My Makeup Wars sisters and I are back and we’re showcasing some of our favorite indie brands. By indie, we mean brands that you probably won’t find in Sephora or UTLA. These brands are typically smaller businesses and they don’t always have a Marketing Department or Sales Department. They are run by real men and women and sometimes out of their own homes. They do it all!
I don’t own much indie makeup but I certainly have my fair share of indie nail polishes. Indie nail polishes have taken the nail polish blogosphere by storm. These brands are giving us nail polish lovers unique shades and finishes and I am so here for it. The bigger brands are obviously keeping their eyes peeled because I’ve seen them come out with shades AFTER an indie brand has released it. That said, check out some of my favorite indie brands!
Cult Nails
Well, obviously Cult Nails would be first. Maria is a good and supportive friend of mine but even if she weren’t, I would still love this brand. Her polishes are AMAZING! She puts serious thought behind each shade and prides herself on stepping outside of the box. I’ve watched Cult Nails grow overnight and I am just so honored to know the woman behind this awesome brand.
My favorite Cult Nails polishes: Flushed, Deal With It, Lamestain and Charlatan
Literary Lacquers
Gotta love a brand that combines 2 of my loves…books and nail polish! Amy reached out to me to see if I wanted to feature her brand on Clumps of Mascara and how could I say “No”? For one thing, I love when nail polish brands seek diversity. And the fantastic polishes are just the icing on the cake.
My Favorite LL nail polishes: More Like Fire Than Light, Green Gables, As The Waltz Was Ending
Cirque
I can’t remember which nail polish blogger prompted me to stumble on Cirque’s nail polishes, but man, I am hooked. I love everything about this brand. The name, their adorable bottles and the shades. Ooooh, the shades! I like how Cirque is always releasing something unexpected. While many brands follow trends, Cirque does not and I love that about them. This one is nail polish brand that always keeps me on my toes.
My favorite Cirque nail polishes: Tibetan Nights, XX, Dark Horse, Cornotion (wish I owned it but it’s $48!)
A. England
I fell in love with A.England at first glance. I don’t know much about the owner or her story behind the brand but I know that she has perfected holographic nail polishes. And this is no easy task. Holographic nail polishes are my absolute favorite and it’s so hard to find good ones. A.England has a slew of gorgeous polishes but they rock at creating holographics. I mean, amazingly so!
My favorite A.England nail polishes: Lady of the Lake, Tristam and St. George
Nailventurous
I believe Floam was my very first indie nail polish. It holds a special place in my heart because um, well…it looks like the legendary Floam! I’m not sure if Nailventurous launches new polishes anymore but when the lady behind the brand was regularly launching polishes…WOW! I loved the uniqueness of these polishes. Also, while other brands have colors similar to Floam, I believe it was Nailventurous who did it first.
My favorite Nailventurous nail polishes: Floam, Sunny Floam, Bumblebee
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I need to try some of these. I hate my nails, but maybe if I polished them more often….
Stop it…your nails are perfect!
I love a.england! I didn’t even think about them being Indie! I’d love to try out Cirque too. I’m always drooling over swatches.
Yep! A.England is fantastic. And I wish I could afford more of Cirque’s polishes.
I love your choices!
Gracias!
Oh I didn’t even think of A England or Cirque. I’m glad I didn’t pick polish since I’d have missed so many wonderful brands.
Your choices are terrific
Thankies!
A. England and Cult Nails have been on my list of nail brands to try for a long time. I need to get too it!
Yes! You have too, mama. Especially Cult Nails. 😉
I only have two A England polishes, Tristan and Lady of the Lake! Love them both!
Aren’t they awesome?