Nail Polish for the 1%- AKA: How Much Is Too Much?

I believe that it is fairly safe to say that the nail art trend is here to stay. And as the trend grows, inevitably it evolves so that it becomes even more grandiose with each innovation.

It seems that the next big thing in nail polish is a giant leap past glitter, duo chromes, and holos. Now several big names in nail polish are adding REAL GOLD LEAF into top coats, adding a whole new meaning to "nail bling."




This a prototype polish from Zoya...

(Photo via Zoya's Facebook Page)

From OPI:

We have a VERY special treat in store for all of you this Holiday! In celebration of James Bond’s Golden Anniversary we are releasing our first-ever 18 karat gold leaf top coat “The Man with the Golden Gun”

Inspired by the world of 007, this stunning top coat contains real 18 karat gold and comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable gold bottle – the ultimate holiday gift! Available this October ~

(photo via OPI's Facebook Page)

And if you need your gold fix now, here's what Sephora by OPI has to offer:

According to OPI VP and Artistic Director, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann: "Gold jewelry is the must have accessory of the season, so we came up with something as glamorous and golden as the trend itself." Thus the introduction of this clear top coat embellished with real, 18k gold flakes.

A clear top coat embellished with real gold flakes. 

It's Real 18k Gold Top Coat (photo via Sephora.com)

But of course, someone had to take one step (or ten) further...

AZATURE Redefines Luxury by Launching a Black Diamond Nail Polish

Most Expensive Nail Polish in the World

Toted as the most expensive nail polish in the world, AZATURE Nail Polish is the latest offering from the black diamond king.  This celebrity and royalty designer is bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “dripping in diamonds” by introducing this ultra-luxe product to the beauty market.

Retailing for $250,000, the exclusive AZATURE Nail Polish contains 267 carats of black diamonds, assuring that the woman who wears it really is the chicest of them all.  Limited to just one bottle, it also makes it a one-of-a-kind, limited edition item from the world of AZATURE.

For those that can’t afford the $250,000 price tag, Azature created polish that will contain a real black diamond and retail for $25.  Packaged in a .5 oz / 15 mL diamond shaped bottle, the nail polish is offered in AZATURE signature black and coats on with a glittery sheen that resembles the sparkle of an AZATURE diamond. 

“The black diamond is the ultimate fine jewel. Its combination of beauty, mystery, and sophistication makes it a timeless luxury. One day I thought, ‘why not showcase this style on nails?’ So I developed a Black Diamond Nail Polish with the same attention and quality as my jewelry, in order to preserve the elegance of the black diamond. I am thrilled to offer this new twist on fine-jewelry!”

The lower-priced nail polish will be available to consumers at Fred Segal beginning August 2012.


So what do you think? Can a nail polish truly be worth $250,000? I'm inclined to believe that if I had that kind of money to spend on diamonds, black or otherwise, I'd prefer something more timeless-like an actual piece of jewelry. But, hey, to each his own. Will you be investing in any of the gold leaf options or the lower priced black diamond option from AZATURE? How much is too much for nail polish? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...


Ciao, XxO


Q

PS-None of the pictures used in this post are my own. All appropriate credits (with links) have been included :)