I recently had the opportunity to try my first ever BB Couture polishes, and the shades I’m showing you today are ‘Posse’ – a shimmery olive green and ‘Outlaw’ – a deep plum with shimmer, both from the 2011 Wild West Collection. What I find so unique about this range, is how every collection of theirs is divided into two parts: the men’s and women’s groups respectively. Why men’s, you ask? Well, when the good folks at BB Couture wondered if men would be willing to wear colour on their nails, other than clear, they were surprised to learn that the answer was…yes! Therefore, a men’s line was born, which can be worn by both genders, and certainly vice versa for the women’s group of shades, if one so wishes. All swatches are with Sèche Natural base coat and two coats of lacquer, no top coat.
‘Posse’ is a richly pigmented olive green shade, with such fine & densely packed golden, green and some pink shimmer, that it seems to literally glow, especially when seen in the sun (top photo). I found it interesting that indirect light (bottom photo) seemed to bring out a silvery sheen to this hue. Application was amazing; fully opaque in two coats, streak-free, self levelling and quick drying…what’s not to love?
I thought I had several matches for ‘Posse’, but it turns out that the closest I had was Rescue Beauty Lounge’s ‘Anne’ (from the Tudor Dynasty Collection reviewed here). While they both have an almost identical base tone, the main differences between the two is that ‘Anne’ is just a smidge deeper and seems to bear significantly more pink shimmer, which can easily be seen whether in full sun (top photo) or in indirect light (bottom photo). I absolutely love ‘antiqued’ looking polishes like these!
‘Outlaw’ is deep, luscious and definitely overtly sexy! This is a saturated plum shade, with red and some golden fine shimmer in its depths, giving it a unique cast. It’s a vampy shade without veering into black, and I love how it stays true to it’s purple tone whether seen in full sun (top photo), or in indirect light (bottom photo), making it modern, never goth. As with ‘Posse’, application was a dream, with no brush strokes in sight and a lovely gloss finish, even without a top coat added.
Once more, the only polish in my stash that came remotely close to ‘Outlaw’s’ tapestry-like colour, was Rescue Beauty Lounge’s ‘Catherine’ (from the Tudor Dynasty Collection, reviewed here). While they both have a deep plum base in common, the differences here are that ‘Catherine’ is a dustier looking mauve-y purple with pink and green shimmer in its base, making ‘Outlaw’ look more of a red based deep purple, infusing it with such a regal gleam.
Final thoughts: While only two shades out of the collection of twelve, I am nonetheless so impressed…and not only with the colours themselves, which are rich and unique, but with the high quality of the formula, the application and the wonderful brush as well. These hues may be more suited for the Fall/Winter months, but there’s no denying how elegant and sophisticated they make your nails look. BB Couture nail lacquers can be purchased through their website and retail for US $9.95
*Disclaimer: product samples were provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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