Essie | Winter 2014 Collection

If you've been reading this blog for a long time, then you know I love me a good seasonal Essie mini-cube collection - four colours (usually from a lineup of six,) plonked into an adorable cube and obviously being more adorable in mini sizes. Having seen the autumn/fall lineup and not been that impressed (far too similar to last years autumn and winter collections...) but when I saw the winter lineup dubbed 'Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Low' ... Queue swooning!

My Essie Mini Collection

I've done a nail polish collection, way back here. Obviously, since then it's been edited down a few times and new polishes added here or there. But I've never really touched on my mini Essie collection. Isn't it adorable?

Essie | Spring 2014 Collection

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I am a sucker for an Essie collection and when I saw the new Spring 2014 'Hide and Go Chic' colours, well. Wild horses and all that...

Essie Winter 2013 Collection

I think I'm not the only one in saying I am down for any of Essie's seasonal collections, no? Here's the deal though, I usually only pick two a year - either between the summer or resort and likewise fall or winter. There is usually a similarity between the colours after all and it helps saves the pennies. This year, you've already seen I chose the Summer collection, and for the more colder months it had to be the winter collection...

In this years mini cube (there are two more shades available not in this cube,) you get four delicious shades, pretty beautiful for this time of year. First up is 'Mind Your Mittens' which is a deep (almost navy) teal. Second is Shearling Darling (for which the collection is named,) which is a super glossy plush burgundy red. The glitter of the bunch is called 'Toggle to the Top' which is described as a 'sparkling crushed garnet red' - pretty spot on. Last but not least is 'Sable Colar' described as a 'pearlescent cocoa plum' - this almost looks like a greige/aubergine/purple concoction (pretty similar to Rimmel Hot List,) and has a slight shimmer running through. 

As with all Essie polishes, wear time is great (a full seven days with Seche Vite as your top coat before any sort of chips appear,) and the finish on all of these polishes is literally the most beautiful. Yes, I'm in love.

This collection is pretty beautiful and I'm glad I picked it up, I got mine from ebay here, which has sold out but you can still get some here or pick the three cube collection at Boots and Superdrug, so I'm told but they are selling out quick! 

Have you tried the Essie Winter 2013 collection yet?

Peace!

Collection Shadow Pencil

Eye shadow pencils or crayons aren't a new thing. Clinique, Jouer and Rimmel (to name a few) have their own variations and formulas but today I wanted to take a cheeky gander at the Collection's offerings - simply named Shadow Pencil...

Denim Diva & Hot Chocolate swatched.

I picked up the shades Hot Chocolate and Denim Diva (currently on offer in Boots.) I decided against the lighter shades because I already own Rimmels Bulletproof Beige - which works beautifully by the by. I'd usually steer clear from the bright colour options  that brands tend to release along with their neutrals but I personally think Collection have chosen a very beautiful navy as opposed to a bright turquoise or aqua, which might put people off and in all fairness probably not get used very much and up getting dusty in peoples collections.

Denim Diva & Hot Chocolate blended.

The bronze shade (Hot Chocolate) is astoundingly beautiful, not too dissimilar from Maybellines Colour Tattoo Bad to the Bronze/On and On Bronze - suitable for all skin tones and eye colours and will look beautiful on all. The navy shade (Denim Diva) is equally as gorgeous but as you can see from the blended swatch, together they look simply divine - I think a smokey eye with these two would be beautiful.

The pigmentation is great, staying power even greater than that - these are also waterproof and are pretty easy to blend (as with all products that set in place, I'd recommend working quickly in light layers,) and once they are set - that's it and all is in place.

I'm pretty pleased I went with something different in terms of the navy shade - I know it's probably not everyone's cup of tea, but in combination with a bronze - it's even more divine than on its own. In love? Why I think I am...

Have you got the Collection Shadow Pencils? What are your thoughts?

Peace!

Nail Polish | Current Collection

(click images to see full size, much prettier.;)

I'm an odd one; this statement is true for most people though. I have this perfect 50/50 split of how I treat hoarding/collections from my parents. My father, a hoarder - my mother, an obsessive compulsive who fears not with throwing anything away and would probably have a supremely minimalist house if it wasn't for the rest of us (you know, pesty children, grandchildren...)

I hoard (magazines, books, make up...) but then a while later just throw it out - not everything, I re-evaluate what I will use/read and then donate the rest to family members or bin them if they've gone bad (magazines usually go straight to the doctors office,) - books are the only exception, they always stay. 

My boyfriend rolled his eyes when I purchased a magazine and it came with free nail polishes. 'But you already have a ton!' -- 'But they are Ciate,' I say. And mores to the point, a freebie with a magazine I would of bought anyway. Win win. He told me to go take a picture of my collection; and here's what I've learnt...

You can never have too many nudes/whites. They are perfect for doing accent nails, nail art, and just as a base to a glitter nail. No matter how much I grew up hating pink; it just looks god damn good on my nails. Four of a shade range seems to be a healthy balance (blues, orange/corals, yellow/golds.) I'm probably going to donate 'Crack Your Colour' to my niece, it slipped through the net. I don't have enough greens/mints. There can only be one red.

Okay, 'only one red?' I hear you cry? Let's just take a minute to process this thought. I swear by this particular red polish time after time because I know it suits my skin tone, know it applies like a dream and I can rely on the fact it will still be on my nails after three days at least before any tip-wear occurs. I also have a favourite red lip stick that I know rocks any outfit and makes me feel awesome. A red nail is as much as a staple as a red lip, a little black dress, a crisp white shirt and those perfect jeans (if you're lucky enough to have found your perfect pair...) and a classic pair of black pumps. It's just something you have to have - need to have because it's your beta, an old friend, a comforting soup... 

Have I made my point? This is my red. 

So, what's your favourite red polish? I put it to you to narrow it down to one that you know is perfect for you.

Peace!