Shine Beauty Gurus review: CND nail polish

CNDSpring is here, and just as ladies are beginning to show a little more skin, nude is the color taking fashion and beauty by storm. Heels, handbags, and tops in flesh-colored shades are all the rage, and this season's biggest polish trend is neutral nails! Nude, taupe, mauve, and beige have been seen on the runways, in stores, and on the hands of many celebrities.

For this month's challenge, the Shine Beauty Gurus tested out two polishes from CND (Creative Nail Design). They are an industry favorite, and produce high quality, affordable products that are often used on the runway. In fact, the exact polishes our Gurus tested were worn during Spring 2010 New York Fashion Week at the Catherine Malandrino and Max Azria shows . Talk about on-trend!

The polishes up for review are Desert Suede ($9) and Gold Shimmer ($11), both available at cnd.com. Both the Colour and the Effects polishes can be worn alone, but the Effects polish is meant to be layered on top of Desert Suede or another polish to create a totally new sty le. As Jan Arnold, CND co-founder and style director explains, "Nail Colour conformity is a thing of the past. Our new Colour line provides a mesmerizing combination of options for women to stylize their most natural fashion accessory, their nails." Here's what the Gurus thought about these new nail polishes.

CNDColor
Christina was unsure about the shades at first, but then fell in love. "I thought the Desert Suede looked a little too earthy (in a bad way) and the Gold Shimmer looked pale. But when applied they are flattering, natural and soft, no matter how many layers I put on!" J-Love felt the color was light and sweet. "Personally I think nudes are much sexier, and have the potential to be more inclusive than the previous trends of nail wear." Pam said, "I've been hearing a lot about how nude is in and found it interesting that this trend made its way to nail polishes." She found Desert Suede to be the perfect nail shade when showing off her new engagement ring, but preferred the shade alone, without the Gold Shimmer effect. Conversely, M.J. felt the sandy shade wasn't right for her skin tone, but liked a touch of gold shimmer on her nails and is eager to try out other CND shades. Mrs. Kim prefers bright, bold shades for her manicure, but was willing to give neutrals a try. "When it comes to nude nails CND's Desert Suede is pretty much a keeper. This color goes right along w/ the new spring-like pastels that are all over the runways right now. Also, no need to change colors when changing outfits--this goes with every thing, even for those yearning a no-polish look." On the other side of the spectrum is Emma Mae. "While the neutral shades are not for everyone, not everyone wants color," she said, adding that if you are looking for a hint of color "Desert Suede will become a favorite of yours." She ordered more polishes online. Michelle @ Fierce Glamour Blog preferred the polish combo. "The gold shimmer toned down the Desert Suede and made it a beautiful neutral polish to wear every day, with everything!"

ApplicationShine Beauty Guru J-Love wearing CND's Desert Suede
Jude's favorite part was the handle. "They have this wonderful grip type top that prevents slippage." Apple said, "the paint goes on effortlessly and dries faster than any nail color I have ever used. A month later, the color still looks nice and not chipped. CND makes a great product and one you will love!" While J felt the polishes were too expensive, she thought the consistency and pliable brushes led to a great manicure. "No matter how clumsy my application the polish seemed to self-level to the same smooth even finish," she said. Amanda was extremely impressed by the streak-free durability of the product, but she ultimately gave the polish to her mother-in-law who liked the color more than she did. CarolB thought the neutral polish was perfect for the office, and appreciated how quickly it dried. "Would I buy this product? Definitely yes!"

Longevity
"After a week and half this stuff had slightly chipped without a top coat! Its definitey got long lasting ability which is a godsend in nail polish!" says Michelle @ Fierce Glamour Blog. Sarah Y said her manicure lasted well over two weeks.

Bonus Appeal
Jude loves the concept of the effects. "This is a unique way to change your color to the occasion which I find as being innovative and fun," she says. "It is a fun splurge to design my own cool shades," says *H. "I especially like it when I'm asked where did I buy that color." Sarah Y received compliments from both her friend and her husband, who said he prefered it to her usual bright pink polish. Christina added, "my fingers looked longer and I received compliments...what's not to love?!?" "I recommend you try it, too," says J-Love. "After all, adding a little polish is an easy and inexpensive way to feel pretty."


Read the complete Beauty Guru blogs here:
A Nail Polish with Special Effects - J
Really Cool - Colour and Effects Nail Polish from CND - CarolB
CND Saves the Day - Amanda
Create A Color As Unique As Your Personality With CND Nail Polish *H
CND Nail Polish: Nude Nails Aren't for Everyone - M.J. - Fierce Beauty and Fashion
Fashionable Sand-Blasted CND Nail Polish - Pam
CND Nail Color Is Pretty Awesome - Apple
Paint Nude! on your nails! Love the effect! Beauty Guru Review Michelle @ Fierce Glamour Blog
Mmmm, Spring should be just a little bit BRIGHTER!.......My CND nail color review - Mrs. Kim
Is this nail color all good, good enough, or good grief? You tell me - Sarah Y
Nude Nails A Trend for Today and Maybe Tomorrow - J-Love
CND's Desert Suede and Gold Effects makes it easy for anyone to become a Creative Nail Designer- Emma Mae
CND Nail Polish: Love the Idea - Jude
CND Nailed It - Christina


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