Essie nailed “spring collection” on the head when it released a collection called Flowerista.

To me, a spring collection is all about pastels and floral colours, so naturally I was super excited to see the brand introduce six flower-themed shades. This collection consists of six creme shades and is actually the first collaboration with designer Rebecca Minkoff ever since she became the global colour designer for the brand.

The collection consists of a fuchsia purple, a teal blue, a mint, a grey, and two nudes.  When I first received it I actually thought they sent two of the same colours, since the nudes are very similar in shade. It wasn’t until I looked at the labels did I notice that they are in fact two separate shades.

Garden Variety

Garden Variety is described as a teal blue orchid and is one of those gorgeous blues that although has been done many times before, is just so noticeable on the nails.  I have a few shades that are similar, but this particular blue is always my favourite shade.  Definitely one of the standouts from the collection, although I have to say it did stain a touch when I took it off.

Flowerista

The namesake from the collection, this is described as a rich vibrant plum with red undertones.  Plum is definitely the best word for this guy, on the lighter side might I add, and it’s truly stunning once applied. Since the colour is on the darker side, you can definitely get away with one coat.  I did two just to be sure, but a second wasn’t really needed.

Blossom Dandy

Blossom Dandy is an eye-catching blue-green with mint undertones. When I first spotted it I thought it was incredibly similar to Mint Candy Apple.  When I compared them though, Blossom Dandy leans more on the blue side of things, whereas Mint Candy Apple is a true mint (also lighter in shade).  If you are a fan of Mint Candy Apply (really, who isn’t?), pick this one up.

Petal Pushers

Petal Pushers is a refreshing cool slate with subtle red and blue undertones.  When I first saw it I thought it was a weird choice to include a grey in a spring collection.  Now that I’ve worn it though, this grey is definitely a beautiful spring grey.  I would even love to rock this in a chevron pattern with Blossom Dandy, as it leans more towards the lighter side of things, making it season appropriate.

Picked Perfect

Picked Perfect is a caramel brown mixed with a touch of red-velvet.  The darker of the two nudes, this guy is a good base or neutral if you want that “I’m wearing nail polish, but not” kinda look. It does have a thicker consistency, so you can get away with one coat.

Perennial Chic

Perennial Chic is the lighter of the two nudes. The colour is described as a neutral peach-brown accented by creme rose highlights.  This shade is the perfect skin-coloured shade if you are fair skinned.  It’s nice for days when you want to/have to keep it neutral.  It’s also a great base shade for nail art. I did find this particular shade to be the thinnest one in the collection; I did two coats but easily could have done a third for the most opaque coverage.

Overall, hands down my favourites from the collection are Garden Variety and Flowerista.  I feel like all the nail polish brands are just hitting it on the head this spring with their collections (OPI Hawaii, anyone?). As for wearability, these guys actually held up a bit longer than usual with Essie. I do find the brand chips easily (can get about a day’s wear out of it), but for some reason this collection stayed a few more days than what is the norm for my nails. I did use OPI’s Infinite Shine Primer and Gloss as my topcoat and base, so that may have played into the factor as well.

Although I do feel that all the colours are highly dupeable (especially with other Essie shades), sometimes you just can’t resist a new spring collection when you see it.

Are you picking up any colours from Essie’s spring Flowerista collection?

Please note, I was sent these products for review purposes, however, all opinions are my honest own :).

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