The allure of nail polish

Prior to June of this year, with the exception of summer pedicures, I had probably painted my nails a handful of times in the past five years. Since June, I have purchased (and created!) literally hundreds of bottles of nail polish. My stash has gone from miniscule to "do I need a Helmer?" in the space of just a few months. What gives?

Individually, a bottle of nail polish is an affordable luxury. I have never spent more than $10.00 for a bottle of nail polish. And there's nothing like opening a package and discovering it's my Etsy haul, with a new one of a kind bonus polish! There are so many beautiful colors. Sometimes I can't help but think, "my life would just be so much better if I had that *perfect* color for my nails." But, collectively, my purchases have crossed the line from "affordable" and something that can bring a little color to my life into territory verging on
addiction. Yes, I have been able to "afford" all of the nail polish that I have purchased, but it also would be nice to have retirement savings. Why do I keep buying nail polish? What is so irresistible?

I think a nail polish stash gives me something to organize. I'm in a temporary bedroom on the first floor while I recuperate from knee surgery, but once I move back upstairs, my polishes will be neatly organized, first by brand, then by color. There is nothing quite like opening that drawer and finding just that right shade of red, or that really unique indie glitter.

Nail polish also gives me a creative outlet right now. While I can walk around with crutches, it is most comfortable to spend as much time as possible in bed with my leg propped up on a pillow. My daily manicures (thanks, weird body chemistry!), give me something to look forward to each day. I can change up my look with the swipe of a brush across my nail. Especially when making my own frankenpolish, I can know that my nails are truly a one of a kind masterpiece.

Nail polish can also give rise to a sense of community. My family may not believe it, but I'm not the only person in the world with such a sizable nail polish stash. In fact, there are many bloggers out there who put my daily manicures to shame with their numerous picture-perfect swatches.

In the end, I don't think really I can ascribe a deeper meaning to it. Right now, with everything going on in my life, I love nail polish. Who cares about why? Bring on the glitter!