Get ready to dip your nails into the hottest summer colours because the Essie Summer 2016 Collection officially launches on May 17th across beauty destinations in Canada!

The first thing that stood out to me is that there’s a black nail polish in a summer collection. You know how happy that makes me? I’ve always been a strong believer that you should enjoy any colour you want regardless of what is ‘in season’ or expected.

I’ve been known to sport black manicures in sweltering August and blinding neons during February’s frost. That’s why seeing a dark colour in the Essie Summer 2016 Collection made me smile – it encourages going against the grain, which can oftentimes be quite refreshing!

The formulas on all of these were excellent because I only needed two coats to get full coverage.

It must be noted that Coconut Cove (white) pleasantly surprised me because it wasn’t a streaky, sheer mess, which is typical of many white nail polishes. It covered very well!

Another honourable mention goes out to Tribal Text-styles (black) because the formula was extremely pigmented and smooth with the ideal consistency.

Loot the Booty (sapphire blue) and Viva Antigua! (turquoise) are both gorgeous with a delicate sparkle, and after Tribal Text-styles, they’re my favourites in the collection.

When I swatched Berried Treasures (berry), I wondered, “Is it an Essie Brides No Grooms dupe?” You may remember it from the Bridal 2015 Collection. Since some of you may also be curious, check out the bottom of this post because I did comparison swatches that answer the question.

Additionally, this post includes the official Essie Summer 2016 Collection press release and Rebecca Minkoff’s editor’s note (she’s Essie’s Global Colour Director), in case you want to know the inspiration behind the colour selection.

P.S. Yes, I’m a green nail-polish lover and maybe sometimes I’m immature, but when I read the name Berried Treasures, it made me think of buried treasure…as in the green kind. Am I the only one?

Edit (April 12, 2016): One of my readers asked me on social media if there’d be a mini set for this collection. I sent over an e-mail to find out. Turns out that, YES, there will be a mini set, and it will include all the shades! If I receive more information, I’ll add it here.

Edit (April 15, 2016): Someone on Instagram wondered how they compared, so I added a comparison swatch of Essie Hiking Heels with Essie Color Binge in this post and on my social media.

There are six shades in the Essie Summer 2016 Collection:

• Tribal Text-styles
• Loot the Booty
• Viva Antigua!
• Hiking Heels
• Berried Treasures
• Coconut Cove

Essie Summer 2016 Collection Pictures

 

Essie Summer 2016 Collection Swatches

All swatches have:

• No base or top coat
• 2 coats of colour

Tribal Text-styles

Black gold and crushed onyx

Click here to see my Essie Tribal Text-styles Swatches & Review!

Loot the Booty

Pavé sapphire blue

Click here to see my Essie Loot the Booty Swatches & Review!

Viva Antigua!

Iridescent crystalline turquoise

Click here to see my Essie Viva Antigua! Swatches & Review!

Hiking Heels

Scorching hot lava red

Berried Treasures

Bright ruby berry

Coconut Cove

Sweet cream white

Click here to see my Essie Coconut Cove Swatches & Review!

Essie Berried Treasures vs. Essie Brides No Grooms

Before I tell you which is which, take a look at the photo below, and try to guess!

While they are very similar, it turns out that they are not dupes of each other. However, for me, they’re so close, so I think you don’t necessarily need both…unless you’re a collector.

Essie Brides No Grooms is from the Bridal 2015 Collection. (Click the link to see the individual post.)

Essie Hiking Heels vs. Essie Color Binge

Essie Color Binge is from the Fall 2015 Collection. (Click on the links to see their individual posts for more details.)

Essie Summer 2016 Collection Press Release

Follow the Beat of Your Own Drum

Introducing the essie Summer 2016 Collection

Travel feeds the soul. Adventure excites the senses. For thrilling sights in an array of shades, Antigua, Guatemala is the place to just be. Turn strangers into friends at the heart of the city, Parque Central. Its magical fountains and centuries old landmarks are sure to satisfy any traveler’s wanderlust.

A sleepy little city at first glance, Antigua is a bracing wake-up for all the senses and ripe for exploring. Look around at the colourful costumes of the local people and feel the inspiration!

After waking up to the sun kissed mountain tops in your own coconut cove, accessorize with your favourite berried treasures. Slip into hiking heels and you’re ready for a day of exploration and discovery. Delve into the tribal text-styles of the local markets and loot the booty in this gem of a city. Don’t worry about sticking to a guidebook, just live in the beautiful moment and go where the spirit leads you.

An adventure filled getaway is an ideal inspiration for essie Summer 2016 Collection. Become a local and dance to the beat of your own drum in viva antigua! Summertime is the moment to get inspired by adventurous colour, defy convention and strike out on a style itinerary of your own. No matter where you go, there’s an essie Summer 2016 Collection shade to reflect your fashion ambitions.

The Summer 2016 Collection will be available as of May 17, 2016, in salons, drugstores, and other beauty destinations across Canada at a suggested retail price of $9.99 each.

Essie Editor’s Note: Rebecca Minkoff

I spend a lot of time on the road. Partly because I have to – it’s a necessity to find inspiration – and partly because I love to. The more I travel, the more I appreciate real adventure. Tourism shouldn’t necessarily be about visiting the most famous monuments (although, that can be exhilarating). For me, a really amazing experience is usually defined by connecting to the people and place in a way that feels personal, and different. Something off the beaten track is often more memorable than the most popular attraction.

That’s why I love Antigua. By car, bicycle or on foot, it’s an absolute pleasure to wander in such a beautiful city. What makes Antigua so special is the people; they’re so warm and kind, you begin to feel like a local. Going to the market to buy some fresh fruit becomes an epic discovery of culture, history and of course, gorgeous handmade fabrics and tribal text-styles. Their vivid, saturated colours reflecting the local flora can be seen everywhere.

Natural wonders are everywhere – lush mountains, rainforests, waterfalls. Each bend in the road presents a spectacular new view. Start the day with a beautiful breakfast of local fruit and nothing to do except go where the mood takes you. There’s no need for a plan – leave the guidebook behind and drift. Adventure will find you. Just go.

Let’s get lost,

Rebecca Minkoff
Essie Global Colour Director

Disclosure: This post contains press samples provided by PR.

Were you also pleasantly surprised to see a black nail polish in a summer collection? Which are your favourite shades in the Essie Summer 2016 Collection?