A Brutally Honest Barry M Review

First Impressions

Clover told me about Barry M’s Jelly range a while back and I did a bit of a happy squeal when I followed the link she sent me. The colours look fantastic and I have the thinnest, most average nails in the world, so anything that can make them look like a shiny new salon job is worth a go. I saw them in Boots and bought it in Blackberry for £2.99. My first impression was great. Stunning, on trend, dark berry shade, gorgeous looking bottle and of course the fact that it was Barry M. I have a massive collection of Barry M polishes because they’re so affordable and generally have great results.

Application

On application, this was great. It was as glossy on my nails as it is in the bottle, the colour wonderfully deep and application smooth and fuss free. It took two coats to achieve an even colour, but I always go with two coats regardless of colour or brand. Ten minutes later, I was still waiting for them to dry and getting impatient, I started wandering about, fanning my hands and hoping they would hurry. After twenty minutes it was still tacky and I was beginning to doubt it would stay put, so took it off and went for attempt two.

I made sure I wasn't so generous with the application this time and sure enough, it still took quite a while to dry, but when it did, felt luxurious and had a wonderful shine. I may be being picky, but it just looked like a nice coloured varnish – not like a gel at all. After having great success with crackle, sparkle, croc and foil effects by Mr M, I was a bit disappointed by the gel. (I've since had a frustrating experience with his magnetic polishes, but that is all to do with my lack of patience and co-ordination.) For £2.99, this was something I was willing to live with and was still quite pleased.

All shiny and pretty

Day 1

As a teaching assistant by day and financial necessity, my nails get a fair bashing in catering, woodwork and chewing them in frustration, but this is nothing a good varnish can’t handle. By lunch time, the edges were already a bit ragged and I really don’t think it could handle a job where typing takes its toll. So much for long-lasting gel. It also seemed to be picking up grease, dirt and finger prints – as if it never dried at all. However, it won a point when one of the 15 year olds I work with asked where I get my nails done. Still, if that’s her idea of a professional looking job, she must have seen some seriously shocking manicures.

After 1 day. Patchy, lumpy and not so shiny. 

Day 2

I couldn’t take it anymore. I’m sorry Barry, I love your polishes and hate to do such a bad review, but it’s a thumbs down from me. I love your new glitter range though and am hoping Santa puts some in my stocking ;).

So, there it is. My review of Barry M Jelly – What do you lot think?

Crimson xoxo