Bold & Vibrant Cobalt Blue Nails You’ll Love

Giveaway Prize - China Glaze Crushin’ on Blue swatches

Updated 2025.12.09. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some products were gifted as PR samples, but all opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cobalt is a chemical element (Co) with an atomic number of 27. As a free element, it's naturally a hard, lustrous silver metal.

The pigment cobalt blue was identified in 1802 by the French chemist Louis Jaques Thénard.

While experimenting with cobalt, he discovered mixing cobalt oxide with aluminum oxide created a highly-stable rich blue pigment. 

Cobalt blues are gorgeous, vibrant colors.

On the nails, cobalt blue is a fantastic summer color. It’s reminiscent of deep, clear ocean waters and makes a stunning compliment to any look. 

Below are swatches of four of the best cobalt blue nail polishes we’ve found so far, all in 2 coats.

Gifted by Beyond Polish - essie push play swatch

Gifted by Beyond Polish

essie push play

It’s the namesake of the 2023 push play summer collection and a creamy cobalt blue that’s very easy to apply.

China Glaze giveaway prize - China Glaze Crushin’ on Blue swatch

China Glaze giveaway prize

China Glaze Crushin’ on Blue

Shown in 2 coats and in China Glazes NEW formula launched Spring 2025, This bright, sapphire blue is packed with pigment and Hexanal, a keratin strengthener.

It has a chip-resistant finish for a longer weartime and a new wide, round brush, which might be the best part - it gives you a smoother application in fewer strokes.

essie butler please swatch

essie butler please

Shown in two coats, butler please is a bright blue with a cream finish. It’s a cheerful blue that’s one of my favorites for summer and 4th of July nails.

Cobalt Blue Nails text overlay China Glaze Crushin’ on Blue (giveaway prize) swatch

What do you think of cobalt blue nail polish? Do you have any cobalt blue polishes in your collection?

For best results with these polishes, pair them with a base and top coat.

For essie, my favorite base is strong start and my favorite top coat is the gel couture top coat - it’s long lasting and quick drying, plus it works over any polish.

For China Glaze, check out the Strong Adhesion Base Coat and I especially like the Fast Forward Quick Dry Top Coat.

Add these colors to your collection using the links above!

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

As an Ulta Affiliate, this site earn from qualifying purchases. As a Beyond Polish Brand Ambassador, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Author Bio: Amanda Meder

Amanda is the founder and lead writer of Lots of Lacquer, which she launched in 2021 to share her love of nail care and nail art.

With over 25 years of experience in all things nails, she creates tutorials, reviews, and guides that are easy to follow and genuinely helpful because she tests every product and technique herself.

Amanda began blogging in 2012, and before diving into the nail world full-time, she spent years teaching in the private sector, government, academic, and nonprofit settings. This experience honed her ability to explain things clearly and make learning enjoyable.

She holds a B.S. and M.S. in scientific fields, bringing a grounded, thoughtful approach to everything she shares.

Her goal is simple: to make nail care approachable, fun, and reliable for everyone.

https://www.lotsoflacquer.com/our-story
Previous
Previous

essie vanity fairest Swatches & Comparisons

Next
Next

OPI Neutral Nails: Everyday Nude Shades You’ll Love