Versatile and long-wearing: CND nailed it.

I've got a thing for nail polish. When I was in high school, I changed my polish color every few days. It was an easy and inexpensive way to keep my friends guessing, to match every outfit and mood and, most importantly, to torment my brothers (who loathed the smell of polish remover).

These days, I keep it simple. Or maybe, I'm simply in a rut. I tend to keep my nails short and neutral, sticking with my tried and true shade-Essie Ballet Slipper-for almost 10 years now. Call me boring, but I love the clean and classic look. When I heard we'd be reviewing the "new neutrals" from CND's Fashion Week-worthy line, I was thrilled. Creative Nail Design is an industry favorite, is family-run and all of their products are result of careful science. You'll find CND on the fingers and toes of such celebrities as Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie, Cher and even Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day.

Let me tell you, this is the good stuff. I wore both of the two shades we were sent for over a week each with no chips, no nicks, and no fading. Trust me; I wasn't lounging poolside, being fed bon-bons for the week. I was typing endless funding proposals, writing letters and blog posts, washing dishes, scrubbing floors, folding laundry(ah, the life of a domestic goddess), playing with our puppy and hitting the gym. And still… no chips, no nicks, and no fading. Incredible.

CND's Colour Effects can be layered to create new shades and effects, breathing new life into your old polishes. I'm talking to you, Ballet Slipper. I loved Gold Pearl (550) on its own as a subtle, but shimmery alternative to my pale pink. It also worked well when layered over bright pinks, reds, and corals on my toes. Desert Suede (530) was not an ideal match for my fair skin tone, as it seemed to emphasize the fine lines and freckles on my hands. If nothing else, I was reminded to up my moisturizer and SPF usage on my hands and other oft-forgotten places. I highly recommend you visit Creative Nail Design's website and play around with their endless color combinations and try out a shade or two (see the photo above for the pair I received). I'd love to hear how your manicure holds up during a busy week.

How long do your manicures and pedicures hold up? Do you have any tips or tricks for making them last?