Hello, ladies... (and guys, too, I guess.)

[Psy]

I've got a friend that's going through some real shit right now. Starting a new job after losing her old one because she had to stay at home/in hospital with her daughter who was seriously ill for over a month. She's a widow, and her last S.O. dumped her right before New Year's for a similar reason as she was fired (and let me just say, if you're going to date someone with kids you need to realize ahead of time that those kids are going to be their number 1 priority).

Needless to say, she's not doing too hot and is a bit overwhelmed. One of the things she's always done for fun is doing her & her daughters' nails, often posting the results on social media for friends & family. She hasn't for a while, and I've found out that the reason why is that she simply doesn't have any nail polish right now aside from a plain red for work.


I'd like to get her some.

Preferably a set of 5 or so, $20 or less (yes, I know I'm cheap, but I'm on a budget too). I've already purchased some stencils as well. I'd definitely appreciate suggestions & ideas from you all, especially if you've used your recommended types/brands before. Oh, her favorite colors are Carolina Blue & a deep green. Not together, but those are her favorite colors.

(Also, yes, I know that there are other things that could help in a trying time. This is my chosen way to get her smiling. I could use a little help with deciding the particulars, is all)

[Kevin Hamilton]

My eyes were immediately drawn to the shortest sentence here. That coupled with the title made me go... "wait, what is this thread about?"

[Kyn]

This is a great way to cheer your friend up! She definitely sounds like she's going through it, and gestures like this remind you you're not alone when it feels like the world's raining crap on you.

OPI, Essie, and China Glaze are great brands. Unfortunately I'm not from the States so I'm not sure on the prices there, but OPI do sets of mini polishes which I think would be in your budget.

[ayumidah]

Yeah, OPI is good. Do you have a Sally's Beauty Supply store or something along those lines near you? The workers there are usually really friendly and helpful.

[Psy]

Nah, this is a tiny town, and our mall was recently cut in half. I think the only places in town to sell makeup/etc are Walmart, Walgreens, and Belks.

And thank you all for the suggestions so far.

[Beebs is the Final Girl]

I get my polish at Walmart and drug stores. Sinful Colors is the brand I use most. They have a lot of neat colors.

[King Boo]

Nail polish addict here *waves hello*

I love love love Zoya polishes and it's all I use. The whole brand is free of toxins (like formaldehyde) and is just as good, if not better, than other brands. The only problem is that they're kinda pricey, and I usually wait for a sale to get stuff. FWIW there's one on now - 4 polishes for free if you pay $15 shipping (so, $3.75 a bottle instead of the usual $10). Something like that is the only way I'd tell you to check it out, given the circumstances.

OPI and Essie are about the same, price-wise. Good, but a little too much for the range you want to stay in. Plus, if it's gonna be on a kid's fingers also, it doesn't need to be anything too ritzy, I'd think. A place like Walmart or Five Below (if one is near you) should have some fun, inexpensive colors where you can get more bang for your buck.

[arrogantmodel]

Don't know shit about nail polish and stuff, but good on you for trying to lift spirits, and I hope things pick up and straighten out for everybody. 👍