I knew when I saw Mermaid’s Tears that I would love it – and I do! I was inspired after seeing it here, here and here. Nobody is more surprised than I am that my favorite nail polish colors have all been shades that I would have avoided a couple of years ago. I was very conservative in my color choices then and only bought nudes and shades of red, until a quest for Chanel Particuliere led me to Paradoxal. But Particuliere was completely sold out that day and Paradoxal had just arrived, so that came home with me instead. And while I love it, the nail polishes that cost considerably less than Chanel have been awesome. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by many $2 and $3 polish finds. And because most of what I buy (as far as nail polishes go) is mood-driven and impulsive, I feel better the next day if I spent less than what I would have spent on a premium coffee drink.

And finally – the winner of the Set the Stage Giveaway: Commenter #5, Samantha Edwards. Congratulations, Samantha!