Move Over Essie and OPI

Not all nail polishes are created equal ... that basic fact needs to be stated right now. Sure, colors can be similar (if you ask Mr. Cush, I have approximately 348 bottles of "the exact same color"), but color payoff, opacity and formula can make a huge difference in your mani.

To appease Mr. Cush, I've been avoiding nail polish purchases most of this year. He's probably right when he says I have enough to last the rest of my life, but I can't admit that he's right to his face (it's safer to say it on a blog, obviously).

Unfortunately for Mr. Cush, all good things must come to an end. While at Walgreens picking up some sunscreen this weekend, I finally caved and bought a new L'oreal nail polish. These babies have been getting really great reviews from my favorite beauty bloggers, and between the $1 off coupon that made it only $4 and the name 'Hella Pink,' well, there was no way I was leaving the store without it.

I probably haven't purchased a L'oreal nail polish since high school when I became an OPI and Essie elitist. But the times, they are a changin'. OPI and Essie need to be on high alert because the drugstore has caught up with them.

Color payoff and and consistency are great with this product. Two coats and we've reached a beautiful oasis of pink on my nail beds. There was no streaking and the formula is quite smooth and easy to apply.

But here's the biggest difference and the reason all nail polish addicts out there need to run immediately to your neighborhood drugstore ... the brush is genius!!!

Top (L to R): Essie Camera, L'oreal Hella Pink, OPI Suzi's Hungary Again.

Bottom (L to R): OPI's straight brush, L'oreal's curved brush.

Look at your cuticles right now. They're curved, slightly U-shaped. Why has no one thought of 'curving' the brush before to match the shape of our cuticles? Our nails are not walls with 90-degree corners. There is no reason to use miniature paint brushes on our nails. 

All in all, you must try these L'oreal polishes when you make time for your next mani, especially if you're polishing your nails yourself without the help of a nail tech.

PS - looking for a cute-sy way to store your polish collection? Run to Michael's and pick up an apothecary jar! No more need to keep your prettiest shades hidden away in a medicine cabinet!