My collection of grey nail polish is becoming increasingly large, in fact, it might almost be on a par with my embarrassingly vast array of nude lipsticks. I think I may have a problem.
The thing is, grey is just so versatile – much like a french manicure, you don’t have to worry about whether your fingertips will clash with your handbag. Of course there are literally thousands of different hues and brands available, believe me I should know – I’ve pretty much tried them all at one time or another.
Some are inevitably better that others, although I wouldn’t necessarily say an increase in price equals an increase in quality, how they perform also depends largely on the state of your nails (mine – mainly crap, flaky, brittle and dry) and how long you take to apply them/can afford to wait around whilst they dry (me – not long, I get bored after five minutes, often end up with smudges.)
In the slider above I’ve shared my current top five, please do share yours with me in case there’s one or two that I’ve missed out on that might change my life.
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Chanel. Frenzy | £18.00
There is lots of love for this “Greige” shade, I’ve even bought it as gifts for friends. I find Chanel varnish a bit on the thin side if I’m honest so you definitely need a couple of coats for an even finish. But it is Chanel. And it just feels exclusive and luxe even wearing it, you know? £18.00 at John Lewis
Autograph. Mink | £5.00
The lazy girls choice. I LOVE this stuff. Brush is wide and easy to use, it dries in a jiffy, you can get away with one coat and it’s the shade I get complimented on and asked about the most. Does it last? no not really, two days if you are lucky. But is’s so easy and speedy to use I don’t care. Whip it on and whip it off I say. Autograph also often have 3 for 2 offers on so you can stock up for cheap. £5.00 at Marks and Spencer
Essie. Chinchilly | £8.00
What I would call a slightly “blueish” grey, quite edgy. Nice finish, average drying time, lasts a few days with a topcoat. £8.00 at Boots.
Mavala. Chrome | £5.00
Ok so I’m cheating (a bit) as this is kind of a metallic silver rather than a grey. I need to wear a base coat and a topcoat with this otherwise it chips like hell. However, the colour is gorgeous for a special occasion and the finish is very smooth once you get the hang of it. £5.00 at John Lewis
Nails Inc. Porchester Square | £11.00
A “nude” grey – bit of beige/pink in it. This truly does go with EVERYTHING fashion wise and the one I reach for the most as it lasts the longest (at least on me – they now do a gel version which is super durable) £11.00 at John Lewis
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{Top Tip}
I use OPI Rapid Dry Top Coat over practically all of my nail polishes, I’d say it prolongs wear for an extra 48 hours and genuinely makes your fingertips touch dry within a few minutes.
Wait 60 seconds after applying varnish before you add it on top.
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I adore Nails Inc. This however is one colour I don’t have at the moment! I will be purchasing!
Kirsty – it truly is a great colour, so versatile. You should check out the gel version though, lasts FOREVER.
I am such a grey person (you should see my house!) and now need to go shopping for one of these…. But do you have to be super cool to pull off grey nails? I am addicted to nail varnish but always go for a red or pink. Not very experimental!
Victoria – I am in no way cool! grey goes with EVERYTHING, and you can go from quite subtle (Chanel Frenzy) to the more edgy (Essie). Also the Sally Hansen top coat – my sister swears by this! I really must borrow hers to see if it’s better than my OPI x
ps Sally Hansen do a quick dry top coat which is a life saver called Insta Dri
I’m becoming seriously obsessed with grey. It’s probably the best colour in the world. My wedding and house are becoming full of it. However, I’m yet to apply that luscious colour to my nails. Well, there’s no time like the present!
Have you tried the Zoya nail polishes? I’m eyeing up ‘Kristen’ after seeing this post, and ‘London’ for those days when I can’t be bothered with base and top coat
Nope, are they supposed to be for sensitive types? will have to investigate!
If you mean are they free from some of the synthtetic nasties then yes definitely check them out.
Bloody love a grey nail polish.
Frenzy and Chinchilly are on constant repeat but I also love a bit of Essie – Power Clutch (they say it’s green, they lie, it’s dark grey) and Sally Hansen – Dorien Grey, a lovely cool dove grey.
I may sound like I live under a rock but I have NEVER tried a Sally Hansen nail polish – yet my sister (I mentioned above) swears by them. I will need to check out Dorien Grey, also have you tried Essie Master Plan?! first time wearing it Monday eve and it’s amaze.
Yeah Sally Hansen is a new one for me too, alway thought it was a bit “old lady” but its soooo not. Master Plan is on the buy list. You’ll love Dorien Grey. FACT.
Thanks for all the top coat info-have been needing a replacement for my ‘Super Shiny’ top coat by Creative….for some time!
It will also look after those precious grey painted lovelies!
Loving the site, well done all.
Hi Zena – no worries, it really is super! and thanks for the site love x
Have read this post and then instantly bought OPI rapid dry been meaning to get something like that for ages just to try a grey polish now, never thought to before looks fab. LOVE the new website! Was addicted to RMW when planning my wedding xx
Super! Let me know how you find it Natasha x
Bad week= serious need of a little treat. Nails Inc gel it is then! Thank you for already making me feel better:) x
[…] Although a grey, this is a pretty pretty grey, which I fell in love with after seeing it on the Rock My Style blog. I’m sure I can see hints of pink when wearing this, and it goes with pretty much every […]