When planning a wedding a lot of big decisions need to be made: What kind of venue do we want? How many people shall we invite? Is there a colour scheme? Which dress shall I choose? Although incredibly important, during all these big decision making moments I've found more pleasure and comfort researching and deciding upon the small things (often that nobody else will even notice.) They seem less intimidating and more personalised, which is a small relief when I've found myself signing away thousands of pounds and committing to options we won't be able to change. Interestingly the questions that I've been getting from loved ones also all revolve around the comparatively small elements of the day; it seems that people are just as curious to find out what kind of makeup look you're going for and what you're having in your hair as they are the style of dress you've chosen and what they'll be having for dinner! As beauty is such a big part of my life, it's unsurprising that I'm already shortlisting hair styles and looking at lipglosses, but a new collection from Essie has kick-started the nail polish consideration process too...
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Created in collaboration with bridal royalty Monique Lhuillier (whose dresses are the epitome of delicate elegance and contain all the soft chiffon layers,) the collection includes six shades in the 'gel couture' formula that I love so much. (It's pigmented, long-lasting and keeps my nails looking healthy, having even lasted the duration of my holiday last year looking top-notch.) Rather refreshingly not all six are pastel or nude, Monique throwing in a beautiful metallic bronze, pop of grey-blue and a statement berry shade to appeal to those brides that shun the traditional.
She said: "I created shades fit for every bride, a perfect complement to unique bridal couture and natural beauty. On my wedding day, that meant a traditional soft-pink-based manicure to complement the intricate detailing on the bodice and skirt of my dress. For some brides, that means a pop of berry red or metallic gold to balance a simple, elegant silhouette. This collection has something for every bride, bringing that 'perfect fit' feeling right down to her fingertips."
What's great about this collection is that it can be worn whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride or even a guest; there's a shade that would complement every spring or summertime outfit, while keeping your talons looking fabulous for months after too. My personal favourites are the super nude 'Dress Is More' (which may even be my choice for the Big Day) as well as the grey-blue 'Sage You Love Me' (which happens to be on my toes right now,) but the berry toned 'Berry In Love' is a universal shade I'm saving for autumn. I'm really liking the fact that Monique has thought about every style of bride (because not everyone wants to be a princess,) while Essie have brought her vision to life via their long-lasting and chip resistant gel formula; it's the best of both worlds.
If you're undecided as to what polish colour will be on your talons come your wedding day, here are three questions to ask yourself in order to make that decision easier...
1. What's your usual style? Do you love the nudes and pastels, or do you prefer to embrace bold tones and statement patterns? Don't change your usual style for your day - try to channel it!
2. What's your colour scheme? Do you want to nod to the shade of your bridesmaid dresses or complement the bouquet you're carrying? Adding a subtle splash of colour can look beautiful and bring the whole look together.
3. What's the best way to complement your dress? If it's vintage inspired or subtly sexy, then a red or pink shade my work wonderfully; if it's modern or princess-like, a nuder tone may keep the focus on the outfit.
What do you think of this new bridal collection from Essie? Which colour polish did you choose for your wedding day, or which are you leaning towards if you're in the planning stages?
PS: Love the polish, love the shades, but the bottles are so hard to photograph effectively! Check them out online if you want a better representation of colour.
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The Essie x Monique Lhuillier Bridal Collection is available exclusively from Boots, priced £9.99 (but currently on offer as 'buy one, get one half price'.)
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Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
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Created in collaboration with bridal royalty Monique Lhuillier (whose dresses are the epitome of delicate elegance and contain all the soft chiffon layers,) the collection includes six shades in the 'gel couture' formula that I love so much. (It's pigmented, long-lasting and keeps my nails looking healthy, having even lasted the duration of my holiday last year looking top-notch.) Rather refreshingly not all six are pastel or nude, Monique throwing in a beautiful metallic bronze, pop of grey-blue and a statement berry shade to appeal to those brides that shun the traditional.
She said: "I created shades fit for every bride, a perfect complement to unique bridal couture and natural beauty. On my wedding day, that meant a traditional soft-pink-based manicure to complement the intricate detailing on the bodice and skirt of my dress. For some brides, that means a pop of berry red or metallic gold to balance a simple, elegant silhouette. This collection has something for every bride, bringing that 'perfect fit' feeling right down to her fingertips."
What's great about this collection is that it can be worn whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride or even a guest; there's a shade that would complement every spring or summertime outfit, while keeping your talons looking fabulous for months after too. My personal favourites are the super nude 'Dress Is More' (which may even be my choice for the Big Day) as well as the grey-blue 'Sage You Love Me' (which happens to be on my toes right now,) but the berry toned 'Berry In Love' is a universal shade I'm saving for autumn. I'm really liking the fact that Monique has thought about every style of bride (because not everyone wants to be a princess,) while Essie have brought her vision to life via their long-lasting and chip resistant gel formula; it's the best of both worlds.
If you're undecided as to what polish colour will be on your talons come your wedding day, here are three questions to ask yourself in order to make that decision easier...
1. What's your usual style? Do you love the nudes and pastels, or do you prefer to embrace bold tones and statement patterns? Don't change your usual style for your day - try to channel it!
2. What's your colour scheme? Do you want to nod to the shade of your bridesmaid dresses or complement the bouquet you're carrying? Adding a subtle splash of colour can look beautiful and bring the whole look together.
3. What's the best way to complement your dress? If it's vintage inspired or subtly sexy, then a red or pink shade my work wonderfully; if it's modern or princess-like, a nuder tone may keep the focus on the outfit.
What do you think of this new bridal collection from Essie? Which colour polish did you choose for your wedding day, or which are you leaning towards if you're in the planning stages?
PS: Love the polish, love the shades, but the bottles are so hard to photograph effectively! Check them out online if you want a better representation of colour.
The Essie x Monique Lhuillier Bridal Collection is available exclusively from Boots, priced £9.99 (but currently on offer as 'buy one, get one half price'.)
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.