Rachel Messick 7/30/26 Rachel Messick 7/30/26

KOKOIST Bottle’N Go Flash Glitter & Excel Classics Collection | Side-by-Side Swatches & Comparisons

I was curious how closely the Bottle'N Go versions would match their potted counterparts, so I swatched all sixteen shades side by side. Here's a closer look at the new Flash Glitter collection and how the Excel Classics compare to the original Excel Color gels.

Rachel Messick 6/25/26 Rachel Messick 6/25/26

Double Rhythm Gemstone Glow Collection Review + Swatches

Affordable magnet gels with a luxe finish? Where do I sign? The Double Rhythm Gemstone Glow collection combines rich jewel tones, velvety magnetic particles, and a glassy finish in a HEMA- and TPO-free formula that feels far more expensive than it is.

Rachel Messick 6/17/26 Rachel Messick 6/17/26

Orly Club Tropicana Collection Swatches | Summer Neon Nail Polish & GelFX

Orly's Club Tropicana Collection is a curated mix of neon shades and glitter toppers that are perfect for layering, creating nail art, or simply wearing a la carte. See swatches of all six colors, including Pink Moon, Rave Wave, and In The Limelight.

Rachel Messick 5/23/26 Rachel Messick 5/23/26

Kokoist Unicorn Mermaid Magnet Collection Review + Swatches

The moodier, aquatic counterpart to Unicorn Candy, Kokoist's Unicorn Mermaid Collection combines glassy magnetic shimmer with a soft jelly base for a look that feels both ethereal and sophisticated. See swatches, layering tips, and application notes for all three shades.

Rachel Messick 5/23/26 Rachel Messick 5/23/26

Kokoist Unicorn Candy Magnet Collection Review + Swatches

For my fellow magpies, Kokoist's Unicorn Candy Collection delivers colorful jelly bases, holographic shimmer, and magnetic effects that are equal parts playful and wearable. See swatches, layering tips, and all six rainbow-inspired shades.

Rachel Messick 4/27/26 Rachel Messick 4/27/26

Kokoist Bottle’n Go Review + Swatches | HEMA-Free & TPO-Free Japanese Bottled Gel

Cute little pots aren't going anywhere, but Kokoist's Bottle'n Go Collection makes a strong case for bottled gel. See swatches of all 58 colors, plus my thoughts on Sticky Base, Totally Glossy, and the HEMA and TPO free formula.

Rachel Messick 2/27/26 Rachel Messick 2/27/26

Nail Thoughts Celebration Collection: Interview with Founder Katie Masters + Swatches

Interview with Nail Thoughts founder Katie Masters on the Celebration Collection, surpassing 100 shades, packaging updates, and full swatches.

Rachel Messick 1/27/26 Rachel Messick 1/27/26

Nail Thoughts Zodiac Collection (Spring 2026)

The #MagnetMoment shows no signs of slowing down. See swatches of all twelve shades in the Nail Thoughts Zodiac Collection and go behind the scenes with Katie Masters as she shares the inspiration behind the colors, glitter mixes, and zodiac-inspired themes.

Rachel Messick 10/17/25 Rachel Messick 10/17/25

Kokoist Terra Magnet Gel Collection (Fall 2025)

It’s undeniable that magnet gels are having a moment. With so many ways to manipulate the velvety fine pigments and particles, how could we not love them?

Rachel Messick 10/30/21 Rachel Messick 10/30/21

ICEGEL Dalmatian Nudie Collection | Review + Swatches

Korean gel is definitely having a moment and rightfully so. I’ve been using ICEGEL since last year and I just love the creative color ways and specialty finishes. This collection features their ultra-popular speckled dalmatian formula but in muted neutral tones.

Rachel Messick 10/21/21 Rachel Messick 10/21/21

ICEGEL Flash On / Off Collection | Review + Swatches

When ICEGEL released the first round of Flash On / Off gels I was absolutely smitten. They are a very subtle sparkle in natural light but when you put them under a light or flash they transform into an ultra-reflective finish. The original collection was more on the cool-side, lots of blues, purples, silvers- so I was super psyched to grab the more neutral pink and beige collection.

Rachel Messick 10/20/21 Rachel Messick 10/20/21

Double Moss Arte Palette Ring & Primero Brush Set | Product Review

I’ve been following Betina Goldstein f or years now- you probably have too. She’s kind of the queen of the gorgeous DIY manicure videos along with a crazy long list of celeb clients. Long before I put down the makeup brush and picked up the nail file, I was following her on insta. She’s got an effortlessly chic aesthetic, perfect hands and her beautiful videos are absolutely swoon-worthy. She’s also as sweet as pie and gives me those classy cool vibes- like, I firmly believe she is somebody who can wear all white, eat tacos and not spill anything and I’m here for it.

Rachel Messick 3/6/21 Rachel Messick 3/6/21

Dazzle Dry | The Impossible Lacquer Manicure?

I use traditional nail polish constantly in my commercial and editorial work, but let's be real: waiting for polish to dry is a special kind of torture. Here's why Dazzle Dry managed to impress a lifelong gel lover and why people are still talking about it years later.

Rachel Messick 2/1/21 Rachel Messick 2/1/21

Heart on Your Sleeve, Red on Your Fingers | Valentine's Day Nail Colors

Reds and pinks may be Valentine's Day staples, but that doesn't make them any less fabulous. From classic cherry reds to holographic pink glitters, these are the shades I'll be reaching for all month long.