Hi Goddesses
A couple of weeks ago, I celebrated The Lost Girls, the bloggers we had either said goodbye to this year, or who are on Bloggus Interruptus.
Before we start this post, it's important to remember how many talented nail artists were in that group - Gnarly Gnails, Manicurity, Manicurator, Let Them Have Polish, FingerFood.
It's also important to remember that although we have lost bloggers this year, or been on reduced rations from some, other, NEW bloggers have sprung up in their place, including one of your Top 3 ;)
In 3rd place .....
Chalkboard Nails. Once your undisputed Queen, Sarah has lost her crown this year. I suspect this is because her posting has been more sporadic, rather than a reflection of her talent.
In 2nd place ....
The utterly incredible PiggieLuv, a blogger who has blown so many of us away this year with her ability to tell stories (yes, including a zombie love story) across her nails. This is so well deserved Narmai!
And in first place ....
The Nailasaurus! Last year's winner strikes again!
Sammi has had a great year, reminding us, over and over, that if you get the basics right, you can create incredible nail art of any, and all, varieties.
I love how she still "plays" with her polishes and her tools, creating simple new techniques along the way, with super cool tutorial videos to match.
And do you know what's also exciting, my nail art blog of the year didn't even make your Top 3 .... so, stay tuned!
Hi Goddesses
Today we are going to look at the swatching goddeses. Those acetone-soaked powerhouses who can get a polish off and on quicker than I can inhale a vodka (and I'm quick).
For me, a true swatch blog is one who predominantly posts swatches. There are a lot of nail art blogs these days who also post swatches, but this post primarily celebrates the non-artists (although one of them has blurred the line in the last 6 months).
In 3rd place, last year's 3rd place - Accio Lacquer. Mishka continues to produce startlingly clear photos.
Mishka is the official indie darling, and it's not hard to see why. She is pure geek through and through, making her the perfect choice for indie makers who issue collections based on cultdoms.
I applaud the time she puts into making graphics for her reviews, making each post a celebration.
In joint 2nd place are 2 of my favourite ladies. First, Sheila from Pointless Cafe, who has been producing perfect swatches through 3 million page views!
And equally, the new girl on the block, Kirby from The Mercurial Magpie. Kirby has come from nowhere this year to build a blog of quality and honesty, complete with the nonchalant dog-lion that is Mugen.
So, who is your winner? Well, for the 2nd year in a row, it's the one and only Queen Jen of The Polishaholic.
Jen's is still the swatch blog to beat. She also has so many imitators - I don't know how she keeps herself calm.
Reliable, honest and clear photos. That's why we all love her, and why she's the swatch blog that rules us all :)
Hi Goddesses
And welcome to one of the most hotly contested poll categories - indie polish of the year.
With the amount of polishes that get released, it's really hard for any polish to attract multiple votes. Typically I get dozens of polishes with 1 vote, and then only a handful that score more than 1.
Here then, are your handful -
Darling Diva NIGHTBIRD
A stunningly intense blue holo, snared somewhere between royal and navy, this packs drama and lusciousness in equal loads.
CBL Independence Day
Another vibrant blue, this had the sizzle turned up to 11, creating a really electrical experience.
CBL Young Turks
Another sizzler, but this time more glacial. Just look at how much light lives in this polish. Incredible.
and your winner is ......
Sarey's Berry by PAHLISH
One of my top polishes of the year too, this colour just blows your socks off. Pictures just don't do it justice. Let me tell you, get it on your nails and you won't EVER want to take it off.
Hi Goddesses
Today, one of the most hotly fought over categories in your poll, the Indie Brand you most drool over. This category has always been won by KBShimmer .... but no one can win 3 times, right?
Your 3rd placed indie brand is .....
Pahlish. They've had a great year, truly great, releasing a plethora of stunning polishes, mostly in rich, vampy colours.
My only complaint? Shannon releases too many and I can't keep up!
In second .....
Elevation! What a classy brand. Great price point, great colours, great variety of finishes, and a monthly release schedule. Pure polish making-selling perfection.
And your winner ....
KBShimmer!! Holy moly, it's 3 years in a row now, so I guess you must really like this brand hahaha.
What's not to love about KBShimmer? Holos, yep. Glitters, yep. Cremes, yep. Everything in between, yep. Oh and mahooosive collections :)
Well done Christy, 3 in a row is a spectacular achievement.
