We tested five leading brand nail varnishes all priced under €10. We randomly chose colours that you might wear during the day and applied two coats per nail. Scoring was based on the following criteria:
1. Coverage
2. Drying time
3. Durability
4. Colour Range
The Contenders
Max Factor – Glossfinity (RRP €7.95)
Sally Hansen – Complete Salon Manicure (RRP €8.95)
Essence – Colour & Go (RRP €1.79)
Maybelline Express Finish 50 Second Nail Colour (RRP €6.09)
Rimmel Lycra Pro (RRP €5.95)
Rimmel Lycra Pro (RRP €5.95)
Max Factor – Glossfinity (7.49)
They claim: “Glossfinity Nail Polish gives you that gorgeous high-gloss finish, and lets you enjoy it for up to seven days”.
Coverage: Just one coat gives you great coverage. 4/5
Drying time: It took more than 2 minutes to dry. 3/5
Durability: A little frayed around the edges after 48 hours. 4/5
Colour Range: A great range of 26 colours. Our favourite was Noisette. 4/5
Sally Hansen – Complete Salon Manicure (€8.95)
They claim: “A base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon-inspired color, top coat, chip-resistance and a gel finish all in 1 bottle”.
Coverage: Perfect, smooth texture going. Brush a little too wide. 4.5/5
Drying time: 1.5 minutes, but when it was dry, it set hard with no tackiness. 3.5/5
Durability: Chipped within the 48 hour test. 3/5
Colour Range: 42 elegant colours. Our favourite was Commander In Chic (#370). 4/5
Essence – Colour & Go (€1.79)
They claim: “gel-shine effect for fabulous glossy nails, new quick & easy brush, ultra fast-drying formula, lasts ultra-long, perfect coverage”.
Coverage: Gloopy to apply but the coverage was good. 2/5
Drying time: It dried in approx. 1.5 minutes. 3/5
Durability: This polish was the first one to chip and it came off in chunks. 1/5
Colour range: 44 shades in this range. A good mix of sparkly and plain polishes. 4/5
Maybelline - Express Finish 50 Second Nail Colour (€6.09)
They claim: “wet to set in 50 seconds. Advanced Wear® anti-chip color gives tips a fresh, vivid look and lasts for days”
Coverage: Needed 2 coats. By the second coat it was perfect. 4/5
Drying time: Dry and set hard in under a minute. 5/5
Durability: After 48 hours it still hadn’t chipped. 5/5
Colour range: A range of only 16 colours, but all elegant and wearable. 3/5
Rimmel Lycra Pro (5.95)
They claim: “New Maxi Brush for a mistake-free application. Up to 10 days colour”.
Coverage: Applied very well and accurately. 4.5/5
Drying time: It dried in approx. 60 seconds and set hard. 4/5
Durability: This polish frayed a bit around the edges after 48 hours. 3/5
Colour range: There are 20 shades in this range, but nothing out of the ordinary. 3/5
The Winner, with a score of 16.5/20
Maybelline - Express Finish 50 Second Nail Colour
For a busy mum, this is affordable, reliable and durable.
