Sunday, 20 October 2013

Review: Essie Nail Polish in Secret Affair


I love a good sheer and pale pink/beige polish as I adore the clean look it gives to the nails. Initially I had been eyeing Essie's Ballet Slippers and Imported Bubbly, they are gorgeous! However it must have been a lucky day when I went Myer and they had discontinued Essie nail polishes for $8 (they retail for an absurd $17 here). Here it was when I found Secret Affair and I had to grab it, despite having so many nail polishes which I don't even wear.



Surprisingly this is the first Essie nail polish I own myself! I love its gorgeous packaging, and there is nothing more pretty than the embossed "essie" on its bottle. I would love to have a collection, but seeing as I don't paint my nails often, there really isn't a point... such a shame because they are so beautiful.

Application was easy, and drying time was average. My only qualm was that it started chipping the next day... tut tut, not happy at all. But since Secret Affair is such a pretty subdued shade (this could even be a great shade for weddings and for the office) I think I can forgive it for chipping so quickly. I've been thinking of getting the shade Sand Tropez but I'm not sure how it'll fare on my skintone, but I must refrain as money is getting tight!

Two coats of Essie Secret Affair
Have you tried Essie nail polishes? What is your favourite shade?
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71 comments :

  1. Candice20 October 2013 at 21:28

    Now that IS pretty, but like you, I'm not overly thrilled with the price. Sales come at me!

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    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:04

      Tell me about it! Australian prices are ridiculous, definitely jealous of US prices :(

      Delete
  2. Beauty Frontline20 October 2013 at 23:31

    I love nude shades Karen <3 pretty one :)

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    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:13

      Nude shades are my favourite, I love how wearable they are :)

      Delete
  3. Judy21 October 2013 at 00:53

    i'm a major essie fan and i have yet to get this color..lol
    $17?!?!?!? that's so expensive, i get mine for $8 or like $4.50....rofl :)
    mine don't chip that easily, maybe a week if you apply some nice top coat :)

    but this color looks really nice on you as it matches your skin tone :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:16

      $17 is really expensive- OPI here is $20 each! $4.50 sounds like such a bargain- it would be the price of our "bargain" nail polishes here in Australia :P I think mine chipped really easily because I do a lot with my hands, including washing the dishes :P

      Delete
    2. Judy22 October 2013 at 00:53

      OPI FOR $20!?!? *dies*
      i would never be able to afford nail polishes in Australia.. lol :(

      Delete
  4. SANDY21 October 2013 at 01:46

    i love nude and pale colored polishes <3 i've always wanted to get essie polishes, but it's too pricey for me haha. i haven't had a chance to splurge on it yet since my whole nail polish phase has passed.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:23

      I agree, it took me so long until I got an Essie nail polish for myself! I never really justified the price for a nail polish, but a sale doesn't hurt :P Nudes are my faovurite shades :)

      Delete
  5. Hi Tay21 October 2013 at 01:53

    Eeee! That's really an absurd amount to pay for the Essie polish! If I ever see one that's on sale I might buy but usually I will go for OPI or Chinaglaze or even Fingerpaints.

    fairywater79.blogspot.com

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    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:27

      It is absurd! I'd always lumped Essie with the likes of OPI and Chinaglaze just because of its price point in Australia! I don't think we have easy access to Chinaglaze though which is a shame, and OPI is a ridiculous $20- although their formula is amazing :)

      Delete
  6. LittleMissSCB21 October 2013 at 04:18

    This is such a pretty shade and such a bargain. My favourite Essie shade is Turquoise & Caicos ❤

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    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:35

      I just looked up that shade and it is pretty! Definitely reminds me of Tiffany & Co :)

      Delete
  7. Unknown21 October 2013 at 07:23

    17 is crazy! Regardless this nude color is so so pretty :)

    biffsquiggled

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    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:35

      Tell me about it :( Yess I love pale nude nail polishes!

      Delete
  8. Unknown21 October 2013 at 07:24

    $17?? I don't know how much it is in € but Essie nail polishes retail for 7,8€ here in our drugstore.. Essie used to be 'high end' and retailed for €14 before they marked down the price and moved them to the drugstores..
    I have some essie nail polishes but I have to say their formula is a bit of hits and misses..
    Secret affair is a very nice french manicure color, like a your nails but better shade :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:47

      Essie is considered high end here, along with the likes of OPI :) I've read heaps of reviews on Essie polishes and I hear that their formulas are a bit of a hit and miss at times! I just love its packaging though, it is so pretty. I love how Secret Affair is a french manicure colour too :)

      Delete
  9. Abigail21 October 2013 at 08:22

    Lovely shade!

    http://abigailalicex.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  10. Chloé21 October 2013 at 09:35

    I love Essie nail polishes, it usually lasts pretty long on me, maybe its just this color? The prices here are outrageous though, i usually pay about $8 for them online!

    à la foliee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 20:57

      It might just be this shade! I know the prices are crazy, I think they used to be more before Essie was released in Priceline. I would love to buy online but always get put off by paying for shipping :(

      Delete
  11. Unknown21 October 2013 at 15:32

    Quite sheer but still pretty x

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    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 21:04

      I'm loving the sheer nail polishes though, they give such a nice clean look :)

      Delete
  12. Anna21 October 2013 at 15:35

    Love this shade, I'm a bit of a sucker for neutral and natural shades too. It's almost like a "no makeup, makeup look" or in this case, a "bare" nail polish look lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen21 October 2013 at 21:05

      Haha I'm a huge sucker! I would prefer neutrals over brights any day :)

      Delete
  13. Sharlynn 22 October 2013 at 01:49

    Aw, I'm sorry to hear it started chipping so fast! OPI, Essie china glaze all sell for about $15 USD here, it is ridiculous!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Karen22 October 2013 at 20:28

      The price is ridiculous, it's just nail polish! It probably chipped because I never bother with a top coat :P

      Delete
  14. Shayne ♥22 October 2013 at 19:42

    its like a beautiful bridal polish <3 i love these colors very simple yet elegant :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen22 October 2013 at 20:29

      I agree, it is why they are my favourite nail polish shades :):)

      Delete
  15. Unknown22 October 2013 at 21:02

    love the shade karen..nice blog..
    following u...

    my recent one :http://www.indianbeautyforever.com/2013/10/mac-candy-yum-yum-review-and-swatches.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. sleepandwater23 October 2013 at 00:17

    Lovely and understated sheer slightly pinkish nude - pity about the chipping issues though! $17 for an Essie polish is just so painful :( I do have my eye on a couple of shades but not at that price :p

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Karen23 October 2013 at 15:05

      I love the shade too! $17 is really painful, considering how many other products you could get for the same price as a couple of Essie nail polishes! Definitely not a justifiable price :P

      Delete
  17. Sharina23 October 2013 at 02:31

    Essie polishes shouldnt chiiiip! :'( The shade is just too pretty to pass up on, though. I can see myself using it a lot!! But it's kinda a hard shade to find!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen23 October 2013 at 15:47

      I know, it's so sad :( It's definitely a shade I'm hoping to get a lot of wear out of!

      Delete
  18. Unknown23 October 2013 at 12:49

    Such a gorgeous shade! Love a great nude for summer

    x karen
    www.thechicndamned.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen26 October 2013 at 19:46

      I love nudes so much, it is great for summer, but then again they are great all year round! :)

      Delete
  19. DeeK23 October 2013 at 15:06

    Really nice nude colour!!
    Would you mind checking my blog out?
    Thanks!
    http://www.thedeiyeon.blogspot.sg

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown23 October 2013 at 22:50

    This is such a great nude polish! I can never find one I like but I love Essie nail polishes! It's probably my favorite brand!

    I've started following you on GFC and BlogLovin' and hopefully you can return the favor!

    The Cassie Paige

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sakuranko24 October 2013 at 06:45

    I love it this color looks very pretty, the shade is very neutral. I love it the neutral nail polsih because looks more natural and for me natural is pretty. Many thanks for share.
    xx

    I want invite you to Join to my MOOTTA Giveaway for win "Innisfree Masks + Anklet"

    ReplyDelete
  22. blond-yasmin24 October 2013 at 07:34

    Beautiful color and great nails <3
    I invite you and your lovely readers to my first giveaway - you can win 30$ voucher code on glasses from Firmoo :)

    Details: http://blond-yasmin.blogspot.com/2013/10/firmoo-giveaway-30-voucher-code-for-you.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown25 October 2013 at 02:08

    I love a pretty nude nail polish! And $8 is a bargain! I think they're 2 for $20 at Priceline atm too.
    I don't have any Essie polishes - a little too pricey for me, but some of their shades are just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen26 October 2013 at 19:47

      Yess I just saw the 2 for $20 at Priceline! Not sure what I want from there, been looking at their top coats but I want to read a few reviews on them first :) They are quite pricey at full price unfortunately :(

      Delete
  24. Cathi Graham, online beauty store owner27 October 2013 at 08:33

    This polish is such a neutral color that can be worn with almost any outfit. You're right to be disappointed about it chipping after only one day. Maybe a top coat could help it last a little longer?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen27 October 2013 at 21:37

      I agree, it's such a versatile shade! It could probably do with a top coat, I'm still yet to purchase a decent one... :)

      Delete
  25. H O N E Y27 October 2013 at 21:44

    ♥BEAUTIFUL, i love your pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Unknown28 October 2013 at 12:50

    does it have a matte finish? ^^ great blog post btw

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yulie29 October 2013 at 02:58

    great review! the colour looks very nice!
    Maybe we follow each other !?
    If yes let me know if you follow me & i´ll follow back :)

    Greetings

    www.YulieKendra.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown31 October 2013 at 10:02

    It looks like Essie have a really good range of colours, and I was really excited when they were first released in AUstralia in Priceline, but the price! They're exactly $20 each where I live. Ridiculous.

    Beauty Challenged

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen6 November 2013 at 21:27

      The price is absolutely ridiculous, it's just a nail polish! I just adore their packaging though :)

      Delete
  29. Mishelles Sleepy Time31 October 2013 at 16:50

    Lovely colour :) I only own one essie polish because they are so pricey!

    ReplyDelete
  30. f-allenrose31 October 2013 at 23:15

    such a pretty colour, i absolutely love nude nail polish :) x

    ReplyDelete
  31. skinny-donut2 November 2013 at 12:20

    Omg that's insane $17 for Essie polish? Here in NYC, Target has them for $8-10 and I find them expensive! Wish I could send you some :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen8 December 2013 at 00:06

      It is such an insane price! Hehe if only you could send them to me :P

      Delete
  32. Unknown3 November 2013 at 13:16

    i don't have any essie polishes they're a bit $$lol

    http://toth3stars.blogspot.com
    followed you:)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Unknown5 November 2013 at 10:46

    I love Essie polish!
    Unfortunately I don't have many
    because they're pretty expensive.
    But I love that color.
    The nude look is always in style ✿

    Cristielle |~Fairytale Princess ♡~

    ReplyDelete
  34. Angela6 November 2013 at 17:40

    Gorgeous nude nail polish. I love the pictures you take too!

    Would appreciate if you checked out my blog :)
    notanobession.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sophie ❤︎6 November 2013 at 19:30

    Stunning nail polish! I've been wanting these for ages but I can't seem to find Essie in Australia. I've just been through almost your whole blog and I just love it! I followed you!
    -Sophie xo
    http://itssophiebella.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen8 December 2013 at 00:35

      Aww thank you for your kind comment! You can get Essie at Priceline now :)

      Delete
  36. lizchewy8 November 2013 at 19:04

    Pretty!! This color is so subtle and elegant. Too bad it chips so quickly though.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Moeri 17 November 2013 at 20:14

    This color is so beautiful, I love it so much!!

    Xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  38. Vicky19 November 2013 at 13:42

    Never actually tried Essie polishes before, but I always loved their shades! Don't know if I will try it cause its so expensive and chips so fast...but nice shade! Goes well with the colors of this blog too lol

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown19 November 2013 at 22:38

    I'v never tried that brand but thats a nice colour!

    xx
    emi-rii.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Unknown21 November 2013 at 07:49

    My favorite is Essence's pale pink color and base coat from Essie!!! Oh and my favorite top coat is Seche Vite! <3 I've just followed you on GFC, looking forward to your next post love!!

    xoxo, Mango ❤
    MangoRabbitRabbit's Blog | Holiday Party Outfit: Little White Dress

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ajdas blog26 November 2013 at 21:34

    This one is so nice! I love the natural shades!

    WIN A DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH: http://www.ajdas.com/2013/11/giveaway-daniel-wellington-watch.html/

    ReplyDelete
  42. Unknown2 December 2013 at 03:39

    Color is so adorable :D
    Follow each other?
    I'm a beginning fashion blogger check out my blog www.shawsy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dawn3 December 2013 at 00:37

    The color is absolutely gorgeous! *u*

    ReplyDelete
  44. Unknown9 December 2013 at 19:32

    thank you for visiting my blog and the comment! <33 hehe

    xx
    emi-rii.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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  46. Poonam Lalwani25 August 2023 at 21:26

    Nice Post!
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Thanks for your lovely comments, I check all of your blogs!

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