** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Every gal and guy should have a little red in her/his life – it’s the color of passion and fun! And that’s just exactly what the color of e.l.f. Essentials Medium Red Nail Polish is. This red can go from girl-who-just-wants-to-have-fun look to a woman-out-to-dominate-the-world shade. It all depends on what you wear it with.

It’s funny how a little color on your nails can pick you up. I’ve been a Debbie Downer, Party Pooper and Moody Molly lately, and as soon as I sweep on a catch-my-eye nail color, it seems to bring a smile to my face. It’s no longer-term therapy, but it’s an instant smile aggregator that lasts a little bit.

e.l.f. Essentials Medium Red Nail Polish Swatches & Pictures

*~*3 Coats with Top Coat in Flash *~*

*~* 3 Coats with Top Coat in Natural Light

Claims: TRUSTED

√ Chip resistant
√ Long lasting
√ Quick drying
√ High shine
√ Glides on effortlessly

Key Notes

• Name: e.l.f. Essentials Medium Red Nail Polish
• Amount: 0.35oz. or 10 ml
• What I Paid: $1 USD
• Price Per Unit: $2.88/oz. or $0.1/ml
• Other e.l.f. Essentials Nail Polish Collection Colors Available: Clear, White, Pearl, Nude, Pearl Pink, Blush, Champagne, Bubble Gum Pink, Fluorescent Pink, Coral, Mod Mauve, Berry Pink, Royal Purple, Light Red, Sunset, Mint Cream, Lilac, Desert Haze, Smoky Brown, Innocent, Burgundy, Chocolate, Plum, Dark Navy, Fuchsia, Fire Coral, Hot Pink, Punk Purple, Party Purple, Mango Madness, Passion Pink, Purple Pleaser, Rosy Raisin, Red Velvet, Cranberry, Metal Madness, Teal Blue, Golden Goddess, Twinkle, Glitter Glam, Purple Dream, Copper, Black, Dark Glitter Purple
• Where to Buy: e.l.f. website

elf Medium Red Review

elf Medium Red is no unique shade. In fact, I think I have a similar color to this elsewhere… but that doesn’t stop me from liking it. One of the main factors being the price tag – it’s worth it and 5 times more!

Color

The color is very one dimensional. It’s basically a plain red that’s on the cherry side. If you’re looking for more depth and interest, this ain’t fo’ ya. In its defense, I think the red is pretty and catching – it could also be a good base color if you want to wear a glittery top coat.

Finish

It does have a super high glossy finish that will definitely catch some eye though. In fact, even without a top coat e.l.f. Medium Red reflects the light so brilliantly that it shines like an oiled-up bodybuilder.

Application & Consistency

I continue to be incredibly amazed at elf nail polishes – they are absolutely a dream to apply. elf Essentials Medium Red is no exception. The formula goes on like butter, without streaks, clumps, lumps or goop. It evens itself out very nicely.

And you know what? It dries super quickly, too! You don’t have to wait forever before you apply a second coat or a top coat.

Opacity

Alright. Here is where it goes downhill slightly. You’ll need at least 3 coats for this one or it’s sheer and see-through. And with each coat, the color deepens a little, so if you want a slightly vampy darkness to the color, try 4 coats to achieve it.

Value

I can’t say enough about how much value this offers at just $1 a bottle. Where can you really get a bottle of nail polish that has good color and offers great consistency for that little? elf, you’re defying the logic of polish value!

Pros  Good consistency Easy to apply Very affordable Dries fast Infused with vitamin E Free of DBP, formaldehyde, toluene

Cons  Needs at least 3 coats Color is kind of 1 dimensional

Final Verdict: 7.9/10

e.l.f. Medium Red Polish isn’t the most interesting color on the planet – no way. But it’s still a cute enough color to make it to my nail polish collection. If you don’t have a similar shade in your collection already, this is definitely worth a try.

What do you think of this color? Do you think I’m giving elf Cosmetics too much time in the spotlight? Let me know!