The one time I visited France was part of a whirlwind European vacation with El Hub before we got married, and we rode the rails to get around, hustling from train station to train station in performance fleece and flannel.
I must have looked more like a hobo than a fashionable girl, burdened by the weight of my big red backpack, as I passed perfectly put-together French women on the streets, them with their scarves and perfume; me with my maps and dirty laundry.
I tried to soak up as much proximity glamor as possible, a feat I believe is also possible by osmosis, even though there’s very little (read: no) scientific evidence to back it up. (Persnickety science fun fact: technically it would probably be glamor through diffusion, not osmosis, since osmosis refers specifically to the movement of water molecules from a higher to lower concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.)
That trip was six years ago, and now my French glamor/glamour reserves are running dangerously low (like low-rise jeans for men), and it could be kismet that the Essie French Affair collection and I met at this intersection of my so-called life.
I’m told that Essie Weingarten, founder and president of the brand, was inspired to create the six limited edition polishes by actress Brigitte Bardot, the scorchingly hot French ’60s sex symbol and former French fashion model.
“I think every woman has a little Brigitte Bardot in her,” Weingarten said, “and this palette coaxes her out!”
Essie French Affair Polishes from the left: French Affair, Nice is Nice and Coate Azure
Sand Tropez; Topless and Barefoot; and Kisses and Bises
My inner Bardot needed a little a lot of coaxing today, as evidenced by my ensemble of fashion dont’s — stretchy pants, a haute hair scrunchie in white, granny underwear (So-en Panties for the Filipino gals reading this)… I could probably explain myself better by simply saying, “I’m PMS-ing.”
Now, you know how Essie is known for sheer, subtle pastels, right? Well, not with this collection. She took a new direction with French Affair, aiming for opaque pastels that kinda look like pale M&Ms on my nails, and it’s not exactly what I think of when I think of glamor (I tend to picture high heels and red lipstick).
But I do still like the vibe. The $8 polishes feel upbeat, optimistic, girly and fun. They come in a shimmery blue, creamy pink, creamy tan, creamy peach, creamy purple and an iridescent green (it flashes to pink!), and with the exception of the iridescent Kisses and Bises, which is more like a decorative top coat, I’ve been using two coats to obtain full coverage with them.
Essie French Affair swatches from the left: French Affair, Coat Azure and Nice is Nice
Coat Azure
Nice is Nice
Sand Tropez; Topless and Barefoot; and Kisses and Bises
Topless and Barefoot
Kisses and Bises
If I were into body ink, I’d probably get “Essie 4 Life” in some sort of scripty font above my left boob, because that pretty much sums up how I feel about the brand. I love it, and I think this collection, while not exactly what I expected, is quite Essie, fashionable and cute. The formula’s super easy to apply, too, and with a good base and top coat, remains chip-free for about a week.
PRICE: $8 each
AVAILABILITY: At select salons, beauty stores and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
A sweet expression of cat lady-ness
Um, did you know that you can get personalized M&Ms made with your own colors, messages and even pictures on them? Tabs, guess what we’re doing this week. 🙂 I think it’s high time we immortalize the Tab-inator in milk chocolate with a crunchy candy shell.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I love these! So Spring-y! Though, I can’t decide if I like French Affair or Topless & Barefoot better…
Both are gorgeous. Do you have a lot of pinks in your collection? If you’re already covered, then how about Topless and Barefoot? It’s a little more unique, methinks…
Nice is Nice is soooo nice! 😉 I also like Coat Azure.
I’m with you on the brand, Karen. I really like the Essie nail polish formula. I haven’t met a colour that didn’t go on smoothly.
They’re kind of awesome, right? Do you have a favorite Essie color, Arianne?
I am mad about “Demure Vixen” from Summer 2010. It’s the perfect mauve with subtle gold shimma. 🙂
Oh, that entire release was off the hook! Remember Pretty Edgy, the bright green? LOVE!
BTW, please tell Sherbie hi for me.
I think I need topless & barefoot – I don’t really have any neutrals like that. I also like nice is nice!
haha, I think Tabs-inspired m&ms need to happen asap 🙂
I like that one too — it’s unlike anything I have, either. I want to wear it on my toes with gold sandals… ooh la la!
I would totally buy Tabs M & M’s, but I don’t know if I could bring myself to eat them!
LOL… and this is why you’re an awesome cat lady!! 🙂
I love Essie polishes! It is my favorite brand. They last so long. I am really digging Nice is nice.
They really do. Have you tried their base and top coats? They’re pretty good, too.
I will tell the truth, I only bought my first Essie polish a few weeks ago. It’s totally love, that mani lasted longer than any I have done before.
What color did you get, Cassy?
I went with Chinchilly because a) it didn’t look like anything I have but more importantly b) Chinchillas are so cute!
That’s a really good color and yes, Chinchillas are SUPER cute. I had a friend who’d bring his pet chinchilla to work sometimes and that thing was ADORABLE!
French Affair, Nice is Nice and Coate Azure are calling my name!
Answer the call, my friend! 🙂
LOL thank you for pointing out the diffusion thing. This science nerd greatly appreciated it. I always end up thinking that whenever someone uses “osmosis” colloquially, lol.
I really like these, especially Nice is Nice and Topless and Barefoot. I might have to get a bottle and paint my toenails!
LOL, you’re welcome. My biology degree comes in handy sometimes…
Ooh, get Nice is Nice! I bet it would look quite stunning against a backdrop of Aisha and Tigger fur. 😀
Loving the look of Topless and Barefoot – I’m a huge fan of that sort of pinked-beige/nude, and this one looks deliciously opaque! (The ones I’ve tried thus far have all been quite streaky, unfortunately :()
No streaks at all with this one. You’ll love it!
I love Essie but these colors look close to some things in my collection.
Not distinct enough to buy. My favorite Essie polish is Turqoise & Caicos and Red Nouveau :))
I’m a huge fan of Turquoise & Caicos too, and the Essie Resort 2010 is probably one of my fave collections, ever!
Any recommendations on a topcoat and basecoat to make a manicure last a week? I swear, I can’t get mine to last longer then 24 hours!:( Thanks Karen!
Hi Sara,
Essie’s First Base Coat and Seche Vite top coat are easy to find and pretty good.
Lately, though, I’ve REALLY been loving Zoya’s Anchor Base Coat and Armor Top Coat. I think they do a fantastic job of sealing color in place and adding a nice shine. You can purchase them separately for $8 each, but if you want to spend a little more, the Zoya Color Lock System offers both items along with a handful of additional useful goodies:
Zoya Color Lock System
I use this all the time and have noticed a dramatic difference in wear time!
Thank you Karen! I’ll check it out!
You’re welcome. I’m about to do my toes right now and busted out the Zoya. 🙂 Have a great night!
the colors are soooo summery – so pretty! 🙂
They are! The blue shade makes me want to go swimming. 🙂
How was the rest of your day? Good, I hope!
it was quiet — we had chick fil a for dinner, we deserved a cheat day. then i swiffered the house …. and watched glee (it was ok) and raising hope (my fave comedy these days) ….
how was yours?
oh and the hubs wants me to try on blue nail polish on my toes! 😀 i think hes slowly getting to understand the beauty thing-o i have. 😀
What is this mysterious Chick Fil A!? I keep hearing about it and have no idea what people are talking about…
My day has so far been okay. I didn’t get any sleep last night (GRR)… this big cup of tea should help.
Aww, that’s cute about your hubby! I don’t think El Hub notices half the time, LOL!
sorry, I have to butt in here. chick fil a is like the best fast food ever. and now I want some. yum. Nina, have you ever tried the cookies n cream milkshake? yummmmmmm.
Essie just has the BEST colors!! I am in love with that blue one, mmm. Isn’t it funny how we’ve basically circled back around to the ’90s? I remember having polka dot nails, and right now I have leopard.. doo doooo…
I’ve been noticing several ’90s trends popping up lately (hello plaid shirts!).
I really, REALLY hope little black backpacks don’t come back in style…
HAHAHA ooooo I’m so watching Clueless tomorrow… As If!
I am loving Coat Azure and Barefoot!
Do you plan on picking either up, Markina? Or maybe both? 😉
I totally love Coat Azure!
Me too!
I’m in love with that blue!
Me too. I love springy blues…
I’m all about pastels this time of year. Bring on the spring!
Also, my boyfriend got me M&Ms with our faces on them for our anniversary last year. It was quite possibly the cutest thing of all time.
What a sweet gift. 🙂 I bet you were so surprised!
Usually I’d totally be drawn to Sand Tropez; Topless and Barefoot, and Kisses and Bises but after seeing these swatches, I will definitely be picking up French Affair, Coat Azure and Nice is Nice!
I love how opaque and striking they are! I have to get out of the sheer, colourless rut I’m in!
Oh, these will definitely help you break out of that rut. Can you imagine Coat Azure on toes? Too cute, right?
Gorgeous pastels!! Reminds me of Cadbury Mini Eggs…
Nom nom, I love those!
Oooh, I like these colors! I loooove Essie polishes so much! Just did my nails tonight in Demure Vixen. I think I’m going to have to buy several of these polishes, because the colors are right up my alley. Thanks for the swatch pics! xoxo
You’re welcome, Toni! I hope you and your family are doing well. 🙂
Thanks, Karen! We’re all doing great and no one is sick right now! Woohoo! Just waiting for warmer weather to come. Hope you and your hubby and Tabs are all doing great too!
We’re chugging along here too. I’m so over the cold weather! It’s been sunny, but freezing! Spring needs to hurry up, LOL!
They’re all so pretty!
Yes they are! 🙂
I saw these at Ulta and fell in love with French Affair, Nice is Nice, and Coat Azure. I’ll need to go back again and splurge!
Sounds good, Tania!
LOVE Coat Azure!!! 😀 So pretty!
It is! Love it.
Topless and Barefoot and Cote Azure are mine!!!
Both of those seem to be getting a lot of love! 🙂
I need to get my hands on French Affair, Nice is Nice and Coate Azure, they are stunning!
They are!
Wooow where can I get those m&m´s? My dream is coming true! 🙂
I think you can order them online!
So-En panties are a MUST for that time of the month. LOL Karen you SO rock my world!
LOL, Inday! You know they help keep in the bloat, haha!
I like this collection, specially love Sand Tropez and Coat Azure.
Love those!
I’m in love with Nice Is Nice. I can’t wait for the spring so I can wear it on my nails! I’m not sure if I should get French Affair since it looks kinda cool-toned.
It’s a cool pink, but not terribly so. You could probably get away with it if you can wear a touch of cool tones.
I love Essie polishes I have the best wear and the vast majority of my favourite colours are from Essie too. I really like Topless and Barefoot and Kisses and Bises.
Those M&M’s are awesome! I wish we could get those over here!
Lol! when I read above your ‘so-called life’ I immediatly thought of Jared Leto! I am as obsessed with him as I am with Essie polishes. Man I got it bad!
Heehee! I figured you’d get a kick out of that. I wonder of Jared wears Essie, LOL!
Hmmmm…… He might he does like a bit of nail polish!
I’ll try to remember to ask him if I get the chance to meet him again (he’ll remember me as the weird nail polish girl – but at least he’ll remember me!)
I really like Essie, too. This definitely says Easter Egg to me (ou Les Pâques poussent), more than Brigitte Bardot, but I still like the collection. Of course, I like Kisses and Bises best. Natural with a little sparkle and shine. And less noticeable when it chips. 🙂
I did know that about the M&Ms but have never done it. The Tabs version is going to be epic! 🙂
I have to find the right picture… I’m torn between a grumpy expression (so Tabs!) and a happy one.
This may call for a full-on, dedicated, M&Ms photo shoot…. 🙂
These are so pretty! The pink, blue and purple remind me of Easter candy. I love the neutrals as well, espeically Sand Tropez and Topless and Barefoot. Those would be good colors to wear to work.
Mmm… easter candy. I’m so ready for Cadbury Mini Eggs!
Oooooo gotta love that lavender (Nice is Nice). I wish Essie is within reach here in the Philippines. So-En!! LOL Still putting that thing to good use.
LOL! Those are like the default gift from parents/aunties/grandmas when they travel abroad. 🙂
I am a huge Essie nail polish fan! I have worn Mademoiselle nonstop since I bought it 1 month ago. I will definitely be picking up Topless and Barefoot for me and Cote Azure for my oldest daughter who is obsessed with blue polish. High quality polish + low cost = LOVE!
How sweet! Do you and your daughter ever share polish colors?
I like the pastel colors.
Which one’s your fave?
my favourite is SAND TROPEZ and I bought them!!! 🙂
These colors remind me of Paris in springtime! Good memories.
I was just at Ulta this President’s Day, too. I should have picked up Coat Azure then. I’m pretty sure it’s gone by now.
This post really reaffims my obsession with that color – I don’t know what it is about blue polishes and me. I guess I’m still searching for the perfect shade. I recently picked up Barielle’s Slate of Affairs – a darker greyed periwinkle – does that make sense?
I already have a lilac from OPI’s last Spring collectioin – Hong Kong, I think? But I am still eyeing that Nice is Nice!
I picked up Sand Tropez, Topless and Barefoot, Coate Azure and Nice is Nice a few days ago. I LOVE Sand Tropez.
These are really lovely especially like Coat azure and Nice is Nice
Ooohhh. I so hope they have a mini collection of this out soon… Those little 4-packs of the Essie collections are the best!
I love Coat Azure…will be buying! I don’t have anything like it.
French Affair and Sand Tropez are by far my favourites! Great coverage too – I love Essie already!
I just got nice is nice, topless and barefoot, and coat azure. But I am inspecting nice is nice and it is looking a lot like the Rumple’s wiggin’ color from opi shrek collection. I am debating to exchange it for French Affair….
love it!!! my best essie color is Essie Nail Polish Geranium
I love these colors! Pastels are ansolutely beauti-must!