If you ask ANYONE on the HG team, they can tell you that I have been on the #hunt for Essie Couture, Essie’s newest line of long wear gel polish that doesn’t require UV light. I wish I was joking, but I literally sent a PSA out to the team a few weeks ago as if I had lost my dog looking for Essie Couture in Hoboken.
Low and behold, Modern Nails never lets me down. You may remember my very first debut for #HGmanimonday was for none other than Modern Nails {to this day my favorite nail spot in Hoboken}. Well ladies and gents, I couldn’t keep away! Modern ALWAYS has the latest and greatest in stock and I have been dying to try Essie’s new line, Essie Couture.
Not at all to my surprise, Modern seems to be the only salon in town that carries this. Why, you may ask? Because Modern Nails always brings their A-game {and not just because Kim Kardashian has come to visit there}. Here are a few things you need to know about the polish to change all polishes and the salon:
Upgrades to the Salon
Since my post way back when, Modern Nails has made some changes. The floors have been redone, they’ve got some new lighting, and they’ve invested in some amazing pedicure massage chairs. I’m not talking about a massage chair that feels like Phoebe is poking you with spoons {Friends reference, thank you}. Their new chairs have massage settings that your back can actually FEEL! On top of that, during probably the most humid AND hottest day of the summer, they’ve got the cutest retro fans on #blast. It was so nice to not be sweating during my mani/pedi. According to my book, sweat is for the gym and the beach only. Am I right?
These updates to the salon really open up the space and they’ve done a great job. Ken and Jules are still as friendly and appreciative as ever and it was lovely to visit with them again.
Essie Couture 4E.
Let’s talk polish.
For someone who likes to change their polish a lot (but also happens to have a wedding to attend every time they turn around), gel is a major commitment for me. Once in a while if I am going somewhere and don’t want to run the risk of *gasp* chipping and cracking, I’ll give in. But for the most part, it is me and regular polish til I die. I’ve been looking for something in between {aren’t we all?} and I think I’ve found just the trick.
I’m sure you’ve heard of or tried Vinylux, and OPI Shine, but frankly — I’ve never been THAT impressed with either. Finally, Essie {just like Britney} has made a comeback and it is something to talk about.
The Essie Couture line has a TON of shades to choose from – from blush, to warm to deep jewel tones they’ve covered all of their bases. For someone who likes variety as well as organization, even the Essie shelf is helpful to making a decision on your color selection.
A few differences:
- There is no base coat required – just two coats of color, a top coat to set, a few minutes of dry time and you’re ready to go.
- Polish seems to dry rather quickly (you still need to let it set).
- The polish brush is thicker than Essie’s regular polish brush, making the application easier to work with and go on a bit smoother.
- This can be removed with regular nail polish remover. Goodbye Edward Scissor (foil) hands!
The best part? No lights, no harsh removal and it LASTS! I’ve washed my hair, washed dishes, cleaned my entire apartment and have yet to see a scratch.
At Modern, this costs $5 more than a regular mani but I think it is worth the try!
^Pictured here, “Rock the Runway” by Essie Couture. This color is to D-I-E for. So much so that I never get the same color on my hands and feet…this time, I did 🙂
{Midi ring is from dear hannah}
Let us know what you think — we hope this helped with your long-wear polish woes!
Have you had a Hoboken salon experience and lived to tell the nail tale? Post your mani with the hashtag #HGManiMonday on IG — and share your experience with us {tag @hobokengirlblog}.
