I have seen some posts floating around in regards to Best Polishes of 2015-and I thought it would be fun to create my own personal list and re-swatch them, so here they are! This is the second part of this series. You can find the first post here.
Disclaimer: these are my own personal favorites and are in no particular order. It was difficult enough to narrow it down this far, and there is no way I could put these in any kind of order.
Vapid Lacquer “Sweaters n’ Denim”
Why: If you’ve been around the indie world this year, then you would know that Vapid lacquer has just blown up. Honestly, I feel like it’s the new Enchanted Polish, which I think is cool because I’ve literally been supporting and following this brand since way before she was big. Vapid has always made some amazing colors, and this polish is no exception. I’m in love with the shimmer in this thermal. It is a bit thin; I used 3 coats plus topcoat for my swatches and you can still see my nail line a bit. Otherwise, the polish is amazing and so so unique to my collection. I’m excited to see where Vapid goes in the next year.
Ever After Polish “Steel Magnolias”
Why: This was actually my second Ever After, and the polish that sold me on the brand. This polish is pure magic, and another of my top 10 fave polishes of all time. It’s a gray medium linear holo but has some amazing silver flakies in it that really make it special! The formula is amazing and I barely needed any cleanup. My swatch is two coats plus topcoat.
Cupcake Polish “Berry Good Looking”
Why: I don’t really feel like this one needs much explanation. “Berry Good Looking” is simply amazing and probably made everyone’s top list. It is gorgeous and almost opaque in one coat. My only issue is that topcoat dulls the holo a bit and changes the color, and without topcoat, it is a bit matte.
Crows Toes Nail Lacquer “Edgy Red”
Why: This is probably my most favorite burgandy red holo ever. It is so versatile, and that color that’s both work and play appropriate. I always feel a bit sassy and sexy when wearing this polish (yes; you can totally feel sassy and sexy based off your mani!). My swatch shows two coats plus topcoat.
Heather’s Hues “Hoodies n’ Hayrides”
Why: One word-flakies! I mean seriously, just look at that! This is a dark blue jelly polish filled with flakies that is opaque in two coats. My only complaint was that the polish was a bit thick for my personal preference, but I added a bit of thinner and was good to go! This was exclusive to a MOTM box, so is no longer available. However, Heather is amazing with customs, so she might be able to make you something similar if you really want.
Lou It Yourself “It’s Grape to Meet You”
Why: This polish is every purple polish lover’s dream. I mean, just look at it! It is an amazing shade of purple with these amazing blue micro flakies (or is that shimmer? Who cares-it’s beautiful!). Plus the formula was amazing and applied like butter. This was part of a previous month’s Sparkle Kit and was LE, so it is no longer available.
Femme Fetale Cosmetics “Lantern Waste”
Why: I remember seeing a swatch of this and thinking, “If we could bottle unicorn pee, that’s probably what this would look like.” This is truly a magical polish with that simmer and those flakies! My only issue with this polish, as you can see in the picture, is that it always shrunk. I have swatched this twice now, using the same base and top coat I always use, and have gotten the same issue both times. Regardless, it is still gorgeous! This is two coats plus topcoat.
I Am Custom Color “Denishawn”
Why: My love for I Am Custom Color runs deep. My love for black polish runs deep. My love for flakies runs deep. So, when all of those things are combined into a polish, of course I’m going to love it!
Noodles Nail Polish “Berries n’ Cream”
Why: This was the polish that launched my love for the brand. You can read all about my love for the brand here. This crelly was super easy to apply-my swatch hows three coats and top coat. This leveled out well and had no clumping issues. Glitter dispersed well and the combination is absolutely gorgeous.
Londontown USA “Purple Reign”
Why: This is a seriously wonderful creme. The formula was amazing-my swatch shows two coats with NO TOPCOAT. Yup-you read that right. All that shine without a topcoat. I really love this color and can see myself using it so frequently.
Best Duo of the Year: Candy Drop Duos
Why: Alison of Candied Apple Polish and Jess of drip drop nail paint always collaborate so well, come up with the cutest themes, and create polishes that are both festive to the time of the year, but versatile enough to wear year-round! Here I re-swatched my personal favorite from this past year-Candied Apple Polish “Professor Bubbles” and drip drop nail paint “Mad Scientist”.
Honorable Brand Mention: My Darling Curios
Why: If you’re interested in Indie Brand nail polish, My Darling Curious is a good place to start. Every polish of hers I’ve tried has a great formula, and are all super affordable. Here I’ve shown “Foxtrot”-two coats plus topcoat.