Quick answer
Choose Is Butter a Carb for a cheerful, opaque butter yellow creme that gives full coverage in 3 coats, or pick Counting Sheep for a sheer, layering-friendly ivory jelly that builds to a natural finish in 2-3 coats. Your decision hinges on whether you want a bold neutral statement or an understated wash of color.
Opacity and finish: creme vs jelly
Is Butter a Carb dries to a fully opaque creme finish—the brand states it is fully opaque in 3 coats. This means you can expect a solid, even color that hides any nail ridges or unevenness, perfect when you want a polished, nontransparent look.
Counting Sheep delivers a sheer jelly finish. The catalog describes it as buildable sheer, layering to a natural finish in 2-3 coats. If you prefer a more translucent effect that lets the natural nail peek through, this formula gives you control over the depth of the color.
Color tone: butter yellow vs sheer ivory
Is Butter a Carb is a pastel butter yellow—think warm, sunny, and playful. It works as a creamy neutral that brightens the nails without being too stark.
Counting Sheep is a soft ivory sheer. It's a quiet, clean tone that reads as a natural light beige or off-white once layered. This shade is especially forgiving for less-than-perfect nail beds because its jelly finish diffuses the color slightly.
Trade-offs
- Opagueness trade-off: Is Butter a Carb gives full opacity in 3 coats. Counting Sheep stays sheer and buildable. If you need a polish that hides discoloration or ridges, the creme finish is more reliable.
- Color versatility trade-off: Counting Sheep's sheer ivory mixes well with other colors or can be worn alone. Is Butter a Carb's solid butter yellow is a statement shade; you can't easily layer it for a lighter effect.
- Wear expectations trade-off: Both use Lights Lacquer's 21-free, self-leveling formula for easy removal and long-lasting wear. However, because Counting Sheep is sheer, chips might be less noticeable than on a fully opaque creme like Is Butter a Carb. If you mind visible chips, the sheer option hides wear better between manicures.
Product facts
-
Counting Sheep: Buildable sheer, can be layered in 2-3 coats for a natural finish. You get control over the opacity—wear one coat for a barely-there wash or two to three for a soft, even ivory that still looks natural.
Counting Sheep
-
Is Butter A Carb?: Fully opaque in 3 coats. You can rely on this polish to deliver a solid, consistent color without needing a base coat to even out the look.
Is Butter A Carb?
Which nude should you choose?
Best for
- Is Butter a Carb: Anyone who wants a cheerful, warm, opaque neutral that can serve as a bold everyday shade or a base for nail art.
- Counting Sheep: Those who prefer a subtle, natural, polished look that mimics a clean sheer nail—perfect for offices, weddings, or when you want your nails to look their best without appearing painted.
Not for
- If you dislike visible nail line or want full coverage without layering, Counting Sheep's sheer formula won't satisfy you.
- If you want a sheer or milky effect, Is Butter a Carb's solid creme finish will feel too heavy and opaque.
