Before my love for more luxury or niche brands began and before my diary was filled with gel nail and Facegym appointments, there was my beauty ritual of heading to my local Boots to get a new Barry M nail polish. As a teen, it's something I would do every month, and I kind of credit the brand for being a stepping stone to my beauty obsession, actually. I would scan the vast selection on offer and get so excited to bring my newness home and paint my nails on a Saturday afternoon before having to remove it again on Sunday night before school. And even now, while my beauty sphere has expanded into other brands and professional gel manicures, I still have Barry M's varnishes in my collection ready for all my at-home manis and pedis.
There's no denying that the brand, which celebrated its 40th birthday this year, has really stood the test of time. Sure, I no longer have matte or crackling effect in the roster, but the classic Gelly Hi Shine remains a firm favourite in my beauty bag. I honestly think that for the price, the quality of these polishes is just great and the Barry M formula is known for its quick dry time, which is a real win for impatient people like me. When it comes to application, the Gelly Hi Shine formula is perfectly fine alone (just two coats and you are good to go), but I like to top mine with the Seche Vite topcoat for a real glossy finish.
To be honest, I could rave about the nail paints all day, and it seems that many beauty fanatics agree with me, with the brand still selling fiercely on the high street. So without further ado, here are the best Barry M Gelly Hi Shine nail polishes to add to your basket on your next high-street beauty haul.
Whatever shade you go for, Barry M has you covered. We love a classic neutral, as modelled by Amy. Re-create the look with Barry M's Pink Lemonade or Tiramisu shades.
The Best-Selling Barry Barry Nail Polishes in Order
20. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Huckleberry
This teal shade is the perfect holiday hue and looks incredible against deeper skin tones.
19. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pistachio
This is a colour I still have in my collection. It's the perfect pale pastel green. No hint of neon, it's like spring in a bottle.
18. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Fizzy Apple
Next up, and clearly on a green theme, we have Fizzy Apple at number 18. Green can be a hard colour to do well, but two coats of this leaves nails streak-free and glossy.
17. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Tangerine
Does this shade not scream summer holidays? I can imagine this polish pairing well with a cocktail in hand. Or make it work for autumn with brown, beige and black.
16. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Hibiscus
A moody mauve is an ideal shade for the transitional summer-to-autumn period.
15. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Café au Lait
This shade is like a suits-all pinky nude. Thanks to the hint of brown, it looks more natural nude than a light pink.
14. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Black Cherry
Another colour that is still in my collection. This red is so vampy (but still chic) and is easily one of my winter go-tos.
13. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Tarragon
When I use this polish come Christmas, I feel like the definition of twinkle toes. The glitter is more of a shimmer, so it's quietly festive.
12. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Espresso
Brown hues are really having a moment right now, and this rich chocolatey hue is perfect for this season.
11. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Chai Latte
This glossy nude pink is a great base for nail art, especially when using darker, richer colours.
10. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Party Ring
So we're right in the middle at number 10, and I think this just might be the most apt name for a nail polish shade I have ever come across. This vibrant lilac is so reminiscent of the biscuits that any kids party is incomplete without.
9. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Beetroot
The iridescent effect of this shade really adds to the glossiness of the formula. It's the kind of red that would look great with almond-shaped nail extensions.
8. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Hot Chilli
This pillarbox red is the nail equivalent of MAC's Ruby Woo red. It suits everybody.
7. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Tiramisu
Greige glossy nails + big scarves + a beanie hat = a winning winter combination.
6. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Cappuccino
This colour is a hybrid of burgundy and brown, making it an instant autumnal hit.
5. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Juniper
Is it purple? Is it blue? Whatever the shade, it's channeling all kinds of cosmic magic.
4. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Pink Lemonade
This hue is maybe a touch pinker than Essie Ballet Slippers, so it gives a really pretty fresh manicure. I would say that you need three coats for a really opaque finish.
3. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Jalapeño
A green hue in the top three might seem odd, but this shade complements all skin tones and looks especially beautiful on very fair skin and deep skin tones.
2. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Black Forest
A black that is super opaque and not streaky or watery can be hard to come by, but this one only needs two coats for a true black finish.
1. Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Cotton
Is it any wonder this is the brand's most popular shade of all time? This pure white not only is great for an all-over colour but also works perfectly to experiment with nail art too thanks to the opaqueness of the formula.
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