More than just pretty fingers - styling Essie nail polish

It excites me to say that I was recently the winner of a gorgeous instagram giveaway with PIA Boutique and Essie NZ.

The prize included a lovely blush pink PIA dress and four Essie nail polishes. It is safe to say that each polish compliments the dress beautifully, and all the shades are right up my alley!Although majority of us won't take a lot of care and consideration in to matching our outfit and makeup choices with our current shade of  nail polish, I being one of those people, I thought it would be fun to have a play and find the perfect combos for each of these Essie colours. And who doesn't love a good flatlay? I've basically styled items I might wear and complimentary makeup products for each nail polish just to get a feel of what I think would be the perfect match. I've also paired each colour with a lipstick I feel compliments it.

I also want to point out this is in no means the MAC and Essie collab it appears to be! I just happen to own predominantly MAC lipsticks in my collection!

Essie Demure Vix & MAC Faux-Satin

The first colour initially appears as a basic pinky nude. Very sophisticated and slightly understated. That was until I caught it in a certain light and noticed the bluey, iridescent undertones to the polish. How is that even a thing? This polish is in no way what I would call duo-chrome as at first you would just take it as a basic, opaque colour, but as stated if you get your nails in a certain light the polish gives almost a mermaid-esk sheen.

In the flatlay i've paired the polish with a crisp, white shirt. I could see myself wearing a black or white skirt with it; just very clean cut and understated. Neutral eyes, with a little bit of shimmer, long fluttery lashes, and nude lips. This look would be very fresh yet chic, so to compliment the simplicity I popped Marc Jacobs Daisy into the mix. To really jazz it up I added these super cool leopard print Vans sneakers. I've done this because the rest of the outfit implies the polish is very plain jane, but it is much more special than that, and the perfect outfit would act in the same way as the polish; plain and safe, with a pop of fun.

Essie Take it Outside & MAC Captive - Satin

The next nail polish is a beautiful cool tone grey, with a slight hint of lilac undertones. The formula is super opaque and the colour itself is anything but dull. Although grey is often represented as dull and lifeless, I think this polish contradicts that as it is sweet and classy. Simple. I've decided however, to pair it with a deep, burgundy red lip to add a strong pop of colour to the very much monochrome style i've laid out below.

Monochrome is always a win in my eyes! It's the safest way to pull off a chic, on trend look, without really having to contribute much, if any, effort! I love a pop of colour on the nails paired with a monochrome outfit, but grey nails can also be a great accent to the look; not too bold but rather elegant. Paired with a beige, or bronze shimmer on the eye, some silver jewelry and textured messy hair and you have one hell of a simple look (but very effective). 

2 side notes: You can never go wrong with stripes! And I had to chuck the YSL Black Opium perfume into this! The scent is gorgeous! 

Essie Sugar Daddy & MAC Please Me - Matte

Pretty in Pink. Another look that will never truly go out of style. There is always room for pink in a girls fashion inspo.  This Essie polish is a fresh, sheer pink. Perfect to pull out when applying a french manicure. This one would be great for school as it just evens out and slightly lightens the colour of your nails, letting the natural nail peek through. 

Featured in the flatlay, is what I believe portrays the holy grail of girly-ness. The PIA Danica Dress that I was lucky enough to win is the fashion item you see above, and how gorgeous is it! The colour aside is one thing, but the fluttery frill sleeves just scream feminine. Pairing this dress and polish with some high end goodies such as the YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in 1, and Chanel blush in Jersey. And then some absolute bargains like these Colourpop shadows that are just $5 USD a pop! 

Essie Buy Me a Cameo & MAC Velvet Teddy - Matte

Last but not least, and one of the most exciting shades. I do not ever reach for metallic nail polish. Not for a very long time atleast. But this one was love at first sight. Although in the photo it looks like a cool tone bronze, and I believe that's how the website describes it also, I see this colour as a copper/rose gold metallic that is super opaque. Two coats of this and you're ready to go! 

Paired with all black and metal tones and you will be one super trendy cat. Black and Gold is my ultimate when it comes to picking fashion favourites! Much like the stripes, it's hard to go wrong. I'm obsessed with roll neck knits, nearly as much as I am with these River Island boots with the gold zip and buckle detailing (#swoon). Unfortunately I got these boots last winter so I can't leave a direct link, which is so sad because I get so many lovely compliments whenever I wear these boots! I can't get enough of the YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks, the one above is shade 3, your typical Kylie Jenner (yawn) dark nude. And how could I leave out another Colourpop shadow, this one is "Kathleenlights" from her own collab. 

I would love to know your favourite nail polish shades of the moment so make sure you leave suggestions in the comments below! 

Love and Laughs 

Charlotte Jane x

P.S. I was not asked to base a blog post around this prize and this is in no means sponsored! In fact they have no clue this is even a thing. So all the following opinions are my own :)