Nail polish - do you get what you pay for or is the colour relevant too?

[Goingtobeawesome]

Just painted one set of nails with a Rimmel polish in a light pink. I can't see a name on the bottle. I paid about £3 and it doesn't look great. Do I need another coat or is Rimmel generally not great? I used to have about fifty polishes but are starting to build up a colour collection again and would like to have a good polish. I bought this one as I was actually looking for the Rimmel nail brightener which doesn't seem to be available now.

Great thread!

Can anyone recommend a good polish remover? I always have to scrub my nails especially darker colours.

Sally Hansen remover is great and non drying.

I like the bourjois remover, it has a sponge where you put your finger in, and it removes well and has almond oil in it so it doesn't dry out the skin or damage nails or cuticles.

Do we get a new pic, op?

Knew I shouldn't have checked this thread when I'd just been paid. Sparkle Like a Unicorn duo now on its way to me, thanks to FreeNiki.

My polish drawer - and yes, at this point it really is a whole (smallish) drawer - is largely OPI but Barry M is generally a really good budget option, especially for their metallics.

Feel a bit bleurgh posting my toes but if you want to see them let me know, NotCertain. I've taken a pic. Didn't want to embarrass myself if you meant finger nails .

Yeah I did mean fingers!

I haven't painted them yet. I just put a base coat on yesterday when I was doing my toes but I'll put colour on tonight.

Anyone have any toenail painting tips? I taught myself how to paint my fingers using tips from MN after years of thinking I just couldn't do it. (Mild dyspraxia) So I need some help with my toes now. They're teeny tiny nails, especially the little one. Have had them painted by professionals lots of times but want to do it myself.

Please.

Oh no! That was supposed to be a nice pleading smiley face not angry!

I struggle too since I fell down the stairs. I can't bend as easily and trying to reach my toes is hard. I suggest not over loading and taking it slowly.

Dancergirl I use neat acetone which I buy in bulk from EBay. I pour a bit in a small bowl, soak my nails for a few minutes and then wipe with kitchen roll. It's a bit drying, but hand cream and cuticle oil sorts it out.

EnidButton I've got tiny toenails as well apart from my big toe. I just splodge the nail varnish in the right direction, and then when it's completely dry, have a shower or a bath. Give your feet a good scrub with the sponge and the nail varnish on your skin should wash off fairly well.

Thank you! Sounds easy enough.

For the last few years I've bought my nail varnish at Poundland - usually Revlon, Essie, Sally Hansen, Nails Inc, L'Oreal, Calvin Klein, OPI, Barry M, Rimmel but they have other cheaper brands too - albeit they're all a pound a bottle.

They've all been fine - you don't get the same choice there on a single day as you would if you popped into Boots or a 'proper' place... But if you go regularly most of the colours and brands cycle through - so I have a nice red, a good coral, a pretty pink, a couple of pale neutral ones, several good top/base/protective/nourishing ones and a handful of fun colours (almost black, turquoise, metallic green etc). It's not the place to go if you need xxx colour to match your special outfit going to a wedding next week - but if you know what you want to get in terms of general colours over the next couple of months then you should be fine to help build up a good basic collection! They also have the

Wrt being unable to bend easily,what about standing at the bottom of the stairs and putting one foot up? Much easier than sitting and bending down.

Thank you DameD.. I'll give that a go.

This is the only nail varnish I use now, 2 colour coats look great and the top coat really sets them. They look solid (!) and they last 5-6 days. Good colours too.

Another vote for Essence polishes from Wilco - just as good as higher end brands. They don't have a huge range of colours at my branch, but their gel base coat and top coat work with well with other brand polishes to make them look better and last longer.

I like the Sally Hansen gel two-step system too.

I use Barry M nail varnish with a Sally Hansen top coat and base. Ive used a Rita one from Rimmel and it looked horrible, it was v streaky on my nails. Not a good look. I also have a few Nails inc free from Magazines. Now I'm not sure if they change the formula or something on the free ones, but they are awful. In one day when I'm not being heavy handed or at work they chip. I love painting my nails, It quite therapeutic. Reading this thread I making me research all these other brands now. Think ill try some other brands out! I used order a lot of Nail polish direct. Great bargains!

Just back from shopping. Nail wise I got the SV stuff, a brightener from No 7 and a polish remover. Forgot to buy a colour but will do that next time.
Also got a dress, three pairs of knickers and some deli bits from M & S but no strawberry and cream Colin caterpillar sweets.

You might like my mum's fave: Vanity Fairst by Essie. V soft sheer pink with barely there micro shimmer (just looks sophisticated), def needs 2 coats though and a top coat. It's 3 for 2 at Boots just now. Leighton Denny Crystal Finish is a good one.
Link to swatch of Vanity Fairest:
greatdee.pl/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/007-Essie-Vanity-Fairest-2.jpg
Essie do one that's more opaque called Pop Art Pink which you might like:
www.vampyvarnish.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Essie-Pop-Art-Pink.jpg
You can get it on Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/Essie-Spring-Collection-2010-Pink/dp/B0035B3VL6?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I'm using Essie Mademoiselle 13 in the pic, and have applied two coats for a bit more colour; as opposed to longevity.
This one would definitely suit you OP.

For the base coat, I usually use Maybelline's Dr Rescue - which is cheap, but effective, and Seche Vite Top coat.
I'd also recommend Sally Hansen's Moisturising Polish Remover.

I bought one of these a few years ago, when it was on offer - just as good as a nail salon, and in my case, I've found that the polish lasts much longer.
www.ciatelondon.com/products/geltox-starter-kit

Thank you all.

I've decided I'm going to start going to a proper shopping centre more often. I've realised how small our local shops are. I enjoyed spending money today.

This is such a great thread.

I've just done fingers and toes in Essie Ballet Slippers. Jessica Critical Care base and top coat.