Chanel Inspired New Year's Design 2012

Hey Y'all! I came up with this design while trying to figure out what to do to my nails for New Year's. I also did this because I wanted to practice sculpting stilletto tips. I decided against doing stilletto tips on myself because as you can see, I need Practice LOL!

The design itself is very simple and I only used a few items. I used NSI Basic Black acrylic, silver holographic striping tape and a Chanel sticker from Born Pretty store. Hope you like it!

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Chanel Les Jeans de Chanel Swatches & Review

Today I have Chanel Les Jeans de Chanel collection to share with you. This collection was released for New York's Fashion Week for a limited time. I believe there are only a few more days left before these disappear from the Chanel website, but I'm not too sure about that. Let's have a look at the collection.


Coco Blue is a gorgeous sky blue with hints of shimmery glow. 3 coats. I absolutely love this color, I know there are plenty of sky blue polishes out there but there's something about this one that just looks so gorgeous.


Blue Boy is a muted blue creme with grayish tones. 2 coats. Another interesting color. I love the muted look. It has a slight jelly finish, which I like.


Blue Rebel is a muted navy blue creme. 2 coats. This one also has a slightly muted look to it. It also has a slight jelly finish.

The three colors are not unique per se. And not to mention the price. These retail for $29 a bottle. That's a little redonk, and I'm a little redonk to actually purchase all three. But you know because it's Chanel. I did like all three of them, even though they are not unique. The formula for these were pretty good. I'm happy that Chanel is finally improving their formula, because I know in the past I hated it. They do chip easily though, so that's another thing Chanel needs to work on if they want their polish to be worth the money.

But in my opinion, no matter how great the formula is, no matter how lasting the wear is, a bottle of polish should not cost more than $20, designer brand or not. That's just my thought.

So was anyone crazy like me and purchased these as well? Which ones are your favorite?

More about → Chanel Les Jeans de Chanel Swatches & Review

Day 3 Yellow Chanel Mimosa

Ok we are on Day 3 which is Yellow nails. I love yellow nail polish but its always such a pain to apply and get even and this one was no different. This is my one and only Chanel anything that my wonderful Hubby went out and bought for me just because. The polish was kinda streaky but I managed to get it to even out in 2coat in some fingers and 3 in other. 

How do you guys feel about yellow polish? For me its a love hate thing love how they look but hate to apply it.

More about → Day 3 Yellow Chanel Mimosa

Chanel Graphite

I know just about everyone would have seem lots of swatches of this polish, but if you're like me, that doesn't matter.  I love seeing swatches of polishes I like on different people to see how it looks with different skin tones and on different shaped nails (I especially love doing that with holos, because they look so different on everyone cause of the shape of the nail, whether its curved or flat and so on)

When I first saw swatches of Graphite I thought I just looked like a blackened silver foil.  But then reading peoples descriptions of the colour, they kept mentioning that it had gold flecks as well as silver.  It's very hard to capture the gold and silver flecks with the camera because it is so metallic and reflective.

When I bought these two Chanel polishes, I put Peridot on first for a quick swatch and photo, then I put Graphite on and was amazed a how beautiful it was.  I really didn't think I would like it as much as I do.  I originally only swatched four fingers, but after seeing it on, I had to finish my mani off and then continued to wear it for three days.  This was two coats with no base or top coat, just Graphite it all its naked glory.

This photo shows some on the golden flecks mixed amongst the silver ones, particularly in the bottom part of the photo.

Here is a shot in the shade, blocking the light source so you can see the speckled appearance of this polish.

What I love about this polish is that it's not just a silver foil.  The gold flecks in it warm it up.  I'm a total gold jewellery wearer. Rings, bracelets, watch, all of them gold, and this polish compliments them so nicely. 

I'm so emmensly happy with my first experience with Chanel polishes.  I hope they continue to step outside of the box and create unique colours and finishes, because God knows we are all getting a little bored of seeing the same shades recycled around.

More about → Chanel Graphite

Chanel Peridot and Ozotic 507 comparison

Look what I finally got! And yes, I LOVE IT! 

OMG Chanel Peridot is just the most beautiful colour.  There are so many reviews and pictures out there of this polish, but here are mine.  As everyone else has said, the application of this polish was perfect. It was smooth and easy to apply.  I did two coats and there are still some slight streaks visible in these photos but they really aren't noticeable in real life, or if they are, I didn't care. 

I took all these photos in indirect light indoors, because I think you can see the duochrome effect  better without full sunshine on the nail.

Here is the start of the light green shift.

And at an even stronger angle to see the aqua green.

Now for the comparison pictures with Ozotic 507.  Both of these are two coats, although the Peridot is much more opaque than the Ozotic.  Chanel is on the index and ring fingers and Ozotic 507 is on the middle and pinky.

As you can see, Chanel is a much cooler toned gold than the Ozotic.  But the Ozotic is a little less streaky.  Chanel looks more foil like and the Ozotic more metallic shimmer.

The shift colour is identical, although you can still see that the underlying colour is slightly different.

Here is an up close shot, showing Ozotic 507 on the left and Chanel Peridot on the right.

I bought Graphite too, and it is gorgeous as well, but I think it might be frankenable, whereas this isn't.  I have already bought a backup of this too, and I generally dont' buy backups.

And for anyone still reading at the end of the post wondering if the colour changing powders have turned up, the answer is NOT YET! - God damn it, where are they already!

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Chanel Peridot and Graphite Nail Lacquers for Fall 2011

Greetings all! It's raining cats and dogs here in New York, having a very lazy, and boring Sunday. Well at least I did quite a few productive things today. Well today I have Chanel's Peridot and Graphite nail lacquers to share for the Illusions d'Ombres de Chanel Fall 2011 collection. This collection came with one more polish in which I didn't buy because I am on a budget right now.





Peridot is a olive green duochrome that will change to a green then golden brown and even blue in certain lightings. I was unable to capture the blue. 2 coats. This was taken under artificial light.





Peridot under direct sunlight shows more of the olive green.





Graphite is a light charcoal foil with tiny gold flakes. 2 coats. This was taken under artificial light. The promo pictures didn't do much justice for this polish. This is gorgeous in person.





Graphite under direct sunlight.



The formula for these were pretty good. However, I do have a slight complaint about chipping issues. Peridot last slightly longer than Graphite. After I put on Graphite, I usually let my nails dry for at least 20 minutes, even with a fast dry top coat. I used a base coat as well. I washed my hands and ate dinner. Two hours later I saw a slight chip at the corners of my nails. It kind of annoys me that I spend $25 on polishes that doesn't even last long. Peridot didn't start chipping until a day later.



The colors are just so gorgeous that I can't help myself but to order them. There's no polish like Peridot, it's so gorgeous that you need to see it in person to love the polish.



Did you guys end up buying Chanel's Peridot or Graphite? What did you think of it?

More about → Chanel Peridot and Graphite Nail Lacquers for Fall 2011

Chanel Mimosa and Morning Rose for Summer 2011

Today I have Chanel's Mimosa and Morning Rose to share with you guys. These two were from the Summer 2011 collection. Please ignore my bad shaped pointer finger. Those who remember, I broke my pointer finger nail real bad, and it finally grew a little to a point where I can swatch again.


Mimosa is a bright yellow creme with subtle shimmer. This was done in 3 coats.


Morning Rose is a girly pink with subtle golden shimmers. 3 coats.

I do not know why but every time I look at these two it reminds me of Spongebob and Patrick haha. But anyways the formula for these were actually pretty good. Is Chanel finally improving? Nevertheless, the price for these polishes were a wallet drainer. They retail for $23. They are still available for purchase at chanel.com.

I do love both of these polishes though. Mimosa is a gorgeous yellow that doesn't make my skintone look yellowy? If that even makes sense. And Morning Rose is a pretty pink. Some might think it's not all that special. It's not, but I love the subtle hints of golden shimmer.

Well this is all I have to share for today! Try and enjoy your Monday :)

More about → Chanel Mimosa and Morning Rose for Summer 2011

ORLY Meringue and Comparisons

Today I have ORLY's Meringue to show. I got this polish as a mistake. I originally ordered Golden Halo but they sent me this. But I didn't bother contacting them because they sent this to me for free since there was a mistake on my order. I don't want to be an annoying customer haha


Meringue is a white pearl with hints of golden pink shimmer. 3 coats


I know that right off the bat, it seems like Orly Meringue is a dupe for Chanel's Pearl Drop. That is why I did a comparison for you guys to show their SLIGHT differences.


Here are the bottles side by side which looks pretty similar


And side by side comparison. Can you tell the difference?


Here it is in under natural light

Index and Ring = Chanel Pearl Drop
Middle and Pinky = Orly Meringue

The only difference from my perspective is that Orly's Meringue has more of a pink gold shimmer while Chanel's Pearl Drop has only a white shimmer. But you can barely tell the difference unless you looks very closely.

What do you guys think?

Well that's all I have for today!

More about → ORLY Meringue and Comparisons

Chanel Les Perles de Chanel Collection Spring 2011

Hey ya'll! I know it's been awhile since I've updated. I think I will do my swatchings on weekends and schedule some posts up so I won't be so behind on updating. Now that I'm officially done with college, I'm working more days and don't have much time to do my nails. Quite a little frustrating if you ask me, I don't know how some of you who work full time and can update regularly. Props to you ladies :D

So today I have the new Chanel Spring 2011 collection call Les Perles de Chanel. This collection has 3 nail lacquers that are really gorgeous. Take a look:


Black Pearl represents a true black pearl. Blackish gray with a hint of green shimmer. Very gorgeous. This was under two coats


Pearl Drop is a white pearl with hint of golden shimmer. Three coats. A lot of people liked this polish saying it is beautiful and I agree. It's such a gorgeous white.


Peche Nacree is a pearly peach with hints of shimmer. 3 coats. Very girly and pretty.

I loved this whole collection. All three colors are gorgeous and wearable for any occasions. I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like the formula for Chanel has improved drastically. I had no issues during application aside from a few visible brush strokes for black pearl, but once it was dry you can barely tell. It wasn't thick and gooey like their previous polishes, it was pretty smooth. Is Chanel improving their formula? Probably.

These retail at $25 a bottle and available at chanel.com. I really don't like the price increase for these because $25 for a bottle of nail polish is just a little ridiculous. That's the most I will ever pay for a polish. Although it's not made of gold, I do however feel that these are gorgeous. Perhaps drugstore brands will make dupes for them :)

That's all I have for today!

More about → Chanel Les Perles de Chanel Collection Spring 2011

2010's Greatest Hits

I hope you have all had a great Christmas! Here is Part One of what I think were some stand-out polishes of 2010.

MAC Blue India 
This was released in the Liberty collection which had special packaging. It was quite expensive and I think is the last MAC I have purchased. A great smokey-blue. Only a two-coater.

  

OPI Jade Is The New Black
This came out quite early in the year with the Hong Kong collection. I still love it just as much as when I first bought it. It's a very nice muted forest green. Two-coater.

Chanel Nouvelle Vague
This polish had everyone wanting it before they even knew when it would be released. A very pretty light turquoise with a timid frost. It's like a frosty version of China Glaze For Audrey. Nouvelle Vague reminds me of Goody Goody Gumdrops ice cream (yum!).

OPI Catch Me In Your Net
I never thought NZ would get the Summer Flutter collection, so I just had to get this one when I saw it. It does have a few dupes by Zoya and Orly. A great shade for summer! I might be decking this one on my toes very shortly. 

Orly Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
My photo isn't very good of Mistletoe, but I really do love the polish. I haven't seen anything like it. A beautiful forest green with green and gold glitter. 

More about → 2010's Greatest Hits

Chanel Riva from the Collection Côte D'azur

Happy December!

So after much heavy decision making, I've decided to get the Chanel Riva from the Collection Côte D'azur. Nevertheless, I am quite happy that I bought it. I love pale blue polishes and this one, I must say is stunning. Some people may not see any uniqueness about it, but I like it a lot.

I took a picture of it in direct sunlight and under fluorescent lights because both pictures came out with different color variations. Under fluorescent lights it looks like a vibrant baby blue creme. It's not that vibrant in person, it's a lot more pale. Very similar to the sunlight picture.


Sunlight


Artificial light

Riva is a pale blue base with very subtle turquoise flecks. It is quite sheer. I did it under four coats to reach this color.

I took my time to do apply this because I love the color and wanted it to turn out nicely. Waiting out between each coats really helped. The formula was actually pretty good. It wasn't thick like the usual Chanel polishes. I wasn't disappointed at this polish, although I was disappointed with the price. For a nail polish that costs almost $30 (after tax) is just a little ridiculous in my opinion. But that's the price I pay for being obsessed with nail polish I suppose.

So that's all I have for today!

More about → Chanel Riva from the Collection Côte D'azur

Chanel Les Khakis De Chanel Collection

I finally have the Chanel Les Khakis De Chanel collection polishes to show today. I know I'm a wee bit late on these and that they're already sold out and all that junk. My apologies for that.

I went through some trouble trying to obtain these. The Chanel website was giving me trouble when these were released. I ended up calling up a Nordstrom in Seattle to order them.

A lot of people did not find interests in these, but I have an obsession with colors that are out of the ordinary for nails. When I saw swatches of these, I told myself I must have them, and I do not regret buying them at all.



Khaki Brun


Khaki Rose


Khaki Vert


The formula for these were surprisingly good. It was a little thick but it worked out fine for me. All of them were under two coats, they were fully opaque in one coat, very pigmented. But of course I did two out of habit and to even it out. In my opinion, the colors are unique and there are no dupes I can think of for them. I know there are colors that are close it but not quite the same!

Did you guys ended up getting these as well?

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Chanel SoHo Story Strong and Steel

It's almost Friday!

Today I have two nail polishes from Chanel's SoHo Story collection. Being that I'm from New York, when I heard this about this collection, I was quite excited. I ended up purchasing the SoHo de Chanel highlighting and blush powder and the Quadra eye shadow palette in Stupendous; but I didn't even get to try any of them yet -_-


Cute pouches it came in


SoHo de Chanel Highlighting Powders and Blush - I like the brush it came with :D


The Quadra Eye Shadow Palette in Stupdendous

And now the swatches..


Strong is a a deep burgundy brown. On the bottle it looks more burgundy, but on the nails it looks almost black with hints of brown and burgundy shimmer. Very nice color for the Fall


Steel is a charcoal gray-black with silver micro-shimmer. Here's something very interesting; I was applying this during the night time with a very dim lamp on. As I was painting it I noticed that it was looking a little blue-ish to me. I thought my eyes were playing with me. So I decided to take a picture with flash.


(Please click to enlarge)

See those flecks of blue shimmer?! Cool.. (wait.. or is it just me?)

The formula is decent. It was a little thick, but these are highly pigmented. Seriously, one coat did the job, but I'm never comfortable with one coat, always gotta slab on another coat to smooth out any imperfections.

Though I liked both of these colors, they're not at all unique. For $23, I'm sure you can get a ton of polishes that are alike or similar at least. I *believe* these are still available on the chanel.com website and other department stores that carries Chanel.

Well that's all I have for today!

More about → Chanel SoHo Story Strong and Steel