I love taupe colors for fall in all capacities- eyes, nails, and sometimes even lips! Nearly every single nail polish manufacturer on the planet has got a version out there. Here I have two very similar colors of taupe polish from two respected brands- Essie and Sally Hansen. Let’s see which one wins!!
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in 370 Commander in Chic: $6.59 (0.5 fl oz/14.7 mL) at Target
Essie Nail Lacquer in 76 Merino Cool: $7.79 (0.46 fl oz/13.5 mL) at Target
http://www.target.com/p/sally-hansen-complete-salon-manicure-commander-in-chic/-/A-13332358
http://www.target.com/p/essie-nail-color-merino-cool/-/A-13249632?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C13249632&CPNG=Health+Beauty&kpid=13249632&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13249632&gclid=CIvJoOb0kboCFZE7Mgod-ScApg
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Sally Hansen |
Essie |
Features (as found on brand websites) |
Base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, salon-inspired color, top coat, chip-resistance and a gel finish all in 1 bottleVita Care technology for advanced 10 day wear, more shine and nourishing care
1st place |
Outstanding durability, a chip-resistant formula
2nd place |
Price |
1st place |
2nd place |
Color (for me personally) |
Mid-tone purple-based taupe (lighter than Essie)1st place |
Dark-mid-tone purple-based taupe (darker than Sally Hansen)2nd place |
Wear time (until first chip appears) |
After 4-5 days, only minor tip wear , no base or top coat
1st place |
After 2-3 days, no base or topcoat
2nd place |
Application |
Brush slightly larger, product less prone to gloopiness1st place |
Good brush, product prone to gloopiness2nd place |
Dry Time |
1st place |
2nd place |
Ingredients |
DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde freeContains parabens
2nd place |
DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde free1st place |
OVERALL RANK |
1st place |
2nd place |
Overall, there is no disputing it: Commander in Chic outperformed Merino Cool in virtually every category. Honestly, the wear time for me was the most impressive; for me most things wear 2-3 days before starting to chip, like the Essie shade. For me to get that much wear out of it was absolutely mind blowing for me. The Complete Salon Manicure looks like an amazing formula, I think I will be picking up some more colors from the line in the future!