Holo Taco Dark Academia Nail Polish Collection Swatches, Comparisons & Review

[@NicoleLovesNails]

My second channel for all of my non-nail polish nonsense www.youtube.com/@NicoleDanielson

[@Supersquishyawesomeness]

@@NicoleLovesNails if you were sent the polishes free of charge this is a sponsored video.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

@@Supersquishyawesomeness this is not a sponsored video. I was gifted these polishes by the brand with no posting obligations. If there were posting obligations, then you would be correct that the “free” polishes were payment to post. However, you are not as these were gifted no strings attached. I take the FTC guidelines seriously over here and disclose all gifted products, brand affiliations, affiliate links/codes and sponsored content 😁

[@seofra8252]

I love that Devil's Advocate was thinner for the purpose that it looks like drippy fresh blood in first coat.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

@@seofra8252 yes! I love how it builds up so it can look like different layers of blood🩸

[@mollyapteros]

I love that Holo Taco sends PR to smaller creators. Excellent well-made video, thanks so much for all the insight! Subscribed. 😘

[@saraowens5196]

That ivory looked BEAUTIFUL on you And Holo Taco’s gray based “haunted” shades (Spirit Fingers, Alien Invasion) have my whole heart so I hit buy *immediately* on Secret Society. I hope it sells well, I need them to make a blue & purple haunted shades 🙏

[@daalelli]

I am waiting (sort of impatiently) for those haunted shades. Spirit Fingers is my top favorite HT color.

[@EmilyMusic3v3]

saaaame!!!! loooove their gray based specialty polishes. really bummed I missed spirit fingers

[@Magpiecheek]

SAAAAAME

[@oliviajaydee]

agree!! i didn’t get spirit fingers because i thought the glow was too pink for me, but alien infatuation is one of my favourites! need that formula in all colours. 🥹 spyglass and electric sweeter give me same vibes, just with a bright coloured base.

[@elevatedintuition]

Yyyeeesss

[@yikes9944]

whoa!! i came in as an ivory tower hater, i was like why did we need this. but seeing it on you, i think it's actually way more flattering than not milky white. now i'm wondering if i should try it... i don't own either

[@louiselikesmuseic]

I'm the same! I saw someone swatch it with fallen flake taco and it looked AMAZING

[@ToastontheEastCoast]

This is the second time that a full collection from HT is screaming my name, with the first being the retro rewind 4th anniversary collection. I've yet to own any HT but these are really making me wish that my budget would allow me to purchase from them. Cristine really nailed the vibe with these, they are conjuring images of dark fantasy/vampire literature and goth/grunge kids of the 90s. I was loving the collection from the first peek of that shimmery dark green in the email spoiler, and the rest of the colors live up to the promise.

[@cmcm4204]

@@ToastontheEastCoast same, bought the whole collection which I don’t think I’ve ever done!

[@beckyschmidt8347]

The drama around 'if it was a crelly they'd say it was a crelly" kills me 😂 And I really don't feel like Silent Library is a frosted metal, but it's pretty.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I don’t know why my saying that always bothered some people but some people also tried to convince me that good chunky glitter polish isn’t really a thing soo 🤣

[@alb91878]

I completely agree! Also she said it's acting like a crelly, not that it is. Huge difference!😜

[@beckyschmidt8347]

@@NicoleLovesNails definitely ignore these glitter haters. They know nothing! Lol

[@willjrcmota]

Hi. English is not my first language. Would you mind explaining what crelly means? I couldn't find a fitting answer online. Thanks 😊

[@alb91878]

@@willjrcmota crelly is a polish that is half jelly polish and half cream polish. Cream polish completely covers the view of your nail line, but crelly polish is slightly see through so you can see the glitters and shimmers through each layer and usually need 2 to 3 coats.

[@chrissy24-7]

I am obsessed with devils advocate in one coat... To someone who isn't a red fan, it's so blackened it's beautiful 😍 🖤 and YES 🍁🎃 I'm so ready for Fall 🍁 and i love pumpkin spice

[@mirross4890]

I saw silent library and was sooo happy. The frosted metals are so slept on.

[@emoo2342]

I got excited when I saw it, too-then I saw the swatches and I’m like “I’m not so sure that’s the same formula”. It doesn’t look nearly as intense as the others, but I’m still interested because shiny.😅

[@viceursa]

The inkwell description is probably more of on the technical description rather than a visual description. Cristine is always very careful about how she talks about what goes into her nail polish when it comes to color. I can see why she would describe it as brown instead of black due to how specialty additives become dull in a black base. If they used a brown base color, she's going to call it brown.

[@bagelsandcoffee]

Wow, I love the whole color story! I'm glad they're not limited edition so there's no fear of things selling out before my wallet is ready. I don't think I have anything that looks like Secret Society! Thanks for comparing Inkwell with Dark Horse... I was wondering if they were similar.

[@nassj6593]

Fairy tales is the magnetic brown. The green one is wicked potion 🙂

[@eileen58]

Was about to comment this, I was confused for a minute. lol

[@alishabeissel5520]

Same! We got you girl 💚

[@jessicabolton3615]

thank you, I thought I was going crazy😅

[@chasetaylor0000]

I am soooo ready for fall!!! 🍁🍂 My most favorite time of the year! Out of this collection of polishes, I LURV Ivy League. I sometimes think that she releases shades similar to those that are LEs or have been retired/discontinued so that folks who missed out can grab those shades to kinda fill the void. While these are all beautiful colors, I’m only gonna pick up the greens. And since they are not LEs, I am not in a hurry to get them now.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Agreed, I honestly really appreciate that HT usually releases “similar but not the same” polishes when it comes to their LE shades. It can be so hard tracking down discontinued shades from them

[@theonetruesarauniya]

@@chasetaylor0000 Okay, these aren't limited edition. Do you think they might go on sale? I just tried my first couple HT polishes and I'm in love! I just can't justify the prices rn in my situation. I love the greens really and just the deep red.

[@chasetaylor0000]

@ They usually have a Black Friday Sale and a sale during the 12 Days of Cristmas.

[@thaleslathrop9914]

Your nail shape for this review is everything! It looks so good on you, especially with these colors. LOVE your reviews 💕

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰

[@hope84114]

Honestly, I could not see the difference between ivory tower and not milky white, so I am glad you pointed out that many people also agree with this. Love your videos

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Usually my husband can’t see the color differences either honestly. I had him look at that comparison and he shrugged and said they’re both white 😂

[@kristenbellows3411]

When Cristine did her collection review, not milky white looked extremely white (like white out) and ivory tower was much more white/beige.

[@allisonroth]

So interesting! I don't have not milky white because it's too blue toned for me to like on my nails, but I'm very interested in ivory tower because I think it will look better on me.

[@sparklywastaken1426]

I can see the differences between the whites.

[@kokeru]

purely out of curiosity do you have any kind of color blindness? I don't want to sound rude i'm genuinely just curious because I thought the comparisons were pretty silly as they're completely different colors but it seems quite a few people can't see it?

[@andreita_Moore]

I’m never prepared for the memes and clips. Your videos are hilarious, omg 😂

[@AllisManis]

Why are they all so gorgeous 😅 my wallet ran and hid!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Thankfully none of limited so your wallet is safe for today at least 🤣

[@bonkette]

I love the comparisons! Thank you.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

My pleasure! I was hoping no one would mind that I just did bottle shots so Im really glad you liked them!🙈

[@catalina9844]

Ivory tower looks great on you! I’m going to have to pick this up. I would never think I would buy an off white polish but here we are.

[@AwesomestGirlYouKnow]

Thank you for showing us comparisons - I know it takes longer but it's so helpful and appreciated. 🥰I picked up the grad school bundle - I am most excited about Ivy League and Silent Library. I personally love when my nails look like witches nails - cackling and all. 🤣I am always in my vampy/Falloween era.

[@jenniferchu952]

Girl... I bought it all! Love the Ivory Tower! Love it all. Ready for Fall! Literally. Home/porch decorated. Boom. Thank you for swatching this collection! 🎃🍂

[@katelynhallam8429]

the dark horse v. inkwell comparison is what i've been looking for!!

[@LoveGiblet2009]

I had a 1999 Pontiac Firebird and it was pewter metallic, basically the exact shade of Secret Society, so when I saw it I literally shrieked with glee! LOL! I can’t wait to get it!!! Thank you so much for the comparisons and for comparing with other Holo Taco shades because I was worried too about these being dupes. Your video totally puts my mind at ease and I’m ready to do some shopping!!! 🤗 Thank you for all your hard work! ❤

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I don’t know a lot of cars but I know that one! That was a beautiful car

[@Lianabel2485]

Love the collection and Devil’s advocate OMG!! Loved it

[@l.1020]

I‘m not even that into nail polish but your polish descriptions and overall vibe were so chill and fun, I watched the whole video💅

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Much appreciated!

[@tabularasa]

Thank you for the grey shimmer lineup at 12:36 Sadly, super dark warm tones don't suit me, but once again I am so visually impressed by this kind of formula. It's not my color, but I totally understand why Secret Society is a standout here. Someday Cristine will make a cool grey jelly with blue shimmer and scattered holo and I will finally get one of these beauties 💅 Must be patient

[@mchobbit2951]

Inkwell is THE BOMB! I wish I could buy single shades from Holo Taco. I mean I can, but I'm not in the US so shipping is an issues. This is not an issue for you Americans, but Canadians be getting salty because Cristine is Canadian and always used to complain how expensive shipping to Canada was, then made an US based company :(. Personally I'm NEVER fall ready and can't really enjoy it because I know that the worst season of all is going to come soon. I get seasonal depression so bad in winter and there is NOTHING good about it other than the holidays. If those are your natural nails- WOW! They are BEAUTIFUL. I love the witchy vibe with certain colors.

[@marymac3572]

This is definitely the best review I've seen of this collection, the comparisons were outstanding. Thank you!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Wow thank you so much! That’s a massive compliment, seriously appreciate it!

[@PolishedMess]

I am just like you. I am fall ready 🍂🍁

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Apple and pumpkin season!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@JenniferDufoe]

i have good size wishlist in ppu this month. so im very happy these are not LE. i will be picking these up a little later. the clip of trish was perfection!! 👌

[@Gaymergal34]

This is my first time watching one of your videos! I absolutely love the comparisons and how through you are with how the polishes will swatch and how it will look outdoors vs under lights

[@eraserdusting1840]

Secret Society is absolutely incredible. I love it!

[@theComputerVoice]

Ivory Tower looks SO good on you . thanks for the swatches!

[@Brandoncye]

Thank you so much for this video, showing them on your fingers AS WELL as showing you swatch/put them on, in each swipe to show how it looks 1 coat, 2 coats, 3 coats or 4! You're amazing for this! And showing other shades next to the new ones is a brilliant idea that i love! Plus you little video cuts/shade is soooo cute! Love your vids, definitely subscribed with this one video! ❤

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

Your nails look really beautiful!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Thank you! Despite having this shape for a while now it still feels weird having such 🔪 like nails 😂

[@tarynupmyheart]

Will now be adding a gold flake topper to devils advocate and matte topcoat to silent library. Thanks for the ideas!

[@shelleyjones4146]

you labelled the green magnetic as Fairy Tail but it's actually Wicked Potion...

[@joycelatham3378]

I think you did lovely work putting all the comparisons together

[@ellie7701]

See, none of these colors are the kind I'd wear, but I can't get enough of how beautiful they look!

[@mimma6203]

Ivory looks so nice with your skin tone

[@blessingsamongstusall]

Stunning collection. Thank you!

[@luciole781]

I like that you received those in advance to released them, they should do the same for especially the limited edition. Because watching review of a sold out collection no so winner, but at the same time limited edition sales so fast review or not. Like your thought about them , so looking forward to received my order , it might take a certain time as it always a bit longer when we purchase during a big released.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

Ivy League is the closest polish I’ve seen to a discontinued one I loved from Sally Beauty! I used to rock it fall through the winter holidays and it did look fantastic with some gold glitter added in. I’m really excited to see a warm dark green shimmer polish on the market again, true dark green is such a hard colour to find in any formula!

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

Also secret society kind of gives me galaxy space alien vibes in the best way!

[@kelqueen9998]

This was a really well done review of these polishes!

[@Bishopfish]

I just found your channel and you’re my new fav nail person!!! Love your editing style and that desk behind you in the intro is GORGEOUS omg

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Ahh thank you!! 🙈🥰

[@JennSarracenia]

The Trish clip was gold 😂

[@sadiemae9446]

They all look gorgeous on you!

[@theonetruesarauniya]

Love this release. This release is what got me into Holo Taco... I just wish this collection was sold in Ulta so I could use my gift card. So fun! Beautiful colours and I hope they stick around for a bit. Love the greens and bloody wine colour. I also love the metallic brown copper colour. I just need a slight sale to afford some of them. Fall is my favourite season and always will be.

[@zoeolsson5683]

Much love from Australia 🦘 love your nails! We had 32°C (90°F) last weekend so we were in the pool in August which we still consider a 'winter' month 😅 welcome to "what season are we in?" syndrome. 😂

[@AlexaFaie]

@@zoeolsson5683 So that's where our summer went! It was actually quite cold where I am this August not that its ever massively super hot, but most days were under 20.

[@lestranged]

11:00 is that wicked potion you have labeled as fairy tale? Fairy tale is brown.

[@karenmcconaughey2606]

I got Ivy League and Silent Library. I already have dark green and navy cremes from Starrily. Hope they match. If not, I don't have anything like these two in my collection anyway.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Starrily cremes are pretty great too!

[@AceKaci]

Oo, I love that ivory on you! They’re all pretty of course, but I can see why you don’t like wearing white, and I think you’re right. You need warm-toned whites. The ivory is just right. I wonder if Sugar Rush has a similar vibe on you since it’s warmer as well. I’ll have to look for your video on that collection. That’s one thing I really appreciate about Cristine. HT swatches and tries to find colors that work well on different skin tones. I love that she prioritizes inclusivity and quality.

[@ldyerin4934]

Already bought silent library, had to have it

[@melsyoutube]

such a gorgeous collection, i appreciate the application and different lighting!!❤️

[@Stef_T-G]

The frosted metals had diffrent flakes those, they defenetly had changed the flakes! I hope those wont change the color of the base... because it is so pretty!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I would be curious to know if this variation makes for a more stable polish? It’s definitely different from the others

[@Vocalinds]

I was wondering about shelf stability as well. I don't have the infamous Cold Shoulder, but I do have Royal Crush and I feel like it's slowly getting more grey and less purple...

[@Stef_T-G]

@@NicoleLovesNails I really hope so because they're so ugly now... The change was really bad!

[@Stef_T-G]

@@Vocalinds oh I'm sooo sorry! I have all of them others and except for the already dark ones they all turned darker or super yellow...

[@_Jadot_]

@@NicoleLovesNails Do you happen to have Heavy Metal Mixtape from the remixes collection? I feel like Silent Library is the close navy FM sister to that deep purple FM. My bottle of it has definitely gone a bit more grey over time, but it is still pretty for mid-winter/NYE. Hoping Silent Library holds up better despite feeling like a more dispersed FM like you noted.

[@Taletree92]

Secret society looks so cool. Also so flattering on you. Very beautiful

[@ypjy]

Always appreciate your take on. Holo’s collection. Also now im searching for Zoya Clarice. Not ready for fall. Im in the Midwest with last week short and this week pants/sweater. 😂

[@brittneybrown369]

My DREAM is to make it on the holo taco pr list ❤ you did a great job with this collection 🎉

[@arielshmariel470]

I’m kinda in love with Secret Society. I keep seeing it and saying “Oooooo”

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I’m so happy that one seems to be a stand out for so many people!!

[@kristenbellows3411]

I wanted to buy all of the specialties but bought Secret Society!!

[@stephanieyancey4414]

So, so pretty!

[@emilyivyfoster]

Just discovered your channel (I love holo taco so when I saw this on my recommended of course I clicked) and I'm only 5 mins in but loving it so far!! The reviews are really good and I love the editing style it's very funny hehe 😂. INSTANT subscribe

[@thegenderexperiencetm2260]

I’d want to see how the darker colors from the barista bundle compare to Inkwell, especially the Espresso your Holo shade which is similarly “I don’t know if this is black or brown” in certain lighting.

[@Choccoco]

Love love love your glasses! I have black sunglasses in the same shape!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Heart shaped frames are literally the best 😂

[@21bifox]

I own too much holo taco 😂

[@tracyhoverson8294]

I’m so ready for fall! I picked up all of these, and I love this collection.

[@bajs2510]

Nicole, as always thanks for your review. Your nails are beautiful! I can never get mine to grow as long as yours. I’m envious!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

I have been able to grow mine out so much easier since switching to this shape! I used to lose corners all the time when I had square/squovals.

[@biogirl1381]

i’ve yet to try holo taco and the last 3 have me drooling!!! 💚💚💚 ps… loveeee your glasses!!!

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Thank you!! If you’re holding out for a sale, the next one should be Black Friday!

[@biogirl1381]

@@NicoleLovesNails will do

[@alexandra4real360]

New Subscriber! Love the side by side comparisons to similar shades.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Thanks for subbing!

[@PolishedYogi]

These are sooo gorgeous on you Nicole!! 😍😍🤤 and lmao yeah I can’t help but side eye the way HT describes some of their polishes 😅 it’s exciting to see them officially release a crelly though, makes me wonder how often they’ll release that finish 👀

[@NicoleLovesNails]

My first thought when I saw that they’re officially throwing in a crelly was hoping for a white glitter crelly out of Holo Taco 😂

[@Kittlyn]

You are so prettyyyyyt 🌸✨ ivory is the best on youu

[@cheyenne21577]

Thank you for sharing! 😊 Love your videos ❤

[@juliawidmaier5334]

I ordered the shimmery brown and green, I'm so excited. I'd been looking for a decent dark brown shimmer for ages and out of the blue this drops and I was smitten.

[@tiamorton1927]

Secret society is a fave of mine too! I love the way it looks 😍

[@karenlawford8403]

Love the swatches!!

[@EvanRo]

Gurl! You going to grad school? Cuz you just upped that GPA with this thesis! BRA-VO! So thorough!

[@kayenjee]

Inkwell looks FANTASTIC on you 👌🏽 🤩

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Great swatches and comparisons. Thank you ❤

[@michellej5616]

I picked up most of them, all of the"grad"collection, but I didn't need the cremes. I appreciate the comparison to existing shades, but I didn't need a warm white and Monstera is good enough for me if I want a green creme. Great swatches, thank you

[@MsYayaSafiya]

Love your personality… I’ve just found you and subscribed! I bought the undergrad bundle.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Yay! Thank you! 🥰

[@sheilaluta]

Ughhhh I love them. I can’t say I see silent library as being the same as my beloved frosted metals though…

[@cascadianroots]

Uugghhh head hunter has an absolute chokehold on me! Apres has a similar gel color and I've been dying to have it in polish form!!

[@allisonroth]

Out of this collection my favourites are Ivory Tower, Secret Society and Devil's Advocate. Might pick them up during the black friday sale

[@amriddless]

I'm taking my time to get any of these bc I'm taking a significant trip this weekend which I need to save my wallet for! Plusss I'm trying to be better about impulsive purchase so I want to see these polishes on more ppl. Buttttt as of right now in the future I want to purchase secret society, ivy league, devil's advocate, and silent library in that order.

[@8squishyfishy8]

Haha, I totally agree with you on the Devil's Advocate one! When you swatched it, my first thought was, "oh thats hot" 😉

[@dailypolishme]

👋👋I know I seriously need help with my love for nail polishes. 😲🤣Beautiful collection and swatching 👏👏👏💅💅💖TFS

[@MartaVelez0108]

I need, need a secret society one, but with a corally orange/peachy micro shimmer!

[@strawbaby444]

I wanna see ivy league next to access denied from mooncat

[@jenevieve7814]

Thanks for doing reviews. I want to order some but want to see them first ❤

[@NicoleLovesNails]

You are very welcome

[@tammy2090]

I won't be getting any of these. But like several others I was surprised by the ivory and found myself thinking what you did. I know it's not your style , but it does look very nice on you.

[@reneeangele4766]

I didnt buy ivory tower because i did not think it would look good but it looks so nice on you that im reconsidering my opinion.

[@pinkTonya24]

I still have yet to try Holo Taco. I tried Mooncat first and because of that i think i have brand loyalty towards them! But I've only made one purchase from Mooncat this year, during their spring sale

[@the.mermaid.scientist]

The only ones I'm really drawn to are are Secret Society, Foreshadow and Head Hunter. Doing my damndest to stick to my low buy so they're all on my wish list!

[@tildesofie1533]

i’ve kinda stopped buying cremes, but i might need to grab ivory tower! stark white often ends up looking like white-out, so an off-white would be brilliant

[@ArethousaNeko]

Lol, I just need to use my Cold Shoulder to dupe Silent Library. Still love Frosted Metals.😂 Thanks for the swatches

[@lehcar3209]

Hi hun great vid I’ve never seen you before. Here’s a trick I use to find similar colors better I swatch them on fake nails and put them in a nail book.

[@Smoobles]

I was surprised by this one but in a good way. I bought most of them the other day, but you have me sold on Secret Society and the darker brown/bronze. I'm going to buy them the next time ai order. Personally I'm disappointed on Devil's Advocate. I'll be passing on that one. 😅

[@alb91878]

I absolutely adore the whole release! The only color I'm not that stoked for is Ivory Tower and that's it. I would purchase this whole thing if it wasn't for the fact that I have the Halloween collection from night owl lacquer. So in this case I got devil's advocate and all four of the shimmers!

[@stellab3269]

I just found your channel a couple months ago and it is great! Are you going to review the 2024 birthday stone collection? It sold out in hours. I bought the whole bundle out of FOMO. However I’d love to see the collection reviewed on darker skin. I have a medium skin tone and there are a couple shades that I’m nervous about. They are covering to release a second batch of the most requested shades. I’m sure your review will help the more universal shades get more request for a second batch.

[@NicoleLovesNails]

Yes! I just posted it earlier today! Editing took a little longer than expected 🙈 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIWZaoxtaa5ratksi=m3p-D3m6BZA1GxNl

[@GenericMcName]

That ivory would be amazing for more neutral french tips.