It’s Naturel, With an “E”: In the Six-Piece Zoya Naturel Collection, the “E” Stands for Easy

I’ve always felt like pale, creamy nail polishes were Essie’s domain, but Zoya’s been staging a creamy coup. They’re quickly becoming my favorite line when it comes to colors in the same vein as Ballet Slippers.

Zoya’s famously potent pigments are totally MIA in Naturel, the brand’s new six-piece spring collection, as are the streaks that often accompany light, creamy polishes.

Nudes, rosy tones (the “in thing” right now, as my mom would say) and cream finishes abound! — and not a speck o’ glitter in sight.

These shades are easy like Sunday morning…even on a Monday afternoon.

Is it just me, or has the whole rose-toned trend sort of jumped the shark? Almost? Between this collection and Urban Decay’s Naked 3 palette — I don’t know — I feel a little burned out on rose (file that under “Things I Never Expected To Say in Print”).

Not that I don’t like the shades in Naturel, because I do. I think they’re beautifully…subdued.

In musical terms, I would not call Naturel a rock opera. The colors definitely do not remind me of Bohemian Rhapsody, and if you only like nail collections that hit extremely high and/or low notes, Naturel probably won’t make you hear and see thunderbolts and lightening (very, very frightening! — ungh! Galileo!).

Instead, it’s like a pleasant mid-tempo pop song on the easy listening station. Sure, you can bob your head to it and hum along. Or, you can fall asleep… Totally your call. 🙂

Because some of the colors are surprisingly similar (hello Chantal and Taylor!), I’d suggest going with the one or two shades that move you the most.

My picks? Odette for fingers and Chantal for toes.

Before I forget, remember when Zoya’s polishes were $6 apiece (versus $9 now)? It wasn’t that long ago (like in 2009). Their six-piece collections were $36 (as opposed to $54). Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if their bottles broke $10 by the end of 2014.

Kind of grumpy about that…

Still, if you like colors like these, Naturel does them well. The collection’s available now (I’ve even seen it at Whole Foods).

In other news, “Better call Saul!”

OK, Breaking Bad fans, I get it.

I finally get it. 🙂

I finally see why y’all were so fanatical about the show, because now I am, too!

I started marathoning it last week, and I have to say — ignoring the heavy subject matter (drugs), which is what kept me from tuning in sooner, it’s incredibly well made. Brilliant acting and character development, and the writers don’t spell everything out.

And, oh! — the twists and turns. SO MANY OF THEM! I’m already halfway through season 3, and it just keeps getting better and better.

I’ve been driving El Hub nuts lately because whenever he asks me something, I just say, “Better call Saul!”

Skinny jeans too tight?
Better call Saul!

Can’t find your tubby tabby?
Better call Saul?

Got a case of the Mondays?
Better call Saul!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen