Top 5 Essie Summer Shades

Hi Dolls, I thought it’d be fun to share my go-to nail polish shades this summer with you.  These are my current favorites and I’ve been alternating between them when getting my nails done professionally or doing them at home.

Essie polishes are known for their long- lasting formula and range in over 300 shades.  They cost about $8, but you can find a better deal when they go on sale depending on the store you get them from.  They tend to go on sale often, and you can find them at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.  They will last you a long time, but make sure you store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.  I have to be frank with you, though, and tell you that the application of some of the polishes may seem thick.  Still, I suggest applying two coats on top of a nourishing base coat in order to bring out the true color of that particular shade and get the best results.

Here are a few of my favorite shades (left to right):

1. Go Ginza= an opaque white-based pastel shade of lavender and pink that is just perfect for summer.  It’s subtle, yet fashion- forward and I hold it near and dear to my heart, as this was one of the color inspirations for my wedding.  
2. Candy Mint Apple= A bright and fun, cool-toned opaque pastel that, depending on your skin tone, can either look like a pale shade of mint green or sea foam blue.  This shade won’t make your nails look chalky or dull at all, and will perk them up instead.
3. Fiji= The name says it all! It is by far the BEST baby pink I have ever seen.  Like the two shades mentioned above, it is an opaque pale pink with blue undertones that is just so perfect for summer! Regardless of your skin tone, this is guaranteed to make you look tanner, especially on your toes.  However, I also find it to be Essie’s trickiest polish to apply.  It tends to be on the thick side and can leave your nails looking streaky.  I recommend either taking it with you to a nail salon (or use it if they have it), or shaking the bottle in between coats to even out the product in the bottle. 
4. Peach Daiquiri= A bold and bright coral shade of pink that is a cross between watermelon and fuchsia (depending on the light).   This color just pops, it is one of the easier Essie creamy formulas, it doesn’t streak and dries out super shiny.  Try this for your next pool party and match it with a refreshing peach daiquiri to quench your thirst.
5. Urban Jungle= A creamy new take on the typical stark whiteout summer shade.   This opaque beige and off-white color will make you look tan, yet won’t come across as dull or chalky.  Its initial application may look a bit sheer and streaky, but after two coats you will successfully achieve the color you see in the bottle.  With this shade, you can wear white well after Labor Day! 

So there you have it.  I’d love to know what you’re currently wearing on your nails, so feel free to share your thoughts with me. 

XOXO,

Grace

Summer Beauty Essentials

Hi dolls! I thought I’d share with you some of my must-haves this summer.  Since I live in sunny California, I tend to stick with things that feel light and have SPF.  So here we go!

1.        Origins GinZing Moisturizer (starting at $26.50)- A lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that is infused with pana ginseng and coffee beans to boost the hydration system of the skin.  It has the fresh scent of citrus and leaves you looking revitalized, healthy and refreshed.

2.        Tarte Cheek Stain ($30)- This super hydrating and multipurpose formula can help you achieve the perfect flushed look and requires no brushes.  Just smile, dot some of the product on your cheeks, and blend along the apples of your cheeks.  Even more than that, it can also double as a lip stain.  I just love a multi-purpose gem!

3.        Becca Mineral Blush in Gypsy ($32)- Like all Becca powders that we love, this blush is finely milled and infused with minerals (hence the name) and antioxidant vitamins.  It gives the most natural looking flush and is also very buildable.

4.        Too Faced Primed and Poreless Powder ($30)-Hands-down the best powder for summer.  It is so silky smooth, it magically erases those annoying pores and fine lines, and literally locks your makeup in place all day long.

5.        Neutrogena Sun Block ($7.39)- An ultra sheer and dry touch formula that gets absorbed into the skin quickly, this cream isn’t sticky, and leaves a matte finish.  On top of that, the added bonus is the fresh and light scent that doesn’t smell like those typical sunscreen lotions.  Make sure you apply this or any other sunscreens AFTER your moisturizer so that you get the most protection, and just because it says it has an SPF of 100 doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be reapplied. Whether you are using an SPF of 15 or 30, try to reapply (if you can) every two hours, or if you’re fair-skinned like me, just try to avoid the sun overall!

6.        Too Faced Soleil Bronzer ($30)- Aside from the fact that this has the most delicious chocolate scent, it has the most delicate and natural matte finish and is super easy to apply.

7.        Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara ($23)- The brush on this mascara is double-sided with two different types of bristles.  The short ones coat the lashes perfectly and help to volumize them, while the longer side lengthens and separates them.  When combined together, the unique brush helps to achieve a daily dramatic look that’s not over the top and won’t flake or dry out. 

8.        Nivea Kiss of Protection ($2.99)- Infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Sunflower and Jojoba oils, this lip balm helps to protect your lips from those dangerous UV rays.   It helps to prevent those dried and cracked lips you get in the summer and instead keeps them hydrated, soft, smooth and kissable.

9.        Tarte Tarteguard Sunscreen Lotion (starting at $12)- This newly-released product from Tarte has an SPF of 30, moisturizes, brightens, is super lightweight and doesn’t have that sticky after feel.  It smells like fresh lilies and is infused with lots of minerals that nourish, tone and moisturize your skin.  

10.    Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer ($44)- A lightweight oil free formula with an SPF of 20 that gives a sheer hint of color and a healthy dewy finish.  It applies so easily and you can use it with a brush, a beauty blender or even your fingers.  

11.    Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana (starting at $29)- This is summer in a bottle for me.  The perfume includes things like Sicilian Citron, jasmine, amber and white roses.  It is so fresh and feminine and it makes me so happy! (P.S. prices may vary, so see if you can get a free sample from your favorite perfume counter or store).

12.    Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Mascara ($21)- This is basically the waterproof version of the Lights Camera Flashes mascara, as it also lengthens, volumizes, curls and conditions.  It is the perfect mascara for your next beach or pool day and it will stay on until you decide it’s time to take it off.

13.    Caudalie Beauty Elixir (starting at $18)- This product is a bit extravagant but just gives the most amazing feeling.  It is partly a toner and partly a serum; it tightens your pores, smoothes the skin, stimulates microcirculation and adds radiance.  You can put it on before your makeup or use it as a setting spray.  If you’re traveling on an airplane this summer, bring the travel sized version with you and use it while traveling. It’s the perfect pick-me-up, has the most amazing fresh scent and makes you feel like a million bucks.  But beware – it can be addictive!

14.    Laline Body Soufflé ($32.95)- This lotion is so creamy and luscious.  I put it on after the shower while my skin is still a little damp and it just locks in the moisture and makes my skin feel super smooth and rich.  I got the Coconut Verbena scented lotion, which smells incredible and makes me want to roll all around in it.  It’s that yummy!

Hope you enjoyed this post.  Now go out there and try some of these products for yourself, and let me know which are your favorites!  If there are any products you think belong on my essentials list, please comment below and I’ll be sure to check them out!  Hope you’re all having a great summer.

XOXO,
Grace