THIS CONTENT WAS PRODUCED FOR Essie BY THE FOUNDRY @ MEREDITH CORP. PEOPLE EDITORIAL STAFF WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION OR PRODUCTION.

Build a Bucket List
Worth Celebrating for essie’s 40th Birthday

essie is turning 40 and fab-hue-lous, and we’re inviting you to join the party! For 40 years, essie has been “checking off” colorful milestones every day with its decadent polish and iconic shade names. To celebrate together, we rounded up some of our favorite memorable and sharable activities to inspire your own birthday bucket list or next “something new.” Take our quiz to find the perfect activity to add to your list or browse the colors below for tips to get started. It’s time to live life to the fullest this summer… the possibilities are at your fingertips!

Find Your
Bucket List Activity

Get inspired by essie’s iconic shades

Click a Color to Browse Bucket List Inspiration

Send It
Snail-Mail

Inspired by essie Eternal Optimist
Brought to you by

Check out how, below!

Make Every
Day Gourmet

Inspired by essie Forever Yummy
Brought to you by

Check out how, below!

Spice Up
Your Cocktail

Inspired by essie The Zest Is Yet To Come
Brought to you by

Check out how, below!

Style It Second-Hand,
S’il vous plaît!

Inspired by essie Mademoiselle | Brought to you by

Check out how, below!

Bring the Hawaiian
Vibe Home

Inspired by essie Bikini So Teeny | Brought to you by

Check out how, below!

Send It
Snail-Mail

3 Tips to Brighten Someone’s Day
With a Letter

Inspired by essie Eternal Optimist

Looking for a way to brighten someone’s day? Embody the spirit of essie’s Eternal Optimist polish and take a trip to the stationery store to stock up on colorful pens and paper. Nothing sparks joy like a handwritten note, so get inspired to sign, seal, and send a message with love.

essie
Eternal
Optimist

Make it Cute
and Colorful!

Want your letter to hit all the right notes? Take a minute to compose your thoughts, then choose the best medium for your message. If you’re sending birthday wishes or congratulations, go big and bold with a cute card and colorful pens. If you’re reconnecting with an old friend or expressing heartfelt thanks, break out the personalized stationery and brush up on your cursive.

Stamp
with Style

They may seem old-fashioned in our world of emails and texts, but stamps are the unsung heroes of letter-writing! They’re also the first thing your reader will notice when they see your note in the mail. A classic stamp will do the trick, but if you want to get fancy, try ordering a special edition postage stamp from your local post office.

Spritz
and Send

Seal your envelope and add a final flourish with a spritz of your signature perfume. The light scent will add to the experience of opening your letter and leave a lasting impression. Then simply drop your letter in the mail and wait for a thoughtful reply!

Make Every
Day Gourmet

3 Ways to Make Your Meals Extra Yummy—and Pretty!

Inspired by essie Forever Yummy

If you’ve been cooking up a storm over the past year, it’s time to show off your skills! Embrace easy ways to up the “wow” factor in your everyday cooking, from fun gadgets to tasty garnishes and trendy tableware. Inspired by the bold red of essie’s Forever Yummy polish, these tips will motivate you to make up a menu and invite a few friends for dinner and drinks under the stars.

essie
Forever
Yummy

Fill Up
on Flavor

When it comes to creating new dishes, look no further than your spice drawer for inspiration. Simple tools like a mortar and pestle will help you grind everything from peppercorn to coriander seeds, so you can layer flavor onto everything from toast to veggies.

Plate to
Perfection

Make a statement with upscale plating techniques—they’re easier to master than they look! Try shaping grains like rice and quinoa before transferring them to a dish: Simply pack them into a small bowl, place it upside-down on your plate, and give it a gentle tap to release. Feel free to play up the color scheme of your meal with vibrant tableware in different shades, shapes, and sizes.

Up Your
Garnish Game

Put the finishing touches on your culinary masterpiece with toppings that make the flavors pop. An artful dash of honey or a handful of herbs atop your toast, protein, or pasta will complement your dish and make it look divine. Now, raise a glass and toast to your good taste!

Spice Up
Your Cocktail

3 Easy Steps to Make Your Cocktail Colorful

Inspired by essie The Zest Is Yet To Come

Calling all budding bartenders, it’s your moment to shine! Go to your garden and craft a zesty cocktail with citrus fruits, herbs, and peppers for a kick. Not only are these the tastiest ingredients of the season, they’re also healthy picks that will make your drink of choice that much sweeter. These tips, inspired by the spicy color of essie’s Zest Has Yet to Come polish, will help you mix like a master.

essie
The Zest Is
Yet To Come

Grow and
Gather

Fresh fruits and veggies from your garden or local farmer’s market can instantly elevate any cocktail. Gather up grapefruits or blood oranges to blend, then balance their sweet-and-sour flavor with a mint-infused simple syrup.

Shake It Up!

Measure out two ounces of liquor (tequila, gin, or vodka works best) and two ounces of your home-grown mix. Add everything to a chic cocktail shaker with a few mint leaves and gently muddle—the sugar will help to release the refreshing flavor. Then, fill your shaker with ice and give it a spirited shake.

The Finishing
Touch

Grab a stylish glass and wet the rim with a paper towel before gently rolling it in salt or sugar. Then give yourself a healthy pour! Don’t forget to garnish your drink with a slice of lime or a dried chili pepper for extra heat—and a gorgeous effect.

Style It
Second-Hand

3 Easy Tips for Recreating French Fashion

Inspired by essie Mademoiselle

What to do when you’re over your same-old style? Rendezvous with a friend and go hunting for French fashion, of course! Search the racks of your favorite vintage store or trawl the web for coveted pieces that will breathe life into your wardrobe. Keep an eye out for accessories with that je ne sais quoi, like essie’s elegant Mademoiselle polish, and you’ll have a new look in no time.

essie
Mademoiselle

Grab a
Chic Clutch

Compact, cute, and easy to carry—what’s not to love about a clutch? Look for classic styles to pair with a summertime staples like sundress and jumpsuits, or spring for a statement-maker with bold beads or a playful pattern.

Say It
with Silk

Nothing says “glamour” like an elegant silk scarf. It doesn’t have to be French to look the part, either! For an à la mode look, take your scarf and fold it into a thin band, then wrap it around your neck and cross the ends at the back. Bring them back around and tie a loose just under your chin, then turn the scarf so the knot sits slightly to one side. Voila!

Re-Invent
the Heel

Whether you’re breaking in new shoes or revamping a beloved old pair, new socks can take your footwear from worn-out to winner. Get girly with a retro flower print or slip into something more colorful for a look that stands out.

Bring the
Hawaiian Vibe
Home

3 Tips to Turn Any Outdoor Space Into a Tropical Happy Place!

Inspired by essie Bikini So Teeny

Odds are you’ve been dreaming of a tropical escape—but before you book that plane ticket, why not bring the Aloha spirit straight to your own backyard? With a few festive additions and some clever crafting, you can turn your outdoor space into the perfect setting for a Luau-themed gathering. Get ready to make your place feel like a proper getaway with these tips, inspired by the cool blue hue of essie’s Bikini So Teeny polish.

essie
Bikini So Teeny

Lei It On!

You might not be a florist, but you can fool your friends with these easy-to-make leis. Start with several bouquets of carnations (stems removed), a needle, and a spool of fine string. Thread your needle and knot the string to create a firm end, then weave up through the bottom of each flower to the top of the blossom. Repeat until the thread is full, then tie your finished lei and wear it with pride!

Punch
Things Up

Tropical refreshments have a way of transporting us to the beach, even if the ocean is miles away. Serve up a juicy Mojito with hints of passionfruit or a coconutty Piña Colada for an instant island vibe, and don’t forget to garnish it with a campy (but classic) umbrella!

Make Your Patio
a Paradise

When it comes to setting a vacation scene, it’s all about the senses. Beautiful blooms will add color, texture, and a delightful fragrance to your space. Stock up on fresh flowers like orchids and lilies or bring home a sun-loving Bird of Paradise to serve as a centerpiece you can enjoy all summer long.