Essie – Bridal Collection for Spring 2012 (swatches & review)
I find it so refreshing that today’s bride isn’t limited to wearing the exceedingly overdone french mani anymore; while there will always be those faithful to the understated “natural” look (if the red carpet trends are anything to go by, nude nails aren’t going away anytime soon), there will always be those that want to stand out – enter Essie’s 2012 ‘Bridal Collection’, four urban hues that have been amped down in volume, but no less sophisticated as a result. All swatches are with Essie’s All In One Base Coat and No Chips Ahead Top Coat.
“pretty maids, all in a row” (source)
‘Instant Hot’ was my biggest surprise of this collection; a medium thick formula in a softly diffused rose-tinted white hue, it bears ultra-fine silver shimmer hidden deep within its core that comes out to play when sunlight hits it or when seen with flash – other than that, it stays mostly dormant but adds a nice depth to round out this shade. As it can be slightly streak-prone, I ended up applying 4 very thin coats to achieve the creamy look of the following swatches, although three would have definitely worked as well. Beautifully glossy and levelling off smoothly, I totally LOVE this colour – so worth the extra effort for this thoroughly modern take on white.
in sunlight
closeup
indoors
with flash
‘Love & Acceptance’, a greyed-out dusty lavender crème hue, bears a much thinner formula than ‘Instant Hot’, allowing it to apply a touch easier, with a similar glossy end and smoothly levelled surface. With 3 coats, you can achieve a completely opaque look, although I applied 4 layers for the following swatches, in order that the end result appears ultra-smooth. Excellent flow and a nicely muted take on purple, this is a colour that works well with both cool and warm skin tones.
in sunlight
backlit
indoors
with flash
‘Who Is The Boss’ is a touch chameleon-like; a dusty Wedgewood blue one moment then taking on a muted sage green tinge the next, this was in a similar formula to ‘Love & Acceptance’ and bearing the same flow, smooth appearance, and glossy finish as well. Once more, I found myself applying 4 thin coats for optimum opacity as well as swatching purposes, although 3 layers would ordinarily be more than enough. I absolutely love shades like this, that seem to be viewed as though through a filter – so romantic!
in sunlight
backlit
indoors
with flash
‘Like To Be Bad’ (I’m sorry, Essie…I don’t get the name connection here!) was another surprise; a nicely flowing formula, this is a fleshy pale pink hue with some secretive pink duochrome shimmer going on deep inside – an almost imperceptible flash, unless seen in direct sunlight, but which serves to add a nice depth just the same. As with the others of this collection, the finish was perfectly self-levelling and glossy, although I applied 4 thin coats for the following swatches to keep it all consistent.
in sunlight
closeup
backlit
indoors
indoors/secondary view
with flash
Final thoughts: I personally associate pastel hues like these four, more for Easter than a wedding, but I can still appreciate how effective they can be for one’s nuptials – adding an unexpected touch of soft colour for the “big day”. The formula on all was pretty good overall, and while ‘Instant Hot’ had a few initial application issues, I still felt it was worth it as the shade is so far removed from your run-of-the-mill chalky whites. ‘Who Is The Boss’ also stole my heart, as it’s a great way to wear this type of green hue, one that won’t come off as overwhelming or distracting. Essie has managed to once more pull another rabbit out of their creative hat, giving us four lacquers in today’s urban tones, but delivered in a traditional formula … the best of both worlds!
*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
*Wedding Crowns/wreaths my own
Beautiful swatches!
Who Is The Boss is my favourite
Thank you so much, Melinda! It is a gorgeous shade, I agree!
Big Sis these are so pretty!! Who Is The Boss is my fave-I like shades of green like that. One of my faves is Opi On Stranger Tides. I love that colour and this kind of reminds me of that one.
You’re so right, Lil Sis…I was actually thinking of the same thing! I totally love these types of dusty sage greens as well; they seem to suit everyone and yet feel so fresh & modern!
How beautiful! Your nails are impeccable!! How do you get the edges to look so perfect? If you have a YouTube video you recommend, please share.
I love your blog!
Thank you so much, Barbie … I really appreciate it! Apart from a careful application, I always end by cleaning up around the cuticle with a tiny brush dipped in some nail polish remover – just to get any stray bits! I have a youtube channel, but haven’t updated or uploaded any new videos in a while – hope to get back on track with that soon!
Please please do. Your blog is beautiful and so informing. I’m hooked now.
Awwww *blushing* thank you once more…you’re so sweet! I have some major backlog to get through, but have definitely added a “how-to” tutorial to that list as well!
Ooooh I actually love every single one of these!! I wish Essie was released with some regularity around here – I find I have to just continue checking Shoppers and Lawtons over and over on the off-chance that the collections are in-stock. So far I’ve still only seen the Resort collection (the one that has the indigo blue, fuschia, and lavender – I think that’s the Resort one?), and the Spring collection has never even arrived. So aggravating! I hope these come around at some point – if not, I’ll have to hunt them down online. They are to die for Eugenia, thanks for showcasing these my dear
Thanks, Toya – I’m so glad you liked these beauties! I can well understand the frustration when a collection you’re eagerly waiting for either never shows up or takes forever to arrive at your local retailer….and to add insult to injury, by the time it gets there, all these other new collections have come out! It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? As to the collection you mentioned, it definitely sounds like Resort (loved that deep blurple one!)
Haha, Latoya, great minds think alike–we have almost the exact same first sentence (my comment is right below)! I hope you’re able to find all the Essie you want somewhere!
You know what they say; great minds think alike! Great nail polish lovers too!
Ooohh, you were right, I love this collection too! Especially “Who Is The Boss”!! Must must must must must have! Like I said before, I’m on a complete Essie binge lately. In fact, I have some drugstore rewards and coupons and I’m going to use them today to get some heavily discounted Essie. I love “Love and Acceptance” and “Instant Hot”, too–I’ve mentioned before how wild I am for lavenders and I also have a little mini collection of almost whites–just slightly mint green, just slightly pink, just slightly lavender, just slightly blue–so “Instant Hot” would fit right in. “Like to Be Bad” is the only one I don’t love but I wouldn’t be surprised if I pick it up eventually to complete the collection. So so so excited for this to come out!
(PS: I picked up OPI Red Lights Ahead…Where? last week and it is my new favorite red! It might be my favorite from the whole Holland collection! I know that it is a boring choice but it’s just the perfect bright red for me).
Lol….Julia, I love how this collection seems to have made you so happy! To be perfectly honest, I surprised myself by how much I actually like these! Me…falling for pastels? Who would have thought!
For the record, I think that OPI’s ‘Red Lights Ahead Where’ is a stunner! Great choice! (show me pics!)
Well usually Bridal Collections are more or less write offs for me (although I went absolutely gaga over last year’s “Borrowed and Blue”), so this is such a pleasant surprise. I’m a confirmed lover of pastels, too. But really I am just over the moon for “Who Is the Boss”; if there is a dupe in my collection I sure can’t think of it. I just love the dusty kick that Essie has been on; I’ve been doing some color comparisons with my stash and Bobbing for Baubles and School of Hard Rocks from the winter collection don’t even look CLOSE to anything else I own. And as you’ve no doubt realized from my comments, my stash is not one of the smaller ones
.
And don’t worry, I’ll send you pictures!
Thanks, Julia…I always look forward to them! And even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I was already pretty sure that your stash was rather impressive! I went hunting for similar shades to those you mentioned too, and came up short – and I was so sure I’d find something really close. I’m glad & relieved, actually as it’s always nice to have something different, right?!
These are beautiful colors, but definitely too soft for my wedding day
I am still debating what to wear, but I think it will be something A England – Camelot or Bridal Veil 
What can I say? I like the vampiness of dark nails, and I think it will lend me that extra bit of confidence that I will need on such a crazy day!
Lol, Larie….YOU can not only totally rock either ‘Camelot’ or ‘Bridal Veil’ (PS: I’m on team ‘Bridal Veil’, in case anyone’s wondering…I’m just sayin’), but I can see how spectacular a bride you’ll look! I wish i could turn back the clock 22 years and wear something deep & vampy for my own wedding day, but since I can’t, I’ll just settle for living vicariously through you! Glad you liked these shades too..they’re so lovely to look at & wear!
I did not even know that you were supposed to wear neutrals at your wedding. I myself had golden, shimmery nails at my wedding, and I don’t think anyone did mind that. I never wear neutral, sheer polishes, so why should I wear something boring on my wedding day?
I think that sounds marvelous! And what a fab colour you chose for your wedding day! You’re so right: one of the biggest days of your life – you want every inch of you to stand out!
*sigh* my attempt at no-buy in March was a complete failure so I really have to be sensible from now on, and when I read posts such as this one, I find myself wondering if stopping to look at your blogs (and a couple of others) would be the only way to keep me on track! Your pictures and description are always so beautiful… But I guess I’m even more addicted to nail-polish bloggers than to nail-polish!
Hahaha! Well-said! Perhaps it’s not just the products that pull us in, but the people who infuse them with such life! Something to think about, eh?! Stay strong & focussed, my friend and do what feels right! (not what I necessarily say!!)
Beautiful swatches! I especially like Essie’s sheers and it looks like these are a winner!!
Thank you so ver much! And you know, you have a point; I was so busy trying to get them to look opaque, it never even crossed my mind to try sheering them out instead, lol! You learn something new every day & I love it!
The bottle shots alone look so much more pigmented than when the polish is on the nails! These are pretty if you soft shades..I like the blue mostest, although even then, I think Essie Borrowed and Blue was more pigmented and is still my fave. light blue! I won’t be buying any of these, but they are pretty nonetheless.
They are really pretty! ‘Borrowed and Blue’ is actually a pale blue, and not green leaning like ‘Who Is The Boss’ – totally different colour and formulation (Borrowed and Blue had some streaking issues). Glad you liked them, though!
Oh I know they aren’t the same, I just like that one a bit more! I didn’t now about the streaking issues though, so ty for the heads up! This colection is purty but my lemming for the OPI softshades is higher than my desire for the Essies atm. 4 coats = 1 coat too many for my liking.
Love the OPI Ballet Softshades…I’m wearing ‘My Pointe Exactly’ right now!
I haven’t seen the collection in stores yet! You need to do a blog sale someday, you have so many goodies xD
Lol…my husband would love that; apparently he says that all my “stuff” eats up to much room! This collection (I forgot to add) should be in stores within the next few weeks – originally it was slated for May, but I believe it’s been moved up to April. Hope that helps!
Mhm, I heard it has dropped in some stores already, so I’m sure my Rickys shall have it soon! I’ll probably just go and ogle. As a college student, I really don’t need any more polishes haha.
All the power to you, my friend….go & ogle away to your heart’s content! And you’re on the right track already – nothing quite like focussing on your eduction!
Yep yep. Priorities, unfortunately. And right now, #1 is the LSAT this June
Imma be the polished lawyer with a polish addiction on the side. Pun fully intended.
Essie can do no wrong in my eyes. In the past year or so, they went from a brand I’d barely take a second glance at to one of my top favorite brands. I like these better than last year’s Bridal set! Really pretty…I don’t think I can even pick a favorite! They all have that “neutral but interesting” quality I look for. Love your pics!
Thanks, Maribeth! For a neutral lover like yourself, I’m not surprised that they appeal to you! And yeah; at first glance you’d think that they’re just another set of pastels, but upon closer inspection, they definitely deserve a “whoa!” Essie has been consistently releasing some stellar hues for some time now – they well deserve the recognition & love they’re getting from us fans!
Essie’s Bridal Collections are always the polishes I look forward to the most every year. While I have found Essie’s latest few collections somewhat uninspired, I really appreciate how they constantly revamp the concept of wedding nails; as you put it, it’s not just French manis anymore! One of my favorite polishes of all time is Essie First Dance which is the most remarkable color for a wedding collection and the polish I hope to wear the day I walk down the aisle.
That aside, this collection, while somewhat boring in the bottle shots, is absolutely magnificent. The creamy pearlescence (my apologies for completely making up a term/word) is luxe and ladylike. I want every single color in this collection!
Beautiful swatches, Eugenia! Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re so welcome, Amanda and thank you for the kind words! It appears I’m really pushing my readers to take that walk down the aisle, if my replies to comments are anything to go by – that goes for you too, lol! I love brides today are turning to more non-traditional shades to wear on their big day – almost makes me want to do my own wedding all over again – ALMOST!!
PS: I would have sworn that pearlescence is already a word; God knows I’ve used it several times myself in describing some shades!!
These are all so gorgeus! When I saw the bottle pictures I didn’t like them that much, but now I see your swatches and they look very flattering! Instant Hot is a must have for a white lover like me!!
but, the names….. Mmm not very fan of them….
I don’t get why brands feel they need to add all these catchy names for their shades; I’d be happy with a number! I’m glad my swatches helped you give these beauties a second look – and if you’re a fan of white, you will absolutely love ‘Instant Hot’! Personally, I’ve never been into white polish all that much, but this shade has turned me into a convert!
Hmmm… I’m undecided by these. I like “Who Is The Boss” a lot and surprisingly I actually like “Like To Be Bad”. Though I have to agree, the names kill me! I don’t know if I’d wear any of these on my wedding day. (That’s not to say that I would or wouldn’t… I truly don’t know what I want for my wedding – if we ever get round to having one that is!)
Do you mind me asking what you wore?
P.S. your swatches are gorgeous as usual.
Thanks so much, Anneke – glad you liked my swatches! Hmmm…..does a significant other in your life need a few hints dropped his way? Cause if so, I’ll be happy to help, lol! I went back and took a second (and third!) look at ‘Like To Be Bad’ and realized that it’s actually a really, really pretty dusty pink! What I wore on my wedding day? Oh Lord….that was 22 years ago, and while I’ve always had a torrid love affair with makeup & nail polish, I believe the shade I chose was a beige-y nude from Dior (I don’t remember the name) – what can I say? It was 1990 and originality with lacquers had yet to be born!
lol no nudging needed, but thanks anyway
We have been engaged for several years, but as we are both practically professional students, we don’t have time or money! It’s ok though, we’re happy to wait and do it properly when we can. Plus it should give me enough time to decide on a nail colour to wear! lol
Also I think you’re right, the more I look at ‘Like To Be Bad’ the more I think I like it. It’s not a wow colour but it seems to do something just right
Anneke, it sounds then like you two are already one step ahead of the pack – waiting to do things right, is a sound idea! Just don’t drag it out too long, else you’ll get stuck in a groove that’s hard to jump out of! And what a great way to use the time before the big day: finding THE perfect nail polish, of course!
Love them! I am a huge fan of pastels and these have the slight dusty quality that darkens them up a bit and makes them a bit less “precious” . Very pretty and they are all now on my wishlist.
The are all gorgeous, Rebecca, and offer something so pretty yet thoroughly modern….I hope you end up with them!
You know the funny part is that I picked up Play the Peonies and thought, this would be a nice wedding polish. Not that I am getting married, but for some reason I thought that.
Back on task, I love these colors. But then I am a sucker for pastels, especially in the summer. I am glad that companies are improving the formula for pastels. Yay for us!!!
Well D, my friend, when you do get married, I want an invite, lol (look at me – shamelessly inviting myself!!) I’ve never been one for pastel shades, but like you said, companies are really stepping things up in terms of formula and colour, and this collection has really grabbed my – unexpectedly so!
The invite totally goes without saying. But I forewarn you any wedding ceremony I have will be totally unconventional. It will only be people I know and really like (ie folks like you) and it’s going to be at a beach house where we dine like Kings and Queens. This I decree.
I like pastels, or nude colors. I think I stay away from dark colors because of the removal process. It can be staining or a total mess.
Oh my…that sounds absolutely divine and D? You totally honour me! We’d have a blast…love the thought of dining like royalty!
I’ve always been drawn to deep shades; apart from a few that definitely did give me issues, overall I find that modern formulations are so much more application friendly – with less & less issues to deal with (ie: removal/staining), but having said that, I won’t deny the appeal of softer shades as well – I consider them “palate cleansers’, if you will!
I think a good mix of color is healthy. That’s why I like to try all kinds. But I am so happy that a lot of brands are improving the quality while still trying to use less chemicals. I really want to try RGB cosmetics. I missed their sales last month. Grrr…
Eugenia remember to wear stretchy pants to the wedding. This is all a figment of my imagination till I find the right fella.
HAHAHAHA! “Stretchy pants”……you’ll probably have to roll me away from the table!!! Now I’m imagining all sorts of yummy food – better find that special dude ASAP, my friend!
I’ve never tried RGB either and like you, I missed the sale….I’ve heard so many good things about their products; now the dilemma is do I order something anyway (free shipping, I believe – even to Canada!), or do I wait for another sale? As though I don’t have enough work to do already, right? So greedy……..
At one time a friend and I had thought my wedding would be a noodle-fest. Like noodles from all over the world. Then another friend (of course a guy) said he liked the idea, but with BBQ. I thought Lobster and all sorts of yummy. Till we feel so full we all need a gurney. Then we relax, maybe go for a walk or some light movement till we digest and graze again. That may be too much food though. haha I think I’m just hungry right now.
I was on their email list and facebook. But I never checked facebook, so I didn’t know about the sale, and they never emailed me. So I was going to ask them about that. I think wait. Maybe Easter there will be a discount. I’ll let you know then. I’ve heard a lot of good things about them. They’re based out of LA, so they’re my neighbors. Free shipping is so important to me, as is the sale.
Yeah, I think I’ll take your advice and wait – I have way too many things on my agenda right now as it is.
As to the banquet, we can always throw in some Greek music & dancing to help the digestive process along – trust me, it’s vigorous enough to make sure nothing sticks to us! (although I confess that a noodle fest & lobster sound equally yummy!)
Oh we can make it international. All food from all the worlds. Like if I could squish my favorite restaurants into one big buffet table.
I love the Greek music and dancing. Although you’re going to have to teach me.
I just emailed RGB asking them about future sales. I’ll let you know what happens.
Love Who’s The Boss and the white one. I need a new opaque white that is going to be soft and not optical white.
It’s a gorgeous white; that hint of rose in its base adds such warmth and makes it actually wearable – I love it!
I love these colors! “Love & Acceptance” reminds me of Lady Gaga and she was also a lavender blonde for a while (hence the “So Happy I Could Die” lyrics)!
But I general, I think these colors work better as nice spring colors/Easter colors like you said instead of wedding. For a elegant look, I would much prefer sheerer colors like Allure.
They are really pretty colours, aren’t they? The more I look at them, the more I love them — they remind me of candies! As to Allure – it’s a wonderful wedding shade; if it was good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s good enough for me!
OMG!! i love them all! this is the first essie collex in a LONG time that i think i need all of the polishes, let alone a BRIDAL collection haha! thanks for the beautiful swatches
You’re so welcome, Kellie and thanks for the luv! These would look amazing against your skin tone – and as to the term “bridal”….who knows? It could happen – then you’d have 4 perfect shades to choose from!!!!! (PS: send me an invite when it does, lol!)