The Polish Addict’s Top 20 Polishes of All Time: #14 China Glaze – Ruby Pumps
I’m following the unloved OPI The “It” Color with the ridiculously loved China Glaze Ruby Pumps. I actually surprised myself by deciding to put this on the list. I resisted buying this color for eons. Everyone constantly raved about it and I just didn’t see what the big deal was all about. I hate to say this, but I even had a little bit of disdain for this color because it was so popular. China Glaze Ruby Pumps is like the Da Vinci Code of the nail polish world. It’s the same reason I don’t own OPI I’m Not Really A Waitress. In any case, I did not fully understand or appreciate how disgustingly gorgeous this color is until I purchased a bottle. I got it inadvertently because I really wanted China Glaze Emerald Sparkle and Ruby Pumps came in the set. I found that pictures simply don’t do it justice which is part of the reason why I wasn’t able to understand all the raves.
Ruby Pumps is stunning, plain and simple. The bright red glitter under the jelly red base has a complexity that just does not translate well into photographs. If you’ve been fighting the Ruby Pumps lemming like I once did, stop it. Get a bottle right now. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I love love LOVE Ruby Pumps – it is such a gorgeous colour! I can’t believe you held out for so long lol! Every time I put it on, I can’t stop looking at my nails. Actually I have it on my toes right this minute! :p
My only pet peeve is that it’s a PITA to remove… but so worth it!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I got ES ad Tinsel but did not end up getting this. Still need to complete my set!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
So this is the third polish from your list which I have. I’m keeping count.
Ruby Pumps is absolutely gorgeous. I held out on buying this just like you, because the glitters intimidated me. But wow, it’s the perfect holiday color.
And I’m Not Really A Waitress may be a tad overrated, but it is a really pretty staple red. Get one!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I was also one of those who didn’t appreciate Ruby Pumps until I saw it at Sally’s. In the bottle it was beautiful. The pictures didn’t do it justice. It truly is liquid rubies. And the best part was that I had an easy time removing it compared to other glittery polishes.The way the polish flashes with movement is indescribably pretty. The only problem I had with it was that I stared at my nails too much :P
December 9th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I JUST bought this at head2toebeauty!!! About 38 mins ago! OMG! How exciting…..thanks- your blog rocks. Good luck in your law profession- my lil brother is in law school right now, too….hard work!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Awe… I LOVE “I’m not really a waitress”!!! But, i think you already knew that. :)
December 9th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I agree that it sucks to photograph. It always ends up looking lighter and more flat. such a lovely polish!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I would say, it’s stunning on you. Cause whatever how good a polish can be, on bitten nails or short uncared nails, it would look ugly. At least you can appreciate your passion at its best ;)
Really nice color, even though I’m not a big fan of red (since there are so many out there), this one is really good. Still I prefer Got the Blues for Red but this one is a must too <3
December 10th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I’ve never gotten any of the China Glaze products but my fav is “I’m not really a waitress” LOL. Think I might have to try something new!
December 10th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Haha! I have two bottles and really don’t like it all that much. I got the first one when the polish hit the market. Tried it once, didn’t like it and never picked it up again. Bottle number two came with the Sleigh Ride… Well, I hate that it takes forever to dry thouroghly. But I guess it is pretty. I have another favourite for red glittery goodness. ;D
I might give it one more chance. We’ll see…
December 10th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I just got this color a month or so ago and I love it. I definatly understand the sick of something because everyone raves about it feeling too. I get that from time to time myself! :)
December 10th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Ruby Pumps is simply gorgeous!
I don’t own I’m Not Really A Waitress either, so I really know what you’re talking about. It actually took me a while to get MPJ too;P
December 10th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I was completely on the fence about Ruby Pumps too — for the same reasons! Maybe I will check it out then. Thanks!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Funny thing is, I was just at Sally contemplating buying it…I’ve been sitting on the fence for a while on this one. I’m just not a “red” kinda girl in general.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I saw this this at Sally’s. Ruby Pumps is soooo much prettier in person. I’m going to get the whole Sleigh Ride collection.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Me too! Me too! I felt the same way about this polish! I finally bought Ruby Pumps a couple of weeks ago and still haven’t worn it. I’ll break it out next week.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I had a great haul today…I finally caved in and bought Ruby Pumps, my NOTD…I’m a believer! That and Sally was having a buy one Seche topcoat get a ChG free (3.50 with my card discount!). I also went to TJ Maxx and finally got a 3.99 bottle of Barielle’s Camouflage…that definitely solved my Essie problem…it evened out a color that reduces me to four-letter words, Chanel Allegoria. Thanks a million!
December 11th, 2008 at 12:24 am
i like RP, but am not crazy in love w/ it…idk why, im just not. maybe cuz it just takes to long to remove…and i wish ES was a teeny bit darker. and i feel u on INRAW-i cant stand that darn color & its totally overrated
December 11th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Oh wow, that looks great on you! I’ve been a lurker for a while, but decided to comment after seeing this colour. I’m feeling a kind of craving that I rarely get when looking at nail polishes. Unfortunately, I’ll have to make do with your blog since I can’t get any of these colours in England =]
December 11th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Kay – I know, I’m going to try to not be biased against polishes for no reason. *sigh* I might actually give I’m Not Really A Waitress a Shot. Lol.
Katee – Yea, this is a staple.
Melvel – You’re right the glitter seems like it could ‘too much’ but it’s not at all.
Anicegirl – Exactly how I felt lol.
Amber – loool. I’m going to give it a shot.
Jinnzor – Yup exactly, just doesn’t do it justice.
Kyosuke – lol, I’m not huge on reds either.
Gerri – Expand! : )
Sminkan – Which one is your favorite?
Brooke – lol – precisely.
Sanna – :O *gasp* MPJ?? *dies*
Molly – You must!
TAG – YES! It makes me really happy when my tips actually help people. : )
Mel – Doooo eeeeeet.
Dana – You must and let me know what you think of it when you do!
Ocelot – lol sometimes I think we might be the same person.
Annie – : (! Nooo – have tried -etailers that sell overseas? This one also goes for cheap on ebay?
December 12th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
If I can’t have Dorothy shoes, I’ll gladly take Dorothy fingers and feet.
December 12th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
ITA Ruby Pumps is so much more amazing in real life than in any pics out there. But I eventually caved and bought INRAW, and I love it also haha
December 15th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
OK, I am wearing RP today. This is stunning. I love the jelly red base. (love jellies in general).
I showed my BF my hands after applying RP, and he said, “Hey, ruby slippers!” This is from a dude who utters one-word responses to my nail colors. I was ready for him to say just “red.”
December 15th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I recently found your blog and am so glad to find other polish addicts out there! This looks similar to Milani Ruby Jewels. I am sporting that on my toes now and LOVE it. I change my toes once every week or so, but my hands, yikes. People at work are always coming to see what the NOTD is!
December 16th, 2008 at 10:54 am
i agree! this is like milani’s ruby jewels, but i have the first ruby pumps by ChG. i LOVE it. i don’t know which i love more though, ruby pumps or emerald sparkle for glittery goodness..
oh sminkan.. share your red glittery goodness find!!
December 17th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Trina – LOL!
Stef – Yup! No matter what I did I couldn’t get it to look right. It’s just too beautiful for photography. I think I’m going to cave on INRAW.
Dana – :D! I love it! I’m also so impressed when the BF remembers some obscure nail polish information that I’ve randomly shared with him when I think he’s not listening to me and my nonsense.
Re – There’s millions of us out there! You should join the Makeup Alley nail board. And you’re right I consider Milani Ruby Jewels to be a dupe of Ruby Pumps, probably not exact but definitely very close.
Kia – Can you believe I haven’t gotten a chance to wear Emerald Sparkle yet!? D’oh.
April 25th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I have that color. I totally LOVE it.
April 25th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
But it is really sparkly to wear everyday so I save it for Christmas parties and what not.