Sunday, February 10, 2013

Top 10 Nail Polishes

I was looking through my hot mess of a nail polish drawer this morning, and had an idea to do a post on my favourite ten polishes. Unsurprisingly, there's a lot of glitter featured. Glitter just holds my attention. There's more detail, more interest, more festivity in a glitter polish. But a good creme can't be overlooked (mainly pastel in persuasion, and from the green, blue or purple family), as well as intensely vibrant golds and reds.



l-r: Essie Absolutely Shore, Revlon Whimsical, Revlon Popular, Essie A Cut Above

l-r: China Glaze Snow Globe, Sportsgirl Storm, OPI Teenage Dream, OPI GoldenEye,
OPI The One That Got Away, Revlon Scandalous

l-r: Essie Absolutely Shore, Sportsgirl Storm

Essie Absolutely Shore 
The perfect pale seafoam green, which is one of my favourite colours. What I love about this polish is that the colour on your nails is exactly how it appears in the bottle.  That's always been a pet peeve of mine when it comes to pastel polishes, as I find they often apply darker and flatter on the nails. Even though I need 3 coats for completely streak-free application, the formula itself is very smooth and easy to work with.

Sportsgirl Storm
I'd go so far as to say this is my favourite polish, ever. It was discontinued ages ago and I barely can use it now because I've already gone through 50% of the bottle and it's seriously gloopy, but something about the colour is just so perfect to me. There are probably similar shades out there (Essie Cocktail Bling, maybe), but nothing will match the exact lightness/darkness and mix of grey and purple of Storm. It's simply foolproof.

l-r: OPI GoldenEyeOPI The One That Got AwayEssie Absolutely Shore, Sportsgirl Storm

OPI GoldenEye
Already raved about here, but there's been no loss of enthusiasm. All other gold polishes can just go home, because GoldenEye can't be trumped.

OPI The One That Got Away
I really fell in love with this polish the last time I decided to wear it. There's a beautiful brilliance and depth to this slightly vampy raspberry with a glass fleck finish. Has to be seen in real life to be fully appreciated.

l-r: China Glaze Snow Globe over Sportsgirl StormRevlon Whimsical over Essie Absolutely Shore

China Glaze Snow Globe 
So, so pretty. My glitter dreams in a bottle. The iridescence of the different glitter particles is incredible (see more here and here). It's basically crushed opals on the nail, and I absolutely love the colours that it reflects.

Revlon Whimsical
I was ecstatic when I finally tracked this down in the US. It still hasn't made its way to Australia, and I'm not exactly holding my breath. I'm now berating myself for not buying a backup bottle when I had the chance. The composition is simple enough, with a sheer greenish blue base and pink and blue hexagonal glitter with smaller bits and blobs. But it's just so childlike and delicate. When this runs out, I may have to fork out for the Deborah Lippmann option because I can't be without it.

Essie A Cut Above over OPI Teenage Dream

OPI Teenage Dream
One day I will probably grow out of liking pink and sparkly things. In the meantime, I'll continue to exalt Teenage Dream. The circular holographic glitter in this is everything.

Essie A Cut Above
See above. I love the generosity of glitter and how relatively easy it is to spread uniformly around the nail. I usually wear A Cut Above on its own, though it's perfect for layering and gradient effects.

l-r (pinky and ring finger): Revlon Scandalous, Revlon Popular

Revlon Scandalous
To be honest, I haven't worn this polish in a while, but I remember the first time I painted this on my nails and how it exceeded all my expectations. The base colour is opaque in 2 coats and the glitter is plentiful. The blackish purple and magenta glitter combination is darkly alluring for autumn and winter.

Revlon Popular
An ethereal and super girly polish. Very pale pink base with packed silver microglitter and silver hexagonal glitter that appears almost white when layered. Another polish ideal for layering, though the base isn't as sheer as Revlon Whimsical. Because of the lack of contrast between the pink and the silver glitter, and the overall lightness of Popular, there's an understated quality to it that's in direct contrast to the exuberant bling of OPI Teenage Dream and Essie A Cut Above.


78 comments:

  1. So pretty colours! I love all of them, but Revlon Purple Persuasion and OPI Golden Eye are my faves!!

    http://mymakeupcompulsion.blogspot.com.es/

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  2. These are all really gorgeous - especially Whimsical! So pretty. xxx

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  3. Lovely colours, I like all of the confetti looking glitter it's just so hard to get it all off. :p

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  4. a cut above and teenage dream would always be my favourites from your nail polish collection!

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  5. Whimsical is gorgeous, I really want that nail polish!

    Revlon have a similar pink sparkly one to the Essie polish, it is called 'Sparkling'

    Lovely post :)

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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  6. They look gorgeous, I love both of the Essie ones!Xx

    http://lucycole.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. Amazing choices- not that I'd expect anything less from you with your collection and taste! Lots of beauty Youtuber favourites there, I wish Whimsical would hurry up and hit the shelves over here, it's so pretty! I adore the Essie bottles, they're so cute. I wanted to buy Revlon Popular in a BOGOF offer a couple of weeks back, but didn't really fancy any of Revlon's other options. I admire your nail polish addiction- I simply don't have the patience to sit down and go through the whole process only to have it redo it because I can't sit still and let it dry. :p xx

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  8. I wasn't a huge fan of Whimsical when I bought it because it was so sheer, but when layered over pastel colors it looks so sweet! I'm also loving The One that Got Away and need to hunt it down! Holy gorgeousness!

    - Jess
    The Mod Mermaid

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  9. I want all the Revlon nail polishes in this post!!Especially Whimsical.
    ♥♥♥

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  10. Revlon's popular is one of my absolute favorites! I'm gonna have to have a look at the essie glitter polishes and revlon whimsical too! How adorable!

    -Tara Joy

    http://beausandbows.wordpress.com

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  11. There are a lot of shades here that I wish I Had! They are so pretty!

    Leanne @ Leanne-Marie | Beauty, fashion & lifestyle. x x

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  12. I am a sucker for glitter polishes!
    Such pretty picks love!

    - Andrea Marie xx
    frominsidemycloset.com

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  13. Lovely choices! I love the combo with the Essie cut above.

    Kimberley x

    http://kimberley77.blogspot.com

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  14. I love Revlon's Whimsical! I've seen it in drugstores here and there, but never really thought about getting it.

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  15. Golden eye is so pretty I have this also my favorite colour at the moment :D x

    http://krystelcouture.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. loved this post! i'm sad to say i don't own a single one of these beautiful polishes. goldeneye, snow globe & absolutely shore have just made their way onto my wishlist xx

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  17. i just got whimsical and i cant wait to try it!!!

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  18. They are all pretty. Your nails are always perfect! Do you use any cuticle treatment?

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    Replies
    1. Lol, thanks for saying that, but trust me - my nails are so weak and borderline ruined :p I don't use any treatments but I do like to use a lot of Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme :)

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  19. Uuu, lovely! I need Whimsical, A Cut Above and Absolutely Shore now. Thanks for making me spend even more money, haha.

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  20. I personally love glitter because it's much more forgiving, in application and in wear. I have a couple of these in my favourites as well!

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  21. Wow I love all od these nail polishes!!! Especially the revlon ones. New follower:)
    http://eatsleepshopmakeup.blogspot.com/

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  22. Oooo what a lovely idea for a post!! I don't know how I'd ever narrow it down to 10 though you included some of my personal favorites in here :)

    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  23. it's obvious how you love glitter polishes!! I love them too, but the removing part is still a bit too much hassles for me..
    OPI goldeneye is really the king of gold nail polish! I bought them right away after reading your post about it and I didn't regret it at all. beautiful polish. perfect for almost every occasion!

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  24. omg ALL of them look gorgeous. I really like every one!
    Too bad Storm is discontinued :(
    I don't own a lot of nail polish but my favourite are light, pastel shades :)

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  25. Essie Absolutely Shore is one of my favourite polishes too. I will have to check out A Cut Above it looks amazing!

    Laura
    www.whitewintersblog.com

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  26. Gorgeous! Golden Eye and Whimsical are stunning, but all of your choices are beautiful. I'm not nearly as into glitters as you are, but they all look so lovely!
    xx

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  27. Holly molly, so beautiful.. aaahhh revlon are the best!

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  28. Excellent choices! That discontinued polish Storm looks gorgeous....wish it wasn't discontinued now.

    http://jemaroons.blogspot.ca/

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  29. I love these! So cute that they all work together.

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  30. Gorgeous colors, especially Golden eye! I like the Essie one as well, but then again I am a sucker for Essie polishes....

    <3 Rubiiee

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  31. You have so many nail polishes! Hmm I can't really seem to get the consistency of Sportsgirl nail polishes to work for me. Mine ones are always hard to spread out and they look chunky on my nails!

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  32. OMG I love all your polishes, so pretty!!

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  33. ahh love them all! I love the layering you have done with the glitters, waaay too pretty! I'm glad that we both love snow globe (omg I am SO glad I bought it!) & golden eye! (which I bought thanks to you).
    Great post & pictures as always!
    xx

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  34. Great post! I especially love the Revlon ones, for the price I think that the quality is amazing! :) ♥
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  35. Omg...the glittery ones! I absolutely love the combo of essie and the opi teenage dream!! I'd wear that with a beautiful cream dress! It's just to bad I can't wear polish to school! Im now going to focus on skin care because of that. Thanks for sharing dear! I loved seeing them! ^^

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  36. gorgeous collection! especially love the ones from the katy perry collection and whimsical <3

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  37. I was going to buy Scandalous yesterday but wasn't too sure on it but after seeing your swatch of it I really wished I'd picked it up. May have to go back and buy it. Love your top 10, the OPI polishes are gorgeous :) x

    bluebuttefly80.blogspot.co.uk

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  38. Oh really cute gollection. My favorite nail polish of your collection is the Golden Eye from OPI is really beautiful.

    xoxo

    http://www.sakuranko.com/

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  39. Essie A Cut Above over OPI Teenage Dream! These are my dream nails. Like seriously ;) And now I know how to get them. x

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  40. I could honestly just sit here and drool over all of those amazing photos! I think it would be impossible for me to pick a top 10, but if I did, it would probably be very similar to your choices! x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  41. Great shades, I love the Essie one!

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  42. I love the Mint Nail Polish :)) i use often that color in Summer:D

    Http://styleloveandsushi.blogspot.com

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  43. Very nice picks ^^ I have dupes for some of the glitter ones, except for Whimsical, and I'm obsessed with it! LOL xx

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  44. Revlon Whimsical and Essie A Cut Above are prettiest nail polish that i've seen, I want to get them so bad x.x

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  45. really lovely post doll. love these colors and sorry i have been so busy but i will answer your email really soon! <3

    http://www.lovefromberlin.net/

    xx rae

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  46. Nice picks! I love almost all your choices, especially GoldenEye! :-)

    ~ Yun

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  47. Pure nail polish porn! I'm happy that I have some of these in my collection - I adore glitter too :)

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  48. I love all the colors, you have a very good taste in colors. :)

    Kandis
    The Sun Kissed Girl

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  49. These polishes are beautiful! I have Revlon's Popular and it is just like a bottle of fairies and glitter, I love it! The OPI polishes in your top 10 are amazing, the finishes just look remarkable. Revlon's Whimsical looks like something I will want to hunt for... it looks like pure magic!

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  50. Ah so pretty! I love the Essie A Cut Above and Golden Eye looks gorgeous
    honest-mistakes.blogspot.com

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  51. Love that glittery essie one :) xx

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  52. Ooh, there are some gorgeous shades here, I have several of these in my collection but you've also created some new lemmings for me!

    Love how pretty whimsical looks!

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  53. Those are such gorgeous nail polishes! Would love to have any of them!

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com

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  54. Love all the nail polish ,great blog new follower
    Follow back,if you like ;) andy

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  55. Essie's a Cut Above is definitely a glitter top coat must-have! :D

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  56. Great choices for your top 10. Love your ohotos btw.

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  57. I've been on the hunt for that Revlon Whimsical!!! And I love Essie luxeffects, they are the best. They just dry out fast, I think. :/

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  58. wow i'm insanely jealous of your sparkly nail polish collection...i've definitely gotta get out and buy some more, the essie and china glaze ones i particularly fancy!

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  59. Gaahhhh. I love the Essie in Absolute shore! Thank you for this!
    http://abiriza.blogspot.com/

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  60. OPI Teenage Dream is also one of my favorite nail polishes:)

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  61. Love your picks! I'm such a sucker for glitter polishes as well..they're just so fun and festive! My favorite has to be the OPI Teenage Dream x Essie A Cut Above - absolutely gorgeous!

    xoxo,

    Jenny @ Geeky Posh

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  62. i swear i'm gonna be addicted to nail polishes soon because of all your posts! hehe, i love your picks! we certainly have the same taste in colour and texture :) i really think i should start wearing nail polishes more often, can't wait to collect alot of OPI, the longevity is really good :) thanks alot for sharing!

    I hope you're having a beautiful day ~ XO
    NEW POST: www.chriissydollxo.com

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  63. You always make me lemm polishes, you need to stop that >< The Revlon babies are on my list now, as is a big bottle of Teenage Dream as I only have the mini bottle. I have Globe but don't wear it all the time, need to do my nails soon..

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  64. Love your polishes! Especially the glitters! I love Essie glitters too, it looks stunning!

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  65. years ago i bought a concrete gray (gah...i'm drawing a blank on the brand and name at the moment!!!) but i searched everywhere for the color and ended up having to order online, paying an insane abount for shipping in addition to the $20 polish. but it was my absolute fave for a while, and i still love it. i bought a second bottle to make shipping more worth it, a darker gray also called storm, i think!

    Sisters Marie
    Start your Closet on BISTM!

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  66. Gorgeous polishes! You inspire me to stock up on more glitter!!

    www.chochalistas.blogspot.com

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  67. Oh I LOVE Scandalous and Teenage dream!

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  68. I'm going to need Revlon Whimsical. It's so pretty and unusual. I just bought Revlon Girly and I love it. I never really got into glitter polish until now. I don't know what was wrong with me :p

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  69. Revlon's Popular is such a gorgeous polish! Such a shame we don't have it in my country.

    beauteebeauty.blogspot.com

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  70. i started a new job in november and over the summer i worked almost everyday and none of my nail polishes lasted a day on my nails ;c i was absolutely heartbroken because my nails were always looking so tragic so i opted for shellac and yes my nails looked fine most of the time but i didn't get to wear any of my beloved nail polishes.
    since november i've only been wearing shellac and i haven't been reading any blogs but OMG now looking at yours and realising that i'm only working 2-3 days a week now, i miss doing my nails so much. and i miss all my glitter babies.
    i am DEFINITELY doing my nails the next time i get my shellac removed.

    à la foliee

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  71. Do you have any recommendations on a nice dark red? I simply love your nail polish choices <3

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    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you! Glad you like them, though this post was written quite a while ago :)

      I don't tend to wear a lot of red polishes so I'm not even sure I have many dark reds that aren't more plum/deep raspberry colours. The only red creme I have is Sally Hansen Cherry Red, but I also like Essie Leading Lady and OPI The Spy Who Loved Me (though that's more a bright red than dark).

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