Essie Sand Tropez

NUBBINS people - I'm down to NUBBINS!!!! Ok crazy outburst over! The reason I'm down to nubbins is that I had a job interview which is why I cut them down so short. It's also the reason I picked Essie Sand Tropez to paint my nails :) A nice nude colour from the Spring 2011 Collection!

I used Sally Hansen Triple Strong for my base coat. Then I applied two coats of Sand Tropez which was a breeze to apply. Finally I topped it off with OPI RapiDry Top Coat which is amazing! It dries not just to the touch but all the layers underneath very quickly. Unfortunately I only have  a mini of it at the moment :(

Pictures ahead! However my shot in natural light was just when the sun was going down.

Essie Sand Tropez in Artificial Light

Essie Sand Tropez in Natural Light

Essie Sand Tropez in the Shade

Sand Tropez is a gorgeous beige cream but I think it just doesn't work with my skin tone. I think perhaps I need something leaning towards pink not more of a mushroom shade. So although I love the colour, I don't love it on me :(

Zoya Minka

I was after a nude nail polish so I chose Zoya Minka from the Touch collection. Minka is a light beige creme, a nude like the other polishes in the Touch collection.

I used a single coat of OPI Nail Hardener for my base. I was surprised because I had quite a few problems with the application of this one. Zoya polishes usually apply like a dream but this one was a bit on the thick side and very difficult to apply evenly over the nail :( I struggled along, applying two coats, because I didn't have time to try again or pick a different colour. Finally I added a coat of Seche Vite top coat to finish it off.

These photos were taken in artificial light and you can see the pearl finish :)

Zoya Minka in Artificial Light

Zoya Minka in Artificial Light

I was lazy and took these photos in natural light a few days later.

Zoya Minka in Natural Light

Zoya Minka in Natural Light

 Although this is primarily a creme it has a subtle shimmer/pearl finish to it that is easy to overlook. This colour was a great beige but since I have such pale skin it seemed like liquid foundation painted onto my nails but in a colour too dark for my skin tone. I like this colour but I'm still searching for the perfect "nude" shade for me :)