Essie
The ALU Archives – Essie Cantaloupe
 The ALU Archives focuses on older, beloved shades from the All Lacquered Up stash.
I find it funny that even though I’m not always jumping on Essie‘s bandwagon, as I sort though my polishes to pick each week’s Archives shade, I keep coming across these great Essies that have been long forgotten. Back before we had access to all these outrageous greens, blues, greys, etc., I was way more into Essie due to the formula. So when I decided that I wanted to post a pretty summery melon, I turned to my old time staple, Essie Cantaloupe. Check it out! |
Back when my collection was more manageable and I had time to repeat shades on the regular, I wore the shit out of Cantaloupe. You don’t even know. It was my go-to shade in the summer because it always makes me look more tan. It’s the polish I often recommend to anyone seeking a soft melon. Its creamy finish, flawless consistency and smooth, even coverage make it a winner in my book!
Essie Cantaloupe retails for around $4 on our favorite e-tailer sites (see sidebar) and for $8 on Essie.com. You can also find it locally at national salon chains like ULTA, Regis and Trade Secret.
So what’s on your nails this week fanatics? Any Cantaloupe fans? Anyone planning to run out and buy it? Who’s discovered a long lost polish treasure recently?
Oh and look for a fun new giveaway tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Get The Nail Look – The City’s Erin Lucas
 Erin Lucas of MTV’s The City is a celebrity nail fanatic to keep your eye on. After spotting her multi-colored manicure a few weeks back, I’ve been keeping tabs of this gorgeous gal’s appearances to see what her nails are up to. When I saw this red carpet image from a recent launch party, I just had to know what she was wearing. You all know that I’m on the Yellow Nail Trend kick so seeing celebs that aren’t afraid to rock a unique nail impresses me.
On a whim I tweeted Erin (who isn’t on Twitter these days?) to tell her how much I love her yellow mani and to ask about the color. I honestly wasn’t expecting a reply but you can imagine how thrilled I was that she Direct Messaged me back. Thanks Erin! Can you guess what polish she’s wearing? My initial guess was WRONG. Find out after the jump! |
Essie Funky Limelight is a retina-searing neon green-yellow. Take a yellow hi-lighter to your tips and you’ll get the idea. It’s so bright it hurts my feelings. There’s no WAY you won’t be noticed wearing this one. Though be forewarned, this baby is a problem child to the Nth degree. I gave up trying to get it even and streak free after the 4th coat so I just slapped on a top coat to make it glossy (neons dry matte) and called it a day. So what do we think of this kind of in-your-face yellow? Those of you that own it can testify to how much brighter it is in person. How was your experience with the color? image credit: Wire Image
I was dead certain that Erin had on Essie Shorty Pants but it was another Essie, Funky Limelight, that graced her tips. It just goes to show how poorly neons photograph. They’re never true to life, even with a professional photographer taking the shot.
Essie Funky Limelight is part of Essie’s ’09 Neon collection. It’s available now online at Essie.com and in professional salons like ULTA, Regis, Trade Secret, etc.
Get The Look – Zoe Saldana’s Nails in Star Trek
 I’m finally going to see Star Trek tonight. I know, I know it’s about time! I hate opening weekend crowds so I typically wait a couple weeks to see the big blockbusters. In the meantime reader AnnaAnastasia contacted me about Zoe Saldana‘s (aka Lt. Uhura) nails in the film. Zoe sports a glossy, dark nail in character and AnnaAnastasia hopes to recreate the look.
I spoke with Star Trek‘s Head Makeup Artist, Mindy Hall, to get the deets on Uhura’s vampy manicure. Find out more after the jump! |
Often the makeup artist or hairstylist is also working on the actor as the manicure and pedicure is being done. We all work around each other to accomplish this. Cindy and Gina really understand this and are fantastic at anticipating what is needed as we simultaneously work around each other getting the actor ready. “ For Lt. Uhura, Essie Wicked was the color of choice. A deep, black cherry, Wicked has a berry wine base that is visible in the first coat. It applied a bit uneven so I used three thin coats over CND Ridge Out to get it perfect. Essie Wicked is available online at your favorite e-tailers and Essie.com and in stores at professional salons including ULTA, Trade Secret, Regis, etc. image credit: AllMoviePhoto.com
Mindy works with a manicurist for all her film projects. In LA, Cindy Neal, and in NYC, Gina Eppolito. To quote Mindy,
“It takes a special individual to work in the film world; professional, flexible (both physical and mental), flawless, discreet, attention to detail, works well with others, can deal with a hectic environment, and of course excellent people skills. Very mobile and always on time!
My thanks to Mindy Hall for taking the time to respond to me during what I’m sure is a very busy time for her. I can’t WAIT to see the film tonight.
The ALU Archives – Essie Ball-Timore
 The ALU Archives focuses on older, beloved shades from the All Lacquered Up stash.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. I’m not a pink kinda girl. I realize that means Elle Woods and I could never be BFF because I DO think orange is the new pink and I don’t consider myself “seriously disturbed” though you all may beg to differ. Now I will admit that from time to time, when the moon is full, I get a craving for a pink nail. And I don’t mean hot pink. I’m talking the bubblegum, ponytails-tied-with-ribbons, giggly girl kind of pink and when I do, I reach for my tried and true fave, Essie Ball-timore.
Check it out after the jump along with a promo image of Essie’s Summer Collection, if you haven’t seen it yet. |
The pinks I love best have shimmer and are on the warmer side which is why Ball-timore suits me so well. It brings out any faint semblance of summer color I have in my skintone and just perks up my hands. Plus it totally reminds me of Hubba Bubba gum, which is only the best bubblegum EVER! I feel so young and girly when I wear it. Who can’t use a little bit of that in their day?
Also in case you haven’t heard, Essie recently released their summer collection of six romantic, creamy shades.
Lovie Dovie – True flamingo pink
Chubby Cheeks – Sunset coral
Luscious Lips – Sultry pink
Not Just A Pretty Face – Naturally nude
Cute As A Button – Juicy persimmon delight
Funny Face – Provocative fuchsia
Ball-timore can be found online at Head2ToeBeauty.com and the new Summer collection is available now at Essie.com.
The ALU Archives – Essie Mesmerize
 The ALU Archives focuses on older, beloved shades from the All Lacquered Up stash.
Another Thursday in April, another Rainy Day Blue. Now I realize that Essie Mesmerize isn’t exactly an old color, that I didn’t have go digging through “the archives” for this one, but it really fits the theme perfectly. Plus, I didn’t review the spring Essie collection because I just wasn’t feeling it but I LOVED Mesmerize so much that I had to share. |
You all know that I’m not one to scream and shout the joys of Essie polishes and it’s not because they’re not a quality brand. It’s just that their usual color collections don’t scream “me” But between Mesmerize and the North Fork collection, I’m really looking forward to seeing what direction this brand is going. If it’s more polishes like this, consider me on board!
When I look at Mesmerize I think of blueberry pie or Strawberry Shortcake’s friend, Blueberry Muffin (I was an avid collector of the line). To me blueberry should be bold and vivid, not some dark “almost black” even though that’s the route a lot of brands take. And I love that the formula is so pigmented and smooth. It flowed on the nail like a dream.
Essie Mesmerize is available for a limited time with the rest of the spring collection. You can find Essie in chain salons like ULTA, Trade Secret and Regis or online at Essie.com.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
