Monday, October 17, 2016

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:
treatments

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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