It’s fairly unanimous among anyone you ask that 2016 was a rough year. A very rough year. It took far too many musical icons and a host of actors and actresses we will miss dearly. It was also the year of the worst US election in modern history. But nail polish was definitely not among 2016’s failures. In fact we saw thousands of fantastic polishes, and every other week brought us a new indie brand. Polish lovers could have their cake and eat it too.
To wrap up 2016 I have created a Top 16 list of my favorite polishes of the year. Since I did not put every single polish of 2016 on my tips (I made a valiant effort though!😊) this list was compiled from all the polishes that did grace my tips! I do feel guilty about all the amazing polishes that just haven’t made it to my nails yet though!
Includes indie and mainstream brands, and in no particular order.
Tonic Polish Light of Lyra
*purchased
This polish wowed me from the moment it was released, and it still does to this day. A gorgeous purple with an equally gorgeous shimmer. Definitely one of the polishes that put Tonic Polish on the map!
Zoya Merida
*press sample
I love green polish, and I love Zoya’s scattered holos. Combine the two and it’s love at first coat.
Blush Lacquers Nerida Singer
*press sample
Blush Lacquers is a new 2016 brand, but you would never guess that based on this stunner! An incredible shimmer that is truly unique.
Cupcake Polish Bad Hare Day
*purchased
I purchased my first Holo Hookup box for this polish, and boy am I glad I did! So totally worth it. Nudes are my thing, but nudes with a little something extra I am powerless to pass them up.
Painted Polish Radiant & Rosy
*purchased
An ultra holo based on the Pantone Color of 2016, Rose Quartz. It’s a bit more pink in real life, so much holo in this beauty my camera didn’t even know how to handle it!
Glam Polish An Unexpected Journey
*press sample
Initially I chose Glam Polish The Dark Crystal, because it totally slays me. But An Unexpected Journey is the same amazing color shifting glitters just in a clear base. Since this is the more versatile of the two I opted for it. It’s incredible over ANY color, yes literally any color!
KBShimmer One Night Sand
*purchased
I don’t wear metallic polishes very much, but One Night Sand changed all of that for me. It’s like molten liquid rose gold on your fingertips! It sparkles and shines, all in 2 easy coats. If you never buy another ultra metallic holo this stunner will continue to wow you. I wore it 3 full days. That just never happens in my life.
China Glaze Pearl Jammin’
*press sample
Pearl Jammin’ turned a lot of heads this year, mine included. It became a highly sought after polish practically overnight. It’s still very much available but you have to be willing to buy online.
Nail Hoot Sapphire
*press sample
This sapphire blue holo from Nail Hoot is absolutely incredible! Blue, holo, single coat, phenomenal formula, no staining. What more could you ask for?
Glam Polish Werewolf of Fever Swamp
*press sample
This polish left me basically speechless the first time I showed it this year, and I’m still pretty speechless. Deep green teal with flakies for miles!
Joy Lacquer Lava Rain Forest
*purchased
Olive greens really grabbed hold of my polish loving heart this year. This beauty is stuffed with flakies, and practically applies itself!
Blush Lacquers Sugar Plum Fairy
*press sample
Victoria showed us that she knew exactly what she was doing with this polish, from her very first holo collection. It’s not often we see this kind of polish right out of the holo gates! Again a single coater, and a dream worthy formula.
Different Dimension Boaty Call
*purchased
This is the polish that made me start doing a double take on the Different Dimension brand. The holo is absolutely breathtaking, and is easily one of my favorite holos among my entire collection.
Pretty Beautiful Unlimited Home for the Holidays
*press sample
Another new brand from 2016. The moment I put this polish on it jumped to the top of my reds. It’s the perfect shade, awesome flakies, a little holo sparkle, and a lovely formula.
Sassy Pants Polish Winter Sunset
*purchased
I just received this polish about a week ago, and it’s completely unique among my collection. A beautiful white crelly with a stunning gold shimmer. I will have it featured next week in some nail art too!
Supermoon Lacquer Green Goddess
*press sample
Do you know what is better than an olive green? A multichrome olive green! Mardi with Supermoon Lacquer has turned a lot of heads this year, a brand definitely worth checking out!
Do you have any of these polishes or see any you can’t live without?
Despite all of its challenges, 2016 was my best blogging year yet and I’m excited to see what 2017 has in store for me.
See you in the New Year!
