Product Review: Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel

Rimmel London has always been a go-to brand for me, they market and package their products effectively, the prices are set at a level that today's average working woman can afford, and the quality level has not suffered because of this. Thankfully Rimmel London has picked up the slack where lines like Cover Girl, Maybelline, and Revlon have fallen short.

The last time I was at the store I noticed that my favored cosmetics brand had some new products out and since I was looking for some new Spring/Summer nail colors, I decided to give Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel a try.

What Makes This Polish Different?

Rimmel London takes into account the daily needs and frustrations of women, offering a nail enamel containing "micro-sized minerals that fill in imperfections on the nail surface" according to their press release. These micro sized minerals basically help to create the effect of a smooth and even nail surface, promoting illumination and flawless finish.

The Product

The color, appropriately titled "Steel Grey," is one that I have never tried before, and to be honest, I was a bit unsure as to how it would look on a redhead. The neutral tone gave me hope though. When in doubt, wear a neutral tone and you can't go too far wrong. Plus, this color has the advantage of being wearable both in warm and cold weather seasons.

So, with an important appointment looming and a dress that matched my new Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in Steel Grey, I set about applying my new polish.

Application

First step, of course the primer coat of clear polish to set a strong base for the nail polish. Once the clear coat dried, I shook up my new bottle of nail polish and twisted the lid off, shocked to find a surprisingly short and wide nail brush. Most nail polish brushes are similar to an acrylic paint brush, quite thin and somewhat long. I really wasn't sure how this new brush style was going to work for me at the outset but a few nails into the process I was wondering why I had ever used any other kind.

The width of the brush allows you to cover approximately half the nail in one stroke which results in less streaking because you don't have to go over the nail quite as many times to fully cover it. The shorter than average length of the brush provides better application as well due to the close proximity of the brush to the nail, this helps to steady the hand a bit when applying the color.

This new style of brush, called the "Mistake-Free Pro Brush," is designed to adapt to any nail shape, ensuring a streak-free smooth finish.

I encourage you to try out this new brush style, I think you just may become a convert like me.

Results

I only had time to apply one coat of color, and while two coats of color are always best when applying nail polish, the color has held up quite well now three days after application. It looks to be a polish that will stand up to its marketing assertion that the color and shine would last "up to 10 days."

I'm pleased with how quickly Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel dried, how evenly the color went on, and how it has stood up to hot water without chipping.

Drawbacks

My main complaint with nail polishes lately is just the square shaped bottle. Nail polish is meant to be rolled in the hands to warm and integrate the ingredients appropriately for application, it should not be shaken. Rimmel London, like many other brands, has chosen a square shaped bottle for their Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel, but since bottle shape is my only complaint, I consider this product to be a winner.

Available in 31 Colors and Base & Top Coat

If you're looking for a new nail polish, I recommend Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in Steel Grey. Or, if you're looking for a shade with a bit more punch and color, try one of their 31 other shades as well as the Base & Top Coat.

Here are just a few of the other colors available:

Bare Naked
Lava Red
Marine Blue
French Cafe
Crystal Clear
Crushed Pearl
Burgundy Flirt
Sunset Orange
Violet Metal

Price

At $3.99 a bottle, Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel is well worth the purchase. You can find Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel at chain drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. For store locations, visit Rimmel London's web page, and while you're there, try out Rimmel's Virtual Makeover Tool to get an idea of which products will look best on you.

Sources: Product knowledge taken from a sample of Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel and the Rimmel London official Press Release.