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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Why it pays to pay more for polish

Generally speaking, I'm all about a fab-o deal. I mean, obviously.  But there really are some beauty items you just shouldn't cut corners on. You know the saying "you get what you pay for?"  I don't like that saying.  Except for when it's true.

I'm a nail polish hoarder by the way, so I like to think I know a thing or two about polish:
I kid you not, a lot of those bottles have been hoarded since middle school. I have a problem.
And let me tell you, all nail polish is not created equal.  I've tried bargain polish like NYC (New York Color) and it chips in a few hours.  Polish that costs a few extra dollars?  Amazingly resilient for active girls like us. 

Even though OPI, essie and Sally Hansen polish (my 3 faves) will cost you a little more, they are still generally under $10.  Nothing that's gonna send you to the poor house, so from one bargainista to another: splurge on polish.

While we are on the topic of polish, here are some gorgeous fall colors I'm dieing over. Fall, puhh-lease get here already! You're breaking my heart. 
Matte velvet polish in Loredana and Posh, by Zoya.  [via]

OPI in Espresso Your Style. [via]

OPI in You Don't Know Jaques Matte [via]
essie in Carry On [via]

Any polish colors you are already eyeing for Fall?  I'm completely obsessing over the matte look.

SIDE NOTE: Since I mentioned fab-o deals, this Bargain Blonde just discovered Living Social. The shame, I know.  It's really inexcusable.  I had heard of it, but never used it.  So anyway, how amazing is this deal??  A one year subscription of US Weekly for only $30. That's ridiculously cheap!  Click here to purchase it before it expires in a few hours!
Did you know that if you buy a Living Social deal and then 3 friends buy via the link you get after purchasing the deal that your deal is free?  Holla!

This is going to get really annoying really quick (I'm certain it already has), but don't forget to vote daily for The Bargain Blonde. Pretty please click the image below to vote:
A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thank you to all of you ladies (& gents) that have already voted and continue to vote.  It really means a lot to me. You have no idea.

Special shout out to Raven @ A Momma's Desires & Pacifiers, Beth @ Sweet Bef's Blog, Hannah @ A Lovely Mess, Megan @ A Suitcase and Stilettos and Helene @ Do Dallas Cheap for blogging about my nomimation. And to all you dolls giving me facebook love (PinkLouLou): XOXO times a million.

(If you shouted me out and I left you out, I'm sooo sorry! Scold me in the comments and I will give you a proper thank you!)
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41 comments:

  1. SierraThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:25:00 AM PDT

    I LOVE the OPI in Espresso! SOLD!

    ReplyDelete
  2. RissyThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:39:00 AM PDT

    I might have to sign up for Living Social notifications... oh me oh my

    I need to go vote for you as well!

    China Glaze... been on my toes for quite awhile... re-applied after New Orleans, but if it survived that mess imagine the possibilities haha

    ReplyDelete
  3. ChellThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:40:00 AM PDT

    I love OPI brand. I find that if I add a touch of remover to each bottle of nail polish... It helps to make it last longer on my toes. I don't know why... it just does.

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  4. AnonymousThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:56:00 AM PDT

    I'm doing my part in voting :)

    And I love those colors!

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  5. JessThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:57:00 AM PDT

    I am absolutely loving the matte trend. My polish gets unglossy in a hurry, so having it start off matte might just be the way to go. I love dark colors for fall. I try to go light during summer and gradually get darker. Where do you buy your polishes?

    ReplyDelete
  6. PinkLouLouThursday, August 25, 2011 at 9:57:00 AM PDT

    HEY I FACEBOOKED IT!

    he he .

    OK Espresso yo self is my FAVORITE fall OPI color. And A close second is You don't know jaques, AND teasy does it. holla.

    CANNOT WAIT FOR ALL.

    And I am off to get get me a US weekly subscription.

    ReplyDelete
  7. jessicaThursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:13:00 AM PDT

    I NEED that expresso nail polish like right now!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Call it AdventureThursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:14:00 AM PDT

    I loooove that OPI espresso. I need to go find it somewhere! It's gorgeous! I agree with you. Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen beat out cheaper brands by far. Have you heard of Birchbox? It's $10 a month and you get 4-5 deluxe beauty samples a month from high-end products to try out. They're usually pretty good sized and sometimes they even have full sized products. I've found it's a really cheap way to try out some great beauty products and it keeps me from buying a bunch of stuff all month. Thought a bargainista like you might appreciate the info. Totally love your blog by the way, I'm a new follower!

    ReplyDelete
  9. RavenThursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:16:00 AM PDT

    holy shitoly that is a lot of nail polish! Would you be surprised to know that I own a grand total of FOUR nail polishes? That's it.

    "you get what you pay for. I don't like that saying" haha!! Oh Les Les Les.

    Those first two fingers look really creepy. Like, are those real persons fingers? They look like doll fingers.

    I voted! again today and again tomorrow and then the next!

    ReplyDelete
  10. BethThursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:21:00 AM PDT

    i can not get behind this fact. i love my sally hansen polishes. they are like 4 bones at walmart and they have the big brushes. love them. i've tried essie...hated it. i need to try some opi...i really love their colors and that's what all the mani/pedi ladies use anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  11. StephanieThursday, August 25, 2011 at 11:00:00 AM PDT

    I'm SO with you on not skimping on the nail polish. Love me some Essie these days. Also, ORLY has been staying on for quite some time too and it's like $5! Holla!

    ReplyDelete
  12. CarrieThursday, August 25, 2011 at 11:54:00 AM PDT

    My favorite polish right now is that new (well, maybe its not new) complete manicure by Sally Hansen. The larger brush is so much easier to use! And it stays on pretty well. I do love OPI too, and I am definitely going to have to try that Espresso one. LOVE!

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownThursday, August 25, 2011 at 12:20:00 PM PDT

    Um. You JUST NOW discovered Living Social? What about Groupon? There's another one too, but I can't think of it. I get all 3, from CC, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio ... just in case I need a massage when traveling.

    Um. I sooooo love that sparkly brown OPI polish and I need. Thank you much for adding to my want list.

    ReplyDelete
  14. HeatherThursday, August 25, 2011 at 12:25:00 PM PDT

    I'm LOVING Opi's Espresso!

    And I'm so addicted to Living Social!

    ReplyDelete
  15. NikkiThursday, August 25, 2011 at 12:36:00 PM PDT

    I am loving the matte look! I will have to find me some of that!

    However, I have had huge problems with OPI & Sally Hansen chipping on me. The only one that doesn't chip for me is Sinful Colors and it's only $1.99.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hot Pink Combat BootsThursday, August 25, 2011 at 12:53:00 PM PDT

    The matte polish looks so regal and luxe - I'm loving it.

    Great link on the mag - I would sign up except I'm in the middle of relocating within the next few months back to the states. Bummer!
    I spend so much money on that mag at the grochery store!

    ReplyDelete
  17. ChelseaThursday, August 25, 2011 at 12:54:00 PM PDT

    I totally agree that it's worth it to pay more in this case! Oh, and it was a sad day when I FINALLY threw out my scented nail polishes from 6th grade.

    I've become a total Essie girl. I love their color selections and Target and Wal-mart put them just below $8. Score! Turquoise & Caicos is one of my faves but now when I put it on, it's streaky, and then after two coats, it bubbles up! Just this color. What am I doing wrong??

    The Essie fall line is awesome! Carry On is definitely one of my top picks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. CThursday, August 25, 2011 at 3:15:00 PM PDT

    Oooh, I want OPI You Don't Know Jaques Matte! Three of the fall Essie colors are on my wish list! I LOVE Living Social, Groupon and the new Amazon Local! That Us Weekly deal is awesome. I’ve had a subscription for about 8 years, so I can’t get it. Bummer. I've been voting for you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. DanielleThursday, August 25, 2011 at 4:53:00 PM PDT

    I love You Don't Know Jaques! I wore it all the time last Fall....I tried it in Matte...it looked like...well like I had poop all over my fingernails. It was so not for me. That Espresso Your Style is AMAZING though, I likey!

    ReplyDelete
  20. SandyThursday, August 25, 2011 at 4:57:00 PM PDT

    Ooooooh I'm loving the matte look too! Is it too early to wear "fall color" nail polish? I want to paint my nails now.

    And I've been voting every time you remind me too! Good luck!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. JudyThursday, August 25, 2011 at 5:33:00 PM PDT

    Did my daily vote.. BTW: When did they come out with matte nail polish?! Because that crap is cute as hell! Must resist urge to splurge on a mani/pedi this weekend...

    ReplyDelete
  22. ChiThursday, August 25, 2011 at 5:48:00 PM PDT

    love OPI all the way, great polish colors

    ReplyDelete
  23. RachThursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:15:00 PM PDT

    Love the OPI espresso polish!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Young and FabulousThursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:18:00 PM PDT

    can you mail me some nailpolish thats not pink? because i seem to have only pink, light pink, dark pink, medium pink, baby pink, etc. I like your variety!! I AM JEALOUS.

    i love those velvet polishes! they dont look shiny which is cool...ive never seen anything like that!!

    i HEART living social! seriously..best ever. Have you checked out GroupOn? also awesome!!

    voting for you again :) when will you know if you win??

    xoox

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Fashionable TravelerThursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:35:00 PM PDT

    I love Essie Carry on...I hope it doesn't clash with my new handbag. And those velvet colors are very cool. Living Social is awesome, I find that there are more things on there that I actually use than Groupon.

    btw...have you heard of the Crazy Coupon Lady, I read about it in Ad Age, and went to her sight today and followed a link to restaurants.com and bought $100 of gift certificates to two of my favorite local restaurants for $12....what a deal.

    ReplyDelete
  26. SarahThursday, August 25, 2011 at 6:54:00 PM PDT

    I totally know what you mean, I'm a sucker for cheap nail polish, but then I always regret it when it's already chipping after I just applied it.

    e.l.f. nail polish is the worst..it chips quickly and when you try to take it off with polish remover it doesn't come off so well.


    livelaughandlovinglife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. LindsayThursday, August 25, 2011 at 7:32:00 PM PDT

    Essie is my absolute favorite nail polish. If I had the money I would buy the whole collection - no lie. I think I have a problem? I've been stalking their new fall line for a while now and can't wait until it's finally in stores. Carry On will most definitely be coming home with me!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousFriday, August 26, 2011 at 1:09:00 AM PDT

    first of all, you would be a nail polish hoarder. but i love you for it (i used to be one too...)

    thanks for the shout on here btw...

    and i am not sure how i feel about the matte nail polish. maybe it'll grow on me (might take norway 15 years to get the memo about it though). but i love the OPI espresso one you showed. like LOVE it...wish i could find it here!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. HeleneFriday, August 26, 2011 at 6:52:00 AM PDT

    You don't know Jaques is so so adorable. I'm with you on fall getting here. but, how did you not know about LivingSocial!? too funny!
    Do Dallas Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousFriday, August 26, 2011 at 10:20:00 AM PDT

    oh, i can not wait to go shopping for new fall colors!

    ReplyDelete
  31. JenniferFriday, August 26, 2011 at 12:36:00 PM PDT

    I bet some of those polishes I carried in to your freshman dorm room, in and out apartments for 3years, finally out of Lubbock to NC only to go back to TX and in and out multiple apartments there. I love you my little, nail polish, shoe, underwear etc. hoarder.

    Mom

    ReplyDelete
  32. JSaturday, August 27, 2011 at 1:09:00 AM PDT

    I totally agree, although I do like NYC's clear polish. I LOVE that OPI in Espresso Your Style - totally obsessed with shimmer polishes lately! Thanks for sharing! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  33. LindseySaturday, August 27, 2011 at 7:10:00 AM PDT

    I am lovinggg the matte nail polishes for fall!

    ReplyDelete
  34. David AndrewsSunday, August 28, 2011 at 9:19:00 AM PDT

    For some more bargains - check this out - http://www.comicbookandmoviereviews.com/2011/08/fox-granny-going-cheap.html

    ReplyDelete
  35. BrittanySunday, August 28, 2011 at 9:46:00 AM PDT

    I think I'm slowly becoming a "bargain brunette" over on my site, ha! I can't help but write about my good finds :) So true about the polish..cheap polish chips so much faster! Good tips.

    ReplyDelete
  36. FaithSunday, August 28, 2011 at 11:14:00 AM PDT

    seriously i hate nothing more than when nail polish chips in a few hours after being applied ... so annoying!

    love the colors you posted ... come on fall! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jess...Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 11:49:00 AM PDT

    I'm also loving the matte look! And WHAT?! How have you lived without living social? Haha. (I'm also obsessed with rue la la; do you ever use it?)

    ReplyDelete
  38. TexanCoutureSunday, August 28, 2011 at 4:44:00 PM PDT

    In love with the OPI Espresso Your Style need to buy that ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
  39. AshleyMonday, August 29, 2011 at 3:44:00 PM PDT

    living social is amazeballs....you will never go back!

    i basically want a magazine subscription to every tabloid possible!

    AND you are so right about nail polishes...i can paint my nails w/essie and it can last all week!

    ReplyDelete
  40. KatieWednesday, August 31, 2011 at 3:15:00 PM PDT

    omg I'm loving that Espresso Your Style! I NEED THAT ASAP!!!! LOVES IT.
    I'm a nail polish hoarder as well. I had a basket full. I should do a nail polish post too! haha
    So looking forward to wearing dark purples, and browns!

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousFriday, August 30, 2013 at 11:26:00 PM PDT

    Buying cheap nail polish online can be easy unlike when you are going to the stores.

    cheap nail polish & buy lipstick

    ReplyDelete

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