NOTD: Essie Resort Collection Part 2

Here is the second color in the Essie Resort Collection that I purchased.  This is Splash of Grenadine which is, like the other colors in the collection, very creamy.  It is a pink with purple undertones that would glow against tan skin.  (Sorry, my fair skin does NOT do this color justice!)  Even though I have a lighter complexion, the color still worked well for me. 

I got a great life out of the formulation, again, wearing 2 coats over China Glaze Base Coat and finishing with my normal 2 coats of Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat.  On the fifth day, I did get some chipping and wear on the tips, but for me, that is GREAT!  I am very hard on my nails taking even a fresh (home) manicure into the garden or working on the remodel.  I know it is a sin, but life goes on even after "new" nails.

I can't say it enough, Essie polishes are really starting to grow on me and the fact that they offer their collections in the mini bottles makes my life complete!  I am patiently waiting for the Summer collection that is coming in June (according to the sales associate at my local Trade Secret).  I have seen swatches in Allure and Glamour and cannot wait to share them here! 

If you didn't catch the first post in this four part series, click this link to check it out!  Stay tuned for the next two parts to this series coming in the next 2 weeks!

NOTD: Essie Resort Collection Part 1

Another nail of the day for you guys!  I saw the Essie Resort Collection of polishes in my copy of InStyle Magazine and knew I HAD to have them.  I thought they were going to be like others that I had, but they are in fact nothing like anything in my collection!  I picked them up at Trade Secret ($12.50 for the kit) in my local mall this weekend.  I was pumped to see that they had the collection in mini's since I prefer to buy sets in the small bottles because it is doubtful that I will make it to the end of a bottle before the stuff dries up and is replaced by a much more beloved color I get!  This way, I get to try all the shades for the price of one or two full sized bottles.

The first swatch out of the new Essie kit (above, it's pretty messy but I wanted a shot before I totally screwed up the color while working in the yard) is the color "Lapis of Luxury".  It is a creamy sky blue (which the photo makes it look a bit brighter than it really is, I'm sorry!).  The first day I wore it out, I got multiple comments from women saying, "Now, that is a blue I could wear!".  I personally think it would look great on toes as well!  As for the formula, I have always felt that Essie polishes are a bit thin for my liking.  I like to be able to slap on one coat and be able to go out if I have to before applying the second coat and you just can't do that with most of this brands polishes.  I like them, don't get me wrong, but most of the time, I have to apply 2 or more coats to get a nice, opaque coverage like I prefer.  The above swatch is one coat of China Glaze Base Coat, 2 coats Essie "Lapis of Luxury", and 2 coats Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat. There are 3 other colors in the kit and I will be doing NOTD on them soon!  Which color would you like to see next??!!

NOTD: Nail of the Day - China Glaze ~ Breakin'

I LOVE this new nail polish I picked up! I got it when I went to Ulta the other day and couldn't wait to get it on! The color is (730) Breakin' by China Glaze. It is a gorgeous orange color with some shimmer in it. The shimmer is not too much, just enough to add a little subtle sheen to the finished application.
China Glaze makes some really great polishes and they are thick and only require two coats. This color is perfect for summer as are a number of the other colors they have been producing lately! Go to your local Ulta to pick it up at a steal for only $6.50! I don't know if they sell these online or not at www.Ulta.com. I know there are some brands of nail polish that they do not sell, but it is worth checking out, for sure!