This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TargetYourEssence #CollectiveBias
Can we even talk about nails for a second? I type all day long and my manicures last for exactly 3 seconds before I chip something… this leaves me constantly looking for BETTER! Can I get an AMEN?!
I found a new line that is available at select Target stores called Essence. Here in the US, Essence cosmetics is an up and coming brand- but I dug deeper and learned the Germans have known about these goodies since 2001! Known for high quality, on-trend products with super affordable prices, Essence was just what I was looking for. Their nail line offers a wide range of beautiful colors, with base and top coats, giving you the gel manicure you love without harsh lights or a trip to the salon.
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i1.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/essenceattarget-targetyouressence-markup-manicure-tutorial-color-block-ad.jpg?resize=1365%2C1365)
Then there’s style, flirt, and glamor. I want a bit more of that in my life! It’s always a struggle to not fall into my mom ways… after all, before I’m wife, mom, blogger: I’m me. I’m an athletic, on-the-go woman, and I deserve a bit of style and glam in my manicures! So, I went out on a limb and grabbed up some opposites to create my own take on the color block manicure- then took it to my toes for yet another color block revision in a pedicure. And, not to be punny, I nailed it!
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i2.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/target-aisle-with-essence-makeup-ad.jpg?resize=2032%2C3299)
Starting off with my chosen colors shaken and ready to use, I cleaned my bare nails with rubbing alcohol- this assures the perfect adhesion of your nail color. I then applied a basecoat:![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i0.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/basecoat-manicure-essenceattarget-targetyouressence-ad.jpg?resize=1858%2C1911)
With my lighter shade, I painted my ring finger nail on my right hand and all but my ring finger on the left. To recreate this idea on my toes, I painted my big toe in the lighter shade on my right foot and all toes except my big toe on the left.
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i2.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/light-color-essenceattarget-targetyouressence-ad-wildwhiteways.jpg?resize=3612%2C2032)
Using my darker shade, I painted the remainder of my nails and toes.![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i2.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/rock-my-world-blockcolor-manicure-pedicure-beauty-toargetyouressence-essenceattarget-ad.jpg?resize=3612%2C2032)
I then sealed my nails with the gel topcoat and let them dry for about 10 minutes. (Yes, just one coat was perfect!)
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i1.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/applying-top-coat-manicure-gelmanicure-essenceattarget-targetyouressence-ad.jpg?resize=3020%2C1981)
I love the look, and it’s such a subtle difference between hands and feet that you kind of have to look hard to see it… and admire it! I can’t wait to try this out with some super bright colors in the summer!
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i2.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/PEDICURE-blockcolor-targetyouressence-essenceattarget-ad.png?resize=2032%2C2100)
Being able to give myself a fun manicure and pedicure at my leisure is my favorite- experimenting with color and trends makes makeup that much more accessible to everyone- show that personality, right?! So, I opted to try out a few different color blocks, and I’ve gotten quite a few compliments, my favorite being “Girl, that is the perfect everyday any day look.” (Thanks, Starbucks barista for making my day.)
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i1.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/colorblock-manicure-pedicure-makeup-tutorial-targetyouressence-essenceattarget-ad.jpg?resize=2032%2C2032)
And it’s true… Essence helps me create my everyday look, easily- with a wide range of eye color palettes and lip shades, as well as their super fun blush, which actually has a multitude of colors built in- from sunrise oranges to a deep pink. My favorite new product: Make Me Brow eyebrow gel. It’s perfect for taming, and the color gives my brows a highlight without looking painted on- the look is fresh and clean. I love it! Essence gives me all the freedom to be fun, feel beautiful and explore new looks.
![Create your own color block mani/pedi with #EssenceAtTarget. #TargetYourEssence #beauty #makeup [ad]](https://i1.wp.com/aisforadelaide.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IG-post.jpg?resize=2032%2C2032)
Please check out my color block video on IG and my day and nighttime looks- created with most of the same products- on YouTube.
At its core, Essence is about individual beauty of all shapes and sizes, and it shows! All the colors available allow me to express my personality, daily, and create fun, confident looks… even on my hardest days, like the cowl-neck sweatshirt (which is a maternity shirt) days.
Love it! I like to get creative with my nails, too, so I might steal a page out of your book with this 🙂
Oooh! I want to see some of your ideas!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Now that is the type of nail art that I could handle. Maybe I will try this next summer. I would use silver and red.
Heather Johnson recently posted…Pompom Love Monsters Craft
Great combo!!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Haha, I love the video- No snow here in SoCal though! It’s great that Essence has such a wonderful range of cosmetics to not only express one’s self but to make the beauty process more affordable and time friendly for the average woman. Gel manis are the way to go, for sure! #client
They really are- they last so long!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
I love how you did your nails. I have to check out some of the Essence beauty products. It sounds like they a nice variety.
Liz Mays recently posted…Pro Prep Diaries: Checking in on My Four Goals
It’s a great line!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
This looks really nice! I love manicures.
Alicia recently posted…Delta Children: Star Wars Twin Bed
Me too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Gorgeous look- amazing brand! ☺️
Thanks!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Lol. My manicure would only last that long, too. I love your nails!
MyTeenGuide recently posted…6 Irresistibly Binge-Worthy Movies For Your Spring Break Vacay
The gel helps them last longer- thank goodness!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Even I could manage a color block look on my nails–love the black and white look! Maybe for Valentine’s Day I could try Bright Red with Soft Pink.
Michele recently posted…E-Book GA-3-WW-The Blue Butterfly: A Liz Lucas Cozy Mystery-Dianne Harman-Ends 2/26
That sounds perfect!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
I have seen those tutorial videos on how to create some nail art by yourself. I experimented with one and it came out nice too. Uniquely beautiful. I’ll have to try Essence too. Its amazing that you only need one coating!
I love that it dried so fast, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
I really love the stylish and fashionable looks that you were able to achieve with these products. It’s so important to not only look good but to feel good too.
Toughcookiemommy recently posted…Let Inspiration Fuel Your Dreams! #ForTheDream @CocaCola #Ad
Exactly!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
The color block design is super cute and so versatile! I am totally in love with that gray polish too.
Marcie W. recently posted…Simplify Your Custody Schedule With SharedCare – App Review
It’s a really great color!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
Color blocking is such a fun look. Now I feel the urge to have a mani/pedi!
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Get it!!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
I saw color block and was thinking you were doing blocks of color on each nail. I can definitely handle the alternating color between nails, just not several colors on ONE.
Oh no… I have to be a bit more realistic in my nails with the kids running around! I would love to experiment more, but I would have to have a few minutes to myself! 😉
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!
This is a cute manicure! I like the idea of using color blocking to add excitement without being too complicated.
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YES! That was totally my idea!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…The 11 Best Ways to Ruin Your Cloth Diapers!