So much nail polish inspiration for the fall from this thread! I really don't like OPI colors -- I've had trouble with them staying on my nails without peeling off. I LOVE Essie, though! I have a bad habit of nail biting & picking and keeping them painted is the only thing that helps!
My routine: clip, file, push back cuticles, shine, bottom layer of WHITE... then 2 coats of whatever polish I'm using, then top coat if I'm not super lazy. The white makes it pop; a piece of advice from a friend who had the brightest blue nails. (I used Essie Marshmallow.)
I currently have a mint color on from Sally Hansen.