Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe Review Swatches

Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe (US $ 20) available from deborahlippmann.com

Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist who came up with her own line of nail polish.  She is known for creating some of the best glitter polishes ever.  In fact, one can go as far to say that she is the one who started creating the first glitter polishes, only to have the rest of the mainstream brands follow suit.

Shade – Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe is a black jelly with green and blue hexagonal glitters.  The fun bit about this polish is the jelly effect of the base black polish.  This covers some of the glitters while some bits peak through.   This polish looks pretty amazing in the sun as the glitter catches the light as you move your hands.   From a distance this looks like a bejeweled finish.

Formula – The colour can be built up to opacity on its own by using 3 coats, however this tends to get a little chunky since it is thick due to the tons of glitter.  Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe can also be layered over a plain black cream for creating the same effect.   My swatches are all 3 coats on their own as I like the effect of the partly covered glitter.

The polish itself is quite thick, as are most glitters, however application is a breeze.  There is enough glitter for you to pick up a normal brush and go over your nails.  I hate those sparse glitters where you need to fish for the pieces.  In this case you can use it like you are using a normal polish, just take a little more effort since with the thicker texture you can pick up more than you need.

You may need to add a little bit of thinner after the bottle is a few months old.  The formula is overall amazing.  I have not yet come across a glitter that is so easy to use. Staying power – As Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe is a glitter polish it feels bumpy and uneven on the nails.  I always use at least one layer of top coat for this.  If you add too many layers of top coat it makes the polish very thick and peels off.   Ideally you need to use a glitter topper.  I use Nail Pattern Boldness Glitter food.  This is not easily available, so you can use the Sally Hansen Insta Dri Top Coat.  With top coat this lasts normally for a 3 to 5 days on me.

Removal is a pain, as is with all glitter polishes.  I would recommend using a really good base coat to protect your nail beds.

Overall Thoughts

L’Oreal has recently come up with glitter polishes that are easily available.  When I got this, there were no glitters available in India.  Yes, the price is really steep and I kept putting this in my shopping cart and removing it again. Finally I bit the bullet and bought Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe.  No regrets, the formula is amazing.

Rating – 5/5

*Written By Dela