Boots Natural Collection Nail Varnish > Reviews (17)

I love nail poilshes, and have a shamefully large collection of brands and colours. One of the brands I have bought most often since I was a teenager is Boot's Natural Collection Nail Colour. I have to say that since I discovered MUA polish from Superdrug which costs £1, I have bought the Boots polishes less often as they cost £1.89. I do like some of the colours Boots offer though, so I won't give them up entirely.

THE RANGE

The Natural collection is a Boots own brand, and it includes both make up and toiletries. I associate the brand with offering natural and pastel colours rather than neon shades and the nail polishes available refect this. It is after all called the "natural" collection. My local Boots offers 18 shades of polish in total, it is possible that a larger branch would offer more. I find the range offers a good selection of subtle and pretty colours, and I can usually find something to tempt me. Most recently I have been using the clear polish, oyster pink [which is paler than it looks in the bottle, and pearlised] and maple, which I would describe as a coppery peach colour. The bootle itself is clear, with a simple daisy motif. It doesn't look like a cheap own brand product, just simply designed which I like.

The polish is advertised as a "classic 2 coat polish", and is said to be fragrance free and dermatologically tested. It also claims to offer a lasting glossy finish.

APPLICATION

Despite being described on the bottle as fragrance free, it does have a clear aroma when you open the bottle. It is the classic nail polish smell, although it is not as strong as some. Perhaps Boots mean they have added no additional fragrance, but I think the majority of brands could say the same, unless they are one of the fruity scented ones. The brush is average thickness, and I find that it applies polish neatly and without shedding any "hairs." I would prefer if it was longer though, because it doesn't reach very far down into the bottle. This means that once you reach the half way used point, you have to tip the bottle up more than average. This can be quite an annoying and fiddly thing to do when you are trying to paint your nails! One coat is too thin on pigmentation for me - I can clearly see my underlying nail. It is meant to be a two coat polish though, so I think this is acceptable.

RESULTS

The finish looks smooth and good quality once the second coat has dried. I like the fact it has a gloss to it without being too shiny. Drying isn't fast - but this doesn't claim to be quick drying. It usually takes at least 5 minutes to be touch dry, but at that point a nail pressed into surface easily leaves a mark. I wait 15 mins before I feel safe to put on my shoes. The second coat takes about the same time to set, whereas in my experience of other polishes this often takes longer.

I certainly wouldn't call this a long lasting polish, judging by my experiences. It chips easily at the nail edge, and I always have to touch it up after a day or 2. It gets to the point of needing total replacement in 2-3 days, and sometimes even before then.

This compares poorly to Superdrug's MUA polish which costs much less. The colour itself doesn't fade though, so I am happy with the finish while it lasts.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?

I think for £1.89 the polish is fair value, although I don't feel it lives up to it's claims for being long lasting. The range of colours available is attractive, providing you aren't looking for something too bright. I will buy a varnish from the collection again, although it won't be "Maple" that I mentioned above. I don't like it much now I have worn it a few times! I think it would suit someone with a better tan than I have, in which case it would look good on your toes in the summer. If you are looking for a fast drying polish, or a very chip resistant one, I wouldn't recommend this. If you want something that is an inexpensive way to try new colours and you don't mind reapplying often, these are good value at £1.89 for 8ml.

They are available at most Boots stores, but the range available from Boots online is very limited - 3 shades. They are currently on a 3 for 2 offer with other cosmetics and beauty products.

[This review also appeals on Dooyoo, under my user name.]