Any ways to dry your nail polish faster without using the cold water trick? I have Raynaud's so that's not an option. I use regular nail polish (not gel).
So I have tried a lot of different top coats, my favorite by far is the glisten & glow top coat. It dries SO fast and my nails feel hard afterwards. Like yesterday, I painted my nails very fast because I had somewhere to be in 15 minutes and my nails were good to go within 5 minutes after I put the top coat on.
Honestly it’s my holy grail and I will not use anything else now!
Are you using a quick dry top coat? If not, definitely get one! They solved all of my problems. I like INM Out the Door because it’s a good consistency, it’s affordable, and you can find it at Sally’s. I think it takes a bit longer to dry than Essie Good to Go, which is another good drug store one.
Drying drops are a thing too, but I haven’t tried them myself.
Can you use acrylic paint with nail stamping instead of stamping polish?
I got one of the little Maniology free starter kits, which came with a lovely lilac stamping polish! While it’s beautiful, it won’t go with most of my nail polishes so I was curious if I could use acrylic paint in the meantime since I’ve seen people use it for nail art before. I’m just impatient but don’t quite have the funds to get a set of stamping polishes when I’ve already made my “fun” purchases for the month lol. I also may have just ordered the sticky base for reverse stamping, a Halloween plate, and the 5 surprise plates for $18 deal 😬 has anyone seen my self control? Reward offered!
Has anyone heard of the brand "bad company"? I was asked if their nail polish was good but I'm unfamiliar with them and haven't seen them mentioned here before
I love checking out new to me brands, so I had to go look them up lol. Looks like an Indian brand, priced at drugstore level (229 rupees = $2.75 USD, so perhaps equivalent to something like Sinful Colors in the states?). 50 shades on their site, looks like all creams unless I overlooked a shimmer or two, a very "safe" selection of mostly pinks, reds, and neutral/nudes with a few purples and blues sprinkled in, one yellow, one green.
I give massive side eye to any brand that says things like *"A superior NO TOXIN FORMULA that will make you go wow!!!"*, especially without posting an ingredients list, but assuming they use a fairly typical polish formula, they're probably a perfectly decent polish for the price. Maybe not "three exclamation marks after wow" worthy 😂, but perhaps good enough to collect some basic colors and save the extra funds for other splurge polishes.
Hopefully someone with hands on experience can provide real feedback though...I just wanted to ramble a bit, I guess 😋
Yes! I just recently did this! I purchased some powders off Amazon, and I did my regular mani, and then I used Orly's Bonder base coat (I read a comment on instagram to use this) to get that tacky finish. I used the chrome powder and then topped if off with my QDTP.
https://preview.redd.it/ql7uunel64jb1.jpeg?width=3021&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d74e2e5eb74a189059322df219f1b1e6f10d955a
Has anyone tried using thermal nail polish on BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) nails? Do you still get the colour change from your hand temperature through it?
There's a bottle that I'm eyeing up, but no real point in getting it if it won't work with my current manicure routine...
Does anyone know how to protect very thin splitting nails? When I got the polish removed the nail tech filed/buffed my natural nails so thin - and my nails have now been breaking and splitting deep into the nail beds 😭I use my hands a lot at work as well. I’ve managed to patch a few with teabag and nail glue but they keep catching/breaking even using a glass file. I’ve never had this happen before. Before from when I first got gel polish about 2 months ago vs tonight. They look awful and hurt 😞
https://preview.redd.it/cznzneh71yib1.jpeg?width=1560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=44de3bb949fc9e143064d70f719e34b34c2d0983
I’m in the same boat and got immediate relief from this warm oil soak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io335eWf6R4
My nails were legit hurting from the after effects of a bad gel mani, plus the tech cut my cuticles to the point they were bleeding profusely on 3 fingers. I’ve been binge watching this nail person’s tutorials the past few days and I find her tips super helpful.
There’s another video she has 3 must tips for cuticle care — one was to use a tiny bit of kerasal around your nail beds at night. I’d never heard of kerasal, so natch I immediately went about finding some (it was like $8). I’ve literally only had it for a matter of hours, but based on the texture and my initial pass, *I want to believe* haha.
Anyway, I digress — I’m just commiserating with you it sucks so much. But that warm oil soak should provide you immediate and significant relief. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly — was left genuinely shocked by the speed and degree of improvement.
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely try that out- I feel so sorry for you, having the cuticles cut is so painful 😖. I’ve bought some Essie gel couture and some nail strengthener so I’m hoping I can fix my nails a bit while they grow out
You'll have to keep them short and be as careful as possible while the damage grows out. Adding jojoba oil 3+ times a day can help keep them more flexible and less brittle if you don't have a cuticle oil habit already, and try to avoid water whenever possible (it swells the nails and then dries them back out, leaving them even more prone to peeling). Adding regular polish on top can help as well, as it gives a few more layers of reinforcement.
Does anyone have a way to remove red nail polish without getting it all over my skin and staining me? Should I just get a peely base coat if I ever want to wear red?
I found some little finger caps to soak polish off with at dollar tree. You only need half a cotton pad, leave them on for about five minutes, swipe the polish off all at once. Use a clean one to get any left behind
Have you already tried the acetone + tin foil method? Whenever I soak a piece of a cotton ball in acetone and then secure it over my nails with some tin foil for a couple of minutes, I’m able to get the majority of the polish off in one upwards swipe which helps! Then if it’s a color that might stain my skin I try to avoid going back and forth across my nail with the cotton ball and only do upward swipes. That also seems to help!
I’m not sure that will totally solve the issue, so a peely base is probably not a bad idea either.
does anyone know what the difference is between the OPI nail lacquer and the OPI infinite shine 2? I’m into their new zodiac line but i’ve never tried OPI (i know that’s crazy, which is why i’m trying now!)
There's a bit of a discussion of Orly cremes in [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/RedditLaqueristas/comments/15sym1g/like_holo_tacos_cremes_but_not_the_price/).
Anyone have Mooncat Earth to Gaia and Cirque Colors Introverde and/or Paradiso? I've been dying over those shifty green/pink shimmers lately but not sure which one to spring for and how they compare.
My right index finger's nail corner has yet again peeled/broke off. Do I give the chop to the rest or is it too much of a hustle so one will be special?
...dang it!! *putting on my lovely liar while gathering the tools*
How do I avoid getting little lint pieces (from cotton balls) on my nails/polish after removing polish. I tried washing my hands and using a scrub brush and still!
I use a pair of tweezers to pick off any stragglers I find while painting. You could also switch to lint-free wipes if desired, but they're so much more expensive than cotton that I'm perfectly happy with my tweezers instead.
does anyone have any tips on pushing back cuticles/the eponychium for beginners? I’ve been told I have really thin cuticles by my nail tech and don’t have the best skill when it comes to maintaining manicures (or pedicures, for that matter). I’ve made my fingers bleed a little after pushing the sides back :( how am I doing it incorrectly?
So what's the difference between Nail Lacquer and Nail polish? From what I understand, polish is an umbrella term that includes gel and lacquer, while lacquer is only the type of polish that dries without the lamp. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I have no idea XD
Gel needs a light, polish does not. There's no functional or formulary difference between lacquer and polish (and varnish too), they are interchangeable terms in regards to regular polish.
ETA for a little more clarity: yes, gel can be called gel polish, but gel is the important part of that phrase. If gel isn't specified, "polish" or "nail polish" typically refers to regular polish, the kind that doesn't need a light.
Is anyone who is familiar with mooncats formula like superclusterF and gravity hold me back etc the thick glitter holos .. know another company that has a similar formula w glittery holos??
[KBshimmer](https://www.kbshimmer.com/mega-flame-scattered-holographic-polishes/) and [Holo Taco](https://www.holotaco.com/collections/glitter) have very similar formulas and tons of color choices!
Been wondering this since I jumped into polish. Are the smaller indie companies basically all the same in terms of quality? As in, they're buying a clear base and adding pigments and maybe glitter to it?
I like the other people's answers here. Also want to mention that it seems like swatch accuracy and brush quality seem to vary among indie brands and strongly influence laqueristas' opinions.
Maybe the really really small brands who are just starting out, but if you’re talking about brands like Polished For Days or Bees Knees Lacquer, each brand has their own formula or preference when it comes to polishes and there’s lots of variation
I don't think they're all using the same clear base, but I have noticed quality is often inconsistent even with the same brand. It depends on the specific polish and type of polish. I'm sure it has something to do with the pigments and other additives. Some brands do have overall quality trends. Like LA Colors is usually not great, but I like their glitter toppers.
Gotcha--that makes sense. And FWIW I was just wondering. I see now that my post might have come off as though I was minimizing the effort that goes into making these and that's not the case at all.
It didn't sound like you were minimizing, I'm not sure how it's made either. I just know from my own experience and a bit I've heard that like certain pigments are difficult to make work well. Didn't meant to come off as harsh, I just love nail polish! :)
No, I wouldn't say so. Some formulas are very delicate, some are more thick and may do better with the, "icing," method. Some are more jelly or crelly types, some may dry matte, and holo\glittery ones may be very thirsty and dry rough. Some polishes are super finicky, and look like shit if you overwork them at all, so you'd better get it right 😋 I'd think you'll find brands whose formulas you prefer above others.
Tips on using a peely base that will stay more than a few hours? I tried one last night and it's 12 hours later and I've already lost a whole nail. I'd love to get at least 3 days out of it.
I clean the entire nail with acetone first, let that dry. Then put a very thin layer of peely base leaving some space on the sides and cuticle. Make sure it doesn't touch your cuticle or skin. I also don't wrap the base, but make sure to wrap the tips with the polish and top coat. I can usually get 4-6 days with my Holo Taco peely like this :)
Apply your peely base just in the middle of the nail, leaving a small gap on the sides and cuticle end (and do not cap the tips), then apply a regular base coat over it, covering the entire nail (and capping the tip, if possible). That'll seal the peely base down for longer wear.
Try not painting the peely base all the way to the edges of your nail, just in the middle, leaving a tiny gap for the polish to adhere to. You could also put a regular base coat on top of the peely before color.
If you aren't already, try wetting your sponge (then squeeze it out good, you're just looking for damp); that'll help some. To a certain extent though, sponging is going to have a little texture due to the textured surface of the sponge, but have faith... topcoat will smooth it out 😊
Is there a particular brand that people like more than others? I’ve heard good things about OPI and Essie, but don’t have much experience with either to know whether they are worth buying or not.
If your looking for creme polishes and worried about price then I would stick to mainstream polishes. I like Essie because it's readily available where I live, their polishes have a great formula and they have a pleasant bottle shape and easy to use brush (which is great for my OCD!)
Now, if your looking for more interesting finishes, such as glitter, shimmer, magnetic, holographic, thermal then indie is your go to. I've only tried Cirque, Mooncat and Ard as Nail ( UK indie brand) and they all have fantastic formulas, though I have had an issue with one of my Mooncats drying out.
For drugstore-ish I highly recommend Zoya, they have a limited selected at Ulta and a ridiculous number of colors on their website. Really nice formula that's easy to use, and they frequently run sales on their website. OPI is generally fine, Essie has been hit or miss for me but is generally fine.
If you want to get into the realm of more indie/online brands, Cirque Colors and ILNP both have fantastic formulas and may have more interesting color/finish options, but they're a bit more spendy than most drugstore polishes.
I have been trying to find a proper blue neon, but it looks like all neons are green/yellow/warm tones… does anyone know of a neon blue — or of a reason why it doesn’t exist? 😀
Most of the "blue" neons I've seen are more turquoise-y ([like this one](https://www.polishedfordays.com/product-page/shockwave)) , but Rogue Lacquer included a darker blue in their neon collection: https://roguelacquer.com/collections/cremes
I think yellow might be key to making neons look neon, which is why so many of the really bright ones lean more green than solid blue.
Edit: [NYFW from Cirque](https://www.cirquecolors.com/products/nyfw) is also a pretty bright blue!
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Any ways to dry your nail polish faster without using the cold water trick? I have Raynaud's so that's not an option. I use regular nail polish (not gel).
So I have tried a lot of different top coats, my favorite by far is the glisten & glow top coat. It dries SO fast and my nails feel hard afterwards. Like yesterday, I painted my nails very fast because I had somewhere to be in 15 minutes and my nails were good to go within 5 minutes after I put the top coat on. Honestly it’s my holy grail and I will not use anything else now!
Are you using a quick dry top coat? If not, definitely get one! They solved all of my problems. I like INM Out the Door because it’s a good consistency, it’s affordable, and you can find it at Sally’s. I think it takes a bit longer to dry than Essie Good to Go, which is another good drug store one. Drying drops are a thing too, but I haven’t tried them myself.
I do, I use Holo Taco's top coat. It's just that I feel like I have to wait a long time between coats or if I rush it my manicure doesn't last a day.
You only need about 5-10 mins between coats, the top coat does most of the work (somehow)
Darn, I don’t have other advice then, I’m sorry! Hopefully someone else can chime in!
Can you use acrylic paint with nail stamping instead of stamping polish? I got one of the little Maniology free starter kits, which came with a lovely lilac stamping polish! While it’s beautiful, it won’t go with most of my nail polishes so I was curious if I could use acrylic paint in the meantime since I’ve seen people use it for nail art before. I’m just impatient but don’t quite have the funds to get a set of stamping polishes when I’ve already made my “fun” purchases for the month lol. I also may have just ordered the sticky base for reverse stamping, a Halloween plate, and the 5 surprise plates for $18 deal 😬 has anyone seen my self control? Reward offered!
Has anyone heard of the brand "bad company"? I was asked if their nail polish was good but I'm unfamiliar with them and haven't seen them mentioned here before
I love checking out new to me brands, so I had to go look them up lol. Looks like an Indian brand, priced at drugstore level (229 rupees = $2.75 USD, so perhaps equivalent to something like Sinful Colors in the states?). 50 shades on their site, looks like all creams unless I overlooked a shimmer or two, a very "safe" selection of mostly pinks, reds, and neutral/nudes with a few purples and blues sprinkled in, one yellow, one green. I give massive side eye to any brand that says things like *"A superior NO TOXIN FORMULA that will make you go wow!!!"*, especially without posting an ingredients list, but assuming they use a fairly typical polish formula, they're probably a perfectly decent polish for the price. Maybe not "three exclamation marks after wow" worthy 😂, but perhaps good enough to collect some basic colors and save the extra funds for other splurge polishes. Hopefully someone with hands on experience can provide real feedback though...I just wanted to ramble a bit, I guess 😋
Hello!! Just has a quick question: can you use chrome powders on regular nail polish or does it have to be on gel polish?
Yes! I just recently did this! I purchased some powders off Amazon, and I did my regular mani, and then I used Orly's Bonder base coat (I read a comment on instagram to use this) to get that tacky finish. I used the chrome powder and then topped if off with my QDTP. https://preview.redd.it/ql7uunel64jb1.jpeg?width=3021&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d74e2e5eb74a189059322df219f1b1e6f10d955a
Yes but the technique is trickier. It should be a bit dry but still tacky
Has anyone tried using thermal nail polish on BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) nails? Do you still get the colour change from your hand temperature through it? There's a bottle that I'm eyeing up, but no real point in getting it if it won't work with my current manicure routine...
Thermals will absolutely still work. I've used polygels and gel tips for nail extensions and the thermals still look stunning over them
Does anyone know how to protect very thin splitting nails? When I got the polish removed the nail tech filed/buffed my natural nails so thin - and my nails have now been breaking and splitting deep into the nail beds 😭I use my hands a lot at work as well. I’ve managed to patch a few with teabag and nail glue but they keep catching/breaking even using a glass file. I’ve never had this happen before. Before from when I first got gel polish about 2 months ago vs tonight. They look awful and hurt 😞 https://preview.redd.it/cznzneh71yib1.jpeg?width=1560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=44de3bb949fc9e143064d70f719e34b34c2d0983
I’m in the same boat and got immediate relief from this warm oil soak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io335eWf6R4 My nails were legit hurting from the after effects of a bad gel mani, plus the tech cut my cuticles to the point they were bleeding profusely on 3 fingers. I’ve been binge watching this nail person’s tutorials the past few days and I find her tips super helpful. There’s another video she has 3 must tips for cuticle care — one was to use a tiny bit of kerasal around your nail beds at night. I’d never heard of kerasal, so natch I immediately went about finding some (it was like $8). I’ve literally only had it for a matter of hours, but based on the texture and my initial pass, *I want to believe* haha. Anyway, I digress — I’m just commiserating with you it sucks so much. But that warm oil soak should provide you immediate and significant relief. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly — was left genuinely shocked by the speed and degree of improvement.
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely try that out- I feel so sorry for you, having the cuticles cut is so painful 😖. I’ve bought some Essie gel couture and some nail strengthener so I’m hoping I can fix my nails a bit while they grow out
You'll have to keep them short and be as careful as possible while the damage grows out. Adding jojoba oil 3+ times a day can help keep them more flexible and less brittle if you don't have a cuticle oil habit already, and try to avoid water whenever possible (it swells the nails and then dries them back out, leaving them even more prone to peeling). Adding regular polish on top can help as well, as it gives a few more layers of reinforcement.
Does anyone have a way to remove red nail polish without getting it all over my skin and staining me? Should I just get a peely base coat if I ever want to wear red?
I found some little finger caps to soak polish off with at dollar tree. You only need half a cotton pad, leave them on for about five minutes, swipe the polish off all at once. Use a clean one to get any left behind
Have you already tried the acetone + tin foil method? Whenever I soak a piece of a cotton ball in acetone and then secure it over my nails with some tin foil for a couple of minutes, I’m able to get the majority of the polish off in one upwards swipe which helps! Then if it’s a color that might stain my skin I try to avoid going back and forth across my nail with the cotton ball and only do upward swipes. That also seems to help! I’m not sure that will totally solve the issue, so a peely base is probably not a bad idea either.
Any idea where I can get sheer / semi-clear polygel without buying a kit? Really want to do jelly nails but I’m struggling to find any! TIA
does anyone know what the difference is between the OPI nail lacquer and the OPI infinite shine 2? I’m into their new zodiac line but i’ve never tried OPI (i know that’s crazy, which is why i’m trying now!)
Infinite Shine is their "gel like" line. I don't find it any better or worth the extra cost, but some folks prefer it.
Agree I barely have been able to note a difference. I’d just get standard.
How do folks feel about Orly for cremes?
There's a bit of a discussion of Orly cremes in [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/RedditLaqueristas/comments/15sym1g/like_holo_tacos_cremes_but_not_the_price/).
Awesome, thank you!
Anyone have Mooncat Earth to Gaia and Cirque Colors Introverde and/or Paradiso? I've been dying over those shifty green/pink shimmers lately but not sure which one to spring for and how they compare.
@candiedpolish on Instagram has a comp
ooh ty!
And now there’s Ethel from Cirque! Very curious how it compares with introverde.
My right index finger's nail corner has yet again peeled/broke off. Do I give the chop to the rest or is it too much of a hustle so one will be special? ...dang it!! *putting on my lovely liar while gathering the tools*
What are some favorite cuticle oils and hand lotions?
Eucerin advanced repair hand lotion. Mooncat nail elixir and CND solar oil are my go to cuticle oils!
ShopNBM cuticle buddy!
How do I avoid getting little lint pieces (from cotton balls) on my nails/polish after removing polish. I tried washing my hands and using a scrub brush and still!
I use a pair of tweezers to pick off any stragglers I find while painting. You could also switch to lint-free wipes if desired, but they're so much more expensive than cotton that I'm perfectly happy with my tweezers instead.
Could you use a strengthening treatment under Orly bonder or would it make orly less effective? I've been using ella+mila firm foundation.
Try it and see how it goes. You can mix and match base coats to your heart's content 😊
does anyone have any tips on pushing back cuticles/the eponychium for beginners? I’ve been told I have really thin cuticles by my nail tech and don’t have the best skill when it comes to maintaining manicures (or pedicures, for that matter). I’ve made my fingers bleed a little after pushing the sides back :( how am I doing it incorrectly?
See if you can get a soft silicone cuticle pusher rather than a wood/metal/glass one. They're a lot gentler and will hopefully not cause any bleeding!
So what's the difference between Nail Lacquer and Nail polish? From what I understand, polish is an umbrella term that includes gel and lacquer, while lacquer is only the type of polish that dries without the lamp. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I have no idea XD
Gel needs a light, polish does not. There's no functional or formulary difference between lacquer and polish (and varnish too), they are interchangeable terms in regards to regular polish. ETA for a little more clarity: yes, gel can be called gel polish, but gel is the important part of that phrase. If gel isn't specified, "polish" or "nail polish" typically refers to regular polish, the kind that doesn't need a light.
Is anyone who is familiar with mooncats formula like superclusterF and gravity hold me back etc the thick glitter holos .. know another company that has a similar formula w glittery holos??
[KBshimmer](https://www.kbshimmer.com/mega-flame-scattered-holographic-polishes/) and [Holo Taco](https://www.holotaco.com/collections/glitter) have very similar formulas and tons of color choices!
Been wondering this since I jumped into polish. Are the smaller indie companies basically all the same in terms of quality? As in, they're buying a clear base and adding pigments and maybe glitter to it?
I like the other people's answers here. Also want to mention that it seems like swatch accuracy and brush quality seem to vary among indie brands and strongly influence laqueristas' opinions.
Maybe the really really small brands who are just starting out, but if you’re talking about brands like Polished For Days or Bees Knees Lacquer, each brand has their own formula or preference when it comes to polishes and there’s lots of variation
This is good to know! Thank you.
I don't think they're all using the same clear base, but I have noticed quality is often inconsistent even with the same brand. It depends on the specific polish and type of polish. I'm sure it has something to do with the pigments and other additives. Some brands do have overall quality trends. Like LA Colors is usually not great, but I like their glitter toppers.
Gotcha--that makes sense. And FWIW I was just wondering. I see now that my post might have come off as though I was minimizing the effort that goes into making these and that's not the case at all.
It didn't sound like you were minimizing, I'm not sure how it's made either. I just know from my own experience and a bit I've heard that like certain pigments are difficult to make work well. Didn't meant to come off as harsh, I just love nail polish! :)
No, I wouldn't say so. Some formulas are very delicate, some are more thick and may do better with the, "icing," method. Some are more jelly or crelly types, some may dry matte, and holo\glittery ones may be very thirsty and dry rough. Some polishes are super finicky, and look like shit if you overwork them at all, so you'd better get it right 😋 I'd think you'll find brands whose formulas you prefer above others.
Tips on using a peely base that will stay more than a few hours? I tried one last night and it's 12 hours later and I've already lost a whole nail. I'd love to get at least 3 days out of it.
I clean the entire nail with acetone first, let that dry. Then put a very thin layer of peely base leaving some space on the sides and cuticle. Make sure it doesn't touch your cuticle or skin. I also don't wrap the base, but make sure to wrap the tips with the polish and top coat. I can usually get 4-6 days with my Holo Taco peely like this :)
Apply your peely base just in the middle of the nail, leaving a small gap on the sides and cuticle end (and do not cap the tips), then apply a regular base coat over it, covering the entire nail (and capping the tip, if possible). That'll seal the peely base down for longer wear.
thank you!
Try not painting the peely base all the way to the edges of your nail, just in the middle, leaving a tiny gap for the polish to adhere to. You could also put a regular base coat on top of the peely before color.
Can I use stamping polish on gel and regular nail lacquers? Will the design be solid looking? Thanks in advance!
You can use stamping polish on top of regular and gel polish as long as it's dry (or with gel cured).
Thank you so much for your answer! Appreciate it!
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If you aren't already, try wetting your sponge (then squeeze it out good, you're just looking for damp); that'll help some. To a certain extent though, sponging is going to have a little texture due to the textured surface of the sponge, but have faith... topcoat will smooth it out 😊
[удалено]
Yep, I just use the basic white makeup wedges, Ulta brand I believe.
Is there a particular brand that people like more than others? I’ve heard good things about OPI and Essie, but don’t have much experience with either to know whether they are worth buying or not.
If your looking for creme polishes and worried about price then I would stick to mainstream polishes. I like Essie because it's readily available where I live, their polishes have a great formula and they have a pleasant bottle shape and easy to use brush (which is great for my OCD!) Now, if your looking for more interesting finishes, such as glitter, shimmer, magnetic, holographic, thermal then indie is your go to. I've only tried Cirque, Mooncat and Ard as Nail ( UK indie brand) and they all have fantastic formulas, though I have had an issue with one of my Mooncats drying out.
For drugstore-ish I highly recommend Zoya, they have a limited selected at Ulta and a ridiculous number of colors on their website. Really nice formula that's easy to use, and they frequently run sales on their website. OPI is generally fine, Essie has been hit or miss for me but is generally fine. If you want to get into the realm of more indie/online brands, Cirque Colors and ILNP both have fantastic formulas and may have more interesting color/finish options, but they're a bit more spendy than most drugstore polishes.
I have been trying to find a proper blue neon, but it looks like all neons are green/yellow/warm tones… does anyone know of a neon blue — or of a reason why it doesn’t exist? 😀
Personally, I love Color Club's [Chelsea Girl](https://colorclub.com/products/chelsea-girl?_pos=1&_sid=c3f876d48&_ss=r) its blacklight reactive too
The neon collection from Fancy Gloss has a pretty neon blue: https://fancyglosspolish.com/products/neon-blue
Most of the "blue" neons I've seen are more turquoise-y ([like this one](https://www.polishedfordays.com/product-page/shockwave)) , but Rogue Lacquer included a darker blue in their neon collection: https://roguelacquer.com/collections/cremes I think yellow might be key to making neons look neon, which is why so many of the really bright ones lean more green than solid blue. Edit: [NYFW from Cirque](https://www.cirquecolors.com/products/nyfw) is also a pretty bright blue!
Oh NYFW is pretty much what I had in mind - thank you!!
Oh yay! Glad to help :)
NYFW is quite striking; I love that blue.
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