Press Sample of
Essie Retro Revival Collection

Essie has brought back 6 retro shades for the Essie Retro Revival collection. I was pretty excited to see what shades were brought back, especially since Starry Starry Night was one of the 6 shades. Pretty much everyone in the nail polish world knows that Essie Starry Starry Night is probably one of the most coveted polishes out there. I remember 4 years ago I saw it on eBay and was super excited… until the price went over $300. Excitement went away because that’s a bit too rich for my blood.

The Essie Retro Revival Collection brings back shades that were released (I believe in limited edition collections) over the last 35 years.

I’ve been part of the Rite Aid Network now for 2 years and when they asked if I was interested in reviewing this collection from Essie I was really excited. It should be popping up in your local Rite Aid too, so if you are interested in snagging any of the shades, you should be able to find them there!

Let’s take a look at each shade and I’ll include each shades original launch year!

Essie Starry Starry Night

Essie Retro Revival Collection Starry Starry Night Swatch

Essie Starry Starry Night is probably the shade that got everyone in a tizzy when this collection was announced. While it’s pretty – it’s not exactly like the original. Sheila from Pointless Cafe did a comparison of the original vs the Retro Revival version so you can see how it compares.

Starry Starry Night (new version) is a midnight blue jelly base with silver and blue small glitters mixed in. I used 2 coats and a glossy top coat for these photos.

The formula was a bit on the thick side, but wasn’t impossible to work with. Do I think it’s worth picking up even though it’s not identical to the original? Yes. It’s still pretty. I already bought a backup bottle.

The original Essie Starry Starry Night released in 1997.

Essie Life Of The Party

 Essie Retro Revival Collection Life Of The Party Swatch

Essie Life of the Party is a medium red shimmery polish. It reminds me of a shade my grandmother would have worn, which makes me kind of love it. I used 2 coats for these photos but probably should have gone with 3.

Essie Life of the Party made it’s original appearance in 2002.

Essie Bikini With A Martini

 Essie Retro Revival Collection Bikini With A Martini Swatch

Essie Bikini With A Martini is a sheer frosted pink. I actually expected this to be one of the older shades that was brought back, but it’s actually the newest. I used 3 thin coats and a glossy top coat for these photos.

When I first saw “frost” as a description I wasn’t sure what I would think – but I actually like how delicate this shade is. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea though.

Essie Bikini With A Martini was originally released in 2006.

Essie Birthday Suit

Essie Retro Revival Collection Birthday Suit Swatch

Essie Birthday Suit is the oldest shade to be brought back, and since the Essie Retro Revival collection is to celebrate Essie’s 35th Birthday – this polish makes total sense. The name is obvious – but also because it was one of the original Essie shades released back in 1981. I wasn’t even born yet (1982 baby)

Birthday Suit is a delicate pale nude crelly. I used 3 thin coats and a glossy top coat for these photos.

Essie Cabana Boy

Essie Retro Revival Collection Cabana Boy Swatch

Essie Cabana Boy is a pearly pale grey. Minor brush strokes are visible with this shade. I used 2 coats and a glossy top coat for these photos.

Cabana Boy made it’s first appearance in 2005

Essie Sequin Sash

Essie Retro Revival Collection Sequin Sash Swatch

Essie Sequin Sash is the 6th and final Retro Revival shade. This shade reminds me of the polishes I remember seeing a lot of growing up.This is a sheer frosted light bronze with silver microglitters mixed in. I didn’t care for this color at first, then when I was cropping photos for this post I saw it and though “huh, that doesn’t look too bad with my skin tone” and have worn it twice since. It grew on me.

I used 3 thin coats and a glossy top coat for these photos. VERY minor brushstrokes are visible.

Essie Sequin Sash was originally released in 2005

 

Essie Retro Revival Collection Overview

When I first saw the collection, I thought Essie Starry Starry Night was the only one I’d really like – but after swatching them, all 6 are wearable for me. I will say that I wish Essie Shine Of The Times had come back, but it is what it is. Aside from Starry Starry Night I actually didn’t know about the rest of these shades.

Application wise, there were a few small hiccups but nothing that would majorly deter me. Starry Starry Night was a little on the thick side, Sequin Sash and Bikini With A Martini were really sheer and the remaining 3 I didn’t find much trouble with.

Price: $8.50 Each

Where To Buy: Rite Aid

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What are your thoughts on the Essie Retro Revival Collection? Were there any shades you were hoping to see brought back, or are you happy with these 6? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

I also have the Winter collection sitting here so you’ll see those make an appearance in the next few days!