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I know all the brands are releasing their Spring lines right now but many parts of the US are experiencing some fierce inclement weather as I type… so let’s take a step back to Winter! Essie’s Winter Collection reminded me of jewel tones and made me want to dig out my birthstone amethyst jewelry which I probably haven’t worn in over a decade. Enjoy the eye candy!
Shifting Power is a gorgeous gold frost shade and I’m having trouble trying to do it justice as far as tones go. To me, it’s kind of mustard. It shows up pretty sheer with 2 coats, so here are 3. I was having a hard time with brush strokes showing but I think that was more of an operator error. *wink* This is one of my favorites out of the bunch as it’s so different than the shades I usually go gaga for.
Bold and Beautiful isn’t too bold, but it is beautiful. These polishes were all pretty shiny so my camera was picked up in some of the images– I apologize! Bold and Beautiful is a creamy red with garnet tones and only took 2 coats to achieve desired coverage.
Damsel in a Dress was my least favorite of the bunch. Despite being shimmery, I thought this raisin/currant shade appeared to be a little flat when applied. I do like Damsel in a Dress, but when you are faced with several other incredible shades one of them has to take a bow and step aside. 2 coats applied here.
And now for my fave! The photo doesn’t do this shade justice, but Sexy Divide is incredibly hot. I hope you can at least get an appreciation for this vibrant violet with flecks of bright violet shimmer here. It’s so saucy! 2 coats with this one will work perfectly since it has more coverage than the others in this collection. It’s impressively shiny and gives off some great bling!
Rock Star Skinny is a dark red with a slight icy frost. I cracked up at the name! Unfortunately I couldn’t translate it well via photo so this is one you will want to check out with your own two peepers. Rock Star Skinny was my closest fave to Sexy Divide. Here are 2 coats but 3 coats wouldn’t hurt. It would only enrich the crimson even more.
It’s Genius is a violet quartz shimmer but if I may, I’d like to call it Sexy Divide Light. It has all of those goregous reflective properties but is a lighter shade of violet. The first coat is really sheer, and the second is still light. Here it is with 3. I’m lovin’ this one too! From what I understand, It’s Genius was inspired by Vivian Tam.
I’ve always worn a base coat, but Essie has introduced Fill The Gap! It’s a ridge smoothing base coat that makes a world of difference in smoothing out the surface of the nails but also anchors that polish down for longevity. You can use this alone on your natural nails as well. When I tested that out, it just gave a flat matte appearance to them. I’m just going to stick to using this as the ball & chain to my luscious laquers.
The Essie Smoothies Trio is a smart idea for a few reasons. The combo of scents are delicious for one. Blueberry & Banana, Coconut & Pineapple, and Pomegranate & Mango are great fruity pairs. The 2oz. size for each of them is really convenient not only to have in your purse but also to take with you to your mani-pedi appointments. I have to admit that lately I think my nail technician must have gotten a great deal on a 55-gallon drum of lotion for my manis because what she’s been using smells horrid. I can take this with me and have her use it on me! And then I can become that client they all talk about when I leave. I’m just kidding! I am taking Blueberry & Banana with me on my next visit for sure. One last idea I had was to pick one of these up as a little Valentine’s Day gift for your best gal pal. Am I the only one who still does silly things like that? I may have just embarassed myself. Oh well. Just BE MINE already!
