Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour

Several weeks ago I was invited to attend a very special event: an advance look at the latest Spring launches from one of my favourite brands, Guerlain. Having heard the rumours for months about a new makeup range, I absolutely could not wait to set eyes on the new La Petite Robe Noire nail lacquers and lipsticks (review forthcoming on the latter), and trust me when I say that this collection is everything I hoped for … and more.

After the incredible success of Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire fragrance launch, several more iterations of this unique scent were to follow with the next logical step being to create a colour cosmetics range that embodies the many facets of the Guerlain ‘La Petite Robe Noire‘ woman. First out of the gate, are the Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour (CAN $27.00), and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with these stunning heart-adorned little beauties.

Guerlain nail polish ranks as one of my absolute favourite formulations and in my opinion, also has one of the best brushes out there (the other being Dior, hands down) and so when I learned that this new collection would be replacing the existing range, my heart literally stopped for a second; thankfully, the powers that be at Guerlain definitely understand not to mess with a good thing, unless it’s to make it better. Which they most definitely managed to do.

The new range comes in black boxes with silver as opposed to gold lettering, and while the price has remained the same, the quantity has dropped somewhat (from 10 ml to 8.8 ml), not significant but still worth mentioning. The shape of the bottle has gone from rectangular to more square, and comes dressed with a removable upside-down heart cap echoing that of its namesake fragrance bottle. The wand is commensurate to the bottle size (and therefore shorter than before) although the brush remains similar in dimension to its predecessor but without the bevelled and chiseled shape of before, being somewhat more splayed out instead – but application is effortless just the same. The biggest change, however, is that this formula is now scented; when the solvents evaporate after application the ‘sweet gourmand fragrance with accents of red berries and petals‘ is in line with La Petite Robe Noire’s original accord, and can linger for about 24 hours but can be refreshed anew with a layer of top coat. The specific resin in the formula provides a suppleness and elasticity to the film, delivering a gloriously shiny and long-lasting, chip-free finish.

La Petite Robe Noire, illustration by Florence Deygas for Guerlain

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour (brush comparisons)

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | Deliciously Shiny Nail Colour (heart caps)

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #001 My First Nail Polish

#001 My First Nail Polish | A ballerina pink sheer base filled with pink and iridescent micro-glitter in a formula that is the thickest of the four shown with an absolutely perfect density and flow. Self levelling, naturally glossy & never opaque, this shade gives a dainty sheer wash of colour to nails, but in a totally sophisticated way. Can also be layered over any other shade for a touch of subtle sparkle.

Swatch above: 2 coats (no top coat)

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #001 My First Nail Polish swatch (3 coats + top coat)

#002 Pink Tie | A colour drenched hot cerise pink crème hue in a formula that is somewhat thinner than My First Nail Polish, but which defines perfection: falling in a self-levelling way, can almost be a one-coater, and comes to a super glossy finish. The vivid colour straddles neon territory in its intensity, but manages to stay adultly wearable just the same. Bonus: non-staining upon removal

Swatch above: 2 coats, plus top coat

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #002 Pink Tie & #001 My First Nail Polish swatch

#003 Red Heels | A saturated red hue with an excellent combination of both cool and warm tones (and thus wearable by basically all skin tones across the board), in yet another STELLAR formula: buttery smooth application, über-glossy finish, and so pigment rich that you can basically get away with one coat for full opacity. Bonus: non-staining upon removal (for a red? consider me IMPRESSED).

Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #003 Red Heels swatch

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #007 Black Perfecto

#007 Black Perfecto | Definitely the most complex and unique of the group, this shade is going to disappear off the shelves, believe me. A charcoal semi-sheer base filled with ultra fine burgundy shimmer in a perfectly balanced formula. Self-levelling like the rest and with a brilliant shine at the finish, perfect opacity is reached by the second coat. Appearing near-black in low light (or rather, more like a blackened cherry hue), this shade really comes into its own once sunlight hits it and picks up all the shimmery bits. Drop. Dead. GORGEOUS.

Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #007 Black Perfecto swatch (detail)

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire | #007 Black Perfecto swatch (alternate light)

Guerlain is a brand that takes pride in every single aspect of their products and formulations, and it shows. With the release of the La Petite Robe Noire collection of nail colour, they have set the bar incredibly high for other brands to follow, and after having played with these shades for several weeks now, I can sum it up in one word: WOW. The shorter wand of the brush takes a bit of getting used to and even with the bristles differently shaped than before, application is still ridiculously effortless. With eight available shades (there are 2 that are exclusives to Asia and/or International), I sincerely hope that more are already in the planning. Verdict: you will so need to dress up your nails with La Petite Robe Noire.

Not shown in the post, is the new base and top coats (which are now verging on Holy Grail status for me).

Available April 1st at Guerlain counters and select boutiques across Canada. Find more information via guerlain.com