Compared to many other things, my enthusiasm for nail polish is only moderate. I do like a good colour, but as I’m crap at doing my nails, the number of polishes I buy and use is relatively limited. Another factor is that my clothes vary so much that they pretty much demand a different nail colour every day – unless I go for a neutral and you know me, I don’t want to go for a neutral most of the time.

This lack of enthusiasm isn’t only my fault, though. Five – or maybe eight? – years ago, the lacquer market was a much more interesting place. There were new cool brands launching, more natural and sustainable formulas created and Chanel was coming out with a new must have shade every season (remember Jade, Particuliere, Nouvelle Vague, Mimosa?). Whether you loved OPI or Essie was an actual topic of conversation.

Nothing quite as exciting has happened for years. I blame gel manicure. And can we just pretend nail art never happened? Anyway, the reason I’m writing this post is – obviously – that there is now a polish brand I’m genuinely thrilled about. Smith & Cult launched in 2015, but I finally got my neglected paws on it last year. My first S&C lacquer – Plastic Beach – was featured in this post.

My mini collection now includes four colours, in addition to the Plastic Beach also Fauntleroy (lilac), Tenderoni (greige) and Lover’s Creep (red). And that’s the thing: it’s my objective assessment that noone else does colour as well as Smith & Cult does. I genuinely like most of the shades they offer and some of them I like to an unreasonable degree. I have a wish list that runs to double digits and starts with the beautifully green Darjeeling.

Of course, it not ONLY about the colours. It doesn’t hurt that the bottles look amazing and luxurious, while the names and the general attitude are playful and even a little rebellious (as rebellious as you can get when selling 20 euro nail polish). It’s a nice mix. I thought I was over wittily named beauty products, but Smith & Cult do it really well and the little descriptions they add are even better than the names*. I’m going to buy Gay Ponies Dancing in the Snow even if I’m never going to wear that pink glitter.

The main complaint I have is that the formula can be a little challenging to apply. It’s not too bad – otherwise I wouldn’t be able to get a decent result, considering my non-existing skills -, but the second coat doesn’t go on as smoothly as I’d like. Still, it’s workable and also lasts reasonably well. The polishes are also 5-free, always a bonus.

If you are a formula nut who’s looking for the best possible application experience, Smith & Cult may not be for you. But if you are a person who’s turned on by unusual colours and clever copy, look no further.**

*One of my favourite examples: Feed The Rich. Opaque dark teal green. It’s all about everyone spending the entire time strongly insinuating that they are elevated and evolved because they eat organic uncultured Echinacea balls of green mulchy purity.

**They now do lip and eye products as well. I still think the polishes are the most appealing.