Polish Pickup Part Two | May 2018 | 1990s!

Are you all ready for part two of the Polish Pickuppocalypse? I hope so, because I can't wait to share these swatches with you guys today. This month has been pretty amazing so far.

Are you new to the Polish Pickup? It is a really neat concept. It offers a fun, interactive experience that allows you to submit theme ideas, vote for your favorite theme, and selectively purchase your favorite polishes every month. The theme for May 2018 is 1990s!

This month is a little different than previous months. Instead of one poor, overworked blogger doing seven hundred thousand swatches we have two! My terrible friend Jenny of Lavish Layerings is handling the first half of the alphabet while I do the last half. It is far more manageable this way, and I think it will be the way we roll over at the PPU.HQ from now on.

• If you are new to my blog, welcome! I write a little differently than some people, so I have written this handy primer so that people who don't care about my blathering don't have to read it if they don't want to. I've also included a little FAQ, just in case.
• I have bolded the polish name, number of coats, and price/cap information for each polish. Everything below that is my own thoughts about the polish and a wee blurb about the inspiration.
• Every polish is topped with a layer of Seche Vite unless otherwise specified. It is my top coat of choice. 
• I used a latex peel-off base for every swatch, unless I say otherwise. 
• I use artificial daylight-spectrum lights for swatches, and regular daylight for the product shots. I live in coastal California, and the sun is unreliable. 

Without further ado, let's get to the shinies!

(promotional samples ahead)

Painted Polish Sucker for a Slayer | two coats

$12.50 | 400 bottles available

This is a vampy, wine colored jelly drenched in holo, holo glitter, and multichrome flakes and wrapped in a golden flush. This is my kind of color. I love how alive it looks. If I had the space in this post, I would have made a gif...because it just dances in low light. I was surprised at how smoothly this applied...there are just so many flakes in this one I was sure it was going to give me drama. But it slid on like a burgundy leather jacket. 

This was inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I admit my teenage hipster soul wouldn't let me watch all of the episodes during their original run, but I recently binged all the seasons (before netflix stole them away). If you've never seen the series, I suggest you calmly drop everything you are currently doing and run over to your nearest Hulu-enabled device. It is a modern classic.

Poetry Cowgirl Nail Polish Not So Stupid Girl | two coats

$12.50

This is a super-vivid electric rose filled with iridescent flakes. It looks a tad bit cooler on my skin than in real life, but it is exactly this bright. Searing. Blinding...but not quite neon. I am such a sucker for pinks, especially the hot pinks like this. Even with it being so full of flakes, it was really easy to apply. I didn't have to fuss or fight with anything here. I am a happy camper.

This polish is inspired by the band Garbage, the song Stupid Girl, and the cover of the first album. Flakes are the closest solvent resistant thing to feathers, right? 

Polish 'M Ricky | three coats

$12.50 | 110 bottles available

Super sparkly glitter bombs, Batman! This is a crazy-yet-sophisticated blue glitter bomb filled with a rainbow's worth of multicolored hexes, a scattering of multichrome flakes, and a sprinkle of holo. I was fully expecting this one to dry with a pronounced grit...but it was actually pretty smooth even before the top coat. I used three coats here, but honestly I think two coats would be just fine. My favorite part here is that surprise shift in the shimmer. I didn't expect that at all!

This was inspired by the movie Boyz in the Hood. If you've never seen it, I recommend dropping whatever you are doing and watching it right now. It is a wonderful movie that will definitely make you cry. I haven't seen it in so long...I may need a Netflix night.(well shit. Amazon has it, instead)

Polished for Days Its Gonna be May | three coats

$12.50

This is a soft, dusty, moody multichrome full of rainbow flakes, holo sparks, red shimmery things all in a cool gray base. It is a tiny bit jellied and the shift is such a stunning surprise. This was another great formula (why are these all so good?!) and only the sheerness of the base made me use three coats.

The inspiration for this one, you guys, should be obvious. I feel like I can hear Delanie cackling somewhere...I was a bit too old for this wave of boy bands, and I am not sure which group this is. Everyone off my lawn.

Pretty Jelly To The Bus | two coats

200 bottles available

This is a true blue cream filled with holo sparkles, aqua shimmer, and tiny oceanic flakes.  If you were a fan of the original Sally Hansen Pacific Blue, but felt that it lacked pizazz....this is your shade. It has almost that same level of vibrancy, but with an added kick to keep it interesting. It is a little on the thick side, thanks to the tiny flakes, but not unwieldy at all. 

Pysches Minerals & Supplies Bubbles Mineral Loose Eyeshadow 

$7.50 | 80 jars available

This is a soft, shimmering aqua loose mineral eyeshadow. It's the first for Polish Pickup, and I am so excited for it. It has a soft gold reflect, and applies nice and opaque wet or dry. I think I am the most excited for this one because it is a dead ringer for my favorite Street Wear eyeshadow from the 90s. I am so excited to wear this. 

The inspiration for this one is Vapereon, who is apparently a Pokemon. I missed the Pokemon revolution completely. I vaguely remember a friend of mine raving about some Japanese cartoon that gave kids seizures...but I was too cool for that kind of stuff. My kids tell me this is pretty spot on, however.

Quixotic Polish One Million Dollars | two coats

$11.50 | 200 bottles available

This is a dazzling navy facing multichrome with a universe of holo flakes across it. I love how clear and true the blue face is, but those violet flashes are super pronounced when you start to wiggle your fingers. Multichromes like this stunner need to be seen in real life. No pictures will ever do them justice...and I actually really like how these pictures turned out.

This amazing polish is inspired by the oh-so-debonair international man of mystery, Austin Powers. You need to click that link, because you will see exactly what Mary was imagining as she crafted this beautiful polish. 

Rise & Shine Conflicting Shimmer | two coats

$9.95

This is an insane lime green with pink-red multichrome flakes and rosy shimmer. It is bright and terrible and wonderful. It applies smoothly and a little thick, but just thick enough that you won't flood your cuticles. I did zero cleanup for the pictures below, which is awesome. I like quick polishes like this. That shimmer is really what makes this polish stand out. I don't think I have ever seen a polish even close to it.

And yes, this one is UV reactive as well.

Rogue Lacquer Back to the Ninedaaaays! | three coats

$11

This is a cool, iris purple jellied holo stuffed to the very gills with shifting iridescent flakes. Do you like unicorny things? Do you feel the need to be magical? This is the polish for you. I cannot fully wrap my head around the amount of sparkly things here. My favorite thing about this polish is the shifting flakes. They look like a wild sunset in my low-light macro below. I would have been all over this shade in, like, 1994. Hell, I am all over it now. 

The inspiration for this one is this YouTube video. This video makes me feel very, very old.

Sassy Pants Polish Toys Tell Stories | three coats 

$11

This is a soft lime old-school jelly filled with glitters. I went into this thinking that I wasn't going to like this polish...but I kinda do. The color is really unusual and I am a sucker for round glitters. My only complaint about this one is that the glitters can be a tiny bit fishy. I am really enjoying the squish and depth of the finished manicure. I definitely feel like this is a good color for spring/summer without being a boring pastel. 

The inspiration for this one is Toy Story, and specifically the adorable little aliens. Whenever I hear the phrase "the claaaaaw" I think of this movie. The Claw is also a particular swatching pose, and it also makes me think of Toy Story. I almost took a picture of my hands in The Claw pose...almost.

Sayuri Nail Polish Mmmarshmallow | two coats

250 bottles available

This is a aquatic light navy jelly filled with iridescent green flakes, multichrome flakes, and a scattering of holo. This was my first Sayuri (my second one is on the way. Actually my first...last months PPU offering) and I was so impressed with the formula. It practically painted itself, y'all. The most striking thing about this polish is how dense and crazy the flakes are in this beauty. It reminds me a bunch of the game Bioshock. 

I believe this is another Pokemon inspired polish. This wasn't my scene so I can't be sure. But I like flakies and I like marshmallows.

Siren of the Sea Vinyls Nail Polish is My Jam Set

$12 

This is the best offering that Siren of the Sea (formerly Toadariffic Vinyls) has ever offered in PPU. It includes two sheets of musically 90s decals, an adorable nail file...all in the most perfect container that reads "Nail Polish is my Jam" in holographic vinyl. I am going to use this for all of my nail vinyls and decals from now on.

I did two manicures, one with each sheet (using other PPU shades, can you guess them?) and I was really impressed. My biggest issue with nail vinyls, and why I normally haaaate them, is that they are so fragile I can barely get them off the paper without destroying them. I always mangle and tear them long before I ever get to try any nail art. These are way more sturdy. I was able to not only peel and use the big decals, but the little decorative bits that were left behind were still totally useable. Each decal is really two little nail art things!

Siren of the Sea Mix Tape Helmer Decal

$4

So SotS is really nailing PPU this month. I adore this little mix tape decal. I don't use stickers on my helmers, as they live in a closet, but I do have a workbench in my garage that I am itching to apply this super-fabulous holographic vinyl sticker to. This might be my favorite sticker since the mermaid sticker waaaaay back when.

I applied this to my workbench. IT CAME OFF IN ONE CLEAN PEEL. I didn't have to use tweezers, or stop and start, or anything fussy. It was so satisfying. I want to buy a second just to apply it again.

Smokey Mtn Lacquer Wannabe | three coats

$11 | 150 bottles available

This is a perfect country cornflower blue holo with twinkling holo and shifting royal sparking shimmer. I don't know if it was the intent, but this reminds me so much of the 90s. This color was everywhere. I love the soft, slightly squishy formula and the feminine but sporty vibe overall.

This was inspired by the most epic of ear worms performed by the Spice Girls. I was way too metal to admit that I knew this song back in the day...but I did. It was everywhere. 

STELLA CHROMA The Whole Brevity Thing | two coats

This is a warm, faded plum cream-jelly with shifting fall-toned multichrome flakes and vibrant green shimmer. I love this. I am addicted to these dusty, faded neutrals...and this one is just the bee's knees.  This brand does flakes often, and she really has them dialed completely in. Each flake laid flat and smooth, even without top coat. I think this shade screams cozy sweaters and nights with friends. But not Saturdays.

The inspiration behind this one is The Big Lebowski, which is one of my all-time forever and ever favorite movies. It is the best thing, and the whole reason I spent my twenties drinking a certain drink...my husband has even dressed up as The Dude a few times for Halloween.

STELLA CHROMA White Russian Emulsified Sugar Scrub

This is the world-famous sugar scrub that you have all been hearing and reading about for months and months. I was skeptical, because really...how good could a scrub be? Ohmygod you guys. This scrub really ties my routine together. The scent is pleasant, though I do smell a healthy dose of cocoa butter in here as well. I have been using this throughout my PPU swatchagheddon. It is great for clearing off stubborn glitters and sloughing off dry dead skin. I have already used more than half my little tub. I might need a second. Or third.

This was inspired by the signature drink of The Dude. I used to love White Russians, and I pretty much drank nothing but for years and years. I still love the smell of Kalhua.

Supermoon Lacquer In West Philadelphia | two coats 

This is a royal purple holo with shifting iridescent flakes and a warm rosy glow. If you're careful, this is a one coat polish. That strong blush (its there, I swear. Look at the final macro) gives this pretty common violet a sophistication and a unique vibe that is definitely worth a look. I generally don't pay much attention to purples in my personal collection, but I was really drawn to this one because of the flakes and the rose glow.

This was inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. If you aren't singing the theme song right now, I don't know if we can be friends. 

Supernatural Lacquer 5th Gen Console Freak | three coats

300 bottles available

This is a cool gray cream-jelly with all kinds of fun things going on. I see aurora pigments, iridescent flakes,  multichrome flakes, and fuchsia shimmer. It applies mostly like a cream, but it has a nice luminosity like a jelly. I am a fan of almost anything gray, so this one is right up my alley.

The inspiration here is all the fancy new consoles that came out in the 90s. I swear my Sega Dreamcast is this color, and I know that this is a good match for the Nintendos. 

Supernatural Lacquer Acetone Additive in Wumpa Fruit Scent

150 bottles available

If you are new to acetone additives and you like fruity scents, this is the one to try. I love the fruit-loopy scent. I have been adding a drop or two to my acetone cup during the swatchpocalypse and it has made a huge difference in the hydration level of my skin during cleanup. You can dump the whole bottle into a bottle of acetone if you like, but I enjoy just adding a few drops here and there as needed.

This is inspired by the Wumpa Fruit from the Crash Bandicoot series. If you collect 100 of them, you get an extra life. I can't confirm if you get an extra life if you collect 100 of these...only one person can find out. (tag me. I gotta know)

Sweet Sage Scents Ring Candy Wax Melt | Secret Black Cherry Candy Blend

$4.50 | 200 clamshells available

This is a delightfully tart but sweet wax melt. If you aren't into wax melts...well...why not? I love these things. I've been into home frangrance (mostly incense) since I was a young teen. Wax melts (or tarts) are a variant of scented candles...generally without the open flame. You can get a nice quality wax warmer at Wal-Mart for under $7. That is what I used for the melt video below. I enjoyed this scent, but my husband did not at all. It does have a slight edge of cherry cough drop to it...but my daughter calls it "the good cough drops, not the gross cheap ones." Then she took the warmer into her room and used this scent for two more days nearly.

• cure time: these were poured back in early March, so you should be ready to melt immediately
• texture: hard but not brittle. Pretty typical for a clamshell. It was very easy to break off a cube.
• color/appearance: This is a coral to dark pink wax (like a true cherry) with a dusting of holo across the top. I don't think it needs the holo, but I won't kick a shiny thing out of bed.
• throw: amazing. I took the video in my bedroom, upstairs. It was in every room of my house within an hour
• cost per ounce: $1.50. I'm assuming that this holds 3oz of wax,
• repurchase: yeah I would. I think this scent may be an exclusive though, and with the 200pc cap, I will probably buy a backup. Everyone but my husband loves this one.

The inspiration for this is the classic Ring Pop, in the best flavor: cherry. I loved these things, and it makes me happy to see how excited my kids get when someone hands these out at Halloween. 

Sweetheart Polish Chronic | two coats

$11 | 110 bottles

This is a true green jelly holo filled with crazy crystals flakes and iridescent glitters, gold shimmers, and gold holo. It was a lovely, squishy, delightful shade that is good for pretty much every season. Normally I shy away from greens, but I actually really like this one. It has such a glow, it looks almost like it is candied. All the flakes lay nicely and did what I told them to do. 

This is inspired by the early 90s album by Dr. Dre. This album was everywhere. It is iconic and classic...everyone should listen to it. It is also inspired by Chronic. It's ok. We can talk about that, it's legal in California now.

The Lady Varnishes Here's Where the Fun Begins | three coats

250 bottles available

This is a soft seafoam holo filled with aurora pigments and tiny iridescent flakes. If you've ever tried a TLV shade, you know the shimmering goodness you are in for here. This one is a bit sheer, and I will definitely try layering it over a cream...oh! I bet it would be awesome over the Nail Hoot shade...someone get them both and tag me in the picture!

This was inspired by TaleSpin, which is the best cartoon after-school cartooning ever spit forth into the world. If you've never seen it, add it to your list. Right now.

Top Shelf Lacquer You're Late. You're Stunning. You're Forgiven | two coats

This is a good, solid, magical multichrome holo with multichrome and iridescent flakes. I swear to god that Amy is doing a secret collection within PPU because she has offered the most stunning multichromes for the last three months. This is just as good as the other two, and if you picked those up you kinda NEED this one. 

This is inspired by the movie Pretty Woman, which is so iconic that I had completely forgotten it was a 90s movie. I need to watch that again, because it has been too long.

Turtle Tootsie Polishes Donna Martin Graduates | three coats 

200 bottles available

This is a brilliant  royal blue true jelly filled with silver and blue holo magic. This is a wonderful squishy jelly. Each layer is the perfect opacity to allow the previous layer to glow just right. The color is stunning and classic. If you have someone who might be persuaded to join the indieverse...this is the color to tempt them into our world.

This was inspired by 90210 and Donna's famous graduation. I watched this show religiously when I was younger. I had Dylan and Brenda barbie dolls too. Because I was that kid. I think I had stopped watching by the time Donna graduated. I wonder if this is on netflix?

Turtle Tootsie Polishes Cucumber Melon Sugar Scrub

Remember that red & white checked awning at the mall? That shop that totally tricked you into thinking it was actually a little roadside shop, selling all fresh fruits? (Btw, my local one still looks like that. No joke) Of course you do. And I'm sure that you applied it all over yourself as you wandered with your friends. This is that scent, flawlessly. This is a decadent foaming sugar scrub with the texture of marshmallows and the scent of every 90s mallrat. The sugar particles are larger and less dense than most sugar scrubs, so it is a little more gentle on my skin. I have had this for about 36 hours...and it is now officially my "upstairs scrub" and lives on my counter.

Vapid Lacquer Anything 4 Selenas | two coats

$13

If there is one thing Vapid does well, it is thermals. This is a warm, ruddy plum with aurora pigments that shifts to a dusty fuchsia when warm. It applies so nice and even, its the very definition of fluid on my nails. The coppery, aurora-like shimmer really lends to the softness of the shift and I am in love with that low-light macro.

This was inspired by the Queen of Cumbia Selena Quintanilla. She changed the landscape for Tejano music, and Mexican women in music in general. I grew up in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood (I know some fun Spanish words!) and I remember all the girls in my school being in deep mourning after she was murdered. She was known for her revolutionary style, and this polish definitely evokes a signature sparkling performance jumpsuit she wore.

Vibrant Vinyls Smells Like Teen Spirit Cuticle Care Duo

$12 | 200 duos available

If you know me at all, you know I have an obsession interest in cuticle and hand care. When I opened this box I was so stoked. This is a lovely little travel-sized set that smells like delicious magic. The cuticle remover is 1oz, and the oil is 0.5oz. I used both before swatching all of the polishes this month...and my hands were pretty happy with that. I used the oil every few swatches, and I really like the slip of it. It doesn't have that grit feeling that some oils can have. The scent, Smells Like Teen Spirit, is amazing. It is an exclusive to PPU, but I hope she brings it back because I may have to repurchase this oil. It is a blend of "froot loops cereal with hints of Surge citrus soda and strawberry pop tarts." Hell. to the. Yes. You even get the friendship bracelet. 

Obviously, this was driven by the super famous Nirvana song. Which is great, because when I heard the name I was afraid it was going to be scented like the deodorant.

Oh my god. Can you believe this is the end? Are you ready to make up your wishlist? The Polish Pickup will open on May 04, 2018 at 11am eastern. This has been a wild ride, but we all survived...and our nails will look fabulous. 

The shop opens soon! You can head on over (click the image below) and make your wishlist now!

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