posts in Essie Polish

NYFW Wes Gordon SS 2015 - Nails

Friday, September 5, 2014

New York Fashion Week is back and bolder than ever. However, just our luck, summer finally made its humid and sticky comeback this week with high temperatures and lots of (HOT!) sunshine. While this spells trouble for attendees, a little harsh weather has never been a reason to slow down style.

As usual, things are heating up backstage at the shows (I'm not just talking hot hair tools!) and the pro's are delivering some major looks. As one who loves all things nails, it's no surprise that I start my NYFW coverage with a nail post. 


New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014
Designer: Wes Gordan
Manicurist: Rita Remark
Brand: Essie


Drawing inspiration from the muted tones of Gordon's SS 2015 collection, Rita created a look that was both elegant and and unexpected. Designing a delicate lined pattern on the nails emphasized the feeling of the collection and appeared as if linen was resting against the skin. 

Offering a creative twist on a classic, sophisticated manicure, Rita's designer manicure reworked a staple look in the best way. Here's how you an recreate this manicure yourself: 

PREP: Like all great manicures, a proper foundation is needed. Neatly coat a single layer of Ridge Filling Base Coat to clean, shaped, polish-free nails. 

COLOR: Once dried, dress nails in a single coat of Cocktails and Coconuts, following with a layer of Imported Bubbly atop the previous color. Layering this slightly iridescent and sheer gives nails an almost dewy skin-like finish. 

DESIGN: As the foundation color dries, it's time to start on the linen design. With a striping brush, dip into Essie's Blanc (the brand's whitest shade) and whip away the excess. Draw the lined pattern by pulling the brush from the cuticle to the tip in one motion, continuing with two more lines. Each should be evenly spaced and look tapper away at the tips. You will use the same method with the lines across the nail, neatly moving to either walls of the nail. 

FINISH: To diffuse some of the stark whiteness of the shade, Rita suggests layering a coat of Allure on top of the design. Finish the look with a luxurious top coat (Good To Go Top Coat) which will leave nails looking glossy and luxe. 



PEDICURE: To keep the look uniform, Rita picked an neutral shade that works well with a multitude of skin tones and features just enough of a creamy base tone (Sand Tropez). 




Images: Courtesy of Essie

NYFW Costello Tagliapietra FW 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

THE MATTE NAIL IS BACK! There is something about a matte manicure that instantly transforms any ordinary color to extraordinary. The cool effect that always reads chic made it debut back stage at Costello Tagliapietr’s Fall/Winter 2014 show.


New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
Designer: Costello Tagliapietra
Manicurist: Julie Kandalec
Brand: Essie

Inspired by their favorite fantasy& Sci-Fi heroines, the dynamic duo behind Costello created a modern collection detailing the story of power and strength. Using gorgeous metallic fabrics (swoon!) in unexpected shades made the collection pop on the runway. To compliment this futuristic collection, lead manicurist, Julie Kandalec opted for a deep berry-colored Essie shade with a matte finish.

Here’s how you can get the killer manicure yourself:

Prep – As always, make sure clean and filed nails are properly primed for color. Julie opted for Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat.

Color – Once fully dried, Julie applied two coats of Essie Berry Naughty, a rich berry shade that is just perfect for the season.


Finish – To get that gorgeous matte finish, Julie coated nails with a final coat on Essie Matte About You



Images: Essie

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