China Glaze: the struggle is real

I got two new nail polishes this week - both old China Glaze releases and both absolute bitches to apply.

L-R: Spring in My Step and Flip Flop Fantasy...NB no filter has been applied here but the light has diluted Spring in my Step a little bit.
Yes, even Essie “Fiji” seems relatively straightforward in comparison.
The China Glaze brush is too long, the formula too streaky and the multiple layers needed means there is a high propensity for major chipping within 48 hours of application. It’s a bloomin’ nightmare and I would typically be inclined to think “sod this” and toss them out. But, and there’s a big but, the colours are amazing.
You all know that Flip Flop Fantasy has been on my radar for some time. China Glaze is hard to find over here (there is a small, slightly manky looking selection in Woojoh/Faces) and whenever I have gone back to the UK I have forgotten to pick it up. FINALLY, it’s mine.
It’s a neon coral tone and the ideal toe colour for summer. I have attempted applying it on my fingernails but I did a rushed, botched job that was immediately removed. I’ll wait until I feel particularly zen one day and then re-try or more realistically, take it to my nail place the next time I get a manicure and put it into the hands of someone who will know how to handle it!
I am happy to wait a while until I see that on me though because I am absolutely obsessed with Spring in My Step and I will be wearing this for at least the next week. Complete with a little smudge on one finger ;)

How do I describe this? Well, if Mod About You had a pretty peach sister, it would be Spring in My Step. It’s that perfect hybrid of pink/peach with an undertone so bright that it lifts and warms your skin.
It has a lot in common with Essie’s Van D’Go and Model’s Own Beach Bag – both require a lot of counting to 10 when applying and a fair few coats to get streak free. I would perhaps tentatively suggest that Spring in My Step is a little brighter, a little more light pink, and to coin a phrase my mum would say, a little more “out there”. I really feel like this is the colour I have been waiting for.
Sidenote: my nails are in pretty good nick at the moment and I think this is down to a few things:

• I haven’t been getting gel manicures.
• I have been religiously applying a nourishing base coat every day – NailTek Hydration Therapy; and
• I have been taking pre-natal vitamins. I am not actually pregnant (although it would be lovely if I was) but the side effect has definitely been a dramatic strengthen of the nails.

So this would be my current nail polish obsession. I think the next time I apply this I am going to try it with a different brush – at least that will give me a little more control in getting it on my stumpy nails.
I am a little mad to put up with this palava really but it’s all for the colour…it can’t be beaten. Having said that if you have a shade similar that you think I would like then let me know!