Le Métier de Beauté Mediterranean Holiday Nail Lacquer - The Gods and Goddesses for Summer 2011

Le Métier de Beauté's Mediterranean Holiday Nail Lacquer, The Gods and Goddesses ($10), introduced for Summer 2011, will put me into nail color again! It has been years since I wore nail color regularly. Gardening has a way of ruining a beautiful manicure, whether you wear gloves or not.

The four shades just introduced by Le Métier de Beauté are so beautiful - and I'm not able to actively work outside like I used to do - I'll be wearing nail color again, looking glamorous.

With the mercury rising, it's time to slip into sandals too. Those toes can look as good as your hands with Le Métier de Beauté's Mediterranean Holiday Nail Collection. It will remind you of warm sand beneath your toes and the smell of ocean air. I was emotionally transported to the beach the moment I saw the shades.

The four new shades are named for Greek Gods and Goddesses.

• Dionysus - inspired by the God of rapture and bliss, of wine making and wine and the grape harvest, this deep turquoise/teal blue suggests the rich, fertile earth from which the grapes spring.
• Eris - from the Goddess of discord springs chaos, and from chaos springs the appreciation of beauty, simplicity, and order. This rich bronze shade banishes chaos and finishes the nails in finery.
• Hera - the Goddess of love and marriage, Hera was said to be the most beautiful of all Goddesses. This not-too-dark, not-too-light neutral metallic is a perfectly balanced color that will flatter any look.
• Athena - The Goddess of wisdom - strong and fair - would find her match in this sea-green hue, a strong, feminine shade with many facets.

Specifically formulated to avoid harmful ingredients, as all Le Métier de Beauté products are, these nail lacquers are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. They are Proposition 65-compliant (meaning they contain no chemicals related to cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm). They are fortified with strengthening proteins and hydrators that are good for your nails. These beauties are nicely pigmented, depositing rich, extremely glossy, and long-wearing color. I have been so tempted to try Le Métier de Beauté's nail colors. Lisa Lingis had given me a clear lacquer as a gift with purchase, and I was impressed with its long wear. Now, I'll be sporting my favorite colors, courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté's generous gift.

I played with the colors today, drawing a stripe in the center of each on my fingernails so that you could see the shades. I only applied one coat, and I took my photos in full sun. Feast your eyes on these pretty colors!

To the right above are Dionysus and Eris. Eris is the bronze shade. Both are scrumptious. At left is Athena, one of the prettiest light green shades I've ever seen. Below right on my pinkie is Hera, a gorgeous gold. Surely these colors transport you to the beach!

All four of the shades are stunning. It's going to be difficult to decide "who's on first." What do you think? Shall I be a green or bronze gal this week? I'll get a photo for you when I finish a complete application.

Scroll down to see the Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for summer, if you didn't see it already. The collection arrived at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. The testers have arrived at Neiman Marcus locally, but without the stock. I'm sure they will receive it next week.

Check out Le Métier de Beauté's Facebook page to see more.

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté