Nails That Look Like Exotic Silks? Yep, It’s Real.

Glossy and matte. Matte and glossy. For as long as I can remember, those were the only choices you had for important items such as photos (yes, once upon a time, photos actually were printed), school project poster board and, more recently, nails. That is, until now.

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann is blowing minds with the latest offering from her eponymous line of nail polishes: the limited-edition Silk Collection, inspired by the look and feel of exotic silks. There are three shades available—Red Silk Boxers, Harem Silks From Bombay, which is a deep eggplant color, and Pseudo Silk Kimono, a milky white—that dry matte with a slightly shimmery undertone, offering a unique “matteen” finish.

Lippmann first created her new “texturized” polish for Fall 2013 New York Fashion Week’s Badgley Mischka and Richard Chai runway shows. But starting this month, regular gals can pick up a bottle (or three) for $19 each at Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

One of the best effects of this new formula is that it’s arguably the fastest-drying polish I’ve ever used. Literally, by the time you get to your index finger, your thumb is completely dry—which is great for girls on the go who, like me, get really impatient watching paint dry. The thick, dense brush is also foolproof allowing for easy application that doesn’t blur outside your nail bed.

Each color finishes beautifully with a retro matte look that offers the slightest hint of light-reflecting glow, like sateen sheets. It’s ideal for those that don’t like the harshness of a completely matte tone. However, a quick application of Lippmann’s Flat Top top coat can fully mattify the look if you so desire. On the other hand, most other top coats will add a glossy finish, defeating the purpose of the matteen look so you might try going without one altogether.  

With such a great new debut from a trusted source—we wonder how soon it will be before other brands catch on. Stay tuned, we have a feeling this could be the new nail trend for 2014.