Thirty five years in the nail business is a seriously big achievement. One of the world's favourite and most iconic nail varnish brands, Essie, are this year celebrating that very achievement - and what better way to do so than with the launch of a capsule collection of 'classics revisited'? This six piece 'Retro Revival' collection includes some of the most iconic polishes from the last three decades, which together help Essie to meet their objective of 'promising a sparkling night of thrills'. Inspired by the big dreams, glitz and glam of Las Vegas, the collection brings back some of the brand's very first shades while celebrating some of the more recent additions that I've no doubt will bring back some teenage memories. Here's the lowdown on the six shades, plus their original year of origin...
![]()
1. Cabana Boy (2005) - ultra cool pearly white
This reminds me of my last year at University, when we started to channel a more sophisticated and polished look (rather than flouro brights!) Over ten years later the understated nude is still totally on-trend, but the delicate pearlescent tone provides a hint of something retro. Absolutely wearable, now and in the future.
2. Birthday Suit (1982) - cheeky delicate nude
You can't go wrong with a delicate natural tone, but this is even more special to me because 1982 was the year I was born! Never has a nail polish or name been so appropriate; this is definitely going in my 'to keep' drawer. This helps to conceal imperfections and create a uniformed finish on the nails, while also helping them to look a little longer; one for the naked nail lovers.
3. Sequin Sash (2005) - sheer glittery bronze
Bronze colours were all the rage a decade ago, but this is a much subtler reincarnation of that idea. The subtle glittery flecks provide texture and shine, while the base coat still ensures the polish still matches everything you could possibly wear. One of the shades I can still see myself fashioning in another ten years.
4. Bikini With A Martini (2006) - frosted iridescent pink
Baby pinks have never been my thing, but this is such a classic shade it would have been rude not to include it in such a retrospective collection. The candyfloss shade is enhanced with a little light reflecting iridescence, making this a shade that's not for everyone - but definitely a girlie option for those wanting to relive their 'obsessed with Legally Blonde' days.
5. Life Of The Party (2002) - pinot noir pearl
Who knew that we were wearing dark berry reds all the way back in 2002? This is absolute proof that trends come round again every fifteen years, providing a rich wine tone with just a hint of shimmer. Although I prefer my reds practically black, I've no doubt this will be a popular choice as it remains so relevant fourteen years later.
6. Starry Starry Night (1977) - twinkling midnight blue
I can see why this was popular during the 70's, thanks to the glittering fragments that make the navy blue colour pop. It screams 'Elton John' and the widest trousers imaginable, but is still totally wearable nearly forty years later; this is definitely my pick of the bunch. It shows that when you're onto a good thing, it lasts for decades.
Do you have any memories of your first Essie polish, or shades that sum up a particular period of your life? Can you remember any of these from the first time around?
![]()
![]()
The Essie Retro Revival Collection is available now, priced £7.99 each. Currently on offer in Superdrug for only £5.99 each.
![]()
![]()
1. Cabana Boy (2005) - ultra cool pearly white
This reminds me of my last year at University, when we started to channel a more sophisticated and polished look (rather than flouro brights!) Over ten years later the understated nude is still totally on-trend, but the delicate pearlescent tone provides a hint of something retro. Absolutely wearable, now and in the future.
2. Birthday Suit (1982) - cheeky delicate nude
You can't go wrong with a delicate natural tone, but this is even more special to me because 1982 was the year I was born! Never has a nail polish or name been so appropriate; this is definitely going in my 'to keep' drawer. This helps to conceal imperfections and create a uniformed finish on the nails, while also helping them to look a little longer; one for the naked nail lovers.
3. Sequin Sash (2005) - sheer glittery bronze
Bronze colours were all the rage a decade ago, but this is a much subtler reincarnation of that idea. The subtle glittery flecks provide texture and shine, while the base coat still ensures the polish still matches everything you could possibly wear. One of the shades I can still see myself fashioning in another ten years.
4. Bikini With A Martini (2006) - frosted iridescent pink
Baby pinks have never been my thing, but this is such a classic shade it would have been rude not to include it in such a retrospective collection. The candyfloss shade is enhanced with a little light reflecting iridescence, making this a shade that's not for everyone - but definitely a girlie option for those wanting to relive their 'obsessed with Legally Blonde' days.
5. Life Of The Party (2002) - pinot noir pearl
Who knew that we were wearing dark berry reds all the way back in 2002? This is absolute proof that trends come round again every fifteen years, providing a rich wine tone with just a hint of shimmer. Although I prefer my reds practically black, I've no doubt this will be a popular choice as it remains so relevant fourteen years later.
6. Starry Starry Night (1977) - twinkling midnight blue
I can see why this was popular during the 70's, thanks to the glittering fragments that make the navy blue colour pop. It screams 'Elton John' and the widest trousers imaginable, but is still totally wearable nearly forty years later; this is definitely my pick of the bunch. It shows that when you're onto a good thing, it lasts for decades.
Do you have any memories of your first Essie polish, or shades that sum up a particular period of your life? Can you remember any of these from the first time around?
The Essie Retro Revival Collection is available now, priced £7.99 each. Currently on offer in Superdrug for only £5.99 each.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.