Essie Winter 2013 Shearling Darling Collection

The Essie Winter 2013 Collection features six new colors ranging from deep reds to soft pastels. The transition from spring/summer to fall/winter is always about swapping out your neon pinks for wine reds, so this collection is spot on for winter 2013.

(These shades are in order based on the above photo starting at the top from left-right, then at the bottom from left-right).

Toggle To The Top is described as a sparkling crushed garnet red. When I first saw this color, I immediately thought of Essie’s Leading Lady. I was surprised they released such a similar color to just last year’s winter collection, even though Toggle To The Top is a slightly cooler toned version of Leading Lady. All of this aside, this sparkling ruby shade is not only perfect for winter but for the holiday season as well. I have read many reviews on this shade, and my overall impression is that it requires two full coats + topcoat to make your nails look like the color in the bottle.

Shearling Darling is described as a rich, plush ebony red. Being the namesake of the collection, Shearling Darling just exudes vampy halloween-esque appeal! I love oxblood nail polishes – not only are they chic and feminine but they flatter such a wide range of skin tones, making them extremely versatile. I definitely will be purchasing this shade, even though I have some similar hues from Essie already.

Warm & Toasty Turtleneck is described as a wisteria pink angora. Lately it has seemed like Essie always throws in a lavender in every collection, and I also view this as more of a spring than winter color. However, this dusty lavender is not a bright hue, so it could still work for the winter season.

Sable Collar is described as a luxurious pearlescent cocoa plum. Sable Collar‘s luxurious pearlescent cocoa plum consistency made it a unique and fresh addition to this Essie nail polish collection. While I wasn’t immediately drawn to this shade, it actually looks very flattering once applied.

Parka Perfect is described as a serenely shimmering alpine gray. Described as a muted dark teal, Parka Perfect has a stunning pearl finish. This was another blogger favorite, as it is very unique and not like any other previous Essie. Although winter is usually all about the dark hues, this color along with Warm & Toasty Turtleneck somehow work.

Mind Your Mittens is described as a deep, double diamond black teal. This is by far my favorite one in the collection. With it’s dark green teal hue, it’s perfect for winter and a great alternative to classic black. I can’t wait to try out this shade, and will try to post a review of it this week!

Have you tried any colors in Essie’s Winter 2013 collection? Let me know what you thought in the comments below! 🙂