I thought for my second post I'd focus on one of my current obsessions - nail varnish (or "nail polish" for all you Americans out there!).
I was first inspired to start a nail varnish collection after seeing my cousin's(www.robyn-writes-beauty.com). Little did I know that within a few years I would have my own collection of over 100 bottles of the stuff (I may have a problem...). I love this meme, such a first world problem:
I stayed at my boyfriend's house over the Christmas period (yes I do travel with my nail varnishes - guilty!) and his Mum was so shocked at how many nail varnishes I had that she put some (not all) of them in a colour coordinated line up for a picture. Then regretted it after realising she'd have to spend a lot of time trying to fit them all in the camera shot! This was the result:
My favourite polish at the moment is Barry M's Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - you can guarantee that the minute I've seen the press release for new colours being added to that collection, I'm planning my next visit to Boots or Superdrug, advantage or beauty card in hand! I love the formula of the polish, there's a great range of colours, it's not too pricey and above all, it lasts!
So it's not surprising that I was stupidly excited to get my hands (or nails!) on the new Matte Nail Paint collection. I picked out two shades to get started with from my local branch of Boots. Malibu (below left), a bright, bold cornflower blue, and Copa Cabana (below right), a vivid coral toned red. I've never really tried matte polishes before because I love the shine of a new manicure, but I was pleasantly surprised!
I painted my nails last night with the Malibu shade, having great intentions for it to match the dress I was going to wear today (the cloudy weather unfortunately ruined this colour coordinated match made in heaven...grr!).
The formula of the polish is great - smooth and easy to apply without streaks. It's really pigmented too! I did paint two coats of the polish, it's hard to break out of routine, but to be honest I probably could have got away with leaving it at one. It's that good!
I was also really impressed with the drying time. I must confess that I ruin at least one finger through smudging or creasing every time I paint my nails because I'm too fidgety during drying time. In fact, that's why I am a Seche Vite devotee! However, I didn't want to spoil the unique matte effect of this polish by using my usual high shine Seche Vite top coat. I expected to be in for a long wait before I could safely use my hands again without damaging my beloved manicure! It's a truly helpless moment in time:
Thankfully I was wrong! Within 10-15 minutes I was free to pull as many triggers as I wanted without the risk of ruining my perfect manicure - score! I painted them before bed and I didn't even wake up with those annoying crease/sheet marks on my nails. Very surprising considering I didn't use a quick dry topcoat! This was the end result:
I can't really describe the finish. It's definitely matte, but because it's so bright and pigmented it almost has a bit of a shine to it. Not at all the dull, muted effect I had expected to see!
Overall I was extremely impressed and can't wait to try out the second shade I've got. I may be adding to my collection of these polishes very soon - I've definitely got my eye on Waikiki (a shocking lime green)and Cancun (a beautiful teal colour).
Go forth and furnish your nail polish shelves (wait, you mean to say not everyone has those?!)with these beauties people!
Happy manicures!
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