Summer on the Nails- Van D’Go

My nail color of choice for the last few days (which says something about wear, no chips yet) has been Essie’s Van D’Go. It’s a gorgeous, creamy shade of coral that looks stunning on medium skin tones, but it’s not terribly offensive on my fair skin.

Depending on the light, the color can lean more orange or more pink, but the important factor here is that it looks beautiful no matter what light you happen to find yourself in. The formula can apply a bit streaky, not unlike another favorite of mine by Essie: Fiji. This can be remedied either with some patience and repeated application, or my preference which is applying a matte base coat like Essie’s Fill the Gap. This polish provides a smooth canvas for any nail color to go over. It’s fantastic for reds and darker shades because it prevents any staining of the nail bed, and it’s perfect for pale pastels that may be streaky because it’s a strong base that holds onto color.

Van D’Go immediately inspires thoughts of spring and summer, and it adds a lovely and unexpected pop of color to any ensemble. I’m wearing it today with grey, if you can imagine. If you’re looking for a more wearable, softer shade of orange, this may be the one for you. I usually recommend starting off with more of a coral like Van D’Go before making the jump to a true shade of orange, but if you’re ready take the plunge!

Van D’Go premiered with Essie’s Spring 2010 collection, but I believe it is now a permanent shade as I have seen it at Ulta. Essie is also now carried at Target and Walmart if you’d like to peruse the nail polish section. Go out and have a look if you’re interested, and don’t forget your Ulta coupon for $3.50 off a $10.00 purchase this week.

Happy shopping!

Essie’s Lady Like

From the previously released “Brand New Bag” collection hails Essie’s Lady Like, a go-to favorite of mine for a sophisticated neutral nail. The color is gorgeous and unlike anything else I own. Depending on your skin tone, the color will pull more mauve or more nude. I’m as fair as can be and on my skin it leans toward more of a muted deep pink. It’s quite flattering and I’m also a sucker for the name of the polish. My grandmother would be proud. Light colors tend to elongate the nails and make your hands appear dainty and well, lady like. What’s great about this polish is that it’s not so nude that it will make you feel like a corpse, but still light enough that it will give you a soft and feminine effect.

In terms of application the polish goes on like a dream. There are no issues with streaking and it comes out opaque in just one coat. The photo below shoes Lady Like on my nails in two coats, accompanied by both a base and a top coat. My current base of choise is Essie’s “Fill the Gap!” ridge smoothing base coat and I’m loving it so far. It provides a matte canvas on your nails that allows for even application of any color. I have also worn the color with no base or top coat and the results have been just as lovely.

Essie polish rarely disappoints and Lady Like should be a staple in any woman’s collection. It’s perfect for day-to-day wear, for the office, and for a chic night out. Dress it up with a statement cocktail ring or dress it down with a simple silver band. The polish is beautifully versatile yet unique enough to warrant a purchase. Highly recommend!

Lady Like is available wherever Essie is sold, be it your local Ulta or salon of your choice.