Deborah Lippmann – Yellow Brick Road (swatches & review)

For the recent 2011 Grammy’s, the über-talented Deborah Lippmann, manicurist to the stars, collaborated with none other than Lady Gaga herself to create ‘Yellow Brick Road’ – a canary yellow nail lacquer. This is a shocking shade, but made so modern and fresh by its soft jelly finish and amazing glossy finish. Since yellow is already reputed to be the ‘it’ colour of the summer, ‘Yellow Brick Road’ not only fits that bill, but promises to garner much attention for its electric hue and perfect formula. All swatches are with Deborah Lippmann Rehydrating Base Coat, no top coat.

Make no mistake about it; this is not an opaque polish but more of a rich and vibrant jelly finish lacquer. The bottle shade, while bright, still manages to come across as somewhat diffused when on the nail, which makes it such a wearable shade despite the hue. Yellow can be difficult to wear; it can either make your skin look sallow or your nails dingy. ‘Yellow Brick Road’ does neither and somehow manages to bring just the right amount of eclectic brightness to your fingertips. When I initially applied this colour, I was taken aback but the more I wore it, the more I couldn’t stop staring at it; I mean look at it — it’s yellow….and just so unique! The formula was incredibly smooth, completely self-leveling and the resulting mirror-like shine is second to none. With three coats, there’s still visible nail line, but I like the effect. Note how vivid the shade appears in full sun (top photo) yet becomes such a soft hue in indirect light (bottom photo)

With four coats, there is a touch more opacity to the final shade, and I love how it never veers into the neon range, but stays true to its primary tone. This is a shade that can be worn by both cool and warm toned, fair or dark skin types, and I just know that it will be spectacular with a bit of a tan….Malibu Barbie come to life! In full sun (top photo), you do see a bit less of the nail line than with three coats (see above) and even in indirect light (bottom photo) the colour seems a touch richer, but either version works for me. Even with a full four coats, I was still pleasantly surprised by how quickly it dried and while I would normally wear a top coat, I omitted it for the swatch photos here….not that you’d even notice with this natural glossy look to it!

Final thoughts: I can honestly say that is hands down, the most unique shade I have ever come across. There is something about this polish, from the hue, the flow, to the crazy shine that just makes it stand out for me. While I never thought that I would willingly sport Big Bird nails, I confess that I was totally caught up in the unexpected flashes of cheerfulness radiating from my fingertips! Seriously, you cannot help but be happy and smile when wearing this sunny hue and I can guarantee you will be asked about it…over and over again….like I was! ‘Yellow Brick Road’ will be available wherever Deborah Lippmann polishes are sold as well as her website beginning April 15th. If Lady Gaga can wear this, then you know you’re in good….and totally original company!