It would be nice to collect Chanel bags and line them on the shelves of my walk-in closet like so many influencers do. Or wear a Dior dress for my next black-tie event. Maybe even slip into a pair of Gucci loafers before heading out on a casual coffee run. Yes, it would be nice, but let's be real: I'm a girl on a budget. Designer clothing and accessories, as inspirational and exciting as they might be, aren't currently accessible to me at this stage of life.
That doesn't mean I have to forgo designer brands altogether. Quite the contrary. I'm a scrappy editor who incorporates luxury where she can, and ever since college, that's been in my beauty routine. Yep, I love designer beauty products, and thanks to their less-exorbitant price tags, I'm able to indulge in everything from lipstick, to eye shadow and beyond.
My favorite designer beauty item to buy, though, has to be nail polish. I don't know what it is, but I'm a sucker for a luxe glass bottle filled with smooth, shiny pigment. Ahead, see the designer nail polishes—from Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and more—I'm buying to satisfy my shopping habit without breaking my budget.
Chanel
Previously called Vamp, this beautiful red-black shade has a fascinating history (make you read up on it). To me, there's no other color more perfect for fall and winter, although I proudly wear it year-round.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, this classic, sheer pink is so pretty and dainty.
I love blue nail polish, so much so that I have over 15 blue-hued formulas in my collection. This is one of them. I find this muted color calming and cloud-like.
Here's another blue nail polish I love. The true navy shade is chic and timeless.
Chanel is also responsible for one of my all-time favorite red nail polishes. It's this perfect, blue-toned red, which is aptly named Pirate. I wear it constantly.
Sage green nails are so cool. They're colorful yet neutral. They're subtle yet unexpected. It's not just me who thinks so—I get compliments whenever I wear this.
Chanel's gold nail polish, Tuxedo, looks like molten metal on our fingertips.
Dior
In my opinion, Dior has the best basic nail polish colors, and I mean that in the best way. I recommend shopping from the French fashion house if you want to build a foundational nail polish collection. Start with this creamy black shade.
Then, I suggest snagging this classic, snow-white shade.
The rosy-clay color is an editor-approved neutral that you need to try.
Okay, I know I said Dior makes some of the best basic nail colors, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't explore its more colorful options. Take this sparkly pink shade for instance. It's a pretty coquette dream.
I also love this pearl-pink shade. It's giving "designer mermaid" in the best way.
Gucci
If Dior is all about elevated basic shades, Gucci is all about bright, playful pops of color. Take this powdery baby blue for instance. It's giving '60s vibes in the best way.
I also love this creamy turquoise shade; it feels fun and fashionable.
If you want a red nail polish that pops, reach for this bold crimson shade.
It's Gucci we're talking about, so why not go bright green?
I love this darker, richer take on a traditional peach-colored nail polish.
There's only one descriptor for this soft blush color, and that's "expensive."
Hermès
Hermès' varying shades of red nail polish are exquisite. This one, Rouge Casaque, is my favorite. I always pair it with the matching Rouge Casaque Lipstick ($75).
I also recommend this slightly brighter, pinkier shade of red, called Rouge Exotique.
Fun fact about me: I love jewel-toned manicures, and one of my favorite precious gems to reference is emerald. This is my rich, green nail polish of choice.
This soft, peachy-pink color is so pretty and pairs well with any outfit.
I think this muted rose color is the epitome of the "quiet luxury" aesthetic.
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