“She’s a brick –house, the lady’s stacked and that’s a fact, ain’t holding nothin’ back” – so sang The Commodores in their 1977 hit. Deborah Lippmann’s lacquer version is much like the lady in the song: powerful, provocatively playful, and very va-va-voom. This is the truest copper shade I’ve seen to date, a perfect balance of orange and pink in its base to give it depth, and even some incredibly fine shimmer dancing along the surface for added visual interest. All swatches are with Seche Base Ridge Filling Top Coat, three thin coats of lacquer, and Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat.
Staring at ‘Brick House’ in the bottle, I was struck by how saturated the colour seems to be; the deeply burnished hue of freshly forged copper piping, sunlight brought out its inner red-golden fire and seemed to set my nails alight with its ultra fine shimmer, much like contained flames!
This second view taken in full sun reveals even more of that incandescent glow that this shade holds deep within its base, making the surface gleam with a foil-like shine.
Another closeup angle lightens the hue somewhat, living up to its name and now casting more of a brick-red tone to the overall appearance.
Upon taking ‘Brick House’ into the shade, the colour now seemed to morph to the pink-gold hue of freshly minted pennies, while emphasizing every internal nuance and strengthening its foil-like essence.
I could not resist adding this second shaded light view; note how ‘Brick House’ has the contradictory appearance of a cold “living flame”, with the heart of the shade centered on the nail and its pink, orange and golden rays fanning out to the edges….mesmerizing!
To fully appreciate the deep coppery foil that is ‘Brick House’, it is this photo taken with flash that brings it forth in all its brilliant glory.
Final thoughts: I was initially expecting to pass on this shade, assuming from promotional images that it would be more of satiny red-orange shade, a colour that would not be easy to wear; I was wrong! I have long awaited a true and intense copper lacquer to come along and ‘Brick House’ is IT! The formula flowed so incredibly well, that it basically applied itself. I applied three very thin coats for photography purposes, but the same effect is achieved with two. Lippmann brushes have an amazing give; flexible enough to fan out well, yet with enough rigidity to afford precision, and the final resulting shine was exceptionally glossy, even before top coat was applied. A truly outstanding and unique shade (at least in my collection), ‘Brick House’ is one simmering and well-built lady indeed!
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