Along with ‘Glitter In The Air’ (reviewed here), ‘Naked’ is another new polish launched by Deborah Lippmann for Spring 2011, and is totally on point with the clean, nude nail look that has been seen all over the fashion runways and celebrity red carpets (see my review on the Golden Globes here for more). During Spring 2011 fashion week, this particular polish was also chosen as the shade models wore at four influential shows. While maintaining a natural appearance, it still has just enough hint of creamy beige to it, to give your nails that ‘you, but only better’ look, without ever looking washed out or boring. All swatches are with Deborah Lippmann’s Rehydrating Base Coat and three coats of Lacquer, no top coat.
The interesting thing about this polish, is how cool it can appear in the shade (bottom photo) and yet switch over to a brighter warmth in the sun (top photo). This is one of the most wearable nude shades I have come across and just seemed perfect with my skin tone, without giving me that dreaded ‘mannequin hands’ look. The formula is wonderful; thin enough without being runny, yet thick enough to deposit a smooth layer, with a brush that is wide enough to cover the nail yet can easily get to edges with precision. There doesn’t seem to be any yellowish tinge to this beige-y nude polish, but rather more of a peachy/caramel base which imbues this with a beautiful creaminess. Absolutely no brush strokes whatsoever, dries relatively fast and finishes with a super glossy shine….might just be your best ‘naked’ look!
I initially thought that ‘Naked’ might be ‘Fashion’, but updated (perhaps with a new formula? A new name?) based on early promotional photos, and so I just had to put them side by side to compare. Whether viewed in natural light (bottom photo) or taken with flash (top photo), they really do seem to be identical. Even swatched on the nail, the differences in colour between the two is almost negligible, but still….there are differences. For starters, where ‘Naked’ has a touch more peach to it, ‘Fashion’ seems to be more tan, giving it a slightly darker tone. The other difference I noticed is that the formula in ‘Fashion’ was slightly thicker, but that could be because I’ve owned my bottle for some time now and it could have thickened naturally. Other than that, they are as close as fraternal twins, each lovely in its own right.
Final thoughts: If its a clean, work-friendly shade you’re looking for, with a superb formula and beautiful finish, then get ‘Naked’…seriously! This shade, however, can easily look edgy as well: I envision it paired with a much darker makeup and wardrobe look, to add an unexpected neutral counterbalance. While I’m not sure it would be as flattering as a pedicure shade, I can totally see myself wearing this polish as a sleek and sophisticated manicure. Even though the two shades, ‘Naked’ & ‘Fashion’ are so close in hue and might be redundant for some to own both, I still saw enough of a tonal difference to warrant having both…but then again, I am addicted to Deborah Lippmann lacquers! Stay tuned for the next instalment of my Spring 2011 Lippmann series.
Deborah Lippmann polishes can be purchased at several high end department stores and on her website.
*Disclaimer: product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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