The editors of Allure put more than 2,000 beauty products to the test and in the end they settled on some of your favorite names as tops in their field. Along with the announcement of their “Best of Beauty” in the October 2007 issue, the editors inducted two polish brands into their Hall of Fame. They commended Essie Cosmetics’ 200 + polishes for their durability, for the brush, and for the “pretty colors and perky names” that capture a touch of luxury. OPI’s I’m Not Really a Waitress also made the Hall of Fame. “It works on every skin tone, and that’s what’s made it timeless,” said salon owner Jin Soon Choi.

Here are some of Allure’s “Best of Beauty” picks:

  • Best Bright Polish: OPI’s Cajun Shrimp. “A hot coral so flattering on all skin tones, we can overlook its unfortunate name.”
  • Best Pink Polish: Essie’s Mademoiselle. “Baby pink at its most sophisticated.”
  • Best Red Polish: Essie’s Really Red. “With orange undertones, this lacquer is a true red that doesn’t look grandmotherly.”
  • Best Basecoat: OPI’s ChipSkip Nail Lacquer Chip Preventor. “Soaks up any oils on nails, allowing polish to stick firmly and resist dings for a full week.”
  • Cuticle Cream: CND’s SolarBalm. “Has all the hydration of the original oil in a compact solid — making spills a thing of the past.”
  • Quick Fixes: Essie’s Good to Go! “Gives a mirror-like shine and doesn’t chip as quickly as other fast-driers.”

Staff Writer

Editorial

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