Professional nailcare brand Essie is launching its first-ever nail art contest today on YouTube and essie.com. The contest involves an exclusive series of nail art challenges to discover the next great nail artist. Both Essie fans and up-and-coming nail artists will have the opportunity to join the four-phase contest for a chance to win the grand prize of a $20,000 partnership with Essie and a spot at New York Fashion Week with celebrity manicurist, Michelle Saunders. The winners will be selected with a combination of online fan votes and input from Essie’s panel of experts, including:
- Carolyn Holba – general manager, Essie worldwide
- Jenny Fox – founder and vlogger behind Jenny Claire Fox, a top nail art and beauty Youtube channel
- Katie Rodgers – artist and creator of Paper Fashion
- Michelle Saunders – Essie celebrity manicurist
- Rebecca Minkoff – Essie global color designer and industry fashion leader
The essies will run from January 2016 through June 2016, and are broken into four phases, including:
Phase 1: Qualifying Challenge
Qualifying submissions will open to all participants, and contestants will be required to upload two videos to essie.com, including: an “All About You” video and a “Show Us Your Skill” video, creating any nail look using Essie nail and care products.
Phase 2: Spring Trend Challenge
The top ten contestants will receive Essie’s spring 2016 collection and will be challenged to create the ultimate spring trend inspired nail art look.
Phase 3: Dream Getaway Challenge
Six lucky semi-finalists will receive an Essie branded polish rack filled with 90 shades and be tasked with creating a nail art look inspired by their dream getaway.
Phase 4: Blank Canvas Challenge
Three finalists will be flown to New York City to film their last video in YouTube’s studio. For this challenge, they will be given a blank canvas and will be challenged to get expressive. Essie’s expert panel will select the grand-prize winner and fan favorite who will be announced on June 1st.
For complete contest rules and information, please visit essie.com/theessies.