Bad Romance (left) & Across the Universe (right)
For those of you new to the brand, Deborah Lippmann with her eponymous line of nail polishes and related nail care products, is the go-to manicurist of many top celebrities, fashion shows as well as numerous magazine shoots. This past summer, she introduced two more incredible colours in her line of glitter polishes:
- Bad Romance (inspired by Lady Gaga)
- Across The Universe (inspired by The Beatles)
Deborah Lippmann - Bad Romance
close up of the glitter - Bad Romance
Ok…..where to begin to describe these? The glitter….Bad Romance is made up of vibrant purple sequins and hexagonal shaped glitter in a black jelly base. While it looks darker in the bottle, it definitely needs a few coats to build to that same bottle depth. There is definitely a trick to applying a polish with such intense and irregularly shaped glitter, and that is: patience. Unlike other polishes, you need to take your time with this type, waiting at least a couple of minutes between coats so as to not clump the glitter. I also have either my orange stick handy or you can use a toothpick if needed to very gently push back any sequins that may be sticking out or have clumped together. It may be best to apply 2-3 thin coats versus loading your brush with colour, as this will enable you to have better control of glitter placement and prevent any ‘bald’ spots.
Deborah Lippmann - Across the Universe
close up of the glitter - Across the Universe
Across the Universe is one of those colours that comes along and quite literally takes your breath away; it seems to almost vibrate in its intensity! This one is composed of what looks like deep blue, royal blue and emerald sequins and hexagonal glitter in that same jelly black base. When seen in the sunlight, it reminds me of those pictures of earth taken from space that we’ve all seen; indoor lighting gives it a more mysterious depth, making it appear like stars sparkling and winking in the night sky. Apply using the same method as described for Bad Romance.
While these colours build up to the bottle shade in about 2-3 coats, don’t be surprised at how transparent the black base looks at first. Another word of warning is the removal and cleanup of these polishes, and that can be rather tricky because of the irregularly shaped glitter and chunkier sequins throughout. I have heard that people have had success with soaking a cotton pad with remover, applying it to the nail for a few minutes then swiping it off. Be prepared that removal of these polishes will take a little longer and that you need to be patient and use a little elbow grease, but the results of being able to admire your nails while on makes it all worthwhile!
Lippmann polishes normally retail for US $16.00 while the more glitter heavy polishes go for US $18.00. One thing I do wish to mention is that all Lippmann polishes are ‘3-free’; they are not made with any toluene, formaldehyde or DBP (dibutyl phthalate) all highly toxic and known carcinogenic compounds. They have the added benefit of being made with Biotin and green tea extract which helps to strengthen and protect your nails, and they are never tested on animals. As far as I know, she does not make ‘limited’ shades, which is a plus as you don’t have to feel compelled to stock up on anything! In Canada, Holt Renfrew and Murale carry her line or you can purchase her products at www.lippmanncollection.com .
Swatches coming soon!
