Fan Binbing: New Fashion Icon?

Picture originally from Jezebel.com

I'm a huge web surfer. I spend hours every day combing through fashion blogs, make-up blogs, lifestyle blogs, really every kind of blog you can think of. I've been a longtime reader of Jezebel.com, although I don't comment very often. I'm a really big fan of a few of their writers like Tracie Egan Morrissey (@jezebel_tracie), Erin Gloria Ryan (@morninggloria), Jenna Sauers (@jennasauers), and Dodai Stewart (@jezebeldodai).

Today on Jezebel, Tracie Egan Morrissey posted about Fan Bingbing, a Chinese actress who has impeccable fashion taste. Seriously, everyone who sees this should go to the article "Fan Bingbing is the Coolest Girl on Every Red Carpet". Her style is funky and very creative, but she also is elegant and demure at the same time. I don't get it. Bingbing pulls off being crazy and daring without looking insane or desperately seeking all the attention in the world, *cough* Lady Gaga *cough* (Gaga, I really do like you, but I'm just getting a little tired of the act).

I, for one, cannot wait to see more of Bingbing. Her looks are amazing and I'm now curious to see anything she has acted in. But, for real, everyone go over to the article and check out Tracie's gallery of her looks!!

 

Essie and Julep Show down!

L to R- Essie Ole Caliente, Julep Maven Natasha, and Essie Meet Me at Sunset

I decided to swatch my three orange-y polishes. Obviously, Essie Ole Caliente is much more of a reddish pink than the others who are a little more "true" orange. I haven't tried out my Julep Maven Nail Varnishes just yet, so I'm not sure what their wear time is like. The Natasha shade was pretty opaque with one layer and went on smoothly. 

In the picture below, Natasha is a little lighter than Meet Me at Sunset. Natasha is more like the color of an orange traffic cone.They are very, very similar shades, almost dupes, but I'm not sure I would categorize them as dupes for sure. I think that Meet Me at Sunset has a little more depth and shine and Natasha might be redder, but only by the tiniest amount.

 Soon, I'll do a long wear test on Julep's Natasha, then we'll see who the winner is! Since, Ole Caliente is much different than the others, it already wins for being a gorgeous orange red. 

L to R: Ole Caliente, Natasha, Meet Me at Sunset

  

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Essie Pink-A-Boo

 

So, I don't think my camera really captured the shimmer in this polish all that well and truthfully, it seems a little more pink in real life. Not sure why all my photos look so washed out! Essie's Pink-a-Boo is a glittery, sheer baby pink that isn't too sheer. In the photos, I only used two layers, I thought about doing three but my laziness overtook me. I think three would probably look about the same as two.

The micro glitter in the formula catches the light easily. I see mostly pinks, but occasionally catch a cool blue from the glitter. This nail polish is great for those who like baby pink colors. I'm not usually one of those folks, but I could see myself wearing the color again. It is classy without being too "old". The shimmer and the tone of the pink really bring out a young girl vibe. I think my niece will enjoy it.

Essie To Buy Or Not To Buy

 

In contrast to my lost post in which I very much disliked Tour de Finance, I adore To Buy or Not To Buy. The pastel lilac color is perfect for an Easter manicure. If I had a steadier hand I might trying drawing a little yellow baby chick on my ring finger. 

In my swatch above I used three thin layers, although two thicker ones would probably suffice. Also, in real life this manicure is much shinier and maybe a little bit more saturated than my camera let on. 

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Essie Tour De Finance

Okay, I have to admit, I'm a huge Essie fan. However, I'm not the biggest fan of Tour de Finance. The pink reminds me of an 80s themed Barbie color (which by its self is just fine, don't get me wrong). The application was smooth and two coats did the job just fine. 

Skip to this afternoon, not even a full 24 hours after the application and my right hand's pointer finger already has a massive chip. Luckily, I usually take a photo of my left hand, which is above, but you can still see small chips on my middle finger. Other Essie Spring 2012 and Resort 2012 polishes seemed to last forever. And, I mean annoyingly forever. I would be rubbing away at full manicures six days after I painted it. 

I should give Tour de Finance some credit. The color is great, the application is smooth and it fits well into a summer polish collection. I can also see my little nieces and cousins wanting the polish applied to all their little toes and fingers. Which, truthfully, is probably what I'll save it for. 

 

all about the skin

Starting from the top then going left to right!


1. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel- I have not used this product, but all the other Dermalogica products I've used I've absolutely adored!
2. Bioderma - Wonderful makeup remover recommended by the makeup artist Lisa Eldridge
3. Boots no. 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - This stuff is absolutely amazing. It moisturizes my face without creating shiny spots or any more acne. Plus, it has anti-fine line benefits and is available at Target!
4. Dr Jart+  Premium BB Cream
5. Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream - I can't decide which Dr. Jart+ BB cream I want to try out! I've heard both are fantastic though.

Essie Ole Caliente

 

Ole Caliente is a perfect red orange. It is bright and fiery and reminds me of summer sunsets choked with smoke from near-by wildfires. If you've never seen one of those sunsets, I can tell you the sun goes blood orange, just like this nail polish. Other than the threat of your home burning down or not being able to breathe the air, wild-fire sunsets are very beautiful. 

Like most Essie polishes, this formula is thick and one coat gives almost full opacity. However, I recommend two coats for the best application. The polish went on slightly sticky and streaky, but dried smooth and without flaw. I imagine myself wearing this color on a hot summer night, in a flouncy, yet elegant LBD salsa or flamenco dancing (if I could even dance like that!).

Ole Caliente might just be my favorite polish from Essie's Spring 2012 collection. It is very similar to Meet Me at Sunset, but I'd say this color has much more a pinkishness to it. Meet Me At Sunset is a deeper, darker orange, without any pink undertones. You may not be able to tell in my pictures, but the two polishes are noticeably different in tone and shade. So, I'm excited to wear this color all summer long!