Two weeks ago I wanted to paint my nails after what seems to be forever since I last painted them. I used to be very diligent in making sure I have colors on my nails but over the past few months I just did not have the time. And I was enjoying the bare nails look. However I started to missed my funky accent nail-do and I did not want to use the same ol’ nail polish I had so I went on a stash shopping looking for new nail polishes. As luck was on my side I found a few brand new nail polishes sitting in the drawer. I have three new CATRICE nail polishes but the CATRICE Ultimate Nail Lacquer wow-ed me and I cannot stop using them!

I had these CATRICE Ultimate Nail Lacquer from the brand launch event back in 2015. Now I am smacking my head wondering why the heck I have not used them because IT IS SO FREAKING GOOD! I must admit, I am at the most confuse state every time I am standing in front of CATRICE shelf, especially looking up at their nail polishes. They have so many and you know me, choices and I are not the bestest friend lol. I bought a few before but they were meh. But these ones, these ones blew my mind.

CATRICE said that the formula for Ultimate Nail Lacquer provides professional coverage. I think they meant opaque. It has unique colour brilliance that last longer as well as high-shine results. Checked, checked and CHECKED! Made in Luxembourg, these nail lacquers are free of formaldehyde, toluene and phthalates. Initially I only wanted to use the berry shade – 94 It’s A Very Berry Bash. Oh I forgot to mention that all CATRICE products come with a funky shade name. Then I remembered I do not do single nail shade for all 10 fingers so I whipped out 99 Sweet Macaron Sin as well.

First of all, the applicator. I have really, really tiny nails and I have always been into small applicator. I notice that small round applicator can make the finishing a bit streaky. Flat applicator like the one in Bourjois that I like as well are too big. This flat applicator from CATRICE Ultimate Nail Lacquer is just perfect. Perfect size and fit even for my small nails (and toes too). It does it’s job in three quick swipe. I usually start from the middle, then right and lastly left. The opacity of this nail lacquer is just amazing. It is so high coverage that you can easily get away with a single coat if you do a medium thickness. I like my nails to dry fast so I prefer a thin layer and then reapply another layer so that they last longer.

It dries pretty fast too. And durable as well. I applied on last Friday, load and unload lots of stuff for #IWillBeOkay Trail Hike on Saturday and my nails are still as pretty as freshly applied today. It normally last one and a half week on me, depending how much chores I do.

It has high shine finishing so a top coat is not necessary. But I still apply a top coat not for extra shine but to drag the durability even longer. Sadly my top coat are gone by the 2nd day. Don’t ask me why. It just does not last lol.

As you know, CATRICE is my all time favourite affordable drugstore brand. I have said this so many times and I am going to say it again. The pricing for CATRICE products is just amazingly affordable. And when Guardian is having sale, it is even cheaper! This retails for RM15.90 each. When it goes on sale, it can be as low as RM10 😉 . Sometimes. Don’t quote me 😛

Disclaimer: Product was from brand launch previously. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.