Dearest Francois,


I love your polishes. Really, I do. When your Spring 2011 collection was released, and Desperado showed up at my door, I was so excited! When I put it on, that excitement was crushed. Totally unflattering. I didn't even bother posting it on my blog, can you believe it? Well, fast forward a few months to your Summer 2011 collection. You decided on a bright white and *cries* a gold. I'm not sure if you know this, Francois, but I have a serious aversion to gold. Nevertheless, I still placed an order for them because I love your polishes. I was a little apprehensive when they arrived. I mean, after the Spring debacle, who would blame me? Fortunately, Ecumé was not a total let down.



Opaque in two coats, it really is a beautiful white. But that's just it - it's white! I'd totally sing a different tune if it were a one-coater, but it's not. I am still greatful that you were so kind to release something that I will actually wear, though. Even if it's just a white.




Kismet, on the other hand, brought back the trauma I had only recently recovered from (via the Spring debacle), and once again I find myself asking why? Why, Francois, do you insist on crushing my dreams? On me, Kismet is 3 coats of disaster and mayhem. There are no other words. None.



I know these shades must look good on someone, but since that someone is not me, I humbly request that you stop coming up with these shades.



Forever (or until you release another ugly gold) Yours,

Lola B. of BurbBeauty.com



P.S. Galion is a huge step in the right direction!





I'm glad I got that off my chest!



Love it? Hate? Let me know how you feel about this collection.

1 coat

How aodrable is this color?? I'm a sucker for periwinkles, and the fact that it's a one coater makes it even more beautiful. There is also a subtle shimmer that is borderline imperceptable, but it adds a little somethin'. You just can't beat a $1.99 polish that looks this good!

I love Summer collections. Not only are they always full of fun, bright shades, but there is also no school, which means there is more time to enjoy them! I was especially looking forward to Essie's Resort collection, since last year's was such a surprise love for me. Splash of Grenadine and Lapis of Luxury are both in my top 20.

2 coats

2 coats

2 coats, 1 coat of CND Gold Sparkle on top

Artful Dodger is a slightly dusty blue with a touch of green. As gorgeous as it is on its own (sorry I don't have a pic of it!), I needed some shimmer in my life after a full weekend of Naked. I love what CND's Gold Sparkle does for this. So pretty!



Artful Dodger is available at butterlondon.com (though I recommend getting it from a b&m Ulta or beauty.com), and CND Gold Sparkle is available at several etailers.

No new posts in over a week, and now I'm going to show you a nude? For shame! Bear with me while I fawn over my new favorite (dare I say HG) nude:

2 coats

This polish taught me a very important lesson: don't loan polish that are not easily replaced! Several months ago, I loaned Rehab to friend, who subsequently loaned it to a friend of hers (how RUDE!) who "lost" it. Of course, I was extremely  upset  because I hadn't even worn it yet! I couldn't even ask my friend to replace it since Rehab was vhtf for me in the first place. Anyway, I was just recently able to get another bottle thanks to some incredible luck on eBay.

3 coats