Perfect Summer Nail Combo // Sun, Chlorine & Salt Water Protection

Anyone that knows me knows that I am an SPF-aholic. In the summer, I am constantly slathering up the sunscreen, wearing hats to cover my face, and making sure my beauty routine is amped up another 10 SPF. So when I heard that there was a nail polish that protected against sun damage, I was all over it. It was like Christmas in July! Err, June…

According to the press release that I received, Londontown’s Protective Top Coat protects from damage done my the sun, chlorine, and salt water. SIGN. ME. UP! How incredible is that?! It’s also got all-natural ingredients like primrose oil, cucumber, chamomile, and even calcium and vitamin E. Needless to say, I’m obsessed.

I’m a firm believer that no polish can go without a base and top coat. It’s like having a sandwich without the bread. Yes, it would be easier to make, but it would taste as good! [Hm, that analogy make anyone else hungry?] I’ve been using Londontown’s Base Coat for a while now, but their Top Coat makes the perfect addition to my collection.

Now lets’ get to the fun part — the color! As much as I’ve been loving Londontown’s Spring Collection, it was time for a switch up. I was killing some time at Ulta the other day, like all the great beauty obsessed do, and I ran into an Essence sale. Quite literally, actually. It was an end-cap display that I almost completely ruined.

All of the nail polishes were buy-one-get-one half off and they had new summer colors out. SCORE! At first, I went for the dark pink and didn’t see another shade. But then I saw it — the perfect neutral but summery pale pink polish. Add to it that they were only $1.99 a piece, and it almost seemed too good to be true.

As if this weren’t already love at first sight, you’ll never guess the name of the color. Drumroll, please… Perfect Match. I can’t make this stuff up! I’m convinced that whoever named this Essence shade knew that I would be walking through Ulta and pick it up. Okay, maybe not, but it definitely is my perfect match.

I decided to add a little pop of brighter pink to my thumb. Not to be trendy or anything. I just genuinely wanted to wear both shades at once and didn’t know how to mix them. Any color combo advice would be greatly appreciated.

A lot of people look down on inexpensive nail polish. That’s fine, because we all like what we like. But promise me that you will check out Essence’s nail products before you curse them away. In my honest opinion, every single shade that I’ve bought from them has been beautiful and lasted at least four days. I’ll reach for my little bottle of Essence before Essie any day.

Not to mention that you can get so many shades for less. It’s a great way to try out new colors before investing in expensive bottles. They also have a whole line of nail-care items as well. Like quick-dry drops, which I swear by. This is not sponsored in any way, I just really love this product.

Bottom line: you can’t go wrong with these colors. Especially not for $1.99 a bottle. What are some nail polish brands and color combinations that you’ve been loving this season? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!

xx.