Serge Lutens, nailed it.

It's no secret that Serge Lutens keep their range of cosmetics pared right back to only marginally above the bare necessities. The luxury line understands that the distance between oneself and a coveted item is what defines the perception of how luxurious that item is; and so not acquiescing to every whim maintains that gulf of luxury, keeping the label sparse and sought after, and full of untapped potential for a few unfulfilled dreams of certain colour palettes to one day, just maybe, spring forth.

But probably not.

The limitations of the brand's line up are anything but, as the line has the astounding ability to hook a customer in on a nude colour palette. Whether it's the lip pencil in shade 1, (the shades don't exceed 3), or the nail polish in "faux-semblant", ('false pretense'), Serge Lutens manages to capture nude in a way that is not just believable, but ever so slightly more beautiful than which can appear in nature.

The nail polish is irritatingly described as neither matte nor gloss, but it happens to be accurate. Somehow, it doesn't only mimic the colour of a naked nail bed, but is also the perfect imitation of its sheen.

Serge Lutens nail lacquer in faux-semblant maintains a strong adherence to its namesake: though the very antithesis of playful, its make believe lies in its deception, appearing as though nothing has been touched.

So close to truth, only the wearer knows that there has been enhancement. It is for the individual who values naked beauty, and aspires to finesse nature in so subtle a fashion that an onlooker could only marvel at that which good genes has given.

This is not a nail polish to notice, nor for those who admire overt attempts at enhancement. This is the nail polish equivalent of the aforementioned lip pencil, for those to whom they will marry for life.

This is painting with light.