NARS Purple Rain Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Stunning Spring Nails with NARS Purple Rain Nail Lacquer
NARS Purple Rain Nail Lacquer ($16.00) is a deep jewel-toned purple with red undertones shimmered with flecks of violet and wine red shimmer. It looks kind of like a dark grape purple when there’s no real light, but I like that it doesn’t look black in low light conditions. Of course, like many polishes, this one really shows off best in the light. Even just regular lighting will catch the shimmer in such a lovely way. This is a richly pigmented nail lacquer; it needs only one thick coat and it goes opaque, though I did two coats for good measure. It wears well (one week with just tip wear, no chipping), and it applies easily–doesn’t streak or drag. The formula is thick without being goopy, so it doesn’t require any experimentation in application–it’s just apply, dry, and enjoy!
I was surprised by how much I liked this shade, even though it doesn’t conjure up any spring images in my mind, I’m really glad NARS put it out, spring season or not!
If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ! 
- Product: 29/30
- Value: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 4/5
- Packaging: 4/5
Recommendation: If you love purple nails, Purple Rain is really one of those must-see shades!
Availability: BlueMercury
See more photos & swatches!
Purple Rain Nail Lacquer
Disclosure
This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand or its PR firm. Our priority is to you, and we honor that commitment by being honest! We don't do paid reviews or guarantee reviews. We're going to give you the truth and nothing but! For more information, please read our editorial/review policies.
How does it compare to OPI's "Merry midnight"?
I'd say more purple, not quite as reddish? They are similar, though!
OMG! Gorgeous color, love it!
That's a really pretty color. Not sure I'd wear it for spring though
I think I might of found a dupe for it :) or one very close to it. It's a color that Hot Topic sells which is shocking
sorry hit enter before I finished lol. It's called Purple Iridescent Nail Polish (237684) and is on the site as well. The photo on the site makes it look like it has multi-colors in it but when you see the bottle at the store its more of a purple with blue and pink iridescent. The only problem with it is that it has that strong nail polish smell in the bottle but not really on your nails so just keep that in mind when applying :)
I'm wearing it right now :) It's actually my first Nars polish (and I was super happy to find the color because I missed out on Tokadio Hotel from last year). I was really surprised by the quality of the polish. It went on smoothly (I also did 2 coats) and its the end of day 3 with minor chipage on the tips (forgivable, I'm super rough with my hands). I skipped a top coat this time and they actually are just as shiny as if I did (I find Channel polishes tend to dull very fast). I love how it still looks purple in bad lighting.
O-M-G. I must have this. Is it out?
Yes!
how does this compare to chanel's vendetta i wonder....
Brighter, more red in it. It's not as dark as Vendetta!
Christine, thanks soooo much for this. I've been waiting for swatches ever since i heard about Nars spring 2010 collection. I must admit though that i wasn't too fond of the shadows, lip glosses, etc but the minute i saw the nail polish i new i had to have it. Now that i see what the color is like i'm about to order it. Thanks again!!!
Very pretty! But I have Ink by OPI & they look very similar, so I guess I'll have to pass on this gorgeous one :(
I will definitely purchase this color!! I love it!!
i bought it, i was feeling depressed so i just went on sephora.com and bought it haha!! thank you Christine!
OHMAHGAH wantwantwant! I already knew I wanted this, ha ha, but now...I WANT IT EVEN MOAR.
I think I have the same color, but it's an ''H&M'' nail polish in the color ''Goddess on Stage''. I love that one and it was only 5 euros (so about 8 dollar?!). :)
I've been wanting this kind of shade for a long time, seriously, have black with purple glitter, dark purple almost black, but not the same!!! the only bad thing as you mentioned not to much of a summer shade...
I don't usually stick to seasonal shades myself, so I'll fly in the face in convention! LOL!
I'm wearing this color right now. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. dry fast, on my 3rd day now still no chipping yet!
Love this color! I must get it, but they were sold out last time I was at the counter. :(
oOOhhh I LOVE IT! I will definitely being linking this via my blog.
oh wow! beautiful colour!
love at first sight. it shall be mine...off i go to nars's website.... thanks christine :)
OMG!!!! I want it!!!!
I just tried that out today! It looked pretty in the store, but when i walked outside (of the mall) it didn't appear to be as sparkly. I felt that I the color was more matte
Very glam. It kind of reminds me of OPI Ink. Would you say they are similar?
So beautiful. :) Too bad I hardly ever wear nail polish...
wow, i've been looking for a color like this. i love purple and every dark purple i have bought/seen does look more black than anything. and i love the different colors in it. im definitely going to get this. thanks!
OMG. It is my favorite kind of color. The naming is perfect, too.
That is gorgeous and I love purple nails, especially dark purples. This one reminds me of African Violets. I have one on hold at The Bay tomorrow when I go to the NARS event. Can't wait to buy it and try it.
I swatched this in Sephora and loved it! I sadly didn't get it since Im on a budget :(
Gorgeous, but is this going to end in a lawsuit with Prince??
Sigh. I was eyeing this when it came out and I want it! I barely wear polishes so I don't know if I can get used to purple nails! I think I might pick this up though but for $16 a pop, that's expensive! Damn NARS
I love the color! I'll probably get it.
Very Pretty color. I like the disclosure about the product being provided to you.
I love this polish, it's such a gorgeous colour!
omg....that color is AWESOME! Do you know of a cheaper dupe?
Maybe OPI Ink.
WOW!!!! :) Love it, however it really reminds me of Essie "Sexy Divide" which is already in my collection!
Prettyyyyyy<3
Its similar to the nail lacquer from MAC Style Black.
I ordered this last week and will pick up my box from my mom's house today. My stuff goes to my mom's house so the husband does not know how much I spend. Hee hee. I think I may get another cause I know my clients will want to wear this and I don't want to share my bottle!
It's gorgeous. I have it and it's my new fave purple polish.
Wow! I'm kind of speechless. That has to be the most beautiful purple nail polish ever!
it looks exactly like OPI Visions of Sugarplum from the ULTA Holiday Collection 2008
OH MY GOSHHHHHHHH! I want that color!!! Usually i'm not one to spend that much on a nail polish, but for this color i will! =)
That is a stunning polish, wow! I might need to get that color!
This reminds me of their holiday nail polish from last year "Tokadio Hotel" so I'm not too excited about this=/
Wow, that`s a beautiful color!! <3
Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.
Comments that include advertisements, self-promotion, insults, etc. may be in violation of our comment policy and subject to deletion. Please see our comment policy for more information.