Essie Cosmetics, Ltd. and Brazilian sandal brand Havaianas recently joined forces to co-host a summer event for beauty bloggers and web editors. Forty of New York’s beauty online media attended and were introduced to the Essie Neon and Summer collections, along with Havaianas new “Fit” sandal, which boats a supercute ankle strap on the iconic flip flop. At the event, I got a pedi with Essie’s new polish in Perky Purple, (pictured all the way on the left, above) a vibrant, hot purple that’s just SPESH. So spesh, in fact, that after I rocked it to a bridal shower for my friend Shelby this weekend in NJ, both Shelby and my friend Erin ran to their nail techs and jacked my steez. I didn’t mind because it was truly THE perf hue for Mem Day.

At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting THE Essie Weingarten! Essie was unbelievably down to earth, despite the fact that her eponymous brand is THE go-to brand in salons. It’s my fave, by far. She shared a juicy tidbit with Jim and me about Seal (hubby of Heidi Klum, in case you’re not aware) enjoying some navy blue Essie polish on his toes. Loving it, Essie!

The deets on the collection:

Punchy Pink – Delicious berry icicle

Flirty Fuchsia – Flaming hot magenta

Funky Limelight – Brilliant day-glo yellow

Perky Purple – Electric boogie violet

Essie recommends you apply a base and top coat like essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish, since neon nail colors are naturally a bit matte.

The essie Neon Color Collection is a limited-edition collection, available now at www.essie.com and fine spas, salons and beauty stores nationwide in May 2009. $8 each.

Which color will you rock first?