When Ashley from Emerald & Ash contacted me about swatching this new polish and described the great cause associated with “Desert Tears”, I told her YES right away! First, here is a swatch, then I’ll give you the background info!
• And oh by the way, the release date is Friday March 6th at 5pm MST.
Quoting Ashley, “The reason this is such a special polish for both Nate and I is because it was created to help our amazing and dear friend Mark. Mark will be walking across the Sahara Desert in April as a part of The Marathon Des Sables, which is a 6 day endurance race. He’s doing this in partnership with Walking with the Wounded as a way to raise money and awareness for wounded vets. This isn’t his first first grueling trek as he was partnered with Walking with the Wounded, winter of 2013, in a race across Antarctica to reach the South Pole.”
Mark’s Remarks (pun intended):
“Nate and Ashley of Emerald & Ash have long been friends of a participant in the upcoming Marathon des Sables (MdS). This race is a challenging 150 mile foot race across parts of the Sahara completed in 5 days of running. Participants carry all of their own equipment and food with the exception of water being provided every 5-10 miles.”
Their friend, Mark Wise, is taking on this challenge as a representative of the US military wounded veteran community. Mark was wounded in Afghanistan in October 2009 by an IED, while losing his soldier and friend Pfc. Devin Michel. Mark has made it his mission to continue to support other veterans through advocacy, public speaking, and completing various challenges to demonstrate the capabilities of wounded veterans and disabled persons following their life changing events.
This year Mark will complete the MdS with a team of British wounded service members, all running independently, but united as a team in supporting charitable causes for veterans. We at Emerald & Ash are supporting Mark’s fundraising effort by donating 50% of all Desert Tears polish sales to the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
The Woodruff Foundation’s mission is to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they return home by funding innovative programs in communities where veterans, their families and caregivers live and work.
If interesting in donating directly to Mark’s MdS race efforts, please visit the link below and make sure to include a note (per Mark’s request) stating you found his efforts through our page.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/MarkWise
Mark further explains, “Throughout my journey of injury, recovery, and advocacy I have been blessed to have Nate and Ashley as close personal friends. They have always been giving in their time, thoughts, and energy. Veterans returning from conflict today are all in need of similar friends and family to care for them and help them continue to grow as an individual and friend. Thank you both again for your friendship.”
About Desert Tears from Ashley:
“Desert Tears came about when we asked Mark if we could help him fundraise by creating a polish for his adventure. When offered to pick a color he joked that it should be sand colored for all of the sand he’ll be looking at. He went on to joke that, no, maybe it should be water colored because that’s all he’ll be thinking about wanting. Thus a polish idea was born. Mark humorously and aptly named the polish Desert Tears.”
Desert Tears is a sandy taupe crelly-ish base with scattered holo. It’s filled with flecks of bright blue micro flakes and a touch of blue shimmer. Depending on the light the color can pull a true sand color, a taupe and even a greige. Perfect in 2-3 coats depending on your application. I applied two quick drying coats!
Additional information:
In conjunction with E & A donating a portion of proceeds from sales from Desert Tears to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, they are offering a free Emerald & Ash nail polish of your choice (excluding Desert Tears) to anyone who chooses to make a $5+ donation directly to Mark’s MdS race efforts via:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/MarkWise
To redeem this additional offer, we simply ask that you take a screenshot of your donation confirmation to send to info@emeraldandash.com, after which time we will send a coupon code for you to use at your convenience.
I can’t think of a better way to contribute to our wounded soldiers and their families and this is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. So thank you Ashley and Nate! Head over to Ashley and Nate’s store now to order any other fantastic products and of course remember, release date for Desert Tears is Friday March 6th at 5pm MST
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*This product was sent to me for my honest review and all opinions are my own.
Lacquered Lori 