Because we’re friends, I’m going to tell you the real reason I’m head over heels in love with Bobbi Brown’s $18 Black Pearl Nail Polish without you thinking that I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.
Okay, here goes…
It’s the color of Darth Vader’s helmet.
I spent years scouring the universe (and nail polish displays) for a nail polish the color of Vader’s helmet, and finally, after all these years, success! Mwahahahahaaa!
Emperor Palpatine will be pleased…
($18; available now at Bobbi Brown counters and bobbibrowncosmetics.com)
Sure, Vader’s a really bad guy, but you have to admit — that helmet holds a certain allure.
It’s shiny, which I like, and the color’s quite complex (like Vader himself). Sometimes, it looks more gray than black, and when the light hits it right, I see dark, gloomy purple undertones…
If I ever bump into George Lucas again at the movies, I’m telling him about Bobbi’s Black Pearl Polish because I think Darth would totally love it, especially on his toes, where he could probably get away with a single pigmented coat.
I can see it now… Vader, at the end of a long day hunting down rebels on the Death Star, takes off his boots for a few minutes of “me time” while painting his nails.
And you know he isn’t reaching for Essie Ballet Slippers.
No way. 🙂
But back to the color! In the bottle, I see a pretty standard shiny black with shimmery silver pearl, but when I get it on my fingertips, it flashes from black to a deep eggplant in the light.
Cool! I love surprises…
Speaking of surprises, have you sniffed Balenciaga’s new Florabotanica?
When I saw the bottle, I thought, “drugstore shelf circa 1989…right next to Exclamation and Electric Youth,” but then I gave it a sniff.
Wow! Talk about unexpected.
To me, it’s like an oddly refreshing mix of mint and roses (no, not like a pack of Spearmint gum potpourri).
I know it sounds a little weird, but give it a sniff some time. It comes in two sizes (a smaller 1.7-ounce bottle for $95, and the larger 3.4-ounce bottle shown above for $125) at most department stores and balenciaga.com.
Right! Now that we’ve covered our beauty bases on this lovely Thursday morning (nail polish and perfume — we have our priorities, LOL!), I’m grabbing a second cup. You down for some coffee?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Marla says
That black is beautiful. Very classy.
Dominique says
Ok Karen, Vader does not wear any nail polish even when exhausted after those battles in the space lol !
I have Chanel Black Pearl but I don’t have Bobbi brown polishes.
Yes I’ve had FloraBotanica, it smells like Nature and water I think.
Sunny says
OOO I like this color! Really really not sure about the perfume packaging, but if it smells good I guess that’s what really counts!
Trisha says
Exclamation! I remember that drugstore perfume. Did you ever check out Malibu Mist? I bought that at a Walgreens when I was a kid and used it for years, that one can. Now, I get even a whiff of it and it transports me back to childhood.
Kim says
I love this post. I actually like Vader better than Anakin. Sure, he’s evil and all, but at least he’s not whiny. HAHA!
Speaking of, are you excited for a new crop of SW movies from Disney?
Karen says
Yeah! When it’s time to get sh*t done, Vader just does it. LOL!
I think it’ll be interesting to see how Disney handles the new movies. I can’t help but wonder if they’re going to end up all warm and fuzzy, ya know?
Kim says
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. I keep hoping it’s more Avengers and less John Carter! 🙂 I’m keeping my fingers AND toes crossed for Joss Whedon being involved.
Icaria says
Beautiful color I could leave my red behind for it! The bottle? I would describe it as Retro-Fun! I like it! 😀
Karen says
Hi Icaria,
I guess the ’80s are back. 🙂 Have you sniffed it yet? It’s actually really pretty.
Susan says
Ha! Was at a L&T beauty event Black Friday weekend and smelled the perfume – had it sprayed on a card. I liked it so much when I got home I left it on my kitchen counter… the whole room smelled lovely for two days! And the nail polish looks great on you 🙂
Karen says
Hi Susan,
Isn’t it wonderful? I would’ve never expected that scent to come from the bottle. Looking at it, I just assumed it would be a typical sort of foodie-floral…but it’s so fresh and light.
Did you pick up any beauty goodies during the Black Friday event?
gio says
That nail polish is gorgeous!
Karen says
Super pretty!
Nina says
Gorgeous nail polish!
Karen says
I love it when Bobbi does polish. 🙂
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
Yeah! Star Wars for LYFE baby!!! 😛
*ahem* Anyway, I really do like the color–it’s pretty! I was unsure about this one because I know up close, you can really see the brush strokes, but from afar it’s just too gorgeous! Also, I was curious about that Florabotanica perfume but I had no idea that it had hints of mint in it :/ Pass!
Karen says
Hi Becca,
Hmm, I don’t have any issues with brushstrokes. How many layers did you use?
DJ says
I am in love with Florabotanica. It’s my Christmas gift to meee!
Karen says
Hi DJ,
What a nice gift! Did you know that there’s also a shower gel and lotion?
Melissa says
Black Pearl! Thats the name of Jack Sparrow’s Ship!
Jennifer says
That is so gorgous!!! I really love it!
Leigh says
Wait, wait, wait, HOLD UP THERE GIRL! You saw GEORGE LUCAS at the MOVIES?! may all of RIT with it’s 95% nerd population behold his glory! I am serious, we have our own anime convention. And yes that nail polish is beautiful. On a sidenote of all things SW related, my bf met Harrison Ford once, said he was a very interesting guy. He’s been known to participate in local search and rescues in the mountains. 😉
Karen says
Hi Leigh,
Yup, he stood in line right behind me when El Hub and I went to see Watchmen a few years ago. 🙂 We were both too starstruck to say anything, unfortunately.
Leigh says
You lucky, lucky person. =D as I said, 95% of RIT swoons enviously at your luck. May SW remain unfuzzyfied by Disney for all eternity!
Chelsea says
Love the nails! I never paint mine…