SWATCHES: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine // Pistachio, Sour Candy, Acai Smoothie, Raspberry Ripple & Grape Soda

So I recently lost the will to not buy nail polish and bought some more nail polish. Approximately 11 shades from Barry M. I won't do them all in one go but split them up. I bought 5 new Gelly shades because I'm obsessed with the formula and pastels are my thing. I wanted the grey and yellow shades that are new as well but I have to draw the line somewhere...I guess...there is always next month.

Pistachio // Pistachio Creme

Collection: Gelly Hi-Shine

Release Date: Spring 2020

Coats: 2

True to it's name, this is a pistachio polish. This is one of the most recent additions to the Gelly range and it's right up my street. It kind of reminds of a mix between Essie Mint Candy Apple and Chillato. The application is easy, the formula glides across the nail and you can almost get away with one coat but I recommend two. Like all Gelly shades it's super glossy by itself and really does look like gel with a top coat on (but I never wear top coat in swatches). 

Sour Candy // Baby Blue Creme

Collection: Gelly Hi-Shine

Release Date: Spring 2020

Coats: 2

If you mixed this with Pistachio you'd probably end up with Wild Mint which was released in their Winter Wildlife Gelly collection (swatched here). I bought this one because I don't have many blues with me right now and well it's just super cute and pastel. It looks a little bit darker on the nails but it's nice and summery. I think this would look good as part of a pool watermarble. I couldn't resist as well and stuck on a shimmer topper:

Raspberry Ripple // Pink Creme

Collection: Gelly Hi-Shine

Release Date: Spring 2020

Coats: 2

This is pinker than I was expecting. Not awful but not exactly what I was after. It's kind of similar to Dragon fruit but more on the coral side of pink. With a bit of tan this doesn't look that bad and reminds me of Pinking Out The Window by China Glaze (that I recently swatched here). 

Grape Soda // Lavender Creme

Collection: Gelly Hi-Shine

Release Date: Spring 2020

Coats: 2

It's odd that I have about a bajillion Lavender shades now but all of them are different. I can't even find one that is remotely similar to this. Which is a good thing...I get to buy more lavender shades 😂. I'd say this on the cooler side and I really love how this goes with my skintone. It gives me 90s sailor moon vibes. December Dawn from H&M is also the perfect topper for this shade:

Acai Smoothie // Dusty Magenta Jelly

Collection: Gelly Hi-Shine

Release Date: Spring 2016

Coats: 2

This one is an oldie but I love the shade. I've been meaning to buy it for a while now. I love these dusty mauve/pink shades as their perfect for doing cosy autumn nails. This one has a slighter thinner formula that the others and leaves no streaks so you could use one coat for a jelly effect instead.

// Verdict

I think the formula for the Gelly range is getting better with each season. For £3.99 I really can't fault the application and pigmentation. I also love how every shade in this range is self-levelling; it's really difficult to screw up using them. There are a few more shades I'm after but I'm trying to practice restraint...I will probably end up just getting them lol.