whim. Nail Lacquer | Review

If you follow me on any social media networks, you probably know that I've recently been on a huge nail kick. I love doing my own nails at home -  I can't even tell you the last time I got my nails done at a salon. I am partial to Essie nail polishes, which is typically the only brand I use (although I do throw in an OPI color on occasion, which usually ends up in chip city after a couple days!). 

I decided a couple months back to start experimenting with different brands of polish to see what truly gives the best result in terms of color payoff, quality, staying power and durability. I scored some Deborah Lippman polishes for crazy cheap, which normally run $18-20, and I must say that I wasn't overly impressed. They were okay, but if I'm going to pay $20 a pop it better be magic in a bottle. I also tried the Sally Hansen Gel Polish, which was again, just okay. For some reason I have a hard time forking over $10 for a bottle of Sally Hansen. Is that just me? 

As if the nail polish gods somehow knew my journey, Ulta released a brand new line of gel-like polish. Perfect timing!

Whim polish is an Ulta exclusive that is a "high-shine, gel-like lacquer whose unique patented three step system goes on like a polish but wears like a gel for long lasting color and superior shine." The line is also 5 free, meaning free of DPB, toluene, formaldehyde, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. The line includes 58 colors, so there is a shade for everyone!

I first purchased the shade 'Sheer Nightie' along with the base and top coat. I never use base coats because I've never found one that actually made a huge difference, but I wanted to give this one a chance. I applied all three with two coats of the color. The consistency is a bit thicker and slightly more difficult to work with than other polishes. The first time I used it, it was a mess. The best way I can describe the texture is gummy. With all the layers, it was extremely thick and actually started peeling off within two days. I was incredibly disappointed. I decided to remove the polish on night two and the base coat had dried my nails out. Ugh. 

I didn't want to give up on the polish just yet, so I actually reapplied that night - this time without the base coat. I could already tell a difference. I received numerous compliments on my nails while wearing the polish; two people even asked where I got them done! The top coat maintained its shine the entire time I wore it. I was very pleased with the finish, considering so many top coats start to look dull after a couple days. I wore the polish for nine days before I got my first chip! NINE DAYS! 

I returned the base coat to Ulta and purchased two more shades from the line. I hope the two new colors wear as well as the first one did. I just applied the purple shade and will be keeping you guys updated on Instagram with pictures on how it wears and when it starts chipping, so make sure you are following me! 

Overall, I am beyond impressed with this nail polish. I am trying to refrain myself from purchasing all 58 colors! Don't forget to find me on Instagram @makeupbyaundi to see if the new shade lasts as long as the first one did!