Essie Urban Jungle

Essie Urban Jungle is one of two neutrals in this summer's Haute in the Heat collection and if you ask me, it's incredibly versatile and so, so pretty. Essie calls this shade as an "irresistible alabaster orchid", which is a perfectly chic description for a perfectly chic polish. Although it looks like your run-of-the-mill off-white creme, Urban Jungle has hints of grey, pink, and yes, pale, pale lavender/orchid depending on the lighting. Surprisingly, I don't have a dupe for this in my collection.

This shade is awesome for everything. I feel like it would be right at home on the tips of everybody from a romantic bride to a fashionista to a poolside sun bather. Between this and Chinchilly, I have to say that Essie is amazing at coming out with beautiful and versatile shades that don't quite look like anything else.

Essie Urban Jungle in indirect natural light
But it's not a perfect 10 for me. I've generally felt that the Essie formula is tricky to work with, and Urban Jungle is no exception. It's streaky and although it evens out significantly by the third coat, you can see at some angles that the end result can be slightly lumpy (a generous coat of Seche Vite or other thick top coat helps a lot, too.) It is a bit unforgiving, so it is best to apply in as few brush strokes as possible (don't go back to "smooth out" a stroke!) and very gingerly with light pressure on the brush. Even with some application issues, I love this curiously unique shade and will wear it year round!

Do you have a favourite neutral polish?


Available at London Drugs, Essie: ~$8.50 CAD / 13.5ml (0.46 fl oz)