UPDATE: The contest is closed, and I’ll be notifying the winners shortly. Thanks for entering!
What do ya get when you mix sassy red with nude pink, add a dash of Smurfy blue, and pour in *lots* of cream?
Answer: a recipe for Essie’s spring 2009 color collection.
From left to right: Mesmerize, One of a Kind, Status Symbol
From left to right: Eternal Optimist, Flawless, Lacquered Up
The six sweet and spunky $8 nail colors go on sale next month, and aren’t they cute?
Compared to winter’s dark purples and deep reds, these nudes and classic reds (and the surprise blue) have spring written all over ’em, and I dig the vibe. It’s dreamy and playful — like a warm, lazy afternoon in the park.
I’m new to blue — nail polish (aka Le Club du Blue). Creamy, royal Mesmerize caught my eye because I don’t have anything like it in my nail polish stash. And for some odd reason when I look at Mesmerize I feel patriotic, go figure!
I can see it looking great well into summer. Could you imagine having her on your toes and wearing a pair of cute, strappy sandals? Hot!
Status Symbol, a creamy and bright pink coral, looks like food. By that I mean it looks good enough to eat, LOL! It makes me want to suck on my fingers, as if I’m sporting strawberry-flavored candy nails, and like Mesmerize it should look great worn well into August.
I think many of the collection’s other pinks and reds look somewhat similar but have subtle differences.
The creamy reds — One of a Kind and Lacquered Up — could be twins! But a hint of orange makes One of a Kind just slightly warmer.
And Lacquered Up looks more like a true red to me. I like both of these crimson divas, but I think I prefer the way One of a Kind cooperates with my skin color.
Creamy Eternal Optimist a peachy-brown and pink, looks warmer than her sister Flawless, a cool and pale pink.
I think I’m drawn more to Eternal Optimist, though. She just seems a little more natural, but it’s a tough choice. Flawless is one of those sweet pinks that pops!
Despite the nudes that make this feel like a traditional spring release, I love how the collection adds some funner shades to keep things interesting, particularly Mesmerize and Status Symbol. They’re my favorite stars of the show.
The Essie Spring 2009 Giveaway
Are your current nail polish colors giving you the blahs? Get a fresh nail look this spring. Enter the Essie Spring 2009 Giveaway!
You can enter to win by signing up to receive my updates by email or by leaving a comment on this post (or both!). If you’re already signed up for the updates, you don’t have to do anything else to be entered to win — you’re already entered — but you can double your chances by also leaving a comment on this post (a comment about anything at all).
The Prize
Four lucky winners will slip into new nail colors this spring with a complete set of all six polishes Essie’s Spring 2009 collection ($48 value).
How to Enter
There are two different ways to enter, and you can do both of them to double your chances.
- If you haven’t already signed up to receive Makeup and Beauty Blog daily email updates, then enter your email in the pink box below (or click this link).
- If you have already subscribed to the email updates but want to double your chances, add a brief comment at the bottom of this post (be sure to use a valid email address). 🙂
I’ll choose the four winners at random from among the people who enter by 11:59 PM PST on Saturday, January 17. The contest is open to all US and international readers. Good luck!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
SMarie says
Karen, I love these colors! I hope I win the contest so I an try them! By the way your blog is amazing and I love the videos! Keep them coming!
YadiQ says
i am sooo loving this collection
status symbol is calling my name!
Milan says
oooh! That blue cream (Mesmerize) is calling my name! Lovely.
Jillian says
Eternal Optimist is just gorgeous!
tricia says
I hope I win flawless, status symbol, and mesmerize I want so bad.
Vanessa H says
Status Symbol would be so pretty for spring! Or now, living in Southern California, it’s spring all the time lol.
So pretty Karen!
Julie says
they look so cute (:
Karina says
Mesmerize and Status Symbol are gorgeous! 🙂
joanne says
It’s a toss between “Eternal Optimist” and “Flawless” for me. I’m not much for spring colors (‘cuz I’m all about fall all year round!), but those two catch my eye!
Michelle says
ohhh! these are so gorgeous. i’ve never entered one of these contests, but i’m hoping i’ll have first time winner’s luck! (:
Arianne says
Love it! Eternal Optimist is my runaway favourite for sure!
Arianne´s last blog post..What’s The Most Beautiful Part Of Winter For You?
Sofia says
Wow, these colors are fantastic! I’d love to win 🙂
Brittany says
Those look just fabulous! And the perfect gift right before V-day, which I actually just went shopping for 5 of my closest friends. ^.^ Would be honored to win!!! Goodluck everyone!
PS.. Karen, what font do you use on those images? It’s adorable
Mel says
I really like this new collection! Status Symbol, Flawless and Eternal Optimist are my fav, but I’d really like to give that blue one a try!
katee says
I love Mesmerize!! Isn’t it fab?? I am wearing it right now as I am typing. Funny how you said it looks patriotic because I was thinking the same thing. I’ll be wearing it next Tuesday for the inauguration.
katee´s last blog post..Reader Requests: Comparison Swatches Part 1
Bethany says
Oh this is a really fun collection!
Megan says
I like the collection overall, but I’m not feelings the reds…
jt says
omg! can you believe i’ve never tried essie’s polish before? i certainly hope i win this! essie has been a lemming of mine, and the pinks (and esp flawless and eternal optimist) look sooo pretty 🙂
Jennifer says
Woahh! Gotta love Essie! <3
Holly says
these colors are so cute! I’m so excited for spring… I can see myself wearing status symbol from march til august
luv2smilexo says
I love your blog. I read it everyday AND get the emails. keep at it 🙂
Alisa says
Mesmerize is gorgeousss 🙂
Anna says
I’m very excited for the blue!
Abby says
I really like this collection. Essie is my favorite brand of polish!
Briana says
Omg! I looooooooove mesmerize! That is EXACTLY the blue color I’ve been trying to find for two years now! I will HAVE to get my hands on that somehow! Would love to win it though 🙂
Kelley says
I love the Eternal Optimist and hope I will be putting it on my fingers soon!!!
Maggie says
flawless, eternal optimist, and status symbol loos great!
Tiera says
Ooohh, I’m all over these! Status Symbol, Flawless, and Eternal Optimism are just calling out to me!
Tiera´s last blog post..Good Deals: Free Gift with Purchase at Clinique
wehkwas says
Is rss the same as subscribing? I don’t know so I did both! This is my first time entering a Makeup and Beauty Blog draw. I hope I win!
Candice says
OOOH! I’d love to win this!
Brittany says
I’m surprised by how opaque those light pinks look!
Toma says
I HAVE to have the blue polish!!! Thank you for the giveaway!
Toma´s last blog post..Makin’ Me Blush
Marlo says
Mesmerize, status symbol, and eternal optimism have definitely caught my eye. I love the Essie formula too, not too thick and horrible when I make painting mistakes, which is often.
Faye says
Oh my goodness! I am sooo excited about this giveaway. I gave myself a firm talking-to and started a no-buy, but then I read about this collection on another blog and was tempted. I’ve been trying to stay firm and stick to my guns and if I won I could do that without cheating!
But no pressure :).
jessica says
WOW those red polishes are gorgeous! They are so bright I love them! I also like the blue! Very patriotic colors!
ohsoshy says
Oooh I’ve never tried this brand before…
Tiffany says
wow, I love all these colors and how they look together. I also love your pics and all the cute writing!
I HAVE to get status symbol, and maybe flawless. how many coats did you apply of flawless? I thought it might be too sheer, but it looks great on!
cady says
Karen, i just started reading your blog a couple days ago and i’m SO glad i found it…i also consider myself a “makeup junkie” and i love reading reviews and fun stuff lke that…this collection is SO cute and i’d love love love to win it 🙂 just signed up so im eligable!
Theresa says
Great colors! This is the first Essie collection I’ve been interested in in a long time.
Theresa´s last blog post..Are you doing the Hustle? ARE YOU?!
Maeve says
oh ma god! I’m in love…
melvel says
Ooh…I am mesmerized by Mesmerize! Love it!
Katie says
Loveeee mesmerize and status symbol!I’ve been looking for a strawberry pink for so long!
notsocrafty says
Oooh… Status symbol goes nicely with all the coral/pink makeup I’ve been into lately. Must have!
notsocrafty´s last blog post..Holiday stuff
Stephie says
Ha. Mesmerize does seem like a random touch to this collection. I’ve been curious about Essie for a while. Being a nail polish novice, I hear their long application brush makes it much easier. I really like Status Symbol, it’s one of those pinks that make you feel like your have happy fingers. 😛 I will have to hunt it down to add to my very small collection.
ParisB says
oh my! smurfy blue! 😀
carrie says
wow those colors are so pretty!! 🙂
Mansie says
looks beautiful!
Mansie´s last blog post..Swatches and New Blush!
A. Rose says
Status symbol and Eternal Optimist are my faves! I’m going to have to hunt them down…Thanks for sharing!
Anne says
I’m really diggin the new nail polishes!
lexi says
even though i’m still in love with my ‘damsel in a dress’ i wouldn’t hate on free (and cute) nail polish!
Catherine says
Status Symbol and Eternal Optimist are gorgeous!!
Lindsay says
What a funky mix of colors!
Lindsay´s last blog post..Sample Sale Sites
Melissa says
Sweet shades. I like flawless.
Jina says
mesmerize and status symbol….
cant want to see these in person!
Sandy says
I love the mix of feminine pastels and bold brights in this collection.
Courtney L says
I’ve got to win sometime! Maybe… I hope! haha! Thanks for giving stuff away so much!
Danielle says
Such pretty colors! Would love to win!
J says
Delurking to say that I really want that blue nail polish! Blue nail polish to banish these winter blues. Perfect for spring (please come soon!)
lindsay says
I LOVE THEM ALL! ESPECIALLY STATUS SYMBOL!
Tiffany says
OOOH I want some of those!
tahn says
whoa, i was wearing an outfit with the exact same neon colors yesterday!
these colors look fantastic, they make me want to just want to head to the beach even though it’s mid january. : )
Brittnie says
Status symbol looks amazing!
YL says
yay yet another giveaway 🙂 i havent tried essie polishes before and i would love to!
Jessica says
I’ve never tried Essie because I just don’t have a retail store near me that sells them…but they look GAW-GEOUS….. 😀
lesley says
Um, these looks so amazing and refreshing after all the deep colours I’ve been seduced into from fall/winter.
I want them all! =)
Do you know if there will be a set of four mini bottles like what they did last year for the fall and winter colours?
Julia says
Love them all, but have to say Eternal Optimist really caught my eye! Thanks for doing the giveaway 🙂
Marissa says
Such pretty colors! Especially Flawless. I love pinks.
kathemc says
What an awesome giveaway — was subscribed to your feed, but just subscribed via email as well!
Debby says
But I seriously can’t tell the difference between One of a Kind and Lacquered Up. 🙂
TPan says
oo I love status symbol!!!
Jen says
Hiya Karen,
I hope you are doing great!
Love this set…
Groovy colors! 🙂
Melia says
I’m sooo loving flawless….. It’s gorgeous!
Lucky says
Status Symbol is the color I’ve been looking for since oh, I dunno…BIRTH!
XOXO
Lucky´s last blog post..Blogversary Delayed
Ashley says
i’m not one for pinks but status symbol is a really pretty color that i’d love to try
Deanna says
Great colors! I wanna win!
Shiny says
What an interesting mix between bold and nude. Love the bright pink and then eternal optimist.
Tina says
Mesmerize and Status Symbol are my favorites! 🙂
Deserey says
I love them all!!! im sooooo excited!
Liz says
I love the spring colors. I love.love.love them!
Stella says
So cute!
Julie S. says
I want to win this!
Donna says
🙂
I love the essie collection!
I think its awesome that you did a nail review, I’d love to see you do some more nail polish swatches Karen! These colors look awesome… I think the eternal optimist looks really nice with ur warm skin tone!
xo
TheMakeupFairy says
Def wanna try eternal optimist!
Bright colors would be good for a pedi
Fie says
Oh they’re so pretty! I especially like Status Symbol and Flawless.
Fie´s last blog post..I win at life
Sophia says
I love Essie!! The jelly finish is gorgeous!!
Nadia says
Ohhh my, Status Symbol does look like candy!
And flawless is so cute…
I’ve always been a fan of pink nail polishes so I love them both 🙂
x
Jacki says
Count me in! I admit I’m still stuck on OPI Suzi says Da!
These are the kind of colors that could rocket me out of my rut!
angela marie says
Great blog post! It’s so great to see the colors on a nail and not just in the bottle. I love Essie and these new colors are great.
angela marie´s last blog post..News Break – Retailers to Giveaway Cosmetics to Settle Lawsuit
Tracy Sartoris says
OOOh – I like Status Symbol (and giveaways!!!!)
babyu21 says
I am definitly getting Eternal Optimist as a way to remind myself of my new attitude for the year. When I saw it I knew I had to have the timing was perfect.
Jaime says
Oh, fun giveaway Karen! Thanks!
Susan says
Pretty! It’s three below zero here in Indiana this morning and I could use a good dose of spring cheer 🙂 Thanks, Karen!
rebecca says
they are so gorgeous that i just cannot not comment to try to win them
bye
Alexandra C. says
Status symbol is so pretty! Thank you!
Luciana says
I need that pink!
Music_Is_Freedom says
Mesmerize is my favourite out of this collection. It’s such a gorgeous nautical blue, and it gets the Dead Can Dance song “Mesmerism” stuck in my head. 🙂
Erica says
Oooh! Those colors are great (especially Mesmerize & Status Symbol.)
Rose says
i LOVE these colors. i would love to win these!
Rose´s last blog post..8ty8 Nail Polish Haul
Allie says
Love Flawless and Mesmerize!
Nessa says
OOooooo, lovely!!
Wendy says
Thats so cool! I love Essie. Its realy difficult to get them in the Netherlands, so Im always get them on ebay for way to much money! 🙂
Candice says
We might not have spring but I love all the spring colors – everything is so fresh and alive.
Debbie says
I would love to win, because i really want to try the blue nail polish
Karen too says
Hi Karen, would love some new color for my nails! 🙂
KristyQ says
Thanks for the contest, Karen 🙂
Christa says
Ooooh. OOOH! Pick me! Pick me!
Because clearly the 50+ Essie polishes I own are not enough. 😛
But I swear these are different. 😉
Katy Morris says
Loving your blog! Thanks for the giveaway! Too cool. Love the swatches! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Raha says
Love to have spring fling with essie.
karen says
Comment! Gawd, I love Status Symbol! Aaaaah.
Lakish says
Can you believe the only shade that I’ve tried from Essie has been Pama? And I got it for free! Flawless and Status Symbol both look so pretty!
Lakish´s last blog post..The Beauty Closet: The Luxtural Skin Care Line
Julie D says
I would love to try these colors on my newly grown-out nails!!
Nancy says
I have never tried Essie nail products before…Status Symbol looks so pretty!!
kim says
love the blue & your site!
gio says
Flawless and Status Symbol look gorgeous!!
April M. says
ooohhh I really want the first three! Status Symbol is a must have:] I love bright pinks. Thanks for the swatches!
Amanda says
FUN! I love mesmerize. I’m a long standing member of the blue nailpolish club-love, love, love ’emm….any blue, any time. :-0
Jo says
Ohhhhhhh…I’m In Love!!!!
i love love love;
Eternal Optimist
Flawless
and last but not least
Status Symbol
Kassandra says
Hi Karen,
I love your blog 🙂 Your photos of San Fran were amazing! I love the look of Mesmerize in this collection.
Hannah Searsy says
oh my gosh! i love essie! my favs on here are mesmerize and all lacquered up! beautiful! 😀
evilcharity says
I love flawless…what a pretty shade of pink!
evilcharity´s last blog post..evilcharity: @idvssuperego we’re going to binge on wine and ice cream. take that for what it’s worth.
Eva says
Oh wow, these look so fun!
I love the blue one. :o)
Heather says
omg! I really need new nail polish and those are so pretty! Email: xemailheather@gmail.com
Nadine says
Wow, check out the high shine of those nail polishes!
Rachael Williams says
I love the pinks, Gorgeous!
Angie says
OMG! What a great collection and great contest. I love status symbol, mesmerize and eternal optimist they’re gorgeous. The other shades are beautiful too though, great for spring/summer. Thanks Karen.
Betsy says
Karen, I love all the colours!
Hope I win the contest.
I love reading your blog everyday!
You rock!
Claire says
Very girly girl colors. Love them!
Paula says
I think Flawless is just the perfect shade of bubblegum pink. So cute for Spring. And I totally agree with you about that blue feeling patriotic – put that on the tootsies, some white sandals and Laquered Up on your nails and it would be a fab 4th!
Paula´s last blog post..…inside, everybody has a creamy center.
Jennifer says
very pretty colors.. hope i win -=)
Cecily T says
New reader here! I love a good giveaway! I really like the pinks in this set, and I’ve never tried a blue…hope I win!
Alison says
I’m loving status symbol and flawless, I’m all about the pinks at the moment, great for spring!
Josay says
I very like Flawless, I hope I will win!
Thanks Karen 🙂
rysch says
Save mesmerize for me!!
Thanks Karen, keep the goodies coming *kisses*
Zoe says
I am so LUSTING over all of them! Essie has great quality nail polish!
Tammy says
How could one choose just one nail polish..?? They all look so delicious!!
Tammy´s last blog post..Updated Skin Care Routine
Tina M. says
You couldn’t be blue wearing Mesmerize!
No joking, it’s the prettiest shade of blue I’ve seen!
Cinda says
As we say in the south, they’re GAWGESS! Thanks for the chance!
Cindy says
I love all the colours, but Mesmerize is the most gorgious blue i have ever seen.
Keeping my fingers crossed that i win this amazing collection 🙂
Tavia says
I love Flawless and Status Symbol. I think they are ok on short nails but with long square nails it will look better:)
Tavia´s last blog post..The radiance – making massage
Stephanie says
I love the Eternal Optimist! Whenever a new n/p collection comes out I always gravitate toward the browns, nudes and taupes because I love those colors and sometimes it’s hard to find a good shade for my NC35 skin!
Cali says
I love them all but status symbol is especially lovely!!
Bobbie Hudson-Penick says
They are all so yummy & I want to win this in the worst way! Eternal Optimist is my fave and I would weare this the most! I’ve been a big fan of this brand forever but have never tried it. Good luck to all of us!
Ashely says
ooooh- i love flawless… & i’m impressed w/ the shine of these polishes.
Kerry says
mezmerize, one of a kind and eternal optimist are my favourites. The entire collection is fabulous though. I hope I win, I hope I win I really hope I am the winner 🙂
one love Kerry
Carletta says
Please consider me in your Essie giveaway!
The shades are all captivating and like everyone else
I am mesmerized by Mesmerize!
Thanks!
Ms. S says
I cannot wait for spring! -17 last night was the last straw!
Sherry B. says
Hope I win this one! Great shades and I’m in desperate need of replacements for my goopy old polishes!
ritadebora says
I really like the “Flawless” one :o)
Daya says
I would love to add Mesmerize and Status Symbol to my list. So pretty!!
Kathy says
these colors are so bright !
definitely getting eternal optimist & status symbol 😀
Christina says
Oh…I’m loving the blue. I haven’t worn blue since the college days, and it was frosted!
Halifax says
I don’t think I had ever tried Essie. Hope I can win to get my hands on some.
cloudburst says
I love nailpolish, thanks for the contest!
anna says
all the colors look gorgeous:) thank you so much for the giveaway- i only tried one essie nailpolish and it had such a great color!
Sandie says
Those colors are gorgeous! That blue looks like the ocean and I need that with this horrible cold weather here in New Jersey. I’d love to win these! Your swatches look great! To echo others here you should do more nail color posts.
Tami says
Hey Karen,
While Mesmerizing is tempting, Status Symbol and Eternal Optimist are calling my name. I will definitely be picking up both of those colors:-)
Michelle says
Ooh so pretty. My faves are status symbol and flawless.
bunny says
Love the colors!! I’m so happy I subscribe!
Lisa says
Essie is the best polish! What a great giveaway! Those colors turn my head to spring…….not that far away in Texas. Thanks!
JessicaF says
Judging from the swatches I’ve seen so far, this is my favorite spring collection! Thank you for showing it and thank you for the competition!
Apple says
I’m feeling the colors! 🙂 I’m a subscriber.
nikki says
I’m loving these colors!!! I need to try these out!!
Patricia says
OMG Please choose me I never win anything and this would be perfect!
Rennah says
Hot colors! Wow!
Essie Jones says
The Flawless color looks very nice. I hope I win the Essie products, they have my name on them! Thank You for the interesting blog.
From Essie Jones
erin says
I love these colors, but I am on a nail polish ban right now, boo!!!
suzi says
Gorgeous! What font do you use in the pictures?
Nina says
This is so cool! Status Symbol looks gorgeous.
Melody says
I love all of these colors!! Mesmerize and Status Symbol look especially lovely on you!! It would be awesome to win them! Good luck to all! <3
Karen K says
Oh yeah. I needs me some Status Symbol!
Mandy says
GORGEOUS! 🙂
McClain says
i love all of those colors!! so prettyyy <3
Judy says
Happy Birthday to me!
Veronica says
Nice colors indeed!
Zoe Lee says
Wow..great colors..Just got a pedicure today, and tried a new purple color..thanks for the contest. I am a loyal subscriber too 🙂 Z
Mary Thi says
I was just painting my toenails but didn’t have any colors so just went with boring black. Thanks for holding this giveaway!
Morgan says
Flawless looks fabulous, if I don’t win this giveaway, I will definitely be heading to Ulta next month to add that to my collection. Thanks for running such a great contest!
L says
Status Symbol looks amazing
Dannette says
I’ve recently become a huge fan of Essie polishes! (Long time lurker finally sneaking out of the shadows to comment. 🙂 )
Jess says
I love all the colors
Jinnzor says
Ohh, I would love to win this 🙂
Jinnzor´s last blog post..NOTD: Lippmann Brown Eyed Girl
Janelle says
Nail Polish .. Oh YAYER!!!!
MiMi says
Hola Karen!
I am loving Flawless. Whata great giveaway!
Thanx
Joanne says
Karen this makes me cheery already for Spring !!
No more winter blues or SAD for me !!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Joanne
gina says
i can’t wait to get a pedicure with eternal optimist, it’s such a pretty innocent looking shade
Susan says
Wow these colors are so bold and fun!
nicole says
i LOVE status symbol! flawless is still my favorite, though.
julie says
wow! i would love to win!
awesome blog!
Kate says
The collection looks amazing Karen!
Karen B says
my favourite is definitely mesmerized. Hello blue!
Karen B´s last blog post..a thought
alexandra says
LOVE flawless and eternal optimist! Still getting used to the blue, eventually will try it, i think! Def. purchasing when I go back to college 🙂
-Alexandra
Michelle says
I love status symbol, flawless and eternal optimist. I’ll check these out at Ulta! Thanks for all the blogs! I’m always updated with the current beauty trends in the market!
Michelle says
i have to be honest i just found your blog three days ago and i couldn’t be happier!! I recently (meaning the past two months) got into makeup and polish and have discovered so many websites about it for beginners and addicts, and this by far has to be one of the best…. i love this collection. Being a huge fan of blues lately, Mesmerize definitely caught my eye. And Eternal Optimist, to me, looks like a must have neutral.
LIsa says
I love all the new Essie Colors, but my favorite is definately Status Symbol! Can’t wait to try it. It has me yearning for spring already!
Your blog is great. Thanks for taking the time to share all the beauty info. It helps me get my “make-up and beauty” fix for the day! lol
Christina says
I totally fail at nail polishing but…these are so pretty!
Rachel H. says
Mesmerizing is so… mesmerizing. i love creme blues and the other shades look gorgeous as wel!
Steph K says
I LOVE nailpolish and those colors look amazing@
Farah says
Eternal Optimist is my new favorite! I use it all the time when I get manicures. I haven’t used Flawless yet, but once the weather gets a bit warmer I will definitely be trying it out. I wish I could try Status Symbol but it’s a bit too bright for my corporate job =(