Continuing from my review of the Chanel Avant-Premiere de Chanel Collection, there are also some nail polishes in this collection. Today I will be reviewing two of the le vernis nail colours that are very French & Hollywood cinema influenced.
Left to right: #581 Cinema, #579 Paparazzi
#579 Paparazzi – This nail polish is a blood brown shade that is softly muted, meaning less vibrant as compare to Cinema. The formula goes on better than I’d imagine it to be. It is soft and smooth to apply. Pss, this picture is taken one full week after application, see how well the nail polish lasted except for a slight chip on my index finger, impressive hey?
#581 Cinema – This one certainly screams Hollywood. Surprisingly the red is way lighter in application as compare to the red in the bottle. Regardless, this is a vibrant, timely, classic red that has a slight jelly shine finish to it. The pigment is intense and with one – two careful thin coats, you’ll get an even finish.
RRP AUD$39 each
Available on Chanel counters now
Recently, Dior released some very feminine and pretty colours for Summer 2013 Dior Addict Glosses and Nail Polishes. The ads were everywhere and it was pretty hard to ignore. The best bit of this collection is that the new Dior Addict lip glosses are matching to the Dior Vernis – talk about coordinating your make up. In total there are 4 new shades for the nail polishes and matching lip glosses. Let’s start with the amazing nail polishes.
All of the Summer 2013 nail polishes comes with a moderate mix of shimmer flecks that translates into a sophisticated colour combined with a gorgeous formula that applies beautifully. All nail swatches were applied with two coats without top coat except for the top coat swatch.
#553 Princess
This is my absolute favourite from the lot as this pink doesn’t look too bland and doesn’t appear to be sheer either. A very flattering pink with gorgeous specks of shimmer.
#343 Spring Ball
A classic soft pink coral, tres feminine and would totally wear these on my toes as well
#433 Delice
A tangerine red/coral finish and because it has shimmer in it, it gives a nice twist to the bright shade.
Dior Gel Coat Top Coat gives a glossy and shine finish that replicates gel nail finish minus the need of a UV lamp. The top coat instantly transforms my nail polish to a plushy gel finish, be sure to wait for your nail polish to somewhat dry prior to applying this gel coat.
In terms of removal, all nail polishes including the gel coat was easy to remove despite having shimmer flecks in it. There’s also a #Diablotine nail polish from the Summer 2013 collection but unfortunately there has been some mix up and I didn’t receive this for swatching.
Top to bottom: #343 Spring Ball, #553 Princess, #643 Diablotine, #433 Delice
Overall, I find that the Dior Addict Glosses are a slight tone down versions of the nail polishes. These glosses delivers shine and oozes femininity in the pretty and totally wearable shades. The glosses are easy to apply and does leaves a tacky or sticky finish. It is also good to know that these glosses are infused with a high percentage of hyaluronic acid that keep lips hydrated and plump looking.
Top to bottom: #343 Spring Ball, #553 Princess, #433 Delice, #643 Diablotine,
Look at the shine and shimmer in the glosses – it totally screams softness, feminine and fills the gap between not quite a lipstick and not quite a OTT gloss. The glosses being glosses did require frequent reapplication throughout the day (once every 2-3 hours for me). Apart from that, I really like how these glosses never dry out my lips and never leave it feeling tacky either.
Dior Addict Gloss RRP AUD$49 each
Dior Vernis RRP AUD$39 each
Recently, I picked up some cute colours from Chanel’s latest and existing le vernis collection. When I saw these at a counter, I knew straight away that I “needed” them; these are so ME! As always, their formula doesn’t disappoint and this is especially true for the brighter colours/pigmented ones. Let’s get straight into it.
#519 Rose Exuberant – From Chanel Fall 2011 Collection
For some reason this colour doesn’t come off as bubblegum pink as my first picture. Just to assure you this is a true pink colour that has a hint of blue (frost) to it that brightens any skin tone. Love it!
#571 Fracas – From Printemps Precieux 2013 Collection
Fracas is also a pink shade but has more of a watermelon hue. There’s also the finest mix of gold/pink shimmer in the polish that is only visible in certain lighting. Due to its bright hue, I also love using this on my toe nails.
RRP AUD$39 each
Available on Chanel counters now
In 2013, L”oreal Australia acquired essie. This “best of” collection is put together to introduce the essie brand to the women of Australia. Each of these polish comes with a story and one was even released in the year that I was born.
Born in 1981, “Ballet Slippers” has been an award winning shade for three decades. This iconic shade has always been a star performer – a classic and sophisticated pink. Personally, I find this formula is probably one of the better ones I have tested with light/sheer shades. I only needed two thin coats for an even opaque coat.
I did suffer some bubbling on my index finger though which is quite odd since I didn’t shake the bottles and the rest of my nails ever smooth applications with no signs of bubbling.
Born in 2009, “Chinchilly” is now part of the Cuddle with Color collection. This shade is unique because it is a first of its kind to be the first true grey + beige shade in the market. This cool grey blend is soft and creamy to apply. Again, I suffered some bumpy bits with this application. This is quite unusual as I don’t really have issues like this with all the other nail polishes that I use/swatch.
Born in 2001, “Sugar Daddy” is a super sheer pink shade. I needed three heavy coats and this still appears super sheer on my nails. I guess this is great for in a rush and you want a quite wash of colour on the nails without worrying any obvious smudge stains.
Born in 2003, “Fifth Avenue” was designed to capture the essence of New York. This creamy red-orange shade screams statement and power. This is probably one of my favourite shade from the best of collection. I love bright colours that creams personality!
Born in 1996, “Aruba Blue” is a frosty sapphire blue to complement the bright poppy shades for summer in 1996. This marine blue reminds me of luxurious silk, this shade definitely stands out is a good alternative to the reds/corals/pinks shades.
Born in 1984, “Wicked” is noir, definitely a first for essie as the brand started off with its famous pastel shades. This overnight sensation was a turning point for the brand and quickly sold out everywhere it was stocked. Definitely a game changer for essie.
RRP AUD$18.95 each
Available on counters now
Continuing from my previous post with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polishes, here’s part two of the amazing creamy nail polishes. Let’s go!
TOP Left to right: #546 Get Juiced, #540 Frutti Petutie, #520 Simply Divine, #530 Back to the Fucshia
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #546 Get Juiced, #540 Frutti Petutie, #520 Simply Divine, #530 Back to the Fucshia
TOP Left to right: #560 Kook a Mango, #545 Fiery Island, #550 All Fired up, #543 Berry Important
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #560 Kook a Mango, #545 Fiery Island, #550 All Fired up, #543 Berry Important
TOP Left to right: #570 Right Said Red, #620 Wine Not, #610 Red Zin, #640 Plum Luck
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #570 Right Said Red, #620 Wine Not, #610 Red Zin, #640 Plum Luck
TOP Left to right: #372 Greige, #370 Commander in Chic, #635 Bittersweet, #672 Jaded
BOTTOM Index to Pinky:#372 Greige, #370 Commander in Chic, #635 Bittersweet, #672 Jaded
TOP Left to right: #677 Shoot the Moon, #330 Pedal to the Metal, #679 Pennies for Heaven, #630 Haute Chocolate
BOTTOM Index to Pinky:#677 Shoot the Moon, #330 Pedal to the Metal, #679 Pennies for Heaven, #630 Haute Chocolate
TOP Left to right: #674 Jungle Gem, #675 Mermaid’s Tail, #660 Pat on the Black, #670 Midnight in NY
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #674 Jungle Gem, #675 Mermaid’s Tail, #660 Pat on the Black, #670 Midnight in NY
RRP AUD$15.95 each
Available on counters now
In 2013, Chanel launched the Printemps Precieux Collection which is amazing as usual (shall review some of the make up products soon) and from their collection there were three nail polish shades, #569 Emprise, #571 Fracas (review to come) and #573 Accessoire (a deep burgundy shade).
#569 Emprise is a pinkish beige shade – one that suits my cool to warm tone skin perfectly.
By default, I rarely wear nude/beige nail colours because it is very hard to find one that compliment my nails rather than making them look yucky. Needless to say, I am pleasantly surprised with this natural looking beige shade that is somewhat muted pink, with a very fine hint of shimmer (that is visible on the eye but not so much in the camera lens).
This swatch took two thin coats for an even consistency finish. It wasn’t streaky and leaves a glossy finish. As usual, Chanel packaging, brush applicator to nail colours does not disappoint!
RRP AUD$39
Available on Chanel counters now
Beginning of 2013, Sally Hansen sent me the most amazing nail press kit one can ever dream of. To celebrate their full colour range launch, Sally Hansen’s colour wheel is made out of predominantly neutral, beige, pinks, red and some brighter colours. Comes in a sturdy glass bottle packaging, these Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polishes are quickly replacing my love for OPI nail polishes.
Look at the colours, aren’t they gorgeous? Each bottle are creamy, easy to apply and all it takes is a careful layer application for an even polish finish.
From now on, picking colours for the nails will be so hard to choose!
TOP Left to right: #131 Ivory Coat, #170 Pink Slip, #140 Peachy Keen, #160 Shell We Dance
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #131 Ivory Coat, #170 Pink Slip, #140 Peachy Keen, #160 Shall We Dance
TOP Left to right: #175 Army Candy, #210 Naked Ambition, #220 Cafe Au Lait, #250 Mudslide
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #175 Army Candy, #210 Naked Ambition, #220 Cafe Au Lait, #250 Mudslide
TOP Left to right: #374 Mauve Along, #260 So Much Fawn, #360 Plums the Word, #320 Raisin the Bar
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #374 Mauve Along, #260 So Much Fawn, #360 Plums the Word, #320 Raisin the Bar
TOP Left to right: #500 Pink at him, #510 I Pink I can, #406 Purple Heart, #409 Good to Grape
BOTTOM Index to Pinky: #500 Pink at him, #510 I Pink I can, #406 Purple Heart, #409 Good to Grape
Stay tune for Part 2, more gorgeous colours to come!
RRP AUD$15.95 each
Available on counters now
Ciate Paint Pots Nail Polish has been in the market for some time now. They are notorious with their release of the ‘caviar’ nail polish collection and has since piqued my interest. Unfortunate for us, it was not available for us to purchase in Australia for the longest time and shipping nail polish overseas are out of the option.
Earlier in Jan when I was travelling, I saw this in SASA (a beauty chain in Asia much like your Priceline) and knew I had to pick one up to trial. I stuck with my safe colour options – any shade of pink.
Say hello to #011 Cupcake Queen – a girly pink shade; love how the bottles comes with a bow too.
Pigment wise, this delivers beautifully and all I need is two thin careful coats. Applicator wise, I find this easy to apply. In addition, the formula is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, formaldehyde, GMOs and triclosan; basically all the nasties free.
I believe I purchased this for under AUD$20 from Sasa Taipei.
