When in Hong Kong: Cher 2 in Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong has been one of my favorite destinations abroad. Aside from the various local brands that offer nail polish at very affordable prices, they also have Cher 2. 

Cher 2 is a shop that only sells stuff that has anything to do with nail polish. That includes base and top coats, treatments, files, lotions, etc. They currently have four branches around Hong Kong, but the one I've been to was their shop in TST.

This shop is not something you'd casually run into while walking around the streets of Hong Kong. It's located in the sixth floor of a building called Kowloon Centre in Ashley Road, which would be a familiar street if you know about the huge Esprit store right across Langham Place. A quick review of a map would lead you to the place, and I promise that inside that unassuming building is nail polish heaven.

The brands that they sell here are US names like OPI, Orly, China Glaze, etc. Now they are still not at par with the price in the US but considering what other stores and e-tailers charge per bottle, Cher 2 is actually affordable. Plus they are up to date with the latest collections/ Membership is free and you can sign up even if it's your first time in the store. Members get an additional 5% off the price and freebies depending on what their current promo is. The first time I went there I got a free bottle of OPI.

And now for the pictures. I'll quote the prices in PH peso minus the 5% discount. This is picture heavy!

OPI (Php 360)

Orly (Php 360)

Color Club (Php 310)

Color Club (Php 310), China Glaze (Php 310), Orly (Php 360) and Nubar (Php 413)

OPI (Php 360) and Jessica (Php 310)

Various Gel Nail Polish

Base coats, Top coats, Treatments, Lotions, Removers, Cuticle Oils

Decals, Stick-ons, brushes, Nail wheels

China Glaze (Php 310)

Essie (Php 360), Zoya (Php 413), Ruby Wing (Php 465)

Cat with more Ruby Wing and nail art pens

Cat speaks great English so it won't be a problem talking to her. She's very friendly and would even recommend her favorites and let you know which ones are from the latest collection. I've been back there three times this year so far, the first time in January and the last two on a recent trip last week and she remembers me! She's wearing China Glaze Texture in Itty, Bitty & Gritty and In The Rough.

So when you find yourself in Hong Kong wanting to get the latest collections from US brands, Cher 2 is the place to go. But don't forget to also check out the great selection offered by Asian brands.

For more information on their branches and their products, visit their website.

Essie Mojito Madness

The first ever alcoholic beverage I ordered for myself when I turned 18 was a mojito. I'd like to say that it has since become my go-to drink on nights out, but I developed a disliking to it the moment I first had a sip. I mean really, who likes to choke up on mint leaves while drinking alcohol? Not to mention how those battered pieces of leaves get stuck between the teeth.

Anyway.

Mojito Madness was part of the Essie Summer 2012 Bikini So Teeny collection. I applied three coats to reach full opacity.

ESSIE Mojito Madness

This polish might have to share my same distaste to its namesake. Pretty color, but I found the formula hard to work with. It applied thick and was not self-leveling. The color did dry darker on the nail than on the bottle so that should be considered when deciding to buy this.

Speaking of mojitos, I haven't had any alcohol in 4 months. Hurray?

xo Nicia