Sonia Kashuk A Powerful Punch, $9.99

I debated whether or not to post these swatches, as I first saw them on Karen’s blog ages ago.  It’s limited edition, and I wasn’t sure if you’d still be able to find it.  However, I found them on Target’s website!  It says not sold in stores, but I found mine at the Target in Kapolei a few months ago (the Salt Lake one didn’t have it the last time I was there last week).  I want to say they might have already pulled this from the shelves to make room for fall collections (I know, I’m sorry!), but it’s still online. :)?

Ingredient list, if you’re interested.

I already used these by the time I got around to swatching them. :P  As you can see, Making Waves is my favorite!

After swatching a lot of nail polishes in a short amount of time a couple weeks ago (I still have to post a number of Essie polishes), my cuticles were shredded and my nails weren’t faring much better.  So, instead of full nail swatches, I just did one on each finger.

Khaki Shorts.  Described as a “sandy brown” on Target’s website.  I was surprised at how flattering it came out.  I didn’t think I’d wear this, and I wasn’t sure what to do with it.  Krystal suggested nail art.  Puppy nail art. :P  I was a bit skeptical of a brown polish for summer, but I imagine it’d look really nice with a tan!  Not that I have one.

Making Waves.  ”A clean turquoise.”  As I’ve already mentioned, this is my favorite.  It’s so pretty and summery.  (Side note: I apologize for my lame adjectives, it’s getting late and I’m tired.)

Ooh La La.  ”A vibrant fuchsia.”  This is my second favorite.  Also, anyone else have a really hard time spelling the word fuchsia??  I always spell it wrong.  I want to spell it “fuschia.”

Tutti Frutti.  ”A juicy coral.”  This one is nice and on trend for summer (which is almost over, Jen), but I’m kinda meh towards it.  I like it, it’s pretty, but I wouldn’t have picked up a full sized color of this.

Lastly, if you can’t grab the set, I have a color dupe for Making Waves!  It’s butter LONDON’s Slapper.  I know, it’s not a cheaper option, but in the off chance that Making Waves is also your favorite of this bunch and you couldn’t get it, or if you do have it and you *gasp!* finish the bottle (I hear it happens sometimes, to some people.  Not to me, though.), then you could pick up a full size color dupe.  I’m pretty sure Slapper is part of bL’s permanent line, too.

I also have swatches!

Quick story: I actually bought Slapper first.  I ordered it online from macys.com during an employee appreciation weekend.  Before it came in, however, I found Sonia Kashuk’s set at the Kapolei Target and picked it up.  So, I swatched Making Waves on one finger, then went to work the next day, and swatched the tester bottle of bL’s Slapper.  I also swatched Thames, which is the one I was considering exchanging it for (and I eventually did, after seeing the swatches).  When my order came in, I took pictures of the two bottles, then exchanged Slapper for Thames.  That way, I wouldn’t return a bottle of used polish (though I’m sure people do it all the time, and they’re well within their consumer rights to.  I personally would have preferred to return an unopened bottle).

As you can see, Making Waves is a tiny bit brighter, if that makes sense, and Slapper is a little blue-r.  On my skin tone, I like Making Waves better, but the difference between them is very subtle.  If I run out of Making Waves (which may actually happen, the bottle is quite tiny!), I’ll consider buying Slapper.

L to R: SK Making Waves, bL Slapper, bL Thames.

Okay, enough of me and my overuse of parentheses.  What say you?