ALU’s 365 of Untrieds – RGB Cosmetics “1996″ Need Supply Co
365 of Untrieds is my personal challenge to weed through the polishes in the ALU stash that I’ve been wanting to try but just haven’t gotten around to.
When the boyfriend & I bought our house a few years ago, we started a tradition of hosting Un-Xmas parties. You see, I’m not big on Christmas but wanted to throw a party around the holidays with no presents, white elephant gift exchanges, decorations or goofy sweaters. And so Un-Xmas was born. Well now that we have our keg fridge and a fresh keg of Christmas Ale, we decided to inaugurate the Un-Xmas in July party. The party is today and since dressing for the occasion means no holiday themed items, that includes my nails. I recently got my hands on a new shade from RGB Cosmetics called 1996, created to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Need Supply Co. and it seems like the perfect un-holiday shade. |
Formula & Application: RGB Cosmetics nail polish is 4-Free (including Formaldehyde Resin). The square bottles contain the same amount of polish as Chanel or RBL bottles but they are much more compact in size. The short, round, shiny black cap is about the width of my thumb and I find it relatively easy to control polish placement but would prefer it to be slightly longer.
The brush is short, round and average in width. Now it could be my imagination but the bristles feel a bit more flexible than what I’m used to. I wonder if RGB changed their brush. There was no dragging at all with this brush.
The formula itself is a little thick but it flows on the nail relatively easy. I achieved full coverage with two thin coats. What more can you ask from a polish?
RGB “1996″ for Need Supply Co is a dark, dark navy creme. It’s actually a lot deeper than I anticipated. In the bottle it looks like a vivid jewel, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I was SO excited to put it on, thinking it would have the same richness and depth on the nail. Unfortunately, it’s just a little to deep for that.
In looking for similar shades I came up with two China Glaze gems; Up All Night (left) and Calypso Blue (right).
China Glaze Calypso Blue is a pretty close match for 1996. They have the same dark denim base though Calypso Blue dries a touch lighter. China Glaze Up All Night is one of my all time favorite blue hues and, ignoring the shimmer, it’s a brighter sapphire shade than 1996.
Bottom Line: 1996 is gorgeous and glossy with an excellent formula but it’s just not that special. I wish it had the same flare on the nail that the bottle shade promises. I personally prefer the slightly lighter version, Calypso Blue, not only for the color but the price point.
365 of Untrieds Stash/Share Verdict: I just don’t see myself reaching for it over another navy in my collection. SHARE!
RGB Cosmetics “1996″ is available exclusively at the Need Supply Co store and online at NeedSupply.com. RGB 1996 retails for $16/ea for a .4oz bottle.
Thoughts on 1996? What is your favorite navy creme? Are you celebrating Christmas in July or is that just something us crazy Ohioans like to do?
Disclosure: A product sample was provided by reps for RGB Cosmetics. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
Calypso Blue has been one of my lemmings for a long time, I like that it’s a dark navy but that you can actually tell-it’s a blue on the nail, I thought First Mate was going to be that way, but was just a tad too dark, now I have to add Up All Night to my lemming list too.
I agree with you that with the price point that 1996 is at China Glaze is just a better deal, although 1996 is still a really pretty color.
OH OH OH OH OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHARE WITH ME PLEASE AND THANK YOU!
;P I’ll pay you in cake batter blondies (oh wait…you get those either way…)
Great comparisons, Michelle! It’s not close to CG First Mate then?
First Mate is a lot lighter than this.
I think it’s a gorgeous colour, but I’ve definitely seen more unique blues.
It’s beautiful! I don’t see this color listed for sale on their web site shop, though.
Also, have you ever swatched/tried their color called “Plum”? It looks like it would be awesome!
I wonder how it compares to RBL Dead Calm…
I am initially not a fan. I have other dark navy shades that will do me just fine. But then I am not a mega blue polish fan like so many polish heads are. OPI Russian Navy is great for me and I can take a pass on this one. it is nice that the blue does show up (least in your well lit photos). I am wondering if it really would look much different from other deep navy cream shades outside of the good lighting – and say all the way down on your toes. How was the staining of your nails with this one? Bad like most deep navy blues are?
I like the color, but it’s a few shades too dark for me also. You should try Revlon Royal, it is the most gorgeous cobalt blue.
When you “share”… who does it go to? I’m super-duper curious.
I host a charity beauty sale in my home with local bloggers once a year. Last year we raised over $1000 for Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Of course, if my mom wants one of my “Share” polishes, she gets first dibs.
Wow, that is so awesome, Michelle!
That’s actually pretty f*ing awesome.
And well, yeah, she’s your Mom.
Thanks for reviewing this! I was thinking about buying this, but now I’m not so sure. I wonder how close this is RBL’s Dead Calm or CG First Mate.
I’m with you. I prefer the Calypso Blue. I’m wearing Zoya’s Tart this week and loving it.
I like the idea of a un holiday party but I’m a nut for Christmas. The music, food ,decorations ( trees in every room!) Gifts and family. Most of all, the nail polish possibilities! I wear Milani’s Garnet Gems often.Have A Great Party!
i would have liked it more if it was just a little less dark and a bit brighter… for now it’s not something i would pich up
My favorite navy creme RBL Dead Calm. I love the idea of an Un-Xmas party! I should do something like that, because I am Wiccan and I don’t really celebrate Christmas anyway. I now really need to pick up Calypso Blue!
It’s lovely, but I agree that it isn’t anything special or new.
Would you be able to comment on how it compares to Orly La Playa?
That’s a real pretty colour but I think I prefer Up All Night (only just though).
Wow, this one reminds me a lot of RBL Dead Calm. How do they compare?
Just wanted you to know that I really love this polish, I own Calypso blue and its one of my favorites. I also wanted you to know that I am tagging you for a Sunshine Award in tomorrow’s post because without you, the rest of us wouldn’t exist! Thank you for being THE place to go for info on polish. I love your blog.
This color also reminds me of RBL “Dead Calm”
My twin daughters were born in 1996 and I love the name!
I love a nice matte blue….this is so great for Fall
I love wearing this color blue in the Fall! It works especially well if you have pretty blue eyes and talk with your hands alot…;)
I honestly had a flashback to 1996 when I saw this colour. I like it!
I’ve actually have been craving for a perfect rich navy creme polish for a while now, and to my disappointment, although RGB 1996 is pretty but too pricey and Calypso Blue, while better priced and equally very nice it’s just not calling to me like I want it to
. But I know a big reason why, it’s because there’s a gorgeous sapphire glass flecked beauty right beside them! For some reason whenever I try and seek out a creme polish that will win my heart, I always go for the shimmers and glass flecks! They just draw me in like a magnet and ‘Up all Night’ has got me sold