Essie Winter 2008 Collection
 As much as I would love to jump ahead straight to Spring, the gross, gray weather and piles of snow outside my door keep reminding me that it’s still Winter. Spring seems a far cry away which too depressing for words. Is one day without a visit from the plow guys too much to ask?
Before I start inundating you with Spring collections, let’s take a look at Essie Winter since most of us are still wearing dark shades and haven’t started the seasonal transition. I must admit, Essie’s winter collection surprised me. I’ve come to think of Essie as playing it safe, targeting the conservative consumer with more reds, pink and sheers than you can shake a stick at. So to see a collection with purples and gold made me happy. Very on trend Essie! |
My only disappointment was with the pigmentation. All the shades, with one lone exception, required three coats. Es no bueno! Though I was pleased to discover that, for the most part, application was phenomenal. I wasn’t sure how the first batch of shimmers in the new toluene and DBP free formula would hold up but they fared well.
Sexy Divide – let’s start out with a bang, shall we? Sexy Divide is by far my fave of the group. She is everything I want in a purple; deep and rich without crossing over to that dreaded “almost black” territory. If you buy one Essie this year, this is the ONE!
Shift Power was my problem child. No matter how hard I tried or how many times I tried, I just couldn’t get this one to work out. The application was a major pain. I so wanted to love this golden beauty but as you can clearly see, it was not a winner.
It’s Genius has these amazing ribbons of gold running throughout its deep mauve-y base. The shimmer gives it a metallic look yet it applies smooth like a shimmer. Truly a fantastic polish. It reminds me of one of my all time favorite shades, China Glaze Steppin Out.
Rock Star Skinny was as much a surprise for me as it was for reader MooeySullivan. She’s totally right. Looks like nothing special in the bottle but on the nail… Ka-pow! Luscious, deep and captivating. This browned burgundy shimmer is a “rock star” though it really doesn’t translate in photos. You have to see it on the nail to understand.
Bold and Beautiful gets the snore award for failing to wow. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with it. It’s a classic Essie creme. Nothing we haven’t seen before. Probably thrown in to appease the more classic nail gal.
There’s something about Damsel In A Dress. I can’t put my finger on it but somehow this blackened plum has won me over. It could be the subtle silver shimmer, the way it reminds me of a grape popsicle or just the fact that my purple phase is still going strong but I’m totally diggin’ it.
The Essie Winter collection is on sale now and can be found at chain salons/stores like ULTA, Trade Secret and Regis or online at Essie.com and Head2ToeBeauty.com.
Thoughts? I’m sure some of you have indulged by now. Which ones are your favorites?
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
I want Rock Star Skinny! I have Sexy Divide and Damsel in a Dress and I LOVE them.
I was also really impressed with this collection from Essie. I love their sheers but It’s great to see them mixing it up a bit.
I aready own damsel in a dress and it’s genius, but I’m also loving sexy divide and rock star skinny.
I think all the nail polish companies outdid themselves on the winter collections. It’s the most polish I’ve ever bought in a season!
I love them all – Do you have 3 coats on each one?
Faith – great choices. You must be a purple fan
Alison – I agree, the winter collections were great. Normally they aren't really the focus. Just something to put out between the two big seasons (Fall & Spring) but look at China Glaze Bahama Blues. It's amazing!
Breezy – As I said in the post all except one have three coats. Damsel In A Dress was the only two coat-er.
Damsel, Genius & Sexy Divide are my favorites from this collection! Sign me up for anything purple and/or vampy.
Essie MUST have been consulting this blog when deciding to put so many purples in their winter collection!
Wow, thanks for the shout-out! I hope to slide over to the Beautyfirst in Louisville KY where I got the RSS and swatch the purples today. As I noted in the Vendetta thread (and what a fun thread it was), I think Sexy Divide will be my next buy just because you can tell it’s purple. However, now I want to see Damsel in a Dress.
This all reminds me of my most daring Law and Nails escapade, such as it was. Years ago, I had a dead-bang loser of a case, so I argued it before the federal appeals court in Cincinnati without removing my birthday mani of Pike’s Peak Purple, the first OPI color I ever owned. No one said anything, and I did lose, but I felt very daring in my navy suit, pearls, and purple polish.
How does Its Genius compare to ChG Awakening? Thanks again for the pics!
I paraded in Sexy Divide at the New Year Night. Very hot and sexy indeed.
The only issue is that my nails did not feel so happy as I. They started to by sliced one level from another. Thought I like some of other Essie nail polishes too I am a bit confused to risk to buy one more.
Is it only my problem with this nail polish?
Sexy Divide is just gorgeous!! I bought it not too long ago. Damsel in a Dress and Rock Star Skinny looks good too. I think I might just have to pick those two up from Ulta.
Instinctively, for me, Sexy Divide was the best, and it looks great on me, and I love purples… but It’s Genius blew me away! When I wore it, I couldn’t stop staring at it! It’s like you said! It’s almost metallic! I love it! This may be my favorite Essie release EVER!
Nothing really special to me, but you gotta give credit to Essie for releasing shades that are so out of their leagues.
But digging Sexy Divide right now. I’ll get my hands on one.
Rock Star Skinny was actually my favorite but it defiantly feels like spring already where I am but I will make winter last as long as I can!
Sexy Divide & Damsel In A Dress are awesome! Pale shades usually come to mind when I think of Essie, so these are a nice surprise.
It’s Genius looks just like OPI It’s My Year…