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Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer ($18.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “seafoam splendor.” It has a “glittered shimmer” finish. It’s a green-gold shimmered aqua-blue base with larger blue glitter. I don’t have anything similar to this to my recollection. The mixture of shimmer and glitter makes it rather different.  It was extremely pigmented; I actually thought it was a one-coater, so the swatches are done with a single coat of polish. While editing, I could see that at least one nail would have benefited from a second coat, so I’d say two coats is best unless you’re really good and get it done in one.

The texture of the polish on the nail is chunky/gritty; you’ll need a really thick top coat (or two layers of top coat) if you’re bothered by the feel of the glitter/shimmer.  As far as the consistency went, it applied pretty evenly and fluidly without pooling against the sides. It’s not “thick” in the traditional way, but it’s densely packed with both pigment and shimmer/glitter. I really liked how evenly the glitter spread–I didn’t have to finagle the pieces around at all.  I typically get a week of wear with very minimal tip wear with Deborah Lippmann’s formula.

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream Nail Lacquer
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream Nail Lacquer

59 Comments

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EstherKudron Avatar

oooooooooh this is beautiful. looks like it might be dupe-able by layering a few different polishes, though I’m not exactly sure which colors to use.

Scienter Avatar

I love the color, but I don’t like gritty textures.  I need a better top coat.  Right now I have to use 3 coats of Essie No Chips Ahead to make glitter feel smoother on my nails.

Stephville Avatar

Must… Buy.. This…
I’ve been eying it since it came out and this was the icing on the cake for me… I need this in my life ASAP

wwendalynne Avatar

So I jumped over the nailpolishcanada.com, my favourite on-line nail shop and nabbed this before it’s gone.  I wish it wasn’t $22, but I get points towards freebies..giddy up!

Mariella Avatar

not something I’d wear on my fingernails but I would LOVE to have this on my toes for the summer. I just don’t think Deborah Lippmann products are available where I am.

LindaTuckerLaLonde Avatar

i have this and i’m wearing it right now and, I LOVE IT.  it does not feel gilttery on me, with a good top coat (seche vite is what i use).  stays on for about 4-5 days for me.  LOVE IT.  can’t say enough good things about it. 🙂  can you tell, i love it?  ha ha  i got mine online at nordstrom, $18; free shipping.  outrageous price for nail polish, but i don’t care, because I LOVE IT! 🙂

Kari Avatar

that is such a gorgeous polish! i just wish it wasn’t so expensive or else i’d be all over it :[ i can’t justify paying that much for a nail polish.

LindaTuckerLaLonde Avatar

i know, i had a hard time justifying the cost as well, but i have no regrets.  everywhere i go, someone says how much they like it.  however, i’m not out to please others.  i love it for myself.  it’s so unique and simply put: beautiful.  i do need two coats and again, it does NOT feel gritty to me, not with seche vite for a top coat.  i have not other top coats so i do not know about others.  also, on me, it looks more greenish — like a teal greenish blue — MARVELOUS.

Debbie Avatar

Do Deborah Lippman nail polishes really worth the $18 price tag??? I love this color but I don’t know if I can shell out $18 for a tiny jar of nail polish, especially when I rarely use up the entire bottle of any nail polishes.

Debbie Avatar

 @Christine (Temptalia) Thanks, Christine.  I just bought it! 😛  I do think the color is lovely and extremely unique, and you said you can’t find a dupe out there.  I think you need to get commission if the sale of a product surges after you reviewed it. 

Quinctia Avatar

If it’s not LE, I figure you could wait a few months, look around for any dupes…and then, if you still really want it and it’s unique, it’s a worthwhile splurge.
 
With a big BUT…but I’d only do it if it was a color I was sure I’d wear all of the time.  I tend to buy every interesting nail polish I see that’s in price range of drugstore brands – OPI/China Glaze, so I haven’t bought a Lippmann because I wouldn’t wear it enough with all my other polishes.

annedreshfield Avatar

Wow, this looks so unique! I agree, it’s hard to tell that you need two coats of polish, particularly because of the texture of the finish. I don’t own any Deborah Lippmann because of the price tag, but this one is pretty tempting.

LindaTuckerLaLonde Avatar

 @guest11with this one, not really.  i just use a cotton square, put remover on it and hold it on my nail for a few seconds and then wipe off.  it may take a few(about 3) wipes, but this one comes off easier than most i’ve tried, i.e., china glaze. 
 

Hailey Avatar

I don’t think you understand the meaning of “finagle.” Also, you put “recollection” where you meant “collection.” Very pretty color, the photos are perfect from my experience with this polish.

Alex Avatar

If you’re going to be picky about someone else’s grammar, make sure you’re right.
 
“To my recollection” means “if I’m remembering correctly,” which is what she meant. She can’t recall anything she has which is similar to this.
 

sarah Avatar

finagle: to get or achieve (something) by guile, trickery, or MANIPULATION.  as in, she did not have to manipulate the glitter pieces to achieve good placement.  PWNED. 

Moni Avatar

Lippmann is unbeatable in the glittery nailpolish department. I just bought this on the weekend and this shade is incredible to say the least. I initially expected it to be a little too light based on pictures but it is actually bluer than in the photos posted.
 
Seriously this is like nail jewelry… I can’t think of anything else in recent memory that has the same visual impact as this polish.

Jennifer Avatar

A nail polish even more gorgeous on the nail than in the bottle?!  I just ordered mine.     0:-D
 
As always, thank you for the wonderful review and swatches, Christine!!!!  😀

megbkent Avatar

I bought this polish a few weeks ago, and am wearing it right now! I love it – it is so different. It is a pricy polish – £18.00 in the UK, but as it is one of a kind, I don’t mind spending that amount! As @Moni said, Deborah Lippman is the go to brand for glittery polishes!

thaliachelsy Avatar

Am I the only one that found this polish started chipping almost immediately?  Love the color, texture, etc. but I was so so disappointed by the wear on this!  

Skin Care Specialist Avatar

Oh, wow! The color combination is just awesome! It has some kind of texture, right? Does it wear off easily? Say, for example, I’m the kind of person who cooks and washes the dishes all the time, will it last for at least a week on my nails beautifully?

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