Day 2 - Essie "Mademoiselle"

A little more than seven years ago, I had my first manicure, and that was such an exciting day for me. As I looked up at the huge wall of nail polish colors, I can remember imagining how the different colors would look on my fingers, and how they would compliment my skin tone. This sounds a little crazy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s true. In my left hand, I held two colors: a shimmering red, which seemed too mature, and a bubblegum pink, which was too bright for my tiny finger nails. I grasped my third option tightly in my right hand, a sheer, light pink. It was called Mademoiselle, which means “young woman” in French. Everything about this color was perfect for me. It felt sophisticated and clean, and, as a child, that meant maturity. I wanted to be treated as an adult, and in my opinion, it was better to start small. This simple nail color was the perfect step into adulthood, according to my seven-year-old mind.

Even today, this color is one of my favorites. This barely-there shade still represents maturity to me, even at 14-years-old. It keeps my nails looking polished and clean, but adds a little bit of shine at the same time. It works with every outfit that I have, and whether it’s to school, a dinner with my parents, or a party, it’s completely wearable. From my first manicure, I’ve gone through three bottles of this Essie nail color, and I’m still working on my fourth. With every use, I find myself thinking about the same things I did seven years ago, as if nothing’s changed. It’s one of my most-used beauty products, and I hope I never forget the memories that it holds.