Skittles for Essie - A tribute

As many of you probably know, Essie of iHeartPrettyPolish has announced that she is stepping away from blogging, possibly forever. :(  HUGE sad face!  But I'm also very proud of her for making a hard yet necessary choice, for her well-being.
In honor of her fabulous style and famous skittlette combinations, some of her blogger buddies and I (Melissa of Lacquer Reverie, Christine of Polished Marvels, Liesl of Liesl Loves Pretty Things, and Dani of From Polish, with Love), inspired by her manis, hatched a secret plan to create our own skittlettes to celebrate & appreciate her & let her know she's loved - whether or not she is blogging - and will always be an inspiration. :)  So here's to you, Essie dear!!!! :D

Each polish used in this mani has a story.
Thumb: Zoya Reagan
I first saw it in one of Essie's posts, and was convinced it was the perfect raspberry creme. It is.
Pointer: Essie Sand Tropez
This is especially special - the polish that started my & Essie's friendship. :)  I had commented on her post about this polish, saying I was looking for the perfect nude, and she graciously offered to just send it to me because it wasn't right for her skintone.
Middle: Butter London Victoriana
A brand-new acquisition as of yesterday, highly recommended by Essie as one of her all-time favorites.  I can totally understand why!
Ring: Julep Trina + Hit Polish Retro Chic (now d/c & 40% off, fyi!)
Essie included this one as a little surprise when she sent me Sand Tropez, which was unbelievably kind...my first introduction to what a great group nail bloggers are!  I topped it with Retro Chic because in her skittlettes, she usually did a blingy accent with a Shimmer polish.  Having none, I improvised & I think the colors of glitter in RC go well with the cremes. :)
Pinkie: Essie Mojito Madness
Another one I saw in an old post of hers.  I fell in love with the shade, and despite my trepidation towards greens, I had to have it.  Boy, am I glad I saw that post!  This polish transports me to a tropical isle every time.

All of these polishes have top-notch formulas, easy two-coaters (some only one: Reagan, Trina, & Mojito Madness), and they dry super  shiny!  I only put Seche Vite over the glitter accent nail.  For real!!
*Note: I did use two coats of all except Trina & Retro Chic simply to ensure the highest quality for this post.

My blog would probably not exist were it not for her.  Here's an email excerpt of her prompting me to start one: "Well maybe you should have a blog. :) Let me know if you need help starting one! I'll be your first follower. And awesome that you are in Minnesota. That's another reason you need a blog, I have no other bloggers in MN that I know about. :( I'm lonely."
Once I decided to take the plunge, she gave me SO much support & countless helpful tips, like turning off the word verification thing for comments, nail & cuticle care (including her own routine), and a helpful guide to painting your nails neatly when she saw how frustrated I was getting with it. :)

I want to thank you SO MUCH for being a part of not only my hobby blogging life, but also a real-life friend - even though we've never met.  You're a wonderful person whom I feel so privileged to know.  I wish you all the best in life & in blogging, should you ever decide to come back. :)  ♥