It’s really crazy how quickly December has gone by so far. If it zipped by any faster, it would be like a ferret racing to beat a red light!

A classic red creme is a staple for most traditional Christmas manicures, and you may remember that I sported Essie Shall We Chalet? (from the Winter 2015 Collection) in freehand holiday nail art and a stamped ugly Christmas sweater nail design.

Even beyond the holidays, you can’t go wrong with a red nail polish because it’s one of those colours that’s easy for everyday wear, and it’s a simple way to add a bold BAM to your look.

Essie Shall We Chalet? Pictures

Essie Shall We Chalet? Swatches

All swatches have:

• OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener – Maintenance version (Used as a base coat)
• 2 coats of Essie Shall We Chalet?
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Artificial Light Photos

Natural Light Photos

Claim: TRUSTED

• Seductive ruby (Yes)

Key Notes

• Name: Essie Shall We Chalet?
• Collection: Essie Winter 2015 Collection
• Colours Available in the Collection: Shall We Chalet?, Virgin Snow, Haute Tub, Apres-Chic, Altitude Attitude & Peak Show
• Amount: 13.5 mL (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Retail Price: $8.50 USD
• Disclosure: This was provided as a press sample by PR.
• Where to Buy: Nail Polish Canada, Trade Secrets & select beauty-supply stores

Essie Shall We Chalet? Review

Colour

Like cinnamon-heart candies that are Valentine’s Day staples, Shall We Chalet? by Essie is a classic ruby red that’s not too light or too dark – just right! It would look flattering on a wide variety of skin tones, making it easy to wear.

With all the wild nail colours on the market, sometimes it’s comforting to wear a red and go back to basics.

Finish

Shall We Chalet? by Essie has a smooth creme finish that’s simple, so the colour is what you notice right off the bat. No glitz, yet somehow this red is totally glam.

As you know, cremes are known for being very low-maintenance because they’re easy to remove. That’s certainly true with this one, but remember, reds are sometimes a little tricky to get off from around your cuticles. You may need to spend just a little more time, but don’t worry – it won’t stain, and you can remove it all.

Application & Formula

The formula is quite a beauty, since it’s pigmented and flows onto the nail easily with very little effort. You don’t have to work extra hard to get it to look even. It’s a great fuss-free red that doesn’t hiccup with any bad surprises.

With one coat, I was able to get great coverage, but I decided to apply a second coat out of habit, and it was fully opaque.

Pros Classic red creme Smooth formulation Very pigmented (1-2 coats for full opacity) Cremes are easier to remove than many other finishes like glitter

Cons Sometimes reds can be a little trickier to remove from around your cuticles, but it will come off eventually Not the most unique red (but it’s still lovely, especially for the holidays)

Final Verdict: 8/10

If you like red nail polish, Shall We Chalet? by Essie will be right up your alley. No, it’s not a red that reinvents the colour wheel and makes you double over into somersaults, but it’s still beautiful and classic. Every nail collection should have a low-maintenance and high-performing red nail polish like this one.

What red nail polishes spell the holidays to you? Have you already thought about what you’re going to wear on your nails for Christmas? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, what’s the next festive occasion you plan to dress up your nails for?