My Top 5 Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polishes
With the Rescue Beauty Lounge 50% Off Sale looming in the near future, I’ve been receiving quite a few requests inquiring about my favorite RBL nail polishes.
If it isn’t completely evident, I’m beyond smitten with RBL and the owner Ji Baek. After chatting with her for the past couple years I’m honored to call her a friend. Though for the sake of this blog, regardless of my personal feelings, I’m completely unbiased when it comes to Ji’s polish. Hands down RBL has one of the best formulas I’ve ever encountered. The cremes are near impossible to beat. I’m sure most fanatics would agree that, in spite of the price, RBLs are worth the investment. That’s why this sale is such a big deal to the nail community. A chance to stock up on RBL for half price is like the 4th of July, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve (my favorite holidays) all rolled into one. So which RBL nail polishes made the ALU Top 5? Read on to find out. |
So to avoid being the world’s most egotistical jackhole I left my own color, Mismas, off the list. I love and adore it for many reasons and I’ve waxed poetic about them in the past so there’s no reason to beat that horse. If you love purples, do it, but I’m not going to shove it down your throat. Also I left the Tudor polishes off my list since they aren’t included in the sale. They’re all fantastic but it sure makes choosing a Top 5 easier by leaving them off.
ALU’s Top 5 RBL polishes (in no particular order)
Recycle – This forest creme dream is the main reason I fell down the RBL rabbit hole. It was the first RBL I ever bought, purchased as part of a group order with some Makeup Alley friends. Say what you will about the beauty of NARS Zulu or the Nfu Oh greens but this one outshines them all. Highly pigmented, glossy perfection, Recycle is the ultimate green creme.
Dead Calm – I had a mani/pedi with this polish the first time I met Ji at RBL. I scanned the lounge’s wall of color for only a few seconds before this shade jumped out at me. Let me be clear, I NEVER match my tips & toes but Dead Calm just spoke to me. I wasn’t really familiar with Dead Calm before seeing it in person and I just died over the navy blue creme. I was so happy Ji sent it home with me.
Black Russian – Way before China Glaze Lubu Heels and Piggy Polish Midnight Fireflies there was Black Russian (previously known as ReVamp). This is the original black with red glitter and it still stands out as the best. It’s much more pigmented than the discontinued Piggy Polish and, unlike Lubu, Black Russian doesn’t dry gritty.
Under The Stars was my first RBL and it was gift to boot. I saw a swatch of it on the MUA nail board and instantly fell in lust. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world when my nail board Secret Santa dropped this beauty in my lap. The navy based sparkler is similar to Black Russian in that it’s got the same lit-from-within glitter floating throughout. I remember wearing this on my toes for the holiday season a few years back and not wanting to take it off in spite of my nail growth. Foul but true.
Concrete Jungle – Finally, how could I leave off one of the grays that made RBL a name on the nail board? Back before the onslaught of gray polishes, the nail community was mixing their own due to a lack of options. Then came the discovery of RBL Concrete Jungle & Stormy (CJ’s darker green-based sibling). I believe it was TobyWoo who brought those gems to the community and so the lemmings were born. Her perfect nails could make me consider buying a sheer but the RBL grays are definitely worthy. Being that Ji has said that she won’t be ordering more CJ & Stormy when the stock runs dry, this will probably be your last chance to scoop up this baby. At 50% off, can you really pass it by?
The Rescue Beauty Lounge 50% Off Sale will commence on Monday, November 1st, 2010 from 11am – 4pm EST and according to the RBL Facebook page the sale will include body products but not tools. The only way to access the sale is by signing up for the RBL email list so if you aren’t on it, get to it!!
Things to remember: Do not fill your cart prior to the sale as they will be clearing all carts to ensure a proper inventory count. Sale orders will take between 10-15 days to receive. There is no free shipping during the sale.
I hope my list helped with your purchase decisions. I’d love to know what you end up getting from the sale. If you’re contemplating the body products at all I can’t say enough about the Citrus Vert scent. It’s fantastic!!
Personally, I’m still narrowing down my list though oddly enough I’ll be in NYC the day of the sale making an order for myself and a friend on my smartphone. I’m heavily debating Glamourpuss even though I’m not a red girl. Again, I think it’s Steff from Short N Chic’s influence. Anyone own it and have a strong opinion either way? I’m also thinking about completing the Pre-Fall ’08, Marc Jacobs inspired, Spongebob collection since I don’t have Starfish-Patrick.
Disclosure: With the exception of Dead Calm, all the RBL polishes featured in this post were purchased by me or given to me as a gift. For more info, view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
Do you know if the sale counts in store as well ? Or is it online exclusive ?
it’s exclusive online.
It’s online only.
I just fell in love with Dead Calm all over again. I don’t wear it often enough. I think you just made me cave on Concrete Jungle. I’ll add it to my list of Pepto Pink, Coral, Chinoise and Look Rich, Be Cheap.
Lauren, I own all of these colors, and they’re all GORGEOUS!!!! Enjoy your new colors :D.
Thanks, Ronnie. I actually just read reviews on their website that say pepto pink is sheer and streaky… is it??
“Recycle” and “Under the stars” are my favourites.
I’m soooo suprised Teal isn’t on your list! It’s one of my top faves!
Loving Dead Calm again, Concrete Jungle and Mismas. Think I will get Pepto Pink and more of the Teal. Time to stock up with this sale!!
That green is to DIE FOR!
Recycle is a definite for me, but I am so torn up over Under the Stars.
The lemming monster is roaring getitgetitgetit, but part of me is telling him to shut up. I have Illamasqua Phallic, and I’m like…does it really make sense to get UtS too? Can you tell me how they compare?
I think I’m going to go for Jane. And I really love Grunge, but it’s sold out.
I know this makes me totally blasphemous, but RBL almost always chips for me within two days at the most! I use CND Stickey and Seche Vite as my base and top coats, just like I do with everything else. What do you think gives?
It could be the Seche Vite. I personally use RBLs system with their polishes or a non-quick dry top coat. There’s an ingredient in Seche Vite that doesn’t play well with Zoya polishes (another 3-Free brand) and I suspect if you are having issues, that may be why.
interesting. I ordered Anne as my first RBL and was not impressed. I wonder if it was the Seche Vite.
Really? I had no idea the quick-dry top coats had issues with the RBL polishes. I’ve had the same issue with my RBLs chipping, but only sometimes so I had no idea what was causing it. Dang it! Now I wish I’d picked up the whole Treatment System during the sale! I’d considered the Base Prep, but went with one of my other picks instead. Oh well I suppose there’s always christmas…
I’m going to be so, so poor. I’m just so worried that they will sell out of all the colors I want (it happens, unfortunately) and I would be crushed to miss out.
Thanks for posting your favorites! It’s very helpful
Is the sale online only? It would be much better to pick it up in the store than waiting for two weeks to receive a package – considering it’s from NYC to NYC…
Yep, it’s online only. Sorry
I am not really a red girl (I like the crazier colors like blue, green, black, etc) but I wanted to have one ultimate red and I have to say… Glamourpuss is it!! I’ve actually owned almost every shade of red RBL has put out (in search of “the one”) and Glamourpuss was the hands down winner (Chinoise was beautiful but not on my skin tone, and Cherry Love reads pink in certain lights). My mom, who has a huge collection of only red polishes, is always trying to steal Glamourpuss away from me. At 50% off, you will not regret it.
Thanks for that, you really helped make up my mind. Glamourpuss it is!
I am still in love with all 3 of the surf colors. And of course, Mismas.
I was shocked you didn’t have Teal either. I’m actually wearing it today and I think even though I’m a green girl, this may be my favorite polish ever. Concrete Jungle was the first polish from RBL I ever bought and I think one of the first things I blogged about. Ahhh…memories.
Teal almost made the list. I was debating between it and Concrete Jungle. If I had named a Top 6, Teal would have been on it.
Recycle, Teal, and Drifter are on my list of definites.
I still have to narrow down the rest b/c I’m considering: plie, om, bruised, smitten, pepto, coral, chinoise, glamourpuss, moulin rouge, bikini bottom, 360, bangin, diddy mow, and no more war.
I picked some up during the last sale and was so glad I did b/c the formula is awesome!
We had a few of the same picks! I already had No More War and Chinoise, but Plie, Bruised, Smitten, Bikini Bottom, 360, Bangin, and Diddy Mow were all on my list too! I ended up with Teal, Stormy, Dead Calm, Smitten, Sheer Red, Diddy Mow, 360, Bangin, Under the Stars, Starfish-Patrick, and Frugalista. Orbis and Bikini Bottom were my top 2, but they were both sold out before the sale even started which pissed me off to no end and so was Bruised. Plie along with a few others on my wish list like Square Pants just got left out because I had to draw the line somewhere which was at 12 and since I was still desperately hoping Orbis and Bikini Bottom would come back in stock I held out on a few of my other favs. In fact I’m still terribly disappointed over missing those two.
My list includes Grunge, Scrangie, and Atame. May add Dead Calm to that list too… hmm.
I have Dead Calm and Under the Stars, both swoon-worthy for sure! Recycle and Concrete Jungle are both on my (frighteningly long) list of polishes to grab up in the sale. I already have several of the ‘black with red’ clones, but perhaps Black Russian is purchase worthy if it dries smoother than the others….
Anyway, I’m also not much of a red girl (although I do own a shameful amount of them as well), so I don’t have Glamourpuss, but I say if it’s calling to you, why not? You can never have too many RBL polishes, right? Oh, and Starfish-Patrick is also on my list to buy…
I really want to buy most of the bolder colors that I don’t already own, but then I’d have less moolah for Xmas gifts.EEK! I’m contemplating whether I should add some sheers and nudes to my list. I keep telling myself their dupeable… But then I remember they’re RBLs and 50% off!
Ever since the sale was announced, I revisit/revise my list every few days! Once its finally over, I’ll probably play the “shoulda/coulda/woulda” game!
Get Glamourpuss and rock those red tips!
I got an email from Ji of RBL this afternoon. She’s giving everyone a list of do’s and don’ts for our orders, along with other ordering details. It’s all good information to have before placing an order. Looking forward to the day.
Does Under the Stars dry gritty, or is it smooth?
Like Black Russian is has a slight bit of texture on its own but with a top coat it’s perfect.
Is it open for international buyers? Have been dying to try RBL but can’t be bothered to go on ebay for these gems.
Yep, international buyers are welcome though I’m not sure what the shipping charges will be like.
*Bows head in shame* That’ll teach me to check their website
I’m a Teal fanatic, but other than that I agree 100% with your list. Those are the must haves from RBL. I am so excited about this sale once again this year!
So pretty nails! I really like those nail colors.
Dadgumit! I was sure my list was finalized and now this. Black Russian, Dead Calm & Recycle look *so* good.
Recycle is my fave !
Scrangie, Mismas, Diddy Mow, Bikini Bottom are all musts.
Plie is tricky – better to go to a local shop & find your perfect pinky-nude.
I was just on the RBL website and Mismas was already sold out! Also, Bruised and Orbis. Luckily, I already have Orbis but Bruised and Mismas were on my list. I already have many RBL polishes that I bought at full price and they are fab. I’m hoping that the others don’t sell out b/f the sale on Monday. Grunge was one of the colors I wanted, but it is also sold out. BUMMER! Well, it is what it is!
SO sad that Mismas is sold out
it was #1 on my list!
Oh dear God… I find this out AFTER my major Chanel splurge
I think passing this opportunity would be a sin so I will be making my list this weekend (with the help of your gorgeous swatches!)
Off topic.. but I need your opinion.
Out of Chanel, Deborah Lippmann, NARS and RBL which polish overall wears the longest/looks best longest for you?
test
I’m waiting for my FIRST RBL to arrive any day now (got them on 50% off — thanks for the tip!)!!! Had hoped to nab Concrete Jungle but it was sold out. Starting with Stormy, Sheer Nude, Diddy Mow, Film Noir and Atame. Why start with only one?!
SWEET! I have always wanted to own some of these amazing colors! Xmas presents! Time to drop some hints!
ALU IS BACK! YAY! I went with Teal, Stormy, Dead Calm, Under the Stars, Diddy Mow, 360, Bangin, Sheer Red, Smitten, Starfish-Patrick, and Frugalista. Orbis and Bikini Bottom were my top 2 picks, but despite clicking “Add to Basket” at 11AM on the dot and checking back all day I missed out on both of them. I already had at least 15 RBLs like your favs Recycle and Concrete Jungle, but Black Russian is now on my xmas list along with Orbis, Bikini Bottom, the Treatment System, and Ji’s book.
HUGE THANKS to Ji and her amazing staff for even doing the sale again in the first place!
oh Dead Calm is simply beautiful and my fav! closely followed by Concrete Jungle.