Week after week I've slowly worked my way through the bedazzling Luxeffects by Essie. I can't really decide which one's been my favourite, but it looks like Pure Pearlfection is right up there with the likes of Butter London's Frilly Knickers. These five magical top coats are really worth investing in if you can find them at your local salon, Target, Ulta, etc. I think after I finally give As Gold as it Gets a whirl, I'll then truly begin to understand how far Essie has come as a brand. I've been a dedicated OPI girl for years, but Essie and Butter London have proven time and again high quality polishes sometimes come with a certain price and I'm willing to pay for it - well, more like invest:) Let's get to the nails.. I opted to go with Black Licorice, a colour I've never worn. I often associated this colour with goth and punk; it's also been a fad nail look amongst the Hollywood A-listers in recent years. My desire to transform this gloomy colour was high and what better way to alter my perception of black than with Essie's Pure Pearlfection. I would define this multi-purpose polish as a micro glitter set within a clear varnish; if the sun hits the miniature flecks just right, you can see bits of the rainbow. In normal light, it displayed a great black and white duo.

Essie Black Licorice and Pure Pearlfection

By Saturday, I wasn't ready to part ways with this look, because I learned to love black on my nails. I have to discount my efforts with Butter London's The Black Knight due to it's colourful accompaniment of pink, blue and silver.

I should also give a special shout out to my toes.

Essie Set in Stone atop Butter London's Diamond Geezer

They look like little disco balls! We dressed up a standard silver polish, Butter's Diamond Geezer, with Essie's Set in Stone. Even after a week of stuffing my feet into socks and sneakers, I have yet to see any chipping.