This polish is a commendatory representation of Marsala, which Pantone declares is impactful, unifying, rich, welcoming, grounded, tasteful, hearty and stylish. Men are from Mars-ala is kind of like a terracotta with berry undertones, a medium-toned creamy sun-baked red spice with plenty of finely-milled holographic pigment that produces a beautiful linear flair with a coppery flash in direct sun and adds subtle, flattering nuances of pink and violet to the base color in indirect light.
Application was dreamy. The consistency of Men are from Mars-ala is fluid and full-bodied, with a smooth, creamy flow over the nail and excellent self-leveling properties. This is a "thicker in a good way" sort of polish, very user friendly and easy to manipulate with KBShimmer's flattened, flexible brush. Pigmentation is excellent, with completely even, opaque coverage in two coats. Cleanup is easy and straightforward. Men are from Mars-ala dries naturally in good time to a glossy finish.
Photos show two coats of Men are from Mars-ala over treatment and basecoat with a topcoat of Seche Vite.
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
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| KBShimmer Men are from Mars-ala |
Fuzzy, not the most diplomatic arbiter of color, believes Marsala as color of the year is a definite misstep. She disparaged it as a "milky rosy mauve," and declared that it reminded her of someone's faded, dusty upholstery. "Ugh, Victorian!" I don't know what that means, since she says it about colors she likes as well. I'm not sold on the color either, it just doesn't light my fire. But then neither did Radiant Orchid when it was announced and I came to appreciate it through the course of its reign.
This polish, however, is a genius interpretation. I don't want to think about it without the holo, because the holo really livens up the subdued, somewhat murky maturity of the color and makes it much more interesting and wearable. There will be variations in the Marsala palette that I'll love more than Marsala itself, I'm sure -- darker, spicier colors that have a little more bite to them. If you're contemplating Marsala and haven't yet reached any conclusions, I highly recommend trying out Men are from Mars-ala. It'll give you a good reference point as you fold this color into your aesthetic, for better or worse.
love,
Liz
Hahahaha this is why I just love Thoughts With Fuzzy time, Fuzzy is the best :) I could see dingy 70's upholstery from this, though mostly I think of dirty "free spirit" romps in the southwest desert, like Burning Man or something. "Sun-baked red spice" is perfect, by far the best description I've read of Marsala ("Ugh, Victorian!" being the second best :D ); most people don't seem able to wrap their heads around the weirdness haha. It's definitely an odd one.
ReplyDeleteI've never any US deserts in person but can imagine the red-brown of Marsala being an important part of that palette, depending on which desert/canyon/area. So much nicer to think of it that way, too. In the house I grew up in during the 70s we had a Marsala colored refrigerator and stove and an avocado dishwasher.
DeleteThoughts with Fuzzy -- lol! She will want this institutionalized somehow I just know it.