LA Girl polish left this Belgian/Canadian girl impressed

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Rarely do I make beauty recommendations, because rarely do I venture outside the cosmetic realm of MAC or Armani, but there are a few exceptions. And LA Girl nails is now one of them.

My nails ALWAYS chip. Even if I buy myself an expensive spa manicure. ESPECIALLY if I buy myself a spa manicure, in fact - because that's just how life is, isn't it?

I have tried literally every brand; with and without basecoat, topcoat; one coat, two coats; and even waiting idly for hours for them to dry.

Yet, again and again, within 24 hours, there is major chippage. And I am NOT a working-with-my-hands kind of gal.

So, I felt obligated to spread the word after falling in love with an LA Girl nail colour (@Urban Outfitters) and slapping it on with little expectation, only to discover it passed the 24 hour threshold!

This is HUGE. I am converted. And beauty brand conversion is hard business.

Case in point: I ONLY buy MAC eyeshadow, Maybelline or DiorSHOW mascara, and Giorgio foundation and lipstick (if I can afford it). And I ALWAYS set aside budget for a good foundation. Even if it means groceries get cut.

Plus, LA Girl polish comes in a full spectrum of shades, from summer brights to the soft shades seen on Chanel's fall runway.

And achieving Chanel looks at a fraction of Chanel prices is also hard business.

DIY tip: only one coat of polish is needed, preceeded by a good basecoat (Sally Hansen or OPI).