What They Say: "Seductive and ripe for scandal. A colour collection daringly stripped-down, voluptuously finished, with everything you could possibly need to play up the nakedness of your look. Think of it as naked - with coverage."

(about the shadows): "Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well."

(about the lacquers): "Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!"

Melissa Says:
(about the shadows): As usual, M·A·C's shadows are beautiful and long-wearing. Now, here is also a collection that would look gorgeous on practically any woman. They're so neutral and have just a hint of sheen (Rich Flesh is more matte), that they provide amazing all-purpose looks from the deeper brown to the perfect brow highlight.

(about the lacquers): I've reviewed these lacquers before as well, and though they tend to wear off the tips of my nails pretty quickly without a nice topcoat, these shades are very nice for this current nude trend. My favorite shade right now is Naturally Rich, but I can see myself falling more in love with the two lighter shades as the days grow warmer and my skin gets a little less pale! All are fairly sheer.

Retail Price:
(shadows): $14.00
(lacquer): $10.00
(online at maccosmetics.com or at a retail location near you)

DeLush Ratings:
(shadows):
(lacquer):

What They say: Make Nails Hard like Wraps in 1 Easy Step!

• Everything you want in a nail wrap...now in a bottle!
• This is the perfect nail polish solution for women who want hard, strong, beautiful nails but do not have time for salon visits and expensive nail wraps.
• Professional brush provides ultra-smooth, flawless application.
• Brush on strength and beauty in just one easy step!
• No DBP, Toluene or Free Formaldehyde.
• Available in 20 flawless shades.

Special Ingredients:
Patented formula with Acrylic Gel seals and hardens nails with an instant, long-lasting wrap-like surface and a smooth, shiny finish.

Melissa Says: I'm not one who likes to keep long nails, but I do hate when nail color starts to recede from the tips just a couple of days after application, so I wanted to give this stuff a try and see if it really was tough and helped to keep nails strong. I am happy to say that this formula is strong and lasts several days (for me about a week) with great shine and no chipping. I tried this is Sheer Beige Gloss for a super long-lasting natural look and have been very happy with it.

Retail Price: $4.99 (at drugstores and superstores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Deborah Lippmann announces the launch of VINYL, a new collection of nail colors exclusively sold at Bath & Body Works. This collection of fun, trendy, must-have shades, from the ultimate nail expert herself, are unique interpretations of classic nail polish shades from decades past. Long-wearing lacquer with vinyl-like shine."

What Melissa Says: I sampled this in "Make Me Love You", a pale peachy-pink. There are a few things I just love about it. First of all, the shade is so very pretty. I've gotten comments each time I've worn it out. In fact, I had a tough time choosing a shade to try, because so many of them look fun and versatile. The formula also does give that vinyl-like shine it promises.

However, there are a few things I don't love about it. First of all, these bottles are small, stubby, and kind of hard to handle when applying. The brush end (cap) is a little akward to use. Also, because the bottles are kind of small, there isn't much in them and you feel like you have to start tipping the bottle just to get enough polish on the brush after only a few applications. Finally, the wear - though attractive while it's fully on - doesn't last very long. After only a couple of days I noticed significant wear on the tips of my nails. I didn't test with a base coat or top coat, because I like to see how the polish stands on its own when reviewing, so perhaps wear could be prolonged enough to justify the cost if you add these. Still...sadly I felt like I didn't get my full money's worth with this one.

Retail Price: $8.50 (at Bath & Body Works stores and at bathandbodyworks.com)

DeLush Rating:

About the SoftDuo Bronzer: "Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious powder bronzer duo. Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable. Two smooth, oil-free shades blend brilliantly to give face, shoulders and décolletage a seductive bronze look."

Jen's Experience: We've reviewed Estee Lauder's bronzers for both summer and fall 2006 with great results, but I think this season, they've decided to really give the bronzing a bigger role in the look (you know, since they called their Summer 2007 collection "Bronze Goddess"). Since I am extremely pale, a little bit of bronze makes me look alive. When I apply this duo of bronzers lightly and evenly, it looks very natural and makes me look like I just came in from a day in the sun. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful most of the time in getting just enough to look natural. I think the shade may be a little dark for those with very fair skin, but I'm optimistic that those with medium or more golden skin tones would have better luck.

Retail Price: $29.50 (EsteeLauder.com)

About the nail lacquer: "A luxurious new brilliance at your fingertips. Rich, glossy, quick-drying and long-wearing. Truly intense color is so shiny it looks wet--but don't be fooled. Resists chipping, even in water. Won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight. Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy. Just three strokes of color--middle, left and right--and you're done. Even the bottle is striking. "

Jen's Experience: Melissa has reviewed Estee Lauder's nail color in the past, and I have to agree with her assessment. I left the application to the professionals, but from what I can tell, it's easy to apply evenly and is extraordinarily shiny. It also seems to be very chip resistant, which means I don't have to go back to the professionals for a pedicure very often. Of the two special colors from this collection, the Coral Reef was definitely the color for me. The peachy-pink color brings out warmth in my skin tone and matches a good bit of my wardrobe. The namesake shade, Bronze Goddess, would be much better for those with warm undertones. Held against the blue undertones of my skin, I looked pretty cadaverous. Coral Reef definitely works for me though, and it will likely be my signature shade for summer!

Retail Price: $18.00 (EsteeLauder.com)

Ratings:
Bronzer
Nail Lacquer

What They Say: "The Liquid Metals Collection combines the characteristics of lacquer color with a metallic finish so every application brings metallic effects to your nails. Nubar Liquid Metal Collection’s amorphous surface stands up in tough environments of high wear, temperature, and corrosion. In other words, it stays on much longer without chipping or peeling. Nubar nail care products are all Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Phthalate Free. Nubar brings together all the elements so you can create looks that are both fashionable and safe.

Unfaithful Red: A devilishly lustrous red metal alloy infused with sparkling flecks of chromium metal color.

Risque Rose: A daring metal rose with a shimmering metallic gold finish.

Precarious Lavender: A dangerous lavender lacquer that is infused with sparkling flecks of chromium metal color.

Fickle Amethyst: A natural light violet lacquer with an impulsive gleaming manganese finish.

Erratic Purple: An eccentric combination of tanzanite deep purple tone with a silver metallic shimmer finish.

Unpredictable Taupe: An impossibly brilliant palladium white gold gloss nail lacquer.

Impulsive Silver: A platinum sterling lacquer color that dries to an impetuous shiny silver reflection.

Jamie’s Thoughts: I can attest that Nubar’s claim of endurance and durability are true – I do a lot of typing, and the polish definitely held its own. As for their claims about temperature, and corrosion? Perhaps our readers who have more taxing occupations can chime in – do we have any masons, scientists, bakers, doctors, or welders in our midst? It seemed a strange selling point, as I’m not usually looking for nail polish to resist corrosion. In fact, if I worked with corrosive materials on a daily basis, I probably wouldn’t bother wearing polish. But that’s just me.

The color is very true to what you see in the bottle, although I do suggest a top coat for shine, as some of the greyer shades have a tendency to look dull when fully dry. (So much for their claims of a reflective finish when dry) The only color I thought was covet-worthy was “Unfaithful Red” – it’s a great universal red, looks good on many skin tones, and seems sort of like an edgy version of OPI’s “Not Really a Waitress.” The pinks were brighter in tone without looking too young. The rest were all a play on silver – the Taupe being the most wearable, and the others just made me look like I’d painted my nails to match my kitchen appliances. Consistency was good – one coat was enough for the warm tones, but the silvers needed at least two.

I appreciate Nubar’s efforts to make nail polish healthier for the buyer, but in the end, find myself ambivalent about this product. Given the craze over ultra-dark polishes these days, I was particularly surprised NOT to see a blood red or black metallic in this set…a fatal flaw. Those additions would make this collection more comprehensive, and far more appealing to the average consumer.

Retail Price: $39.95 (at bynubar.com or call 800.552.4769 for U.S. salons and retail locations - international customers call 818.241.0519)

Delush Rating:

About the Brush On Lip Gloss: Brush On Lip Gloss works magic by creating perfect shine with its brush wand, making every application a dream come true. With 26 stunning shades ranging from sweet to seductive, NYX Cosmetics’ Brush On Lip Gloss will leave men enchanted.

Alissa’s Opinion: My first impression of this Brush On Gloss is that it smells very medicinal. The texture is a little goopy for my taste, but the thickness creates a nice lasting shine. This gloss is so rich that it provides a lot of coverage with a very light application; unfortunately the brush picks up a lot of product. I tried it in Burgundy, a shade that’s way darker than what I usually go for on my lips, but I found that with the shine it was quite wearable. If you like a gloss that covers like a lipstick, this might be for you.

Retail Price: $5.00 (NYXCosmetics.com)


About the Nail Lacquer: Looking for fresh new colors to brighten your nails? Look no further, NYX has 150 shades to choose from.

Alissa’s Opinion: This is a great fast drying nail polish. I had two smooth and shiny coats applied in under 5 minutes and my nails stayed chip-free for almost a week. I used Red Pearl, a deep fuchsia red that looks great on the toes.

Retail Price: $4.00 (NYXCosmetics.com)

DeLush Ratings:
Brush On Lip Gloss
Nail Color

What They Say: "Toluene-free, DPB-free and free from added formaldehyde, and delivering the ultimate shine and color of a long-lasting professional manicure. Patented formula builds stronger nails with keratin and minerals, and contains natural marine pearl, conditioning rice bran and marine botanicals. Custom bottle with comfort-grip cap and exclusive brush assure the smoothest, flawless application. 24 shades bring runway color to a mass audience - colors that appeal to a wide range of women and lifestyles."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This new formula from Sally Hansen delivered nice enough shine, but I felt like it didn't apply as smoothly as it could have and was more prone to brush marks than some of their other colors. It did stay on well, without showing chipping or wearoff on the tips for about 3-4 days. An acceptable nail color, though not my favorite. But if you're very sensitive to chemical smells in many polishes, this could be an additional option for you.

Retail Price: app. $7.00 (at drugstores and superstores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Ultra rich, smooth flowing and highly lustrous, JESSICA Custom Nail Colours have a texture that is remarkably different from any other. Formulated with vitamins A & D to condition and maintain flexibility, JESSICA offers over 100 assorted colours to choose from. JESSICA Custom Colours are available in both .5oz and mini .25oz sizes." ... (about JESSICA Cosmetics) "Known as the "First Lady of Nails," a name first give to her by "The New York Times," Jessica Vartoghian was at the forefront of a product and marketing revolution, as she foresaw the enormous potential of nail care as a big business. The multi-million dollar nail care industry that exists today has its roots in the first nails-only salon, which Jessica opened in 1969. Today, things have not changed much at the renowned Jessica Nail Clinic on Sunset Boulevard. It still remains the center of nail care innovation, and still caters to Hollywood's elite, first ladies, VIPs and anyone else who appreciates the art form that is a JESSICA manicure."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I recently had the chance to try some shades from the JESSICA "Hollywood Glamour" and "That's Amore" collections, both fairly new. Overall, there are MANY colors to choose from in the entire line. The polish is indeed very smooth-flowing and has very pretty shine, however I noticed the color coming off the tips of my nails a bit after only a couple of days...so you'd definitely need to use some quality topcoat to get really long wear out of it. Also, you definitely need at least two coats of this, as I thought it was maybe just a bit thin.

Retail Price: $6.50 (at jessicacosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A luxurious new brilliance at your fingertips.

Rich, glossy, quick-drying and long-wearing. Truly intense color is so shiny it looks wet--but don't be fooled.

Resists chipping, even in water. Won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight.

Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy. Just three strokes of color--middle, left and right--and you're done.

Even the bottle is striking."

(Day and night views of this shade; click to enlarge.)

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Looking for a polish that will get you on board with the Metallics Trend this season without being too "modern" or "obvious"? This is the shade AND the product for you. This light purple-silver frosty metallic is subtle enough to be classic-looking as well as up-to-the-minute.

The brush is, as they say, a fabulous tool for applying even color in just a few swipes. This is also substantial enough to use only one coat and still have good coverage. Because of the bit of frost in this particular shade, it's not glossy-slick in finish, but it does have a nice shine. If you add a glossy topcoat, you can add more of a smooth finish.

This does indeed dry fairly quickly and lasts at least several days with no chipping. I've found a new favorite!

Retail Price: $18.00 (at esteelauder.com or go here to find a select retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. Fashion-forward and basic go-with-everything shades.

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris.

State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

Roll bottle between the hands before opening to ensure even colour. Cover center of nail with one brush stroke, from cuticle to tip; follow with a single stroke on each side of nail."

Jen's Experience: I have to say, right off the bat, that this nail lacquer in Splendeur is my new favorite nail colour -- for any season. The bright raspberry color really pops against my darker winter blacks and grays, but as a spring or summer color, it's a happy shade of pink that looks great in a pair of sandals. This was my first experience with Chanel's nail color, and I am truly impressed. (I've since purchased their Black Satin nail color, which I'll be talking about next week.) All these years I thought that there really couldn't be that much of a difference between drugstore and department store nail color, but after this polish and the Carolyn New York nail polish, I do believe there's something to the higher end polishes.

This polish applies so easily, even I can use it without a major mishap. The texture is somewhat thin, but magically, it doesn't run; it stays where you put it. It seems like it dries more quickly than other polishes that I've used as well. My only complaint is that the polish did chip a lot at the tips after a couple weeks of wear, which doesn't normally happen to me. I can usually wear a color at least a month without that happening. Luckily, I was able to touch it up seamlessly. Next time I will be certain to reapply a topcoat at least weekly.

So, maybe this isn't the most long-wearing polish. I'm still so enamoured with the color and the ease of application, I think I'm willing to forgive its faults and enjoy my pretty toenails.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Buy it on DeLush Delights!)

Rating:

What They Say:

• The first Salon Formula to be packaged and available for retail.
  
• Carolyn New York Polish comes in a unique, easy to hold bottle designed with the technician in mind.
  
• The unique flat brush design offers greater control, holding the polish and thereby giving more control and less cuticle flooding.


• The Soft touch GRIP top designed for safe and easy opening, comfortable use and firm and secure closing.


• Carolyn New York Polish created with knowledge of twenty-five years experience in the finest salons in New York and Palm Beach, with a celebrity laden clientele.


• For everyone's safety there is no DBP (believed to cause birth defects) in Carolyn New York Nail Polish.

Jen's Experience: I've seen Carolyn New York nail polish discussed in so many magazines, it's good to finally know what all the fuss is about! I have tried many drugstore nailpolishes, and except for a little OPI here and there, I haven't bought too many specialty nail polishes. In retrospect, maybe that's why I have so much trouble doing my own nails.

I have had such a good experience with this nail polish. I put it on both my fingernails and toenails with very little mess. The grippy top makes it easy to hold the brush, and the brush itself does a great job of holding the right amount of polish and not spreading it too widely. It also is very durable -- I used a base coat and a top coat, but still I think the wear is longer than average.

I have had a couple of problems. I see in their description where they say that the brush prevents "cuticle flooding". While I'm sure it does something to help this problem, I still had issues where the polish built up on my cuticles, which caused the polish to wear more quickly right along the cuticle line. On one pinky nail, it actually pulled most of the polish off of the nail. I have special talents at royally messing up nail polish application, so this could be operator error, or it could be that the base coat I used doesn't prevent this cuticle flooding. (I'm glad there's a name for this problem I seem to have with nail polish.)

Overall, I am so pleased with this nail polish, though, it's hard to even think about going back to the drugstore brands. The colors are great (and very true to the color on the bottle) and the application is easy, and that, to me, is a nail polish winner.

Retail Price: $16.00 for one, or $12.00 each for 3 (Carolyn New York)

Rating:

What They Say: "Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three longwearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This certainly is a high-shine formula that looks incredibly pretty. It goes on smooth and evenly. However, I noticed some chipping by the 2nd day already. This could probably be avoided with a top coat, but it definitely wasn't no-chip on its own.

Retail Price: $10.00 (maccosmetics.com or go here to find a select department store near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:

• Longwearing, strengthening nail enamel that delivers rich color and high shine
  
• Fortified with a unique iron-hard complex plus conditioning agents to help strengthen nails
  
• "Flexes" with the nail for outstanding durability and wear
  

Jen's Experience: One last way to get extra color in your fall and winter wardrobe is through nail color. Now, this wasn't exactly an original color that I picked out; the last 3 nail polishes I bought are within a hue of this one, Berry Persistent. But the most outstanding part of this nailpolish is how amazingly close it comes to the ever-popular "I'm Not Really a Waitress" color from OPI both in color and quality. I'm using this on my toes, so it will definitely last longer than it will on my fingernails, but I love the way it applies smoothly and dries quickly (but not so quickly you can't fix mistakes). The total drying time with a basecoat and topcoat was only about 15 minutes. And the final result? Looks like the finish of my car. Pretty good for an at-home pedicure.

Retail Price: $3.89

Rating:

That's right. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the creamy pastels and bright hues of summer, but around this time of year I just can't wait to put rich colors on my nails. Deep burgundys, ripe reds, pretty purples, burnished browns...agh, enough with the alliteration! Here are some of my favorites and some picks for great fall nail color:

Revlon Nail Enamel in Blackberry. You don't know how many times I've picked this up at the store thinking "wow, this is a really pretty color!" and then have come home to realize I already have two from other such revelations at the drugstore.


Lippmann Collection Nail Color in No More Drama
(sephora.com)


Essie #522, Sole Mate
(at salons and other select retailers)




Maybelline Express Finish Fast-Dry Nail Enamel in Raisin Run
(at drugstores everywhere)


OPI Nail Lacquer in Romeo & Joliet (and yes, you read that right, it's "Joliet"!)
(at salons and other select retailers - click here to find out where to buy OPI in your area)




Bourjois Paris Very Vernis Nail Enamel in Lacque Brune
(sephora.com)


Givenchy Vernis in Rouge Interdit
(at select retailers - go to givenchy.com to find locations near you)

What They Say: "Aura Science Paint Lacquer for brilliant nails. Inspired by individual beauty."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I thought this bottle, with its fun shape, was a good enough reason to be drawn to it. The polish itself is actually really pretty and super shiny, just like they say. However, it didn't seem to wear well and it chipped very easily. If you're going to use this, make sure to use a base coat and really strong topcoat to make full use of its prettiness. It just doesn't stand up well otherwise, which is a shame because of how nice it can look.

Retail Price: $8.50 (victoriassecret.com and in stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say:
* No chipping or fading for up to 10 days!
* Exclusive acrylic polymer complex dries any nail color in 30 seconds!
* Double UV filters shield manicure from fading and discoloring
* Superior shine

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: This is my ultimate favorite topcoat - not just for the fact that it helps keep this *ahem* shall we say, clumsy? girl from ruining her nails by making them dry in a snap, but ALSO because the smooth shine it leaves behind is so pretty. Really, this is worth every single little penny. Fortunately, you don't have to save a lot of pennies to get it! This finshes off every home manicure of mine fabulously.

Retail Price: $4.99 (at drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Neutrogena® Instant Nail Enhancer is the revolutionary new alternative for a healthy, finished look without polish. Nails won't just look healthy, they'll be healthy.

This dermatologist-developed formula fortifies nails and gives them a healthy, buffed look without polish. Enriched with Vitamin E and Provitamin B5, it's clinically proven to strengthen nails and reduce peeling, chipping and roughness. It brushes on fast and dries instantly. No nail polish odor—no harsh polish remover necessary.

Nails look finished and healthy—without polish.
Dermatologist developed
Fresh scent
0.20 fl. oz. tube
Available in Buffed Sheen and Pearl Sheen"

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: What sounds better than pretty buffed-looking nails instantly? Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too. And in fact, your nails DO look pretty great after applying this gel. And it does dry practically as soon as it's applied. It doesn't have a strong odor, either. But here's what I don't like: By the next day (or even the end of that same day if you've done a lot), it starts to come off a bit and look peel-y and not so cute. You pretty much have to re-apply whenever this happens, or be prepared to take it off then. For me, it's a good quick-fix for finished-looking nails, but you can get the same effect that lasts longer with quick-drying buff or clear polish. Bottom line? Good for a quick-fix if you are prepared to apply every day, but not a must-have.

Retail Price: $8.49 (Drugstores Everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

I shouldn't be allowed to paint my own nails.  I was never able to color inside of the lines as a child, and as an adult, I get nail polish all over my toes and the carpet and everything else.  I'm a mess.  But I saw this great new color when I was wandering around Rite Aid one day, and I decided to give it a try.

What They Say: "Now there's a nail product that can keep up with your busy lifestyle. New and improved Jet-Set Shine Speed Dry Nail Enamel is the first fast-drying nail polish to deliver extra long-lasting shine! With its patented calcium-fortified Shine-Lock technology, Jet-Set Shine looks freshly applied long after it dries...all while keeping nails strong. This breakthrough formula places Jet-Set – already established as a superior fast-drying polish – at the frontier of nailcolor technology. Never before has our quick-dry nailcolor shined so bright!"

Jen's Experience:  Top Ten Tint is a pink/peachy color that is great for spring, and full of sparkle for that extra shiny look.  With my fair complexion, the color was definitely a hit, and it looks great with all my new spring clothes.  I used my normal base and top coat, and I found this to be incredibly long wearing.  I went for more than 2 weeks without a single ding on my toenails.  My only problem with this polish (and it is completely user error) is that I have a hard time getting it to look really even with all the sparkles.  I have had this problem with pretty much every shimmery nail color I've ever picked out.  Next time I use this color, I'm going to take it to the local manicure shop and get THEM to apply it.  That's clearly the answer for my nail painting problems, because I'm certainly not improving with practice.

Retail Price: $5.99 (Walgreens)

Rating:

I've mentioned to you before my difficulties and general laziness around painting my nails.  Well, sometimes you just don't have the time to run by the nail salon and spend an hour and a half lounging in those nice padded massage chairs and you have to face the unthinkable: doing it yourself.  You won't get off too easy here:  this process took me about 30 minutes, and that's not including the dry time.  Which needs to be more than 5 minutes, by the way. 

Cuticle time:  Somehow, I was blessed with cuticles that just don't overgrow or get in the way.  So I totally skip this step.  If you have overgrown cuticles, it is worth your time to at least push them back, if not trim them.  It just makes your manicure look so much more professional. 

Use a base coat:  There are some really good reasons to invest the time into putting on a base coat.  For one, your nail polish will adhere so much better to your nails and you won't have it peeling away on you in a couple of days.  Secondly, if you are using a deep color, particularly a red, using a base coat will prevent the red color from staining your nail bed and preventing you from switching to sheer anytime in the next 3 months.  The third reason I think it is a good idea to use a base coat is that it gives you practice.  I am horrible at painting my nails.  I glob it on too thick at first and I miss and get it on my fingers and it always jut looks messy.  If you do that with your base coat, it's so unnoticeable that you can fix it without having to start completely over.  I used Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Fortifying Base and Top Coat as my base coat. 

The Nail Color:  I am currently using Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Protein Nail Color in Nude on my fingertips and Orly Nail Lacquer in Crawford's Wine on my toenails.  The thing I try to remember in this step is to not put too much on at once.  It is a lot easier to add more layers than it is to take polish away.  You'll probably need at least two layers unless you are trying to go super sheer.

The fix:  Because it is inevitable that I will color outside of the lines, I prepare my little fix-it tool before I even start painting.  I take a cotton ball and wrap a small amount of it around the small end of a cuticle pusher tool and dip it into some nail polish remover.  The result should be a reasonably small sized tool to clean up your mistakes without having to get cotton ball all over your freshly painted nails.

The Top Coat:  No matter how glossy your nail polish looks when you put it on, it just doesn't have that shine to it when it's all dry.  A top coat's main purpose, though, is to provide a first layer of protection between your nail color and the elements.  I used Sally Hansen's Mega Shine Extended Wear Top Coat for my at home manicure and pedicure.

The Results:  This was the absolute best at home nail treatment I have ever given myself.  I had a little bit of trouble with the consistency of the Beyond Perfect Nail Color, and I put it on too thick, resulting in some early dings in a couple nails.  I think if I put on thinner layers, I would have seen better results.  A standout here is the Orly Nail Lacquer.  This is the only drugstore nail polish I have ever experienced that is comparable to OPI Nail Polish used in salons.  It has such a nice consistency and looks salon perfect days later.

DeLush Ratings:

      Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base Coat
            Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Nail Color
Orly Nail Lacquer
Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat

Reviewed By: Jen

Normally, I would never paint my own nails.  I like to go to the professionals for that.  Invariably I am in a hurry, and it looks as though I dipped my entire fingertips into the polish rather than painting on my fingers. 

Occasionally, you just have to bite the bullet and do it yourself.  Recently I tried Cover Girl's Continuous Color nail polish because it claims to contain a base coat, polish and top coat.  And I am very lazy.

Well, I still had to be patient to apply it.  Sadly, no matter how advanced makeup is these days, it still doesn't clean up your mistakes.  I was impressed with their large color selection that looked like it had actual adult women in mind rather than fourth graders.  I was also impressed with the consistency of the polish.  Not too thin and not too gloppy.  Juuuuust right.  It looked reasonably good on my nails and toenails (especially my toenails), but I don't think I could have passed it off as coming from a nail salon.  That may have more to do with my poor nail polishing skills than the actual polish.

I wish I could say I was just as impressed with it's staying power.  Unfortunately, I got chipped nails within a day or two of wearing the nail polish, whereas I get at least a week out of a paid manicure.  The toenail polish did appear to have pretty good staying power that was pretty comparable to a professional pedicure.

I probably won't keep trying to polish my own nails if I don't have to, but this is a reasonably easy and inexpensive at-home option that I would definitely try again.

Rating:

Reviewed By: Jen