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China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

Is That Highlighter All Over Your Nails?

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer ($3.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “hot highlighter yellow.” It’s exactly the color of a yellow highlighter; it has that same oddly cool undertone that makes it look almost green-tinged at certain angles; there is a fine dusting of yellow micro-shimmer that’s just the right side of noticeable even under natural light. It’s vibrant, almost neon (to me, it doesn’t quite have the same impact as a true neon). None of the yellows that I’ve swatched in the past are remotely close to this–they’re all more traditonally yellow. Sinful Colors Innocent is more of a chartreuse and has a cream finish. NYX Lime is similar in composition/texture, but it is greener. China Glaze Electric Pineapple was the closest but still rather green–plus it is also a cream. I doubt that this is the first of its kind, though, so I’d love to hear your dupe suggestions!

Yellows can actually be notorious for being a pain to apply, but Sun-Kissed was one of the better-applying shades in the 12-piece summer collection!  It was mostly opaque after two coats, though there was definite nail line showing, especially under brighter light.  There were also some visible brush strokes.  The consistency was barely thick, but not quite the same as I’ve come to expect from China Glaze.  It flowed well and didn’t pool too much along the sides, though you’ll want to make sure to wait in-between coats–and the drying time was longer than usual, too.  I’ve tested several shades in the past, and the formula consistently yields a week of wear with no chipping but minor tip wear.

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches

B+
8.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
9
Texture
9
Longevity
4
Application
89%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer
China Glaze Sun-Kissed Nail Lacquer

26 Comments

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Dinitchka Avatar

Christine, how would you compare this polish to Illamasqua’s Rare in the yellow sense? I have Rare and it is shimmer-less but I am wondering if Rare is more of a flat yellow, rather than Sun-Kissed with it’s almost neon-ish finish. Am I making sense? LOL!

xamyx Avatar

LOL. I thought the same thing, initially, when I saw the product photo. However, the microshimmer makes it a very interesting shade. I will pass on this one, only because it just isn’t my personal taste, but it’s alot prettier than I expected.

wwendalynne Avatar

xamyx I was in high school when I painted my nails with whiteout and then proceeded to use highlighter pen on top.  It was so much cooler in my head than on my nails… and a total PITA to remove..  The highlighter pen faded practically instantly.

svea Avatar

Hi Christine! Do you have a post about how you apply nail polish? The nail polishes all look so nice when you apply them…do you also have tips on how to keep the nails healthy and keep them from peeling/breaking/ chipping off easily? Thanks! 😀

jlm645921 Avatar

I have many colors of  “China Glaze” ( mostly pinks & few orange toned, I’m not sure the exact name- ;that would mean leaving my afternoon glass of pintio grigio & walking into my bedroom, lol!) Point being: I ABSOLUTELY love this brand, always bright, beautiful colors, but I am curious; do u make a Top coat??  because the color is “dull” until u go over with a clear topcoat. 🙂 <3 ur product! Thnaks – Jennifer

ShelleenYoakum Avatar

Hi Christine,I have very dry, brittle nails that peel and chip like crazy. I take my vitamins, biotin, and even prenatals, moisturize, etc, but still can’t find relief! Any suggestions/advice?Your help is greatly appreciated. You have the most gorgeous nails!

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