in 2005, I remember the lovely Essie Weingarten held a tropical themed launch of her “Cruise Collection” on board the Carnival Legend, docked at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal. The event stuck in my mind, not just because it was on a cruise ship, and I love cruise ships and the sea, but because the colors in this collection were bright and cheerful, unusually so for the more subdued time in which Essie created them.
Fast forward to now, 2013. When I look at the colors in Essie’s latest collection “Naughty Nautical” that launched this month, once again, I am reminded of that beautiful, tropical collection of years’ past,. But this one is tightly edited, with updated tones that flatter most everyone. And I don’t mean just now, but all year long.
According to Essie, the collection is also a nod to cruising and the sea, with breezy chiffon cover-ups and pastel cashmere evening attire, as the inspiration, as well.
These days, everyone is clamoring for some sort of blue or blue-green, but the premier color “Naughty Nautical” is a bright, clear, sheer blue-green that’s one tone shy of teal. Two coats give you perfectly glossy, “nautical” nails the color of the Caribbean sea out by a reef. “The More the Merrier” is another favorite trend, offering a lime green that’s more the color of a new leaf on it’s first unfurled day, more than a garish lime.
Another blue is “Rock the Boat.” Younger women, especially, seem to love light blue, and they won’t be able to get enough of this one — a sheer wash with such a lovely shimmer. You can’t help but want this on your toes as you wiggle them in the sand. Similarly, “Full Steam Ahead” is a semi-sheer lilac that looks really pretty as a wash with one coat, if you can get it on evenly. With two or more, it becomes a creamy, cashmere-y lilac that is also lovely.
The last two colors are the true, tropic brights: “Sunday Funday”is a true, tropical coral with a bit of shimmer that could be the most requested shade at nail salons this season. Going to a Summer wedding? This color will add life to your strappy sandals. “The Girls are Out” is described as a soft fuchsia with peony sparkle, but to me it’s a hot, bright fuchsia and yes, the sparkle adds glamour.
No matter which of these colors you choose (at just $8.00 per bottle) you are going to find yourself gazing at your fingers and toes, a lot more often. And, just so you know, all Essie nail polishes are DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde free. The colors really look best with a couple of coats, and you certainly can dress these up even more with nail art, but in a single color they’re bold and bright enough to simmer! You’ll want all of them, but adding even one to your collection will make you feel like you’ve taken a mini holiday.
You can get essie at salons and beauty destinations nationwide, or buy your faves online at www.essie.com
