bond

Mr. Positivity

TGIF

treatments

Cleanse Xcel Nail Cleanser
Prime Base Coat

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is given to me. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.