Review: BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine 'Sugar Apple'

Yes, another nail post. Sorry, not really.

The biggest fan of Barry M nail polishes I am not but the one and only Gelly Hi-Shine I picked up last year in the shade Pomegranate did impress me. After seeing swatches of the new pastel shades which have been added to the line, it was love! Sugar Apple was the one that grabbed my attention most but nothing prepared me for what I felt when I first laid eye's on it in person. Dramatic? Of course. In my ever growing nail polish collection I have similar shades. Some people might did say 'they're the same, you don't need it!' but what do they know.

What make's this different to what I already own is the amount of white in the base. It's vibrant yet muted at the same time. So it's safe to say the colour is a hit but the formula? Don't even get me started. Yes it has the same thick consistency as Pomegranate which didn't bother me in the slightest, I quite liked it but what it lacks is the same self levelling effect. Pastel shades usually are on the streaky side due to the amount of white added but Sugar Apple is possibly the worst pastel I've ever tried. Another down side is the finish. It's no surprise that it isn't overly glossy as pastels generally don't have that amazing shiny finish you get from dark shades but it kinda takes away from the whole 'Gelly' finish Barry M were going for.

So even though I loathe the formula, I love the colour too much to stop using it but if you know of any dupes please let me know.

What are your thoughts on the new Gelly Hi-Shine's?

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints, 3.99 from Superdrug and Boots

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I'm No Longer A Ciate Virgin.

L-R: Access All Areas | Iced Frappe | Pom Pom | Confetti

For someone who loves nail polish so much can you believe I've never tried  Ciate polish untill now? This post is going to be pic heavy, You've been warned.

Access All Areas and Pom Pom look quite similar in the pics but they're very different in real life. I hope it comes across in the swatches.

Access All Areas* is a matt creme. I never wear matt polish, I just dont like how it looks on me so always finish it off with a glossy top coat. The colour is described as 'mouthwatering coral orange' and I would have to agree. Its a shade that would suit all skintones and look lovely on the toes aswell as fingers.

Iced Frappe* is the most subtle of all four shades and is described as 'Nude, coffee delight'. In certain lights Iced Frappe had an almost purple tone but I really like it. Its the type of colour that goes with anything and isnt going to offend anyone.

Pom Pom* is what I would describe as a young red. You know how some shades of red just look really mature and grown up? Well this isnt one of them. Its a rich mandarin red and quite in your face. I really like it.

Confetti* can be worn on its own or layered over other colours. It has a clear base and is packed full of holographic micro glitter. Under some lights it just looks silver but as soon as you go outside or under bright lights it sparkles like crazy.

One coat of Confetti over Iced Frappe.

Iced Frappe & Access All Areas only needed two coats. Pom Pom needed three as with only two it looked a bit streaky, and Confetti worn alone needed three coats which is great for a glitter. I used top coat on all four but as I said, Access All Areas is a matt polish. The brush/bottles are easy to hold and use, the polish dries quickly and all Ciate polishes are 5 Free. Free of  formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (dibutyl phthalate), formaldehyde resin, camphor and cruelty free.

What Ciate colours should I go for next?

All four colours can be found on www.ciate.co.uk and are priced at £9 each for 13.5ml.

*PR sample