Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Essie Nail Polish Collections

I am someone constantly changing my nail color, and maybe like you, I don't like to wait longer than a week before applying a new nail color.  I have definitely experimented lately with the stiletto nails, nail designs, and multiple nail colors on the same hand.  With Essie's most recent nail polish collections, I am thrilled to say the colors and nail treatments do not disappoint.  I recently purchased two different base coats and a top coat.  


Essie Grow Faster, First Base, and No Chips Ahead, $8.


First up- (the most important part of polishing your nails) the base coat.  I refuse to polish my nails without using a base coat.  I just believe that a little goes a long way in preventing a darker polish from staining my nails, and in preventing chips and cracks from happening.  When I ran out of my Deborah Lippmann base coat, I was hesitant to give the Essie Grow Faster and the Essie First Base a try. 


Essie Grow Faster, $8.


Essie Grow Faster Bottle, $8.


I recently switched from acrylic stiletto nails to my natural less attention-grabbing nails.  Since we all know that acrylics can severely thin and damage your nails, I felt that I needed to give the Essie Grow Faster a try.  In using a thicker than normal base coat which promotes nail growth, my intentions were to grow my natural nails back to their full thickness.  The Essie Grow Faster base coat does exactly that!  It is a much thicker base coat than I am used to wearing and every nail polish coat that follows should be thin, in order for every coat to dry completely.  As the bottle instructs, apply one coat as a base.  Follow with two coats of Essie color and one coat of Essie top coat.

When using Essie Grow Faster Base Coat, I recommend waiting until each nail polish coat dries prior to applying the next layer.  Overall, I should have my naturally strong nails back in no time with the help of this base coat!


Essie First Base, $8.


Essie First Base (Packaging and actual bottle), $8.


When my nails finally do return to their original pre-acrylic condition, I plan to switch back to this less adhessive base coat- Essie First Base.  The color transfer is sheer and light, and promotes lasting nail color, no nail staining, and less chips.  This is amazing at drying quickly with a sheer layer, allowing for your nail color to apply smoothly and last longer.  The Essie First Base packaging promises to help protect from damage, helps prevent breakage, and provides a smooth surface for ideal color application.


Essie No Chips Ahead, $8.


Essie No Chips Ahead (Packaging and Actual Bottle), $8.


Essie's No Chips Ahead is the final coat that gives all your hard work a lasting finish.  This glossy top coat seals the nail color and prevents chipping throughout the week.  I would recommend using this top coat for touch-ups if you notice any wear, so you can have more shine until it's time to change your nail color again.  This top coat packaging claims to resist chipping and peeling while extending the manicure for days.  Personally, I love that it dries quickly too.


Essie Nail Polishes (From Top Left to Right) Bottle Service, The More The Merrier, In The Cabana, First Timer, DJ Play That Song, and Sunday Funday, $8.


With the summer season in full swing, Essie's newest nail collection bring all the excitement with their clever names and bold colors!  Personally I can't help but look at the range of new colors and feel like I'm appropriately set for a shaded cabana on the beach.  Wherever your plans are to visit this summer, you are sure to find a color to fit the mood within the newest collections consisting of Summer 2013, Neons 2013 and Resort 2013.


Essie Nail Polishes (From Top Left to Right) Bottle Service, The More The Merrier, In the cabana, First Timer, DJ Play That Song, and Sunday Funday, $8.


Look at how bold and beautiful they are!  My personal favorite is The More The Merrier and In The Cabana.


Essie Apricot (Cuticle Oil), $8.


Essie Apricot (Cuticle Oil), $8.

Once all of the nails coats are dried and sealed, I love to carry my new Essie Apricot in my purse for cuticle touch-ups.  This easy to apply cuticle oil smells delicious and is sure to last.  It is recommended for use twice a day to refresh and nourish the cuticles with moisture.  You can massage the oil in just a little too in order to get staying results.  I love that the bottle resembles that of the nail polishes, since it fits perfectly with the rest of my Essie nail polish collection.


My Essie Nail Collection


My Essie Nail Collection


Do not judge, I have been using Essie nail polishes for years!  I love the color pigmentation and the consistency of the polish.  The colors and names are creative and with each new collection released, I am always bound to find a color worth trying.  Do you have an impressive nail polish collection?  Is there a nail polish brand you love as well?  I would love to hear about your favorite top coats.  Please comment below!

XOXO, 
Nicole Veronica


All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the Essie brand or Essie nail products. 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

MAC's Temperature Rising Is Sure to Bring the Heat

The temperature has risen and with MAC's gorgeous new shades, I could not even shy away from the deep bronzers and shimmery tones.  On maccosmetics.com, Temperature Rising Bronzing is described as a sensual collection of rich, golden bronzers sure to make temperatures rise.  MAC Bronzing Powder illuminates with gorgeous highlights, while Bronzing Oil's botanical blend lavishes skin with moisture.  Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder provides a stunning sheen all evening long, and Strobe Liquid flashes a sexy afterglow.


MAC, Temperature Rising


Above are some of the items I recently purchased from the line.  The packaging on the boxes are a luxurious chocolate color.  In addition, the compacts' and lipsticks' exteriors are a smooth, velvety bronze tone, making for a perfect addition to the many MAC collections that are simply beautiful to look at- even lying at the bottom of your make-up bag.  As a side note, the chocolate brown reminds me of the the rich brown tones that you find in a Luis Vuitton bag or Henri Bendal tote.


MAC, Temperature Rising Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Sun Dipped, $30.


This long wearing bronzer in Sun Dipped has been a popular bronzer in the collection, offering a natural shade that is easy to blend and build the color.  There is a subtle shimmer to the shade, however the color transfer is more transparent allowing the shade to build with more applications.  This appears to be a universally flattering shade with soft red/orange undertones.


MAC, Temperature Rising Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Nude on Board, $30.


Nude on Board is a favorite of mine, as I have purchased this before in another MAC limited edition collection.  Although Nude on Board is a limited edition, I wanted to purchase another compact since I use this everyday to build up my contour.  This is a more obvious bronze tone and when applied to my skin it offers a smooth transfer, which I find unusual for most bronzers.


MAC, Temperature Rising Lipstick in Caliente (Dazzle), $16.50.


MAC, Temperature Rising Lipstick in Caliente (Dazzle), $16.50.


I simply died over this lipstick and had to purchase two!  It has a range of shades, depending on the angle that you look at the tube.  There are small sparkles to the lipstick, however the consistency is smooth on your lips and does not feel the least bit grainy or rough.  I was able to wear this shade all day with no drying or color fading.  Overall, this was an unexpected find but another universally flattering shade!


MAC, Temperature Rising Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Life's Luxury, $21.


My final indulgence in this MAC collection was the Powerchrome Eye Pencil.  The color transparency is great and the color can be used as a shimmery base to any eye shadow, as a eye liner, or used to blend a smokey eye.


MAC, Temperature Rising Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Life's Luxury, $21.


One swatch on my wrist and the color did not come off easily.  The Powerchome blends well, but offers a dry pencil that is more of a stain compared to other kohl pencils that blend to a cream.  MAC's Temperature Rising is a perfect collection for Summer and is sure to bring the heat with flattering sexy shades of gold, bronze and shimmer.  One tip: be sure to keep cool drinks nearby as this collection is sure to raise the temperature.


Have you purchased anything from MAC lately, maybe even from this collection?  What are your thoughts on Temperature Rising as it offers bronzing Pro Longwear Powders and perfect jewels tones? If you have tried any of the eyeshadow quads, I would love to hear your thoughts on this too!


XOXO,
Nicole Veronica


All comments within this blog post are opinions that are genuine and unbiased.  I am not affiliated with, nor was paid to review the MAC brand or Temperature Rising products.