My Top Five Summer Nail Polishes (Review and Swatches)

For some, Labor Day marks the end of summer even summer doesn't officially end until September 21. I suppose it's because after Labor Day is usually when school is back in session for my U.S peoples.

Some maybe wondering, "why are you just posting this?" Just think of it as my monthly favorites, except this is for the summer season. Regardless, I still want to share which nail polishes have been in heavy rotation for me. So as I bid adieu to summer, here's a recap of the nail polishes that I kept loving this summer. Hopefully, some of you would love and save this list for next year, or pick-up a color or two in the last few days before summer officially ends. Or your summer is just about to begin, and you can't be any happier to find this list :). 

1. Revlon Brilliant Strength Nail Enamel in "Provoke" - I think that there is no better time to wear coral on your tips than in the summer. It's a fresh color and just reminds you of a fruity drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic... whatever you prefer) that you might be enjoying beach or pool side. This creamy coral-peach color just adds femininity on the days you're feeling sweet and girly. The application of this nail polish is pretty good for a drugstore nail polish brand. It took about two even coats to achieve a nice, glossy finish. The nail polish brush also made it easier for me to apply since the brush has a flat edge with rounded corners.

2. Nicole by O.P.I (Selena Gomez collection) in "Hit the Lights" - A canary yellow nail polish that just screamed summer. I loved the boldness and brightness of this nail polish which made me really happy whenever I looked down on my nails. What didn't make me too happy is the horrible formula of this nail polish. It was streaky and a pain to apply. This swatch took four coats just to get that even and opaque finish. However, my love for the color trumped the pain of application, so it still made the list. It's like a cute puppy that you can't really get mad at.

3. Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in "Coastal Surf" - Blue was never my first choice when it comes to nail polish. For some reason, I've associated the color blue with dead finger nails (weird, I know). But this nail polish changed my mind and made me love blue nail polish, especially in the summer. It's the perfect blue that mimics the blue, picturesque beaches that you see in the travel channels or vacation websites. It would really make you want to take that tropical vacation or just hit the beach to relax and enjoy life. The nail polish is very opaque and only takes two coats to get the sea on your nails. Just like the Revlon Provoke nail polish, the brush makes application a cinch. Although, keep in mind, that after two weeks of wearing it, the color changes it's color to a bluish-green. Yes, the nail polish was actually long lasting that I had it on for two weeks before I decided that it was time to change the color.

4. Essie Nail Polish in "Fifth Avenue" - A great red-orange color for the working ladies in a conservative office environment. It's a little different than your classic red nail polish as it has a little punch of orange that makes it so summer appropriate. This is also makes a great transition color for fall season. Essie's Fifth Avenue is super opaque that one coat and a top coat can do the trick. The only nail polish I've used so far that's able to make that happen. Since it's such an opaque nail polish color, make sure to use a good base coat before applying because it will stain your nails. 

5. CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in "Snow Storm" - And last but not the least, the white polish. Like the blue nail polish, white was the other color that didn't really strike my mind. But after seeing white nails make a statement on fashion show photos or editorials, it grew onto me and eventually led to me really loving it. I love the clean, simple, and sleek look of white nails. I have stayed away from white nail polish because it reminds me of the days when I used to paint my nails in liquid white-out (my mom was strict about using cosmetics when I was younger. I had to pretend some how). This nail polish has changed my mind and my life. And, you bet I'll still be wearing white after Labor Day.

What was(were) your favorite nail polish(es) this past summer?

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Nic's Sticks Nicole by OPI in "I'm Outta Here" (Review and Swatch)

I got this nail stick in the mail to be reviewed just in time for the Pow Wow. I actually fell asleep the whole day the day of the Pow Wow, and I actually planned on painting my nails for the night. So within only two hours to get ready for the big event, I was scrambling around the house and thinking whether or not I should even bother painting my nails. Then, in comes the Nic's Stick. It was a perfect time to test this baby out to see how fast and really convenient it is.

What they say about it: Just pump, paint, and go! Long-wearing, fast drying, and convenient. Fits in pocket or purse. Check out our 24 fashion shades (Source).

Price: $6.99-$7.99 (price varies in stores)

Available at: Ulta, Ulta.com, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and other major drugstores.


Nic's Sticks by OPI - I'm Outta Here
Quality: 3.5 out 5
Price: 3.5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out 5


Overall: 3.5 out of 5


Brush head - unused What I like about it: I initially thought that it might get a bit messy since the brush head is pretty wide, and won't fit my short stubby nails. Although the brush head is bigger than your normal nail polish heads, it's able to dispose enough product on your nails easily. With one pump from the stick, it actually gave a good and even coat on one hand. I didn't have to clean up any mess on the side with a Q-tip like I normally do. I was surprised that brush head was able to reach the sides of my finger nails without getting any on my fingers for clean up. It was really quick and easy and it took about only 10 minutes for me to go through both of my hands with two coats and drying time. I also found it easier to hold especially when I'm doing my nondominant (left) hand. This pretty much solves my problem of painting my nails with too much nail polish that ends up looking pretty thick, clumpy, and ugly.
The cap closes securely that keeps the brush head from hardening even with the left over nail polish. You wouldn't really worry about nail polish spilling on your purse since you have to untwist the cap and then pull before you can open it.
This nail polish also doesn't leave any bubbles. It leaves a nice coat and shine even without the top coat on it. It really does leave you with pretty nails as if you've just stepped in to get your nails done in a nick of time. Nic's Sticks are very easy to use and convenient, and really good for those last minute touch ups (or even manicures).

What I don't like about it: The price first of all is almost as much as a bottle of salon-quality nail polish probably because of its packaging. For the price you are paying, you're not getting that much. I already used up a quarter of the contents inside for both hands with only two coats each. The nail polish also tends to be a bit sheer (not sheer in a sense that you don't get a good color payoff with one coat), so two coatings wasn't really enough for my nails. Three coats would've probably given me a nicer, opaque color. The nail polish wasn't as long-lasting as I thought it would be. I had other nail polishes that lasted me a few weeks without it chipping. I'm typing most of the day, so my nail polish is expected to take some beating to it. As you can see from the picture, after eight days, the tips of my finger nails have some nail polish chipping off.


They can probably improve on the packaging some more by putting a "window" on how much nail polish you have left at least on the side where the brush head is. The only "window" the packaging has was the pump of the nail polish, meaning you have to tip the polish to the opposite end of the brush head.

Would I buy it again?: I probably wouldn't. Maybe I would only buy it if it was on sale, and the colors are pretty enough for me to buy. Honestly, I would rather spend the same amount of money on a better bottle of nail polish that would last for a few weeks. The only time I would reach out for this is when I'm really crunched on time and I have to paint my nails real quick.