New Essie treats

After a stressful couple of weeks (hence the lack of posts this month), I decided to treat myself to some new nail colours, partly to celebrate my new healthier nails, and partly because by chance I found Essie nail polish being sold at half price.

Essie is relatively new to Brussels. They started stocking it at some Di branches (Superdrug type stores) about two months ago, but I didn't know that they had it at the incredibly posh 'Haute Parfumerie' down the road from me on Place Stephanie. Senteurs d'Ailleurs has taken up a whole block on Place Steph and despite it's gorgeous dark alluring appearance it remains, to me at least, prohibitively intimidating. There is the parfumerie at the front, all black shelves and burning candles and shop assistants gliding around in sleek black suits. At the back via a separate entrance is the brighter, but equally intimidating 'Haute Cosmetique', where you can buy skincare and make-up. This is very much like Space NK in the UK.

So, the other day I saw a little paper on the door of the 'Haute Cosmetique'; 50% off all Essie polish.

I didn't really need much more encouragement to push open the door and shamelessly start grabbing bottles.

Splash of Grenadine

I was drawn to the sorbet berry gorgeousness that is Splash of Grenadine....

Mint Candy Apple

the chic, cool minty turquoise that is Mint Candy Apple...

Lapis of Luxury

the beautiful periwinkle tone of Lapis of Luxury....

Sand of a Beach

and the prettiest lilac, nude shimmer that is Sand of a Beach (how much do you love that name???)

Sand of a Beach has an incredible pink-lilac shimmer to it which I've tried (and probably failed) to capture here. It truly is STUNNING, like crushed mother of pearl on your nails. I can't wait to wear this!

These bottles were reduced to €6.89 each which is a great price for Essie polishes here in Europe. I urge all you pretty polish lovers to get yourselves down to Place Stephanie before they stop the offer, which I expect they will do soon, especially after I raided the joint again yesterday and also picked up Cute as a Button, Tart Deco and Au Naturel for good measure.....

Don't they all look purty together?

Senteurs d'Ailleurs is on 1a Place Stephanie, Brussels. If you're an expat and your hankering after brands you thought you could only find in the elsewhere then know that the Haute Cosmetique stocks Khiels, Laura Mercier, Bumble and Bumble, Molton Brown, Tom Ford Dermalogica & Eve Lom amongst others. The Haute Parfumerie stocks Jo Malone, Ormonde Jayne, Penhaligons and lots of other hard to find scents.

So, what colour should I try first?