It's time for the 2nd part of my new obsession, the Essie Gel Couture Ballet Nudes collection! If you missed last week, head there now to check out what all the fuss is about. 

I've loved the Gel Couture line since it was released but this new Ballet Nudes collection is speaking to me on another level. After I fell in love with "At the Barre" I ordered another shade called "Perfect Posture". It's described as a periwinkle and that is the perfect description. It does have a slightly more purple hue to it and almost looks identical to Virgin Snow-- another top 5 favorite of Essie colors.






This formula was very consistent with the previous shade and is nearly identical. I do think these are slightly better formula than the 1st launch of Essie Gel Couture but this entire line is better than regular Essie and is a little more consistent.

There's not much to say other than this applied like a dream and I'm obsessed with the brush. It's very thick and flat, almost like a flat eyeshadow brush and it makes it ridiculously easy to apply and get an even coat.

I used the sample base coat and topcoat as last week, my Julep Base Coat Oxygen Treatment and my Orly Dry Drops. I also used my Josie Maran Bare Naked Polish Remover/Cuticle Treatment to remove the Essie Treatment polish I applied Thursday night. (I'm writing this on Saturday!)

My cuticles have also been a mess so I've been applying my NCLA So Rich Cuticle Oil obsessively.

I really love this color for the transition into spring and I'll for sure be wearing it a lot.

What's on your nails this Monday?
xoxo
B

Some time last year, Essie released their first gel nail polish. I'm pretty sure I did a post on it but cannot find it anywhere! Just know that I was a big fan; I only had 2 colors in this Gel Couture line but mostly because I didn't feel drawn to any of the other colors in the line.

It took them a while to expand the line but within the last month or so, they did and I was so excited.

The new collection is called "Ballet Nudes" and plays on the soft colors of the art of ballet. I was a ballet dancer when I was younger (yes, I had pointe shoes and everything) so anything ballet related I am a sucker for.



I've been in a true nude mood lately when it comes to nail polish so I went with "At the Barre", a soft nude color and decided to pick up another top coat, both from Ulta.

I hadn't used the gel couture polish in a while because I've been on a new nail polish spree (and also have been wearing bare nails a lot (with the help of the Formula X Sheer Strength polish, but I was reminded at how wonderful it is.

I prepped my nails with my Julep Oxygen Base Coat, went in with the nude polish and topped it off with the Gel Couture top coat. I don't remember the last time I had such a pleasant manicure or the last time a polish went on so smoothly.



The formula is thin but not too runny and is very smooth & opaque. Finish off with the OPI Quick Dry Drops and you have the perfect at home manicure.

Because I'm so obsessed after one use, I decided to head back to Ulta.com & pick up the "Perfect Posture" shade, a light periwinkle blue that is so stunning and perfect for spring.

If you have yet to try Essie Gel Couture, I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm very loyal to Essie but they have their hits and misses; this line is definitely a hit.

PS: Essie also just released some new treatment nail polishes and I picked a few up. I'm obsessed with treatment polishes lately so keep an eye out for those reviews; below are a few other Essie products I've been dying to try!