This is the “mystery color” I was wearing in a vlog on my second channel. I promised I would reveal it to you guys, so here ya go!

Cocktail Bling is a lovely pale gray with a blue-ish undertone from Essie’s Winter 2011 collection. Admittedly, the name is a little misleading because when I hear the word “bling,” thoughts of sparkle and glitter automatically enter my mind. This creamy polish may lack bling factor, but it’s still undoubtedly chic and gorgeous. Plus, it’s opaque in two coats. Definitely a must-have for winter!

Shown above: Essie Cocktail Bling - 2 coats

I filmed a Halloween tutorial yesterday and needed a subtle, natural looking nail polish. I could’ve gone with a standard nude, but decided to go with something slightly different.

Buy Me A Cameo is described as a “frosted satin mocha” on Essie’s site, but I consider it to be a pearly champagne color. Think of it as the perfect “au natural” polish that’s been amped up a little bit. I adore this varnish, but it can be tricky to apply. The polish’s pearl-like finish can cause it to go all swirly and streaky if there’s too much on the brush, so it’s best to start off with a thin layer and build up from there. Also, this lacquer relies on perfectly straight strokes to look presentable. Even the tiniest mistake will be amplified, so you may want to avoid Buy Me A Cameo if you’re a member shaky hands club.

Shown above: Essie Buy Me A Cameo - 3 thin coats

I think the name of this polish is spot on because it’s just that - lady like. I wore it to an interview I had yesterday, and it was the perfect complement to my outfit.

Essie definitely hit a home run with this mauve-y nude varnish. In the bottle it comes across as a soft mauve, but on the nails it transforms into a lovely nude color. Nude is a tough color to nail because it can sometimes create that dreaded “mannequin hands” effect. Lady Like has just enough of a pink undertone to prevent the dead look, and just enough taupe to keep it from looking too old lady-ish. To me, this polish is the definition of feminine chic in the most subtle way. Oh, and did I mention it’s almost completely opaque with just one coat? ‘Cause it is! 

Shown above: Essie Lady Like - 2 coats 

This is the first time I have actually worn Angora Cardi outside of a test swatch. I purchased it at Ulta back in spring and decided to save the little guy (or girl, I guess?) until fall.

Angora Cardi is a rich, deep mauve color from Essie’s Fall 2009 collection. It’s not quite mauve, but it’s not quite a wine color either, making it unique in a very subtle way. In terms of application, this is one of the best polishes I have ever used. Sometimes painting my nails can be a bit of a chore when a laquer is runny or streaky, but Angora Cardi glides on like a dream. I probably could’ve gotten away with one coat, but I have this weird habit of ALWAYS applying two - just ‘cause.

Shown above: Essie Angora Cardi - 2 coats 

I’m surprised that I don’t already have a ton of polishes similar to Fiji in my collection. It’s a lovely milky pink color that I think every girl should own. 

I know, I know - Fiji isn’t terribly unique, but it has satisfied my quest for a creamy pink polish. Ever since I saw RAEview wearing butter LONDON’s Teddy, I began pining for something similar. Then, a miracle happened - I found Fiji in my collection! I honestly didn’t even know I had this color, because I have no recollection of buying it. I’m guessing it was probably given to me as a gift, and then just got lost in the abyss of polishes that I have. I’m glad I accidentally discovered Fiji though, because it’s such a chic and feminine color. It required three coats and was a little streaky at first, but I like it.

Shown above: Essie Fiji - 3 coats