With a blogging absence of more than a month, it's a safe bet that I have some polish pics stored up to share. So I will start with 2 new polishes that I am loving. Not new as in a new collection, but new to me. And shocker...they're both by Essie. I do tend to prefer OPI polishes over pretty much every other kind - including the OPI Sephora line. I just find that the regular OPI line has fantastic formulas, dream application with that pro-wide brush, and gorgeous colors. Essie has often been a problem child for me, especially their light and sheer colors - way streaky - even with 3 coats. But these two...totally covetable.
First up - with indoor & outdoor pics - Essie Jazz - "a neutral creamy beige-taupe", which is available in J Crew stores and on the website (#22678, $8). Finally...a JC Essie shade I can fall in love with, unlike that Russian Roulette red and some of those drippy (IMO) mauves. To start with, since application is always my issue with Essie, I will tell you that the application on this light polish is great - surprisingly easy for a paler Essie shade. Virtually no streaking, yay.
And I *love* the color. Again, another version of classic khaki pants for your finger tips. A fantastic neutral. Definitely work-safe, IMO. I will be wearing this on my tips a lot this fall, a very good alternative to a standard nude polish. As mentioned, I purchased mine at the JC store. I haven't seen it in my usual Essie/OPI haunts (i.e. Trade Secret, Pure Beauty, Ulta), so if you really love it - try J Crew (especially if you're trying to get to that free shipping minimum) or one of the polish e-tailers.
Next...what may be my new fall fave polish - Essie Over the Top - "a dramatic metallic midnight silver", originally from their Winter 2007 collection. It reminds me a lot of YSL's Tuxedo Gray or a metallic version of OPI's Suzy Skis in the Pyrenees from last fall's Espana collection - not quite navy, not quite charcoal, but in between. Kinda like a fave J Crew shade of mine, Shadow (aka SHA). Over the Top almost looks like hematite. It's less intense than black, but still has that dark moodiness I love.
And I can't stop staring at it. After the first OTT mani on my fingers, I used it for the next one- that's love.
