Manic.Monday: Fiery Island

A few weeks ago I mentioned my new found love for Sally Hansen nail polishes, specifically the Complete Salon Manicure Formula. It's an interesting and innovative concept of five different aspects - all essential for nail care, covered in one single product. That means that when you've selected one of the gorgeous shades in the wide range available, you'll also automatically get a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment added through a built in time release function, and top coat in the same product. Since I more or less always wear a nail polish, which can be tough on the nails and cuticles, I really appreciate brands that incorporate some nail care ingredients into the shade itself and when there are so many stunning shades to choose from - it makes me a very happy nail polish wearer. The Sally Hansen shade I'm showing you today is the gloriously vibrant, energetic and zesty Fiery Island 545 (£6.99) which is a slightly darker shade of warm satsumas orange and to me it just captures the essence of beautiful golden autumn leaves.

Since you've already got built in base coat and top coat, you can definitely wear this shade just as it is, and it won't leave any discolourations on your nails, and it'll also add a lovely high shine to the finished look. I usually always wear a separate base- and top coat, but I'm gradually coming round to the idea of using the nail polish as it's intended to be, and in the photo I'm only wearing the nail polish itself, nothing else.

Another great thing about this nail polish, showing the high quality of it, is the brush. It's nice and wide giving wonderful seamless coverage in one quick sweep. I'm also very impressed by the lovely density and pigmentation of the shades, and you really only need one coat to create a lovely opaque effect with that built in high shine. Even though I am getting used to not using base- and top coat when I wear this formula, I'm still very much a two coat girl to get that ultra glossy, opaque look which is what I'm wearing in the photo as well.

The nail polish is supposed to last as long as up to 10 days, maintaining the lovely shine but realistically I think it's closer to 5-6 days, before the finish starts to get a little bit more matte and you can see the first chipping. I still think that's pretty good for a nail polish, and considering you get so many other benefits from this formula at a very affordable price, the 5 day wear is hardly a concern. Overall it's an excellent formula and definitely one of the best ones I've used in the same price range, pulverizing some premium brands - there's simply no contest. If you're interested in trying the Sally Hansen nail polishes for yourself, then hurry down to Boots where their current 3 for 2 offer also includes these little goodies, so I guess I'll see you at the checkout!