Before I get into the nail polish brands and shades I have been wearing this year, it is important to note that before I moved to San Francisco, I had not painted my own nails in 10 years. Yes, for 10 years I had my nails professionally done every two weeks. I loved every minute of it. I became real-life friends with my nail tech and looked forward to seeing her every 14 days.
When I moved here in January I expected to take a month or two off, then eventually find a new place and continue to have gel manicures done. Once I started painting my own nails again I realized I actually enjoy it. It is almost therapeutic, and I can be (slightly) creative and try new “designs”.
My nail art is nowhere near as good as Megan’s was, but it is fun for me to try. I have abstract circles on my nails now. They aren’t perfect, but it was easy to do and they are different.
Back to the brands and colors I have been wearing this year. Despite the fact that I never painted my own nails, I actually owned a lot of nail polish. I subscribed to a few subscription boxes over the years and would get nail polish that way, and though random gifts. I did paint my toes myself, so I had a few colors I purchased specifically for that.
I have loved Essie polish for a long time for my toes. It stays on forever, and it applies well. I bought some neutral colors this year for my hands, and I’m loving them.
This color is called Master Plan. It is a beautiful light grey that almost has a taupe undertone. It is a great neutral for any season.
This beautiful color is called Buy Me A Cameo. The website describes it as a frosted satin mocha color, but it pulls more rose gold on me. This formula is a little thinner than the other Essie polishes I own, so it requires two or three coats.
I had heard such amazing things about the Essie Gel Coutour line that I had to buy this and try it for myself. This shade is Stitch by Stitch. Every girl needs a soft, classic pink nail polish and this is exactly that. The Gel Coutour is a long-wear polish. It does not require a light like gel does in a salon. It does require the Gel Coutour topcoat, which is amazing.
The other brand I have loved for a long time is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri line. It really does dry super fast guys, and who doesn’t need that when you chip a nail as you are running out the door and need a touch-up. It doesn’t last as long as Essie, but it is quick, and the formula is thick and goes on well.
I used to wear dark grey and black on my nails every fall and winter. I love a classic dark grey polish. This shade is Grease Lighting and will be my go-to shade this fall.
This shade is called On My Grey, and is what is on my nails currently. It is light enough to be a classic neutral shade that works all year long.
Maybe every girl needs a couple of classic pink shades. This one is called Pink Blink. It is a touch brighter than the Essie color I love, and a slightly different shade, but still a classic girly pink.
The top coat I wear over any and all polishes is the Essie Gel Couture Top Coat. It helps my polish last longer than any other top coat I have tried over the years.
What brands or shades are you loving on your nails? I am looking for new fall shades, so I would love your recommendations.