Step back in time with this exciting vintage nail polish haul! Join me as I unbox a collector's dream, overflowing with decades of beauty history. From the shimmering golds of the 1930s to the vibrant hues of the 1980s and 90s, this collection boasts an incredible array of iconic brands and shades. Prepare to be mesmerized by rare finds, including a Peggy Sage polish from the 1930s, a captivating Calvin Klein creation from the 80s, and a stunning selection of Covergirl Nail Slicks. We'll explore unique formulas, intriguing shade names (and nameless wonders!), and even delve into the fascinating history of early nail polish application techniques.This unboxing journey wouldn't be possible without the generosity of my viewers and friends, whose contributions have made this vintage treasure trove a reality. Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we uncover forgotten colors, admire exquisite bottle designs, and appreciate the enduring appeal of these classic nail polishes. Expect a vibrant mix of well-known brands and rare discoveries, all perfectly preserved and ready to be showcased. Let's dive into the colorful past of nail polish and celebrate the enduring elegance of vintage beauty!
Pros And Cons
- Obsessed with the portrait on the bottle
- Still has product inside
- From around 1930
- Golden base with shimmer
- Pretty color
- From the 1980s
- Incredible color
- Orange jelly base with green flash
Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades
Peggy Sage Gold: A 1930s Treasure
My unboxing journey began with a delightful package from a viewer named Amber. Inside was a Peggy Sage nail polish in the shade 'Gold,' dating back to around 1930. This is particularly exciting as it's from the same era as the 'Bronze' shade, which I've previously reviewed.
The polish itself looks incredibly promising, despite its age. The golden base with its noticeable shimmer hints at a stunning swatch. Many thanks to Amber for this generous gift – it's truly cherished!
Calvin Klein & YSL: 80s Chic
Next, I opened a package from my friend Chris, a frequent contributor to my hauls. This package included a vibrant raspberry-colored Calvin Klein polish from the 1980s. Unfortunately, it lacks a shade name, but the color is captivating.
The YSL polish is another standout, boasting a unique orange jelly base with a surprising green shimmer. Its lack of a shade name makes it even more intriguing; I'll need to do some research to identify it.
Paloma Picasso & Covergirl: A Touch of the 80s and 90s
Chris's package also contained a Paloma Picasso polish, likely from 1984, when she had her own cosmetics line. This shade appears to be unique to her collection, lacking a specific name.
Rounding out Chris's contributions were several 80s Covergirl Nail Slicks, including shades like 'Poppy' and 'Natural Spice.' The highlight is a purple 'Roseberry' shade and a 'Bold Bordeaux' – colors I was particularly excited to find.
OPI & Q-tex: A Blast from the Past
Amongst my finds was an OPI 'Chinese Firecracker' from the Spring 1991 Carnival collection. The color is even more beautiful than I expected. It's a must-try!
I also unearthed a vintage Q-tex nail polish bottle from 1927, along with a fascinating advertisement showcasing its use with their acetone remover. Their pre-acetone removal method involved applying another coat of polish to dissolve the previous layer, then wiping it off before drying. Quite a process!
Cutex & Leonard: Vintage Cuticle Removers and Polish
My acquisition of a 1924 Cutex cuticle remover bottle was driven mainly by the exquisite bottle art. While common, it's undeniably charming.
The true highlight, however, was a trio of Leonard bottles: a cuticle remover still containing product, and a liquid polish in a natural shade. The captivating portrait on the bottles is why I purchased the set. The vintage Leonard polish and cuticle remover would have the same active ingredients as modern counterparts: either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
Sinful Colors, Wet n Wild, Revlon & More: 90s & 00s Favorites
A viewer generously sent several polishes from their extensive collection. These included popular shades like Sinful Colors 'Fiji' and 'Volcanic,' a Wet n Wild Rock Solid 'Emerald' (though possibly mislabeled), and several more 90s Sinful Colors including 'Burgundy Apple' and 'Scarlet'.
Also included were some 90s Revlon Streetwear, a Jane nail polish, and a Revlon 'Steal Her Heart', showcasing the classic bottle designs from their eras. A Nail Savvy in 'Beverly Hills Brown' completed the selection. These were supplemented with Streetwear promotional postcards.
Conclusion: A Diverse Collection of Vintage Nail Polish
This haul showcased a diverse range of vintage nail polishes, spanning several decades and brands. From the elegant shimmer of the 1930s Peggy Sage to the bold colors of 90s Revlon and Sinful Colors, each polish offered a unique glimpse into beauty trends of the past.
The inclusion of vintage promotional materials added another layer of historical context. Overall, this collection is a fantastic representation of vintage nail polish history and a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic products.