Fashion and beauty are so intrinsically linked that launches such as the Christian Louboutin Beauté range make perfect sense. The highly anticipated arrival of the Christian Louboutin Beauté line of extremely luxury polishes are starting with, as you may expect, the very red that embodies the brand and that we all associate with the words “Christian Louboutin”. Apparently it was a bit of a nightmare getting the exact red shade, but it was eventually achieved and the result is the first ever Christian Louboutin Beauté product, the Rouge Louboutin in the iconic red.
There’s an interesting approach to the creation of the Beauté line, with Louboutin treating it as if it’s an extension of the shoe line rather than an independent range. For example, the polish lids are the same length as the heel of the beautiful statement shoe, the Ballerina Ultima and the polishes are sold within the shoe department rather than the beauty department.
Mostly importantly, the infamous red shoe was created when Louboutin painted the sole (the yellow shoe above started it all) using red polish; so it’s now come full circle in an homage to the beginning of such a cult image. To extend these connections further, the above shoes are themed around nails.
The polish itself is a rich and highly pigmented formula that apparently gives a full coverage finish after one coat, or “the effect of 20 layers of traditional lacquer” after two coats. It’s long-wearing, chip-resistant and free from the main three nail-product nasties.
Christian Louboutin Beauté launches with the Rouge Louboutin next month. Shortly after we’ll see the arrival of the full range which includes The Noirs – 10 deep, dark and moody shades perfectly timed for Autumn/Winter; The Nudes – 10 extremely pretty and intensely feminine nudes that I think will be the most popular and lastly The Pops which are my personal favourites and contain 10 vivid hits of colour including the most beautiful bright pink in Pluminette. There will also be a nail care kit consisting of two products, the Loubi Primer and the Loubi Gloss, so a base and a glossy topcoat.
The Louboutin Rouge is available from Christian Louboutin online – link – for £36 now. On 14th August 2014 it launches into Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Christian Louboutin boutiques. The Nudes, Noirs and Pops launch in September 2014 and will also be £36 each. September 2014 also sees the launch of the Nail Care Kit for £40.
