Last month, American Apparel released 12 new nail polish shades to add to their growing polish collection that was originally launched in 2009. American Apparel, known for their made in the U.S.A. (Los Angeles to be exact) clothing, spandex leggings and Studio 54-esque ads, ventured into the beauty market in last year. The new collection plays homage to Los Angeles where the company was founded.
The freshly-added nail polish colors are: Cameo Blue, Army Jacket, Echo Park, Mannequin, Rouge, Raccoon, Port, Make Up, MacArthur Park, Cocoa, Trenchcoat, African Violet. “Echo Park” and “MacArthur Park” are named after historic Los Angeles landmarks. American Apparel lacquers are “3 free,” which means they do not include DBP, toluene or formaldehyde. I reviewed three of the 12 new colors – Rogue, Army Jacket and Echo Park.
American Apparel Los Angeles Nail Lacquer Swatches
Packaging
The lacquers are packaged in rectangular bottles with tall polish handles. As a professional nail technician, I am not a fan of angular shaped polish bottles. They’re not ergonomic. I prefer bottles that are cylindrical in shape, and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. However, as a consumer, I find the rectangular shaped bottle appealing, and very retro. The print on the bottle has an Art Deco feel to it. I would venture to say that the bottles might become collector’s items in the future. The bottle tops and brushes are narrow and take a bit getting used to when applying polish. The length of the brush allows long nail beds to be covered in two, even strokes. The downside of having a long brush is the polish runs down the brush onto the nail, and this can make a mess.
American Apparel Nail Lacquer Swatches (Army Jacket, Rouge, Echo Park)
Colors
The trio of colors – Rogue, Army Jacket and Echo Park – follow the trend of khaki and rose colored polishes that were popular this year with brands like Chanel (Khaki collection), and Essie (Fall 2009). Rogue is a dusty rose pink. This is a classic cream shade that can be worn on all skin tones. Army Jacket is another cream color — sage green. It has a hint of yellow. Echo Park is named after the historic Los Angeles neighborhood and is pearlized white with grey undertones.
American Apparel Nail Lacquer Swatches (Army Jacket, Rouge, Echo Park)
Coverage
It took about two coats for fully cover the nail. The lacquers have a smooth consistency – not too thin, or thick. Echo Park was the only shade that I problems with streaking. The bottom line? American Apparel polishes are quality lacquers that are definitely worth the purchasing. The colors are priced individually at $6 each, or a $15 for a 3-pack. These colors along with other American Apparel shades are available for purchase in stores, and online at: www.americanapparel.net
– Shara Stevenson (follow Shara on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/hellobeauty)
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