Essie - "Smooth Sailing"

Hi, ladies and gents. I know I've already posted today, but I was just in the mood to post again. I'm sure I could've written a post and just saved it for tomorrow, but blogging is sort of therapeutic for me. Kinda like crying, sometimes blogging just makes me feel better. 


Because I was feeling a little "blue" today, I decided to paint my nails blue(ish). But not just any blue, a blue that I've adored since the first time I saw it sitting in the 2011 Essie Braziliant display at Walgreens - "Smooth Sailing"! I've waited and waited to purchase this color, and finally bucked-up and treated myself last weekend! Walgreens was having a "Saturdate" day where they feature different cosmetic companies and usually have some sort of freebie or giveaway. Last Saturday, it was Essie and Maybelline Saturdate day. They were giving out $1 off Essie and Maybelline coupons, so I decided what better time than then to buy "Smooth Sailing" (plus, it was in a box with some cute little Essie toe separators!)?! And I've heard recently that SS is becoming  harder to find, so I didn't want to miss out on this beauty. 


SS does not disappoint - it's fabulous! It's a mix between a periwinkle and cornflower blue sparkle. It gives excellent coverage, even with just one coat. I used two in this mani, but probably could've gotten away with just one thick coat. I just feel like this is such a unique color to me. At first, I thought this color was very similar to a color from Essie's Spring Collection, Coat Azure (which I also own), but it's not at all. CA was more of a light baby/country blue with blue shimmer (you can see my review here). SS has more hints of purple in it (definitely more of a periwinkle) and the shimmer seems multi-colored (maybe blue, silver and light pink?).


I would recommend this to any polish lover out there. From the swatches I've seen online, this seems to look amazing on just about any skin tone. Plus, it's just a great quality polish. The formula was so easy to work with, you can't help but love it!


By the way, this is also my first time using the Zoya Color Lock System. I received a mini set from Jeanie from Midnight Manicures (you can check out her blog here). I was a winner in a recent giveaway she had, and this was one of my prizes! She also gave me a HUGE 32 oz. bottle of Remove + and I am now a changed woman! I will NEVER go back to the drugstore brands again! So far, I'm really liking this Color Lock System, too! It caused ZERO shrinkage, which is a win in my book. I'll let you know how the first day or two goes!


Application:
Zoya Remove +
1 coat Zoya Anchor
2 coats of Essie's "Smooth Sailing"
1 coat of Zoya Armor
Zoya Hurry Up Drops


Pictures taken indoors under artificial light:

Pictures taken outdoors with natural sunlight:

Have you tried "Smooth Sailing" yet? If so, what are your thoughts on it? What's your favorite blue(ish) polish?

I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend! Sunday evenings sure do seem to sneak up on us, don't they (well, they do for me at least!). Back at it tomorrow! I've got a very busy week ahead (and an exciting weekend, too!). I might not get another post in until next week, but I'll try my best!

Take care!

Love,

Katie