tips & tricks
What do you have in common with Madonna, Sharon Stone and Cindy Crawford? Yes, you are beautiful and you have discriminating taste in your nail color. Essie is the name behind the nails and when the A-Lister's need to look their best, Essie is what they use.
For over 25 years, Essie has been the beauty industry's leading authority on nail care and color. From humble beginnings of 12 colors, the rainbow Essie now offers has grown to more than 200 of the hottest shades with the most memorable names. And Essie doesn't stop at just nail color; there is a complete line of professional nail care products that help promote health and beauty for every hand they touch.
Need some fresh ideas in nail color combinations for that hot date or important interview? Let the Queen of Polish be your guide to the perfect mani and pedi with these sensational color innovations. Mix and match to create your own personal look.
- Great color combinations:
- Sheer Bliss & Waltz
- Ballet Slippers & Limo-Scene
- Allure & Vanity Fairest
- Sugar Daddy & Fed-Up
- Dune Road & Ballet Slippers
- Marshmallow & Mademoiselle
- Click here to view the color combinations
Essie's Self Help Corner
Do you have a nail emergency and can't make it to a salon? Essie has the 411 for your 911. Read on for helpful hints and fast fix-its.
Dear Essie,
Help! I just cracked a nail and can't get to a salon. What can I do?
It's always sad when you have ten perfect nails and one starts to break. Here's what you can do to save that nail and prevent it from breaking further.
Cut a small strip from an unused tea bag and cover the break using Essie's '3-way glaze' or nail glue if you have some. The '3-way glaze' will glue the tea bag fabric over the nail and act as an instant patch. Add the topcoat and voila! Your nail will be as good as new.
Dear Essie,
Ouch! I just got a horrific paper cut on my index finger that really smarts. What can I do?
You can place a small drop of base or topcoat to seal the cut. It will sting a little when first applied, but after the cut has been sealed, it won't hurt anymore!
Dear Essie,
I got my nails done five days ago and they are starting to look dull. I can't get to a salon for a fresh manicure. What can I do to get that 'just back from the salon' shine?
Although our topcoat is strong, durable and lasts for up to a week, everyday tasks like gardening or washing dishes can wear away the topcoat leaving nails looking dull. Refresh that mani with 'shine-e', the nail solution that restores shine and helps prolong the life of your nail color.
Dear Essie,
My cuticles get so dry between manicures and I am especially prone to hang nails. Do you have a product that can help me?
Our hands are always exposed to the outside world and nails and cuticles can suffer, especially in winter. Try our 'apricot cuticle oil'. Its gentle, natural oils moisturize dry cuticles and also helps prevent hang- nails. Apply just before bedtime so those helpful oils can do their magic overnight. Use 'apricot cuticle oil' on your toes too to keep those cuticles soft and manageable.
Another secret is to place some' apricot cuticle oil' underneath nails to add needed moisturizing agents especially during those drying winter months.
Traveling? Take our 'cuticle pen' with you. Its small compact size will fit in your cosmetic bag and can even be taken on board for those long flights. It is easy to apply with no fuss, no muss.
Dear Essie:
I like to let my nails 'go bare' sometimes, but they are an ugly yellow color. Is there something that I can use to get my nails looking healthy again?
There are many things that can discolor nails, for instance, using harsh household cleaners can be a leading culprit. Be sure to use gloves and keep those hands and nails protected from chemicals. A little secret I use is to apply the peel of fresh lemon or grapefruit to discolored nails. The citric acid will help remove the yellow color from nail surfaces. Also, use our special 'non-yellow topcoat' on your next manicure to help prevent the nail color from turning. Special ingredients help protect nail color from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Think of it as sun block for your nails And ladies, please, whether you're washing dishes, the dog or the car, put those gloves on. Your hands and nails will thank you!
Also remember, your nails are not tools. Do not use your nails in place of screwdrivers, pliers or wire strippers. No matter how tough you think your nails might be; nothing is more likely to ruin a perfect 10 than using them as a paint scraper!
Do you have a question for Essie? Write to us for more helpful tips and tricks.