Penny Pincher Fashion

Fashion, Beauty and Style

Fashion

Well-Polished

I have no problem admitting that I am polish-obsessed.  My bathroom cabinet holds two large 3-drawer organizers with all of the nail lacquers I’ve amassed over the years (arranged by color family, naturally).  Before I became a mom, I used to have my nails done every 2 weeks at the salon.  But when we shifted down to one income, in an effort to save money, I started doing all my own manicures at home…hence the expansive collection I now own.  


For those of you who are just starting out or for those looking for that perfect color, I’ve put together my top picks: a mix of neutrals you can wear year-round, brights for spring/summer and rich tones for fall/winter.  These are my absolute favorites & I’ve even tested them on girlfriends with different skin coloring than mine.  I promise these shades look good on everyone and they are the only 12 polishes you truly need!

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    I have been doing my nails for a really long time but treat myself to a toe polish once or twice in the summer! I must have white, pink and navy in my polish collection as they are my go to colors!!

    Xo,
    Sincerely Miss Ash

  7. Alyson says

    love this! why did I think you never got a manicure before?! lol, weird but I do love these colors, particularly that wine and navy hues. Gorgeous!

  8. PennyPincherFashion says

    Alyson,

    I should have specified! When I was going to the salon (back in the day), I had acrylic nails put on. I've never actually had a manicure done on my natural nails 🙂

    xo,
    Kimberly

  10. elizabethashleyphoto says

    Any time I don't *need* a new polish, but love a color too much to leave it, I justify it because I'm not "one of those girls" who goes and gets mani/pedi all the time. So even though I have way more than anyone needs, it's a lot cheaper than the charge + tip every couple of weeks that my girlfriends have!

  11. Amy says

    I have been wearing essie's tart deco all summer! I tried switching but nothing else looks as good 🙂

  12. Amy says

    I have been wearing essie's tart deco all summer! I tried switching but nothing else looks as good 🙂

  14. The BuckMaster says

    Great post! I'm hoping as a mega-polish lover you'll be able to answer a question I have for you- how do you get your polishes to last?? I feel like the colors start to separate and look all funky only a few months after I buy them which makes me not want to bother "investing" in too many polish options. I've heard don't store in direct sunlight or hot places, but that still hasn't seemed to help??

  16. PennyPincherFashion says

    The BuckMaster,

    I haven't had this problem with mine. I store them in a drawer organizer in my bathroom linen closet. Sometimes I will have them go bad/get goopy after a year or two, but never sooner than that. Sorry I can't help further! 🙁

    xo,
    Kimberly

  17. Bonnie says

    Even if the colors do separate, usually just a good shaking will fix it. I have heard others say roll it between your hands to use body warmth.

    I would have included a light pink ala Essie Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers or OPI Bubble Bath.

  21. Brianna Harris says

    Cute post! Do you have any suggestions for a light pink polish that you can still see? I have the hardest time finding this in the perfect color! Thanks! 🙂

  24. Ebi says

    lovely choice of color…. ever since I've stopped working I've been doing my own mani too… save money. I love the Olive that you've shown…. Wanna get a Olive color soon too… XD