Top 12 Nail Polishes of 2012!

Although the idea isn’t anything particularly new, I’ve never done one of these posts before. I figure, if I’m sitting here reflecting on notable events of 2012 I should mention the nail polishes that have made an impression on me. To some, it may sound superficial how much nail polish is a part of my life, but I consider nail art to be a true hobby of mine and every artist needs a medium and canvas. Nail polish and nails are mine and for many of you. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that nail polish is not only fun and fashionable, but therapeutic in its uses as well. I should add that not all of the nail polishes chosen were released in 2012, so here’s to my favourites of 2012!   

Top 12

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1. Julep – Catherine

This is a recent discovery, but I really did fall in love with this rich, red creme polish. Not only was this great for the holidays, but is a work appropriate colour too if you want something other than muted neutrals.

2. Julep – Natasha

This was my first bright orange creme and was also the colour I was wearing on my nails when my fiancé proposed so it is not only a beautiful colour, but also one that holds a special place in my heart :-) It has a deliciously glossy finish and is one of those bright orange colours that’s good enough to eat!

3. OPI – Black Onyx

I realized this MUST be a favourite colour of mine when I was doing the 31 Day Nail Art Challenge and kept reaching for this glossy black creme polish. It is wonderfully opaque in two coats and although I haven’t tried another black, I just don’t see any reason to!

4. OPI – Goldeneye

 Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of this colour when I wore it and will have to remedy that at some point, but a lot of you have probably seen swatches of Goldeneye already. I thought it was just another gold polish, but I was wrong! I would describe it almost like a warm, older-looking gold with a super shiny finish. I found it best to use three coats to get the full effect.

5. Orly – Sweet Peacock

*Sigh* This polish is blue heaven and had the most amazing formula to work with. This was my first Orly polish and my experience with Sweet Peacock has given rise to a small and growing collection of baby Orlys. This is such an eye-catching foil blue that I wish I had a matching pair of shoes!

6. A-England – Tristam

It’s a holographic navy blue polish. Have any of you seen anything like this out there in what sometimes feels like a very saturated polish market? A-England is an indie polish company that continually comes out with colours that wow and I look forward to what this company comes out with in 2013!

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7. China Glaze – Fairy Dust

Everyone should own this as it perks up any polish colour without being distracting. When I feel a manicure is missing “something”, I have come to the realization that 90% of the time, it’s missing Fairy Dust!

8. China Glaze – Running in Circles

I know this is a late addition to the group, but this colour is an absolute must-have! Talk about amazingly green and opaque! I have had this colour on my nails for FOUR days now which is a very long time in nail polish addiction world.

9. China Glaze – Riveting

This polish was from the highly anticipated Hunger Games collection and is a stunning shimmery orange. It always makes me think of the fire in Katniss’s dress which I suppose was the intention.

10. Nerd Lacquer – Warrior Ethos

I was very happy to see Amanda’s “I’m back” post to let everyone know she would be returning to Nerd Lacquer soon so I no longer need to say that you can’t get this anymore. It’s just a matter of time until you can score Warrior Ethos for yourselves! I loved this colour because I felt in control and almost Amazonian when I wore this! Black hex glitter in a berry-red jelly base? Please and thank you!

11. Glitter Gal – Lizard Belly 3D

I have loved every holographic polish from Glitter Gal, but Lizard Belly was a stunner! Dark green and so easy to apply unlike some holos. The bottle is tiny, but the colour speaks volumes on your nails.

12. Pretty & Polished – Jawbreaker

How can I not have this colour on my list for 2012?! I don’t normally like white-based polishes, but when I started seeing swatches of Jawbreaker, I couldn’t deny my nail beds the assortment of micro purple glitter, blue, red and yellow hex glitter, green bar glitter and of course red square glitter! This is another polish like no other!

27 comments

  1. You know what would make this post even more awesome? Swatch pictures! =D <3

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  2. Oh I have fallen hard for Running in circles myself!

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  3. Great post! Out of the 12 you mentioned, I only have OPI Goldeneye and love it as well! And you're right, painting my nails is one of the things I do to relax :)

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    1. I don't know whether it's the fumes or the actual act of painting, but it all sure makes me feel better!

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  4. Great picks for 2012, Jayne! Sadly, I don't own any of these! lol

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  5. Great roundup, Jayne! Fairy Dust is one of my faves... totally agree, it amps up any mani!

    xo, alison*elle

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    1. I think we both love Fairy Dust enough to take it with us if stranded on a deserted island!

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  6. Awesome list! Ive gotta get my hands on some of these!

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  7. WHAT!! NERD LACQUER IS BACK?
    hooray hooray!! happy dance time!! :)

    i don't own any of the polishes on this list!! must.get.a.england.

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    1. She is! Her mom died...and she didn't feel like facing the public just yet...hopefully she'll be back for 2013 soon.

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  8. For the record, Rimmel has a great black creme too!

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    1. Ooh, good to know as it's probably half the price!

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  9. I have liked every single manicure that you made :)



    http://majolinacity.blogspot.com/

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  10. This is such a cool post idea! Loved that you combined your faves:)

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    1. I thought it seemed like a fitting post to do for the end of the year :)

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  11. Great post Jayne! I have Riveting too and I love it :)

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  12. The only one I've tried from this list is Riveting (and I love it), but I really want to try A England's polishes and Orly's Sweet Peacock!

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    1. A-England has really some of the most unique polishes with great formulations.

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  13. I LOVE these types of posts!!! :D I was going to do a favourite 10 polishes of 2012 post, but after this I think 12 would be more appropriate (I hope you don't mind!!!).
    Super awesome choices!!!! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

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    1. Hehe, I loved reading your favourites Ashley!

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