I always have trouble deciding what color to paint my nails as it is, but it seems to be a much more difficult task during summer. Yes I know, some may think that decisions such as picking a right nail polish color are just one of those inconsequential things in life that bring little to no value to human existence (how dare they!). But I say, if it’s fun, bright, colorful and makes me feel happy, I will gladly spend 30 minutes each week deciding between a pastel pink and a hot magenta nail polish.
As much as I like to try out new products, I always stay loyal to both Essie and Sally Hansen-two of my favorite nail polish brands (maybe with an exception of the Triple Shine polish in Statemint by the latter, did I also tell you how badly it stained my nails? Ugh.. moving on!). China Glaze has crazy, bright and beautiful colors, but I find that it chips a lot faster than Essie or Sally Hansen. Dior nail color, of course as you can expect for about $25.00 a bottle, has an amazing formula that stays on forever and goes on smoothly. Flower is a beauty brand found by Drew Barrymore sold exclusively at Walmart. It was my first time trying out a nail polish (or any other product for that matter) by Flower Beauty and I have to say that it is, indeed, quite lovely.
1. Essie “Avenue Maintain”
“Avenue Maintain” is a bright, Parisian blue. It’s so highly pigmented and absolutely beautiful. Despite the formula being a bit runny, it applies like a dream.
2. Sally Hansen Extreme Wear “Mellow Yellow”
I’ve already blogged about “Mellow Yellow” right here. It’s a beautiful pastel yellow that I think looks gorgeous, especially on short nails. I’ve been binge watching old seasons of Pretty Little Liars lately and I noticed that Em (played by Shay Mitchell- only like, the most beautiful girl on Earth) has been rocking pastel yellow nails quite a lot throughout the show. I’m still on the lookout for a very pastel-y-pastel yellow (:P) this is the best that I could find.
3. Sally Hansen Extreme Wear “Breezy Blue”
“Breezy Blue” is yet another pastel-ish color. I say that because even though it’s from the same collection as “Mellow Yellow”, it has somewhat of a satin, shiny finish that just won’t let me refer to it as full-on pastel (#firstworldproblems). It’s a beautiful, beautiful baby-blue color.
4. Dior Vernis “Plaza”
I’ve had “Plaza” for about a year and a half, and every time I open the bottle, the formula is such as fresh and creamy as it was the very first day I bought it. It’s such a fun, candy-colored pink. If you feel that hot, bright pink colors are just a bit too much for you, but would still like to sport pink nails, this a color for you. I think that it’s both girl-y (without being too “obnoxious”, if you know what I mean ;) ) and very classy.
5. China Glaze “Love’s a Beach”
Speaking of obnoxious… This is a super hot and bright pink that I think is a definition of a summer-perfect color. I say that it’s obnoxious, but I mean it in a nice way, let’s just say that it’s obnoxiously pink. I always thought that colors like this neon pink are only reserved for tweens. Few weeks ago I was getting a pedi and decided to go all wild and try it out and I fell in love with it. I haven’t used it on my nails yet, but it looks beautiful on my toes, especially when paired with a cute pair of strappy sandals. The finish is sort of odd, it’s matte and satin at the same time, but I kinda dig it.
6. Flower Beauty “I Lavendare You!”
“I Lavendare You!” by Flower Beauty is a gorgeous “barely there” lavender color. It’s very subtle, delicate and that’s exactly why I love it.
Which one’s your favorite?
13 Comments
Christel
July 9, 2014 at 9:12 pmthese are all great choices Paula, but my favorite is Avenue Maintain by Essie. I will def buy it soon, thanks for the inspiration :)
floralconstellation.com
Paula
July 9, 2014 at 9:49 pmThanks Christel! ;)
Angela G
July 9, 2014 at 10:07 pmSo many amazing colours! I’m loving I Lavandare You, Breezy Blue and the china glaze one – the finish is so cool x
Angela | The Sunday Chapter
Paula
July 9, 2014 at 10:09 pmRight? At first I wasn’t sure about that matte/satin finish, but eventually I fell in love with it, it’s so unique!
Abby
July 9, 2014 at 11:22 pmI love the Essie Avenue Mountain and definitely need to hunt it down! They all look beautiful, but that one is my favorite! Great post!
Paula
July 15, 2014 at 11:26 amThank so much Abby, love that one too!
Kira McGrigg
July 10, 2014 at 12:47 amSally Hansen’s breezy blue is without a doubt my favorite here.. and I may or may not be breaking my no buy to pick it up, hahah. Have you ever tried sinful colors? They’re a great little range with some really lovely colors and fabulous lasting power
Paula
July 15, 2014 at 11:27 amNo, I never have, which is strange haha ;) You got me at “fabulous lasting power”, will have to pick a few up some day soon! Thanks Kira <3.
Layla
July 10, 2014 at 7:29 amAll of the colours look absolutely beautiful, really gorgeous and quite creamy colours! I love them all and can’t quite pick a favourite haha! :)
Layla xx
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Paula
July 15, 2014 at 11:28 am;)
Sophie Sierra
July 10, 2014 at 1:10 pmThere is definitely nothing wrong with taking pride in your nail polish and having fun choosing, especially when you have a gorgeous selection to choose from like yours Paula ;) :D It would be a crime not to!
You’ve picked such a unique array of shades to show us and I love that! How gorgeous does ‘Avenue Maintain’ sound? Gorgeous! :) My favourite has to be Love’s a Beach by China Glaze, smokin’ hot and I love the magneta vibes. Really beautiful with a pair of strappy sandals I bet (OOTD anyone? ;) :D) ‘I Lavendare you!’ is also a really pretty colour, delicate, natural but oh so gorgeous as a more subtle colour :D
Sophie xo
Paula
July 15, 2014 at 11:28 am:D:D Loove “Avenue Maintain” too, it’s so fun and classy at the same time. “Love’s a Beach” has such a gorgeous color, but also the finish is sort of unreal :) Thank so much Sophie <3
Nataša
July 11, 2014 at 9:15 pmi love all of those!!
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