NARS introduces their newly reformulated and revamped nail polish collection – 42 shades in all (CAN $23.00 each), with 19 new colours included in the lineup. For years now, the nail lacquers of this brand have flown under most peoples’ radar, overshadowed by the sometimes overwhelming releases of both mass-market and other high end labels. That being said, there have been several NARS shades launched in the past that have almost inspired a frenzy, such as the iconic Zulu (reviewed here), a drop-dead gorgeous deep emerald jellyesque shade, and totally deserving of its by-now legendary cult status (which reminds me to wear it again … soon).

This new formula is said to have polymers that both lengthen wear time (helping it stay chip free), as well as add a brilliant glossy finish. The other changes include a new removable outer square cap which reveals a smaller ridged inner cap (a feature that is much appreciated, as the former cap was a little too bulky to comfortably hold), and a wide & flatter brush with a shorter wand – another improvement over the longer wand of the past, that had significantly thinner and floppier bristles. Even though there is much to recommend the new range, there are also a few points you should be aware of.

To start with and from the shades I was sent to test, I can honestly say that the formula on each was consistently easy to apply, self-levelling, and ending with a ridiculously glossy shine. The issue lies with a few of the more pigmented shades, and their potential staining factor – something that can be greatly reduced by simply doubling up on your base coat first, and thus making even these troublesome beauties worth wearing.

The brush, while significantly improved over the earlier version, can still use some tweaking; the flat wide shape means a quicker application in fewer swipes, which is great for eliminating any potential brushstrokes, and there is a perfect balance of rigidity & flexibility to the new bristles that should ensure a super smooth application, but as it is rather wider than usual, those with narrow and/or small nail beds may find it challenging to use. One way around that, is by turning the brush on its side and therefore exposing less of the brush’s width to the surface of your nail. Another tip is to ensure you don’t load up too much product on the brush, and then start your application by placing the slightly rounded tip near (but not touching) the cuticle area of your nail, followed by quickly pulling it downwards while applying very little pressure – this will keep the bristles from splaying out too much and will help prevent any polish from running down the sides into the surrounding skin.

NARS | Nail Polish 2014, showing removable outer cap with new ridged inner cap

NARS | Nail Polish 2014 (old vs. new brush)

La Notte | (Holt Renfrew exclusive) Inky navy hue with strong purple undertones in the base (that being said, the purple colour doesn’t translate that visibly upon the nail, but adds a lush depth), in a pigment-rich crème/jelly hybrid formula – can almost be a 1-coater. NOTE: this shade can be quite staining, so doubling up on base coat first is an absolute MUST. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

*One of my nails broke right after I swatched La Notte (insert major swearing here), which is why the other swatches are shown on my NOW much shorter nails.

NARS | La Notte

Ithaque | A seashell pink in a crème/jelly hybrid formula, that bears a medium thick flow. While not overly opaque, Ithaque still applies with decent overall coverage and while a third coat can always be added, I prefer it looking slightly translucent (think: sea glass). Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NOTE: Ithaka, Greece, for which this shade is named, is an island in the Ionian Sea on the western coast of Greece, facing Italy (my Greek pride is showing – couldn’t resist this little nugget of information!) buy actos online andnewbloonline.com/actos.html no prescription

NARS | Ithaque

Zakynthos | A nude crème hue with pink tints in the base, and quite possibly my most favourite neutral/nude shade ever as of right now. The formula is superb: creamy and incredibly even, with good opacity from the very first layer. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NOTE: Zakynthos, Greece, is another island in the Ionian Sea and slightly more south that Ithaka, on Greece’s western coast which faces Italy, and beyond spectacular. Known for its amazing beaches such as Navagio Beach (pictured below), this is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Zakynthos, Greece | Navagio beach

NARS | Zakynthos

Obscura | (Holt Renfrew Exclusive) A shadowy dusky purple with grey undertones (gives it that ‘murky’ factor) in a crème formula with intense colour saturation – this can literally be a 1-coater with ease. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS | Obscura

Fearless | An electric orchid/fuchsia shade with slight blueish undertones, in an über-glossy and jelly-like formula that nonetheless applies with excellent coverage (no translucency, as most jellies are prone to). BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS | Fearless

Dovima | A unique red that can look both cool and warm leaning; some angles show it to be more tomato red (warm), while others bring out a cooler maraschino cherry red tone. A highly colour saturated crème formula, but as there is a good possibility of staining, do double up on base coat first. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS | Dovima

Jungle Red | A slightly translucent ruby hue with blueish undertones (which by default makes this shade more cooler-leaning), in a crème-jelly hybrid formula that is so lushly pigmented, it can be a 1-coater. Once again, doubling up on base coat first can help avoid any light staining issues. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

NARS | Jungle Red

Overall, all the shades shown here have something to recommend them – from the jewel-like tones of the deeper hues, the super glossy finish each one bears, to the ease of application on every single one. From this grouping, I was originally drawn the strongest to La Notte (me & my brooding colours), and while I think it’s an absolutely stunning navy, I can’t help but be a little disappointed at how strongly it stains – won’t stop me from wearing it again with extra base, I’ll tell you that. Zakynthos was a surprise as well, as nude shades can be tricky against my skin tone, but there’s the right mix of warm & cool tones here to make it a universally flattering shade. I’ll be showing a few more shades in an upcoming post, but do yourself a favour and check out this re-launch: it will be incredibly difficult to choose just one.

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration