El Sombrerón vs El Cucuy: Two HEMA-Free Gel Polish Shades Compared
By La Catrina Nails. TX | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Comparisons
Compare two dark HEMA-free gel polishes from La Catrina Nails. TX: El Sombrerón (retired label) and El Cucuy (deep plum translucent). Find which shade fits your style and needs.
Quick answer
Choose El Cucuy for a haunting deep plum translucent finish that's still available, or go with El Sombrerón if you want a collectible retired label shade from the same Cuentos De Medianoche collection.
Why compare these two shades?
Both polishes come from La Catrina Nails. TX's Cuentos De Medianoche collection, inspired by Latin American folklore. They share the same HEMA-free and TPO-free formulation, making them a safe choice for sensitive nail beds. The main difference lies in availability and finish: El Cucuy is a current deep plum translucent gel, while El Sombrerón is a retired label, so once it's gone, it's gone.
Availability matters
El Sombrerón is listed as a retired label, meaning it may not be restocked. If you see it in stock, it's a limited opportunity. El Cucuy is a re-release, so you can purchase it with confidence for future manicures. If you love collecting unique shades, the retired label adds exclusivity.
Trade-offs at a glance
- El Cucuy (current release): Deep plum translucent gel polish. HEMA-free and TPO-free. Available now at $9.52 (regular $14.00).
- El Sombrerón (retired label): Retired label shade from the same collection. HEMA-free and TPO-free. Priced at $10.36 (regular $14.00). Once this retired label sells out, it may not return.
- Finish and opacity: El Cucuy is translucent (buildable for depth); El Sombrerón's opacity is not specified in catalog data. If you need full opacity in one coat, check El Cucuy's layering or consider a different shade.
Product facts
- El Cucuy ~Re-Release~HEMA-Free and TPO Free Gel polish: El Cucuy is a haunting deep plum translucent gel polish from the Cuentos de Medianoche collection. The translucent finish means it layers beautifully for a subtle or intense look, perfect for dark, moody nail art.
El Cucuy ~Re-Release~HEMA-Free and TPO Free Gel polish - El Sombrerón ~ Cuentos De Medianoche ~ Retired Label: El Sombrerón is a retired label gel nail polish from the Cuentos De Medianoche collection. Retired status makes it a collectible shade; once sold out, it may not return, adding urgency for fans of the series.
El Sombrerón ~ Cuentos De Medianoche ~ Retired Label
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Collectors who want a limited-edition retired label shade from the Cuentos De Medianoche series
- Anyone seeking a HEMA-free and TPO-free deep plum translucent gel for layered nail art
Not for
- Those who prefer opaque one-coat coverage without building layers
- Shoppers who dislike retired labels and want a shade that will be restocked indefinitely
