Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection Swatches and Review: Koliary, Ratin Jot, Lal Mirchi

As I'd mentioned in a previous entry, Thakoon for NARS is a limited edition collection comprising of six shades designed by Thakoon Panichgul, an American fashion designer of Thai descent. These new lacquers represent bold, vivid shades inspired from Thakoon's Spring 2012 collection and culled from similar hues of the Indian spice market. Here are some of the amazing shades I was able to try.


Koliary









Koliary is this bright aqua blue cream that is so pretty. It is opaque in one coat and applies like a dream on the nails. I have hues similar to this, but sometimes they look streaky on my nailbeds. Koliary is not streaky at all and is your perfect cream.  Perfect poolside shade.



Lal Mirchi





Lal Mirchi is a NARS flagship boutique in Bleecker Street, NYC -exclusive, but can be purchased online.  It is a beautiful red-orange cream.  I don't usually go for orange shades, but the red in the shade counters the orange so it makes for a very good statement manicure shade.


Ratin Jot stamped with China Glaze in Sci Fi using Red Angel image plate RA-119











Ratin Jot is a great-looking orchid purple cream that I was immediately drawn to. In this look, I used an image from my Red Angel plate RA-119 using China Glaze in Sci-Fi.

As for the formula, this NARS lacquer was such a dream to apply. In fact, it virtually applied itself. No pooling around the cuticles, and I was able to control the brush and the cap pretty well. It was neither too thick nor too runny, just the perfect formula for a cream, or for any nail polish for that matter. It was also pretty much opaque in one coat, although the swatches are two coats for maximum color and depth.

The staying power is also great. I had been wearing Ratin Jot for a total of 4 days with nary a chip. Just amazing. The only downside is probably for glitter or shimmer lovers as I believe this collection is comprised only of creams. Cream is my favorite nail polish finish, so this is right up my alley. Even if you are not a fan of creams, you will be impressed by the formula of this one.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this new crop of NARS lacquers.  I believe that if you are to make a product, you need to do it well and not just for the sake of having such product in your line.  I think NARS hit the jackpot as to the formula and hues - the shades are bright and happy, and the formula is excellent.  They could probably create other finishes in the future like duochromes or holos, but for now, this is more than satisfactory.

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the brand for consideration.  All opinions are completely mine.