Nail Polish Essentials.

we all have our favorites. here are five of my most-loved (and used!) picks:

from L to R:

1. Seche Vite Top Coat: $5 (half off!!) via Amazon

 i never understood the hype around this one until i used it for myself.

it is FANTASTIC. and essential if you paint your nails frequently or hate waiting for them to dry.

the topcoat is glossy and dries within a minute. it's magic. seriously. 

2. Ulta Salon Nail Base Coat: $3 via Ulta

a pretty solid base coat, i love this one and the Sally Hansen Diamond version, it dries quickly and applies nicely. an basic that every girl should have in her nail polish arsenal.

3. O.P.I.'s Barefoot in Barcelona: $8 via Amazon

my personal favorite. i use this ALL the time. it is the perfect nude for slightly tan to olive skin tones.

it's a pinkish brown but it looks lovely on. i reach for this when i don't know what color to paint my nails and it never fails. i also really love the consistency of OPI nail polishes. the brush is just right and it always ends up looking fantastic.

4. Essie's Fifth Ave $8 via Essie

another favorite. this is my go-to red. it compliments my skin tone (as well as many of my friends! so i think it'll work for everyone) and is a true old Hollywood-esque red. The formula is great but the brush can be a little tricky at times. Despite that it's still one of my all time favorites and the opacity is spot on.

5. Nicole by OPI's Kardashian Kolor in Rainbow in the s-kylie $7 via Target 

every girl needs a fun glitter topcoat, and i love love love this one. the glitter is chunky and it looks awesome paired with OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona.  I tend to just stick to this one on one or two nails to keep the look moderately glam, but I think it would look great for an event painted on a solid colored base such as black, white or gold.

what are your favorite nail colors? any recommendations?

xoxo,

Bella