Manicure Monday: Pretty Purples

Now that Spring is in full force (we've had Pancake Day, people are wearing pastels and my neighbours had a barbecue yesterday; it's Spring), we can really embrace pretty colours, and there is no better place to do this than on your nails. I'm not normally a purple girl, but shades that are either bright or delicate (bonus points for both!) do tend to win me over. I thought I would show you a few that I like at this time of year, although annoyingly, one of my Essie favourites, a lovely lilac, has gone missing. If I do find it, I'll give it a post all to itself in celebration!

Front Cover - Sloe Berry
I thought that as I had thrown away the box of the set this came in, I wouldn't be able to tell you the name of this shade, which is why it isn't labelled on the swatch. It was however, written on the bottle - duh. This was part of the Metallic Collection, which I believe is no longer available; they change their collections seasonally, but I would definitely recommend giving them a go. The sets make excellent presents, and the formulas apply really nicely. I know this one looks a bit streaky, but it needed 3 coats. However, in the interests of fairness, I always do two coats and no top coat for all of my nail swatches. 

OPI 
I do realise I am being highly unhelpful today, but this little mini also came in a set, so I don't know its name. I can't even find the set by Googling, which is odd. However, I have used this little bottle loads, and still have plenty left, which is quite impressive really. If you are very keen on the colour, from what I can tell, it is fairly similar to Planks A Lot from OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean collection. It's also a smidge lighter than it looks in my photos. 

Barry M Gelly - Prickly Pear
Okay, here's one I do know! The Gelly polishes are fantastically glossy, and this one is one of my favourites from the range, and incidentally, my favourite of the polishes featured here today. I love how it leans neither pink nor blue; it's a true pastel purple. I wore this loads last year, and I know I will use it just as much this Spring.

Barry M - Berry Ice Cream
Another gem from good old Barry, and this one is the most typically lilac/lavender shade I own. Far pinker than Prickly Pear, this is perfect for Easter time, and a lovely middle ground for those more accustomed to wearing safe colours such as pink on their nails, wanting to try out something a bit different. This is also a bit Radiant Orchid, so very 2014. Wear it with Benefit's Lollitint for a matchy-matchy candy-girl look. 

Do you love a purple nail? What's your favourite purple polish?