Essie – ‘Armed and Ready’ Spring 2012 (swatches, comparisons & review)
I have a total fascination with moody, intricate hues that absolutely refuse to be categorized, and when Essie released ‘Armed and Ready’ for spring 2012, I confess that I went totally nuts for this beauty … I mean, just look at it! This colour is “military chic” at its utmost, a perfect counterpoint to all the pretty pastels that surface as soon as the weather turns warm.
While ‘Armed and Ready’ calls to mind loaded weapons, what I thought of as soon as I had the bottle in my hand, was an image far older – something more in line like this ancient Greek battle helmet (above), which seems to echo all of this lacquer’s gorgeously swirling colours.
‘Armed and Ready’ is a mystery; what at first looks like a deep olive hue begins to morph and shift with the light: burnished bronze, khaki green, and even hints of concrete grey thrown into the mix, along with all that ultra fine golden shimmer at its core that adds such incredible depth and movement. The formula is somewhat of a paradox as well; easy flowing – but a touch thick, very self-levelling – but with some initial patchiness, which meant that I applied 3 coats as thinly as I could, in order to achieve a perfectly “uniform” (ha!) look. I did not expect the ridiculously high gloss shine, as in my experience, shimmery shades tend to dry more satiny. All swatches are with Essie’s All In One Base Coat and No Chips Ahead Top Coat.
in sunlight
in sunlight – view 2
in sunlight – view 3
closeup
indirect light
indoors
with flash
From the early promotional photos I saw, I would have sworn that ‘Armed and Ready’ was Essie’s version of Dior’s ‘Exquis’ (previously reviewed here), but then Estée Lauder’s ‘Metallic Sage’ (previously reviewed here) also came to mind, so naturally I had to see them against each other. The following swatches are all: index finger – ‘Metallic Sage’, middle & pinkie fingers – ‘Armed and Ready’, ring finger – ‘Exquis’. Here’s how they compared:
- Metallic Sage – the sheerest formula, the greenest-hued of the three
- Exquis – best coverage, needing only 2 coats for full coverage, but lightest hued/taupe leanings
- Armed and Ready – thickest formula, deepest in tone, glossiest
in sunlight
closeup
indoors
with flash
I was also sure that ‘Armed and Ready’ was basically a shimmery version of ‘Power Clutch’ (previously reviewed here), but once again, that wasn’t completely accurate; while the deep grey/green undertone appears to be the same in both lacquers, the bronze shimmer of ‘Armed and Ready’ elevates it to a whole new level of colour. The following swatches are: index & ring fingers – ‘Power Clutch’, middle & pinkie fingers – ‘Armed and Ready’, and the breakdown of how ‘Power Clutch’ compared:
- easier flowing formula, with a slightly thinner viscosity
- perfectly opaque at 2 coats (did 3 to keep it consistent with ‘Armed and Ready’)
- even glossier, but without that gorgeous shimmer
- appears more greyer toned when placed next to ‘Armed and Ready’
in sunlight
closeup
indoors
with flash
Final thoughts: No doubt about it, ‘Armed and Ready’ is a truly unique shade, and while there were a few issues upon the initial application, all was easily resolved, leaving nothing but an ultra-rich, glorious & original colour behind … so totally worth it! While this is not what one would term a warm weather shade, I can still see it working all year round, with the shimmer being picked up by the light and reflecting some sophisticated sparkle in the summer, then deepening in tone and working beautifully with winter’s more sobering palette. What can I say? I totally “surrender” to this beauty … (cheesy, I know – couldn’t resist!)
*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
*Image credit
Okay, I really want this one!!
Well then, you absolutely must get it!
(PS: it’s a real beaut!)
i never did like Essie, I find a chore to apply and I dislike their brush. But this colour is so beautiful that I am willing to give it a try
thanks for making me wanting this colour
You’re very welcome and I’m glad you like this colour enough to give Essie another shot!
WHY oh WHY do you keep making me want to own every polish you show me! The 3 shimmers are calling my name so loud that it keeps me awake at night! lol dramatic ay?! But seriously all three of them are just exactly what I love in a polish. Wonder when ‘Armed and Ready’ will arrive on NZ shores… Will most definitely have to get it.
p.s thanks for yet another lovely post to distract me from studying!
Lol…you’re so funny, Anneke! Glad you liked these babies…NOW GO BACK TO STUDYING (my best mom voice) !!!
haha sometimes I do still need a good mum voice in my ear. You would think that after this many years of studying I would be able to motivate myself. I have to say the very best distraction (other than reading your blog) is to do my own nails – how can I possibly write with wet nail polish!
You’re talking to a master procrastinator here, never fear!! Lol! How indeed?! You put in a lot of effort for your nails (which I can attest to first hand), so it only stands to reason that you don’t want to ruin that by – God forbid – cracking the books open, hahaha! Thanks for the kind words!
I love this. I’ve been wearing this on and off since I got it a month ago. Love that it’s from a spring collection. I end up hating pastels by the end of spring. ;/
Hahaha! You’re not alone in that feeling, Carolina…let me tell you! While I love the pretty pastels & the lighthearted mood they bring, my heart definitely belongs to this type of brooding shade too! Enjoy!
Big SIs-I LIKE THIS. It’s right up my alley and Marky’s too especially. I need to look for this pronto!
My rocker Lil Sis…this will look amazing on you (and Marky too!)…YES! You need to hunt this one down STAT!!
I love this shade and I love Power Clutch too! You capture the shimmer in the bottle so well, it looks amazing. Thanks for the comparison.
Thank you for the kind words, jessica….glad you like these beauties too!
Wow, this is stunning and completely unique. At first I thought I had something similar, but it’s that grey quality that I don’t think any of my little darling captured. But three coats of a thicker formula just seems like too much of a chore for me. I wonder if this unique shade will launch a million (or at least a handful) of dupes. It’s entirely possible. On the other hand, I’ve been mixing shades, out of a desperation for new colors married with the thought that I will never really get through my stash. It’s been great fun, and now I want to dupe this. I think Waking up in Vegas as a base, and then move on from there.
It’s a weird combination of thicker viscosity to the formula, with an incredibly easy flow; you could probably get away with 2 coats, but as I’m anal about the finish, I opted for 3 coats – as thinly as I could get them – for the final look! I look forward to seeing what you create….I bet it will be incredibly interesting & unique!
Last week I made this insanely beautiful white lavender with shimmer and glitter, but the shimmer is subtle while the glitter takes center stage. It’s wildly therapeutic.
Ooooooh…D, you have to show me some swatches! Better still, now that you have your new camera & have been taking such amazing photos, why not show the rest of us what it looks like via a blog post? Something to think about…!!
I want to, I’ve actually wanted to post on some of my nudey nail stash, but the colors came out so washed out. I’ve been trying natural light and indoor light. With flash and without. It’s been so frustrating. I won’t give up though. I know if I keep trying I will get the right set up. I think I may have to go out into the public and start taking wheel swatches that way. My neighbors will wonder, but such sacrifices must be made.
Lighting is the bane of every beauty blogger’s existence, that’s for darn sure! When I first began my blog, most of my earlier photos all have a yellow cast to them – so not flattering! You’re on the right track: play around with your settings, and I’m sure you’ll find the lighting that works best!
I actually thought there was something wrong with my camera or perhaps that I was doing something wrong. But I just don’t think I’ve found the right combination yet. I will keep trying till I do. It’s really the hardest because these items are so small, getting the focus just right seems like a chore. Persist, I shall. I know there are lights and different backgrounds I can try.
I have found that using the macro setting works wonders in helping with the focus….then, as you said, it’s a question of getting the right combination down. Trial & error, my friend…that’s how it usually is for all of us (was for me…and I’m still learning!)
Sometimes the errors lead to wonderful solutions, no?
Agreed!
What a gorgeous colour! Not your typical spring shade. I think I’ll sit happy with my Exquis but can’t make promises if I see this baby laying around somewhere…
It is! And like I told Larie, at least ‘Armed and Ready’ is in all probability still out there, whereas ‘Metallic Sage’……not so much
!
I love the comparisons! Of the three I only have Armed and Ready (although I do have China Glaze Ingrid which I believe is basically a dupe to Exquis), and I do have to say that I think it is the prettiest. Not that I would turn either of the other two out of my Helmer! I have to admit that was a little bored with Essie for much of last year but they sure have been on a role lately with the Luxe Effects, this mini collection, Navigate Her and the Resort collection.
Even their Bridal 2012 Collection (my post will be up soon…oh the horrors of a backlog….) is a nice take on such a theme. I agree though; Essie has totally stepped up their game and has been churning out some pretty amazing shades & collections! So glad you liked these beauties!
Hmm, Exquis really is different, but I think…the other two don’t do much for me! Hahaha. I like this Essie one better than the EL one, though! Thank you for the comparison, Eugenia!
I know, right? I was sure that ‘Exquis’ was really similar to both ‘Metallic Sage’ and ‘Armed and Ready’, but nothing doing! The best part is that ‘Armed and Ready’ should still be available, whereas ‘Metallic Sage’ was limited (part of the fall 2011 collection)
LOVE it on you! This is one of my favorites of 2012 (so far
) It is dark but somehow transcends seasons. Love, love, love it! <3
Thanks so much, my friend! It really does transcend seasons….Essie hit it out of the park with this beauty!
Armed and Ready is gorgeous, one of my favs. Beautiful nails!
Thanks, Therese! It has quickly become one of my favourites too!
Hehe it’s nice, this one. Good for a day when I want to feel empowered! I love it on your nails…they’re the perfect length to show the color off!
Thanks, Pryanka! It’s a shame then that I cut my nails so short recently, lol! Good thing they grow back fairly quickly!! You said it well; it’s an empowering type of shade! Perfect!
Either I am mixed up, or the photo captions are reverse on Armed and Ready vs. Power Clutch. I am certainly going to look for Armed & Ready. I missed it along the way.
You had me going back to double-check, and unless my brain is reading it backwards (known to happen, lol!), the photo captions are right! ‘Armed and Ready’ is the one with the shimmer! If you passed it by, here’s your chance to give it another shot! (ha — another military reference!!!)
Oh now I see the difference you mentioned this weekend. Both are really lovely, but I think I prefer Metallic Sage best, which is a shame because I have Armed and Ready! Gorgeous swatches as usual
Thanks, Amanda! Yeah…I thought that they might possibly be all too close to warrant having/needing them all, but I’m glad to say that they’re all different! (no guilt – yay!)