Lacquer Lundi

My hands have been taking a beating the last couple of weeks as I prepare my gardens for the impending growing season.  Yeah, I should probably wear gloves when I'm putzing around in the garden, but I like the feel of soil on my hands.  I enjoy the tactile experience too much to cover up my hands.  So, keeping my hands and cuticles moisturized becomes top priority.  Thank goodness for Mango Mend - I cannot say enough good things about this product.  I would be a crispy, crunchy mess without it.  Please note that I mention this only because I am a very satisfied customer.  The good people of Mango Mend have not asked me to shill for them.  However, if a few free tubs of Mango Mend mysteriously ended up on my doorstep, it wouldn't be the worst thing that happened.  Just sayin'.


Now, on to the pretties:

GOSH - Metallic Purple
- purchased at Shoppers (chain drug store) for $6.00 CDN

Metallic Purple is a light lavender metallic polish - not surprising given the name, no?  I had very high hopes for this GOSH polish, as I have really liked every other GOSH polish that I have used.  Unfortunately, I ended up being disappointed.

The application of Metallic Purple is tricky.  The first coat goes on fine (a bit streaky, but not a big deal).  The second coat was the problem, as it tended to drag up the first coat during application, leaving gaping polish-less holes near the cuticle, which then had to be patched over.  Also, brush strokes are impossible to eliminate - I have never had a polish that was so ridgy looking on the nail - even my husband commented on the odd appearance.  Lastly, wear was horrid - I had major tip wear after only one day.  On a positive note, I did not have any chipping.


Revlon - Pretty in Papaya
- purchased at Rexall (chain drug store) for $5.49 CDN

Pretty in Papaya is a scented polish from last year's offerings (I hear that there is a new crop of scented polishes making their way to stores this spring).   It is a rich dark coral creme that smells fruity.  I'm sure if the scent is actually what papaya smells like, but regardless, it is a very pleasant scent that is not diminished by the application of a top coat.  However, the intensity of the scent did fade over the time I sported this manicure.

Pretty in Papaya applied nicely - easy to move around the nail and good consistency.  It covered in two coats (although there is still a very faint bit of visible nail line if you look really closely).  It wore well - only minor tip wear after two days. 


Avon Nailwear Pro - Golden Twilight
- purchased at Avon.ca for $3.99 CDN

Hello gorgeous!  Golden Twilight is a very dark brown/black base jammed packed with golden shimmer.  It is simply stunning on the nail.  So much so, that I had several people grab my hand for a closer inspection when I wore this polish.  This baby is unique in my collection.

Before I go on, let me take a moment to gush over Avon's polish offerings over the last couple of years.  The quality is high.  They have brought to market a decent range of colours - from traditional pinks to more fashion forward shades, like navy and yellow.  The price point is excellent.  All 'round great products.

Golden Twilight applied wonderfully, covered in two coats and wore very well, as I only had tip wear after three days.