Zoya Color Lock System

A little while ago I was was extremely lucky to win a giveaway on the fabulous GlamGreenGirl blog.  I entered and was holding thumbs but didn’t think I stood a chance.  When I was announced as the winner I was so excited I could barely contain myself.  I smiled for DAYS!!  You see, the prize was the Zoya Color Lock System.

The set comes with a little bottle of Zoya Remove (Nail Polish remover), a base coat (Anchor), a top coat (Armor) and Speed Dry drops (Fast Drops). All of these come in a little durable plastic, resealable bag.

 

I couldn’t wait to try it out.  I didn’t have any Zoya polishes so I decided to try it out with some of my normal polishes.  I am going to sing that same old song about how I am super harsh on my hands and nails. Unfortunately I don’t do anything differently just because my nails are super pretty.  I am known for digging the garden – without my gloves – just hours after doing my nails.  I am silly I know but life goes on.  So when my nails last just a few days I am not surprised.  Chances are your will last much longer.  Every now and then I have a week or two where nothing really happens and my hands and nails get to rest and look gorgeous 24/7.  I am ok with either one.

When my in-laws came to visit the first time I knew that I wouldn’t have much chance to do my nails often so decided to use that time to try out the color lock system.  I will tell you about each individual product but first I want to tell you my general impression.  It wasn’t a bad week as far as being easy on the digits but it also wasn’t the best week.  By day 8 I took it all off out of pure boredom.  I had nearly zero tip wear.  No dents, bumps, chips or the like.  The colour still looked good and new.  I was actually quite amazed that it looked like I had just done my nails even by day 8.  As if that wasn’t enough.  I absolutely love the feel of this on my nails.  I love the finish.  I don’t quite know how to explain it so that it makes sense but it feels good on.  From the base coat to the top coat.  It doesn’t feel heavy or ‘claustrophobic’.  I absolutely love this stuff!!!

Zoya Remove +

 

” Breakthrough formula, goes above and beyond, acomplishing the results of three products in one! Moisterizes, nourishes and fortifies the nail plate. Zoya Remove + also acts as a nail cleanser and nail prep, removing all traces of nail lacquer without streaking or staining. Mild acetone formula won’t dry our nails.  Use as a nail plate prep/cleaner before applying the base coat to significantly increase lacquer wear.” – on packaging.

This remover is the bees knees.  I learnt a little great technique (using Remove of course) while I was with Zoya on Tuesday and it has just made it so much easier.  Hardly any rubbing and the colour just comes right off.  It also doesn’t have a harsh smell as most removers do.  Remove+ also leaves my nails better off with no harshness and dry skin.  It really is so amazing.  I think it would be hard to go back to normal removers after using Remove+.

Zoya Anchor Basecoat

 

“Adheres nail polish by forming a bond between the nail plate and polish.  Prevents peeling and chipping. Complex formulation of minerals and vitamins help to strengthen and reinforce nails.” – on packaging.

This clear base coat clearly does its job very well.  It applies like a dream and dries to a shiny finish. It does have a fairly strong smell but it isn’t a strong chemical smell.  I don’t find it horrible at all.  As far as basecoats go this is amazing.  Agan, I love the feel of it on my nails.  Applying my (non Zoya) polish over it was great.  It felt like I had a smooth and prepared canvas to work with.

At this point you would add your polish.  Preferably Zoya of course 😉

Zoya Armor Topcoat and UV block

 

 

“Super brilliant, ultra strong and flexible with a chip free coating.  Blocks polish yellowing UV Rays and protects nail color” – on packaging

Armor is a super strong topcoat that dries super shiny.  It’s not very thick but when you apply it to your nail it actually leaves a perfect layer of protection.  It smooths out beautifully too.  It does have a smell but it’s quite pleasant and not strong and harsh.  It is recommended that you apply another coat every two days for extended ‘color wear’ but that is not unusual as far as topcoats go.  It is a good practice in general.  Both times I used this topcoat I did not experience any dragging, shrinking or smearing of polish so I feel quite confident in saying this will not happen.  The only negative I can say about this topcoat is that it isn’t fast drying.  It does dry relatively fast but it isn’t a fast drying topcoat that will dry in a minute or two.  BUT that is where the next product comes in.

Zoya Fast Drops Speed Dry Drops

 

 

“Phenomenal bubble preventing speed dry drops dry polish fast and enhances colour vibrancy.  Keeps color fresh and gorgeous for up to two weeks when applied over Zoya Armor Topcoat every two days” – on packaging

The Fast Drops come in a similar bottle as Anchor and Armor but without a brush.  It does come with a little dropper that fits perfectly.  This does exactly what it claims to do.  It dries your polish really fast and you will be good to go with touch dry nails in just a minute or two.  For me this also has no smell at all.  I also didn’t have any excess oiliness on my fingers after using this.

All in all I really LOVE this ‘system’.  I only wish I already had some Zoya to use with this.  Luckily I should have som really soon 😉

When we went on our recent trip to JHB I used this system to make sure that my nails stayed gorgeous the whole time.  On the Saturday I broke a nail quite badly.  I was actually quite happy to see that the polish on my nails stayed in place and actually held my broken nail together until I physically removed it.  Thanks to Anchor and Armor it didn’t affect my polish at all.  No dents or chips at all even after the break.  It was amazing to see how these two held onto my nail so strongly that even a break couldn’t tear them apart. Shows you how great it works right?!

I just want to say a huge thanks again to GlamGreenGirl for the amazing prize.  I still can’t quite believe I won it.  You can follow her blog or find her on Facebook or Twitter.

Of course, you really should be following Zoya SA as well.  You can find them on Facebook or Twitter

**Edited to add:  I have tons of people asking me where to get hold of some of these products.  If you are one of those people let me know and I will give you the info!**

Thanks for reading!