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
JJ says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:05 pmI love these! So Spring-y! Though, I can’t decide if I like French Affair or Topless & Barefoot better…
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:05 pmBoth 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…
Arianne says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:11 pmNice 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.
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:05 pmThey’re kind of awesome, right? Do you have a favorite Essie color, Arianne?
Arianne says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:24 pmI am mad about “Demure Vixen” from Summer 2010. It’s the perfect mauve with subtle gold shimma. 🙂
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:56 pmOh, that entire release was off the hook! Remember Pretty Edgy, the bright green? LOVE!
BTW, please tell Sherbie hi for me.
Tiffany says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:16 pmI 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 🙂
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:04 pmI 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!
Heidi says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:17 pmI would totally buy Tabs M & M’s, but I don’t know if I could bring myself to eat them!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:30 pmLOL… and this is why you’re an awesome cat lady!! 🙂
Tiffany H. says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:20 pmI love Essie polishes! It is my favorite brand. They last so long. I am really digging Nice is nice.
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:29 pmThey really do. Have you tried their base and top coats? They’re pretty good, too.
Cassy says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:25 pmI 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.
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:29 pmWhat color did you get, Cassy?
Cassy says
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:00 amI went with Chinchilly because a) it didn’t look like anything I have but more importantly b) Chinchillas are so cute!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:21 amThat’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!
dani@callitbeauty says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:33 pmFrench Affair, Nice is Nice and Coate Azure are calling my name!
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 pmAnswer the call, my friend! 🙂
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:35 pmLOL 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!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:54 pmLOL, 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. 😀
Rae says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:36 pmLoving 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 :()
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 pmNo streaks at all with this one. You’ll love it!
Melinda says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:37 pmI 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 :))
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:50 pmI’m a huge fan of Turquoise & Caicos too, and the Essie Resort 2010 is probably one of my fave collections, ever!
Sara says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:47 pmAny 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!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:00 pmHi 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!
Sara says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:30 pmThank you Karen! I’ll check it out!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:57 pmYou’re welcome. I’m about to do my toes right now and busted out the Zoya. 🙂 Have a great night!
Nina says
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:49 pmthe colors are soooo summery – so pretty! 🙂
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:02 pmThey are! The blue shade makes me want to go swimming. 🙂
How was the rest of your day? Good, I hope!
Nina says
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:55 amit 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. 😀
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:23 amWhat 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!
Tiffany says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 amsorry, 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.
BeautyMaven says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:09 pmEssie 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…
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:23 pmI’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…
BeautyMaven says
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:09 amHAHAHA ooooo I’m so watching Clueless tomorrow… As If!
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Markina says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:43 pmI am loving Coat Azure and Barefoot!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:57 pmDo you plan on picking either up, Markina? Or maybe both? 😉
Chris25 says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:48 pmI totally love Coat Azure!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:57 pmMe too!
Vijaya says
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:49 pmI’m in love with that blue!
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 pmMe too. I love springy blues…
Michelle says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:03 pmI’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.
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 pmWhat a sweet gift. 🙂 I bet you were so surprised!
Jennifer says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:21 pmUsually 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!
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:59 pmOh, these will definitely help you break out of that rut. Can you imagine Coat Azure on toes? Too cute, right?
Anna says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:46 pmGorgeous pastels!! Reminds me of Cadbury Mini Eggs…
Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 pmNom nom, I love those!
Toni says
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:51 pmOooh, 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
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Karen says
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 pmYou’re welcome, Toni! I hope you and your family are doing well. 🙂
Toni says
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:37 pmThanks, 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!
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:19 amWe’re chugging along here too. I’m so over the cold weather! It’s been sunny, but freezing! Spring needs to hurry up, LOL!
Tammy says
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:05 pmThey’re all so pretty!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:24 amYes they are! 🙂
Tania says
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:16 pmI 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!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:20 amSounds good, Tania!
Nina says
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:35 pmLOVE Coat Azure!!! 😀 So pretty!
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:20 amIt is! Love it.
Shanda says
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 pmTopless and Barefoot and Cote Azure are mine!!!
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:54 amBoth of those seem to be getting a lot of love! 🙂
gio says
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:52 pmI need to get my hands on French Affair, Nice is Nice and Coate Azure, they are stunning!
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 amThey are!
Nina says
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:20 amWooow where can I get those m&m´s? My dream is coming true! 🙂
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 amI think you can order them online!
Inday says
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 amSo-En panties are a MUST for that time of the month. LOL Karen you SO rock my world!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:52 amLOL, Inday! You know they help keep in the bloat, haha!
Silva says
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:41 amI like this collection, specially love Sand Tropez and Coat Azure.
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:52 amLove those!
Reese says
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:12 amI’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.
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:51 amIt’s a cool pink, but not terribly so. You could probably get away with it if you can wear a touch of cool tones.
Alison says
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:07 amI 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!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:50 amHeehee! I figured you’d get a kick out of that. I wonder of Jared wears Essie, LOL!
Alison says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:43 amHmmmm…… 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!)
Kim says
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:59 amI 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! 🙂
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:47 amI have to find the right picture… I’m torn between a grumpy expression (so Tabs!) and a happy one.
Kim says
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:51 amThis may call for a full-on, dedicated, M&Ms photo shoot…. 🙂
Ruchita says
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:10 amThese 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.
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:45 amMmm… easter candy. I’m so ready for Cadbury Mini Eggs!
Camzie says
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:11 amOooooo 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.
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:45 amLOL! Those are like the default gift from parents/aunties/grandmas when they travel abroad. 🙂
Alka says
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:17 amI 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!
Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 amHow sweet! Do you and your daughter ever share polish colors?
Stephanie says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:13 amI like the pastel colors.
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Karen says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:43 amWhich one’s your fave?
karo says
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:55 ammy favourite is SAND TROPEZ and I bought them!!! 🙂
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Ariel says
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:05 amThese colors remind me of Paris in springtime! Good memories.
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lexi says
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 amI 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!
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Nicki says
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:25 amI picked up Sand Tropez, Topless and Barefoot, Coate Azure and Nice is Nice a few days ago. I LOVE Sand Tropez.
stacie says
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:28 pmThese are really lovely especially like Coat azure and Nice is Nice
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Betsy T says
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pmOoohhh. I so hope they have a mini collection of this out soon… Those little 4-packs of the Essie collections are the best!
megan says
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:06 pmI love Coat Azure…will be buying! I don’t have anything like it.
Paintthetownscarlet.wordpress.com says
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:24 pmFrench Affair and Sand Tropez are by far my favourites! Great coverage too – I love Essie already!
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Aracely says
February 25th, 2011 at 9:38 amI 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….
noa says
April 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 amlove it!!! my best essie color is Essie Nail Polish Geranium
Elizabeth Natividad says
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:48 pmI love these colors! Pastels are ansolutely beauti-must!