LACQUER LUST: OPI 'Just Spotted the Lizard'

I purchased this nail polish about a month ago and have definitely fallen in love with it.  'Just Spotted the Lizard' came out with the recent Spiderman collection by OPI, but I am not sure if you can still purchase it in stores.  There has actually been a lot of hype surrounding this shade because it's an exact dupe for Chanel 'Peridot' Nail Lacquer.  And, looking at swatches of both, they are definitely similar.  Except the price tag, of course.

This shade is stunning and like nothing I have in my collection.  It's shimmery, which is not what I typically go for, but the unique shade definitely drew me in.  The color changes depending on the angle you're looking at it from and the lighting.  Sometimes it's gold, sometimes it's green, sometimes it's blue.  It's one of those nail colors that you can't help but stare at all the time.  I seriously catch myself just staring at my nails at random points during the day.  

This polish lasts on the nails for about 4 - 5 days without chipping, which is fairly good in my opinion.  The coats are just thin, shimmery coats that build up to a more opaque color.  It takes quite a few coats to build up the color, maybe 5 or 6, but the coats dry very fast since they are quite thin.

xx,

Jordana

LACQUER LUST: Essie 'Absolutely Shore'

Essie 'Absolutely Shore' is one of my all time favorite nail polish shades.  I bought it about a year or so ago when it came out with their Summer 2011 collection and wore it to death over the summer. Unfortunately, I don't think it's available in stores anymore, but you may be able to find it on Amazon.  It's a beautiful milky, sea foam green shade that is perfect for spring, especially with the pastel trend going on. It's so pale and light that sometimes it looks white, but the sea foam tint makes it truly unique.  I've gotten tons of compliments and questions whenever I've worn this polish, which is never a bad thing.  If I can find this online, I think I'm going to repurchase it because mine has gotten a bit thick through the year and I can't imagine not having this shade in my collection!

xx,

Jordana

LACQUER LUST: Urban Outfitters 'Tanline'

So, remember when I said I'm not really a fan of orange? Well, here's the exception. This is 'Tanline' by Urban Outfitters, a fluorescent orange shade with the perfect name for its color.

Now, you probably know that I really like my neon nail polishes.  This is another one of my favorites.  I was pretty skeptical when I first bought it since I have such a weird feeling about oranges.  But I did the tried and true toe nail test and decided that I loved it! It's a true neon orange shade.  It looks a little more dull in the picture, but I guarantee this color is blinding....in the best way possible.

You might be wondering how good quality an Urban Outfitters polish can be, and I am surprised to say that it's actually really great quality. It only requires about 3 coats to get an opaque color and lasts at least 5 days without chips with the right top coat.  You definitely need a top coat with this one because the color dries a bit flat.

This nail polish is gorgeous and so appropriate for summer. I find myself constantly reaching for this shade when I paint my nails.  I just can't get enough!

xx,

Jordana

LACQUER LUST: China Glaze 'Celtic Sun'

It's officially spring and one of my absolute favorite trends for this season is neon.  I'm the kind of girl who really doesn't wear much color, but neon shades are absolutely my guilty pleasure.  

Now, those of you who are a bit afraid of the neon trend for Spring, I don't blame you.  It's a pretty intimidating trend.  I remember the first time I wore a neon coral top, I felt like I was wearing a huge flashing neon sign and everyone was staring at me, expecting me to explode or something. So, if you aren't ready to dive into the neon trend just yet, the perfect way to incorporate neon into your wardrobe with baby steps is to inject a bit of neon into your nail polish!

One of the best neon nail polishes I've found so far is China Glaze's 'Celtic Sun'.  It is THE perfect neon yellow shade.  Neon yellow isn't the neon shade I would typically go for, but on my nails, I find it to be a great accent, without looking overbearing. 

Although I adore the shade, my one issue with this nail polish is that it's very, very thin.  In order to achieve an opaque look, I have to apply about 10 coats.  Not kidding.  But, each layer does dry very quickly so I was able to have my nails done in less than 30 minutes.  And, when it is opaque, it's absolutely beautiful.

It's a pretty matte nail polish on its own so a good top coat is completely necessary!  In my opinion, neon nail lacquers look best when they're glossy.  My favorite top coat is the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.  It applies smooth and gives an impeccable shine.  It does get thick and goopy pretty easily, but that can be easily fixed by a thinner.  

I haven't seen many neon nail polishes on the market, especially from typical brands like O.P.I. and Essie, who tend to stick to more pastels or darker shades.  However, China Glaze has a really good selection of about five beautiful neon shades.  I found mine at my local Sally's Beauty Supply for about 6 dollars but China Glaze can be found at Ulta and online.

So, take a leap into the neon trend (without feeling like you're blinding everyone around you) by painting your nails!

Do you have any favorite nail shades for spring? Let me know as a comment!

xx,

Jordana