This is one of those nail polishes I’ve wanted since its release for Fashion’s Night Out, around 2012? This was released as a set of 3, Coco Blue, Rebel Blue and Blue Boy. CHANEL shows these on their website on a manicure using all 3 colors. I did ask permission to use their photo but of course they said no way. The use of all 3 colors is more attractive than just this color by itself, as you can see it’s not a very pretty color.
This was a difficult color to apply, lots of streaks. I notice tip wear within the first day. It was a day of shopping and having lunch with a friend, so no reason for any wear to show. I was disappointed in this polish but I am happy to have it in my collection.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Not a pretty color, at least in my opinion, a difficult formula to work with, really crappy wear time and removal was tedious. But yet I am happy to have, maybe because it is one of those hard to find and had a truly limited release.
💅I did this 3 color blue manicure a long time ago and this is how I prefer wearing blue polish these days. I have a lot of blue in my collection and I have fun mixing the colors.
I have been using the different brands of gel finish polishes that have become a trend in the last couple of years. My nails, as you can see from my photos (sorry) are in bad shape but I’m working on improving them and I think I’ll get them back to usual.
I really like Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab system for an honest gel like finish. Before I go into more details I will reveal that even though I used this system as directed I did have a healthy coat of Nail Envy by OPI applied to my bare naked nails the night before I used this system. That’s what is giving me hope of my nails returning to their former “glory”!
As directed I applied the gel lab base coat and let dry for 1-2 minutes, then I applied my favorite Deborah Lippmann nail polish color and let dry for 1-2 minutes and then applied the gel lab top coat. I believe you could use any nail polish with the Gel Lab, and still have good results, but I’ve drunk the DL kool aid and I love this brand. For all kinds of reasons not just the great colors.
I started with Deborah Lippmann Modern Love, which is a nice mix between a nude beige and a nude pink. Again, I apologize for the shape of my nails, you can see in these photos how bad they are. Bad nails and all though this Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab system is a winner. The finish is truly gel like and has some staying power.
About a week later I used, as directed the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab system with the color I Feel Pretty. I’m not sure, but this might be a Nordstrom exclusive. This is a great color for me with my skin tone and I feel is an excellent choice for an “everyday” polish. Again, the gel finish is awesome and has lasted 6 days with the tiniest bit of tip wear showing. It’s so small no one would even notice. The past couple of days I have been in the house because it’s been raining so I am caught up with house cleaning, which usually means a polish change but this is still a beautiful color, has not faded or chipped and I am going to leave on a few more days.
As usual with all Deborah Lippmann nail polish application is a breeze, I used 2 coats but I know I needed only 1, some habits are just hard to break, like always using 2 coats to maximize the color of a polish. I did have to use 2 coats with Modern Love to smooth out some streaking but I think that has more to do with the bad shape my nails are in right now.
FINAL THOUGHTS: From the 5-7 ‘gel finish’ brands I’ve tried over the past few weeks the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab is by far the best. The gel finish is definitely there, and the staying power is ah-mazing!
The Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab mini kit with the base and top coat, is available as a limited edition at Nordstrom for $24. Deborah Lippmann also has out a Gel Lab Pro kit for $40, full size. I have not tried the Pro kit. When I have used up my current supply of the DLGL system I will definetly try the Pro Lab kit.
💅 (This system was sent to me for review by a PR firm, which in no way affects my thoughts of a product. I will always give an honest review, and I will always disclose when items have been sent to me for review.)
CHANEL Camelia is one of the new long lasting formulas from Chanel. This is a gel like formula, much thicker than before and dries down to a gel like manicure. This color Camelia is stunningly beautiful. It seems to have a light, or a brightness all its own, that is hard to describe.
Cameli is one of my favorite shades, a blue based pink leaning more to red. In some lights the pink is obvious and yet in other lights it can be almost orange, not my favorite. In fact, the opposite of my favorite but somehow this has become a favorite nail polish worthy of my Top 5 List, just like that. SNAP!
Tip wear appeared on day 3, so I am not sure about CHANEL’s claim of long lasting, but I forgive the wear, this color is worth it.
Application was a bit goopy and will take some getting used to. I used OPI NAIL Envy as a base coat. (Since we have last met my nails have stopped growing. My daughter did some research and, along with my ex-husband, came to the conclusion that the medicine I have to take will slow my nail growth, also my hair doesn’t grow as fast as before. So I will always have OPI Nail Envy on as a base coat.) I did not use a top coat. I wanted to see how the polish behaved on its own, so to speak. Next time I will probably use my favorite fast dry top coat Seche Vite. The finish was very much like a gel manicure so you can imagine how surprised I was at the ease of the removal. No big deal at all. I used straight acetone, like always.
Final Thoughts: This new formula from CHANEL won’t be for everyone but it is worth trying. So far they offer 14 colors. Yes 14 colors, period. The former LE vernis colors from CHANEL have disappeared, at least I haven’t seen them anywhere except the usual Ebay, or Amazon sites. You can purchase Camelia here: Nordstrom’s
If you like the look of matching nails with your lipstick, the CHANEL customer service rep told me that even though they have discontinued the Rouge Coco lipstick in Camelia, this should match closely: Nordstrom’s Chanel lipstick in Dmitri, $37.
Let me know what you think of CHANEL’s new formula.
And remember Keep Calm and Paint Your Nails!
Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel
Posted on: April 3, 2016
I have been trying the gel trend that seems to be popular in nail polishes lately. When I first wasn’t able to keep up with my blog only a few gel finish brands were available. Now it seems they are everywhere. I bought this Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel at K-Mart for $5.99. I’m glad its wasn’t much more than that as I wasn’t thrilled with this purchase. I think mainly because of the color. Although I love the nude colors they tend to be more streaky and rather touchy to apply.
If you look closely at the photos (something I hardly ever say!) you can see on my ring finger there is a dent. This did not go away even though I tried to fix it. This color, Condensed Milk, dried very streaky and after several hours I used my good ol Seche Vite Fast Dry Topcoat which usually removes streaks and nicks, just not for this one.
I’m not going to say this is an awful polish, I, going to say this is an awful color for this polish. I will try Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel nail polish again some day, and I think I might actually like it. It definetly held up to its name with a gel like finish and lasted 3+ days before I removed it.
Final thoughts: Don’t pass by, but just pass on this color or any other light colors that tend to go on streaky. Of course I’ll keep you posted when I do try a new color. Wet n Wild is one of my all time favorite cosmetic brands, not just for nail polish but their $2.99 eye shadow palettes are great, their 99. Cent eye shadow singles, especially in creme brûlée are amazing and this brand can be found anywhere, even the grocery store. Don’t pass on it because it’s so cheap, you’ll be happy with it. At least most of you will.
I hope you are all doing well and I’m looking forward to catching up with you. Betty says “woof”.
Remember: Keep Calm & Paint Your Nails!
The Queen is Back!
Posted on: April 3, 2016
- In: #NPLClub | 10X shine polishes | Beauty and Make-up | CHANEL dupes | Crueltry Free Nail Polish | Deborah Lippmann summer 2014 Collection | Gel finish | My Nail Polish Collection | my top 5 | Nail of the Day | Nail Polish Comparison by Brand | new collections | NOTD | un-tried polish in my collection | Uncategorized
- 3 Comments
I know it’s been a while, since Dec 13th, 2013 to be exact. That is the day I had a grand Mal seizure which started my journey of learning about seizures, strokes, the difference between .. Etc….
I won’t bore you with the details but I am back to almost 100%. I have come to realize I will never be seizure free but I can live with this disorder so I count myself lucky. Please don’t feel sorry for me. I feel like I owe many of you an explanation as to why I was here one day and gone the next. I enjoy this little blog of mine and have every intention of continuing with it.
So, please bear with me, stay tuned. I have some awesome new polish to show you. Have you heard CHANEL has changed their formula for real and, at this time offer only 14 colors. That is one story I would like to find out more about and I hope you’ll be interested, as well.
A couple of years away and there new trends to review, the gel nail without a light (or gel for that matter), the 10X shine that seems to be making the rounds. And of course the new CHANEL formula. The pictures are Camelia. This is one of the new formulas and I love it! Like most of you I’m disappointed in the color choices by I am going to give CHANEL the chance to bring our favorite colors into the mix. May anyone? As in the color May, my all time CHANEL favorite!
I will have a full review of the new formula coming soon. Let me know if there are any others you would like reviewed.
Without being sappy I have missed my blog friends so, so much. I hope to hear from you all, and soon!
mwahhh!!!
Coming from a retail family (by marriage) I know all too well that the months of January and February are some of the slowest and the poorest months for most of us.
Businesses have all their annual taxes due such as business licensing, workmen’s compensation, un-employment taxes, insurance, interest payments are due, vendors are due their money, the list seems to never end. I feel for the business man during these long winter months. Their customers have spent their disposable income on the holidays, the days are short so their customers are going home early and entertaining with their families. The one thing they aren’t doing, across the board, is spending money.
But, as a nail polish junkie this should not keep us from what we do best, which is our nails! Right? Here are a few bargains I’ve found: I found these L’Oreal polishes in a package of 5 for $6.99 or $1.25 each, at a Ross Store. Not a bad buy.
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The other “go to brand” with limited funds is the Wet n Wild collections. The Mega Last collection retails for $2.99 but is often times on sale, BOGO: and can be found at most drug stores.
Of course, we cannot leave out the Wet n Wild Wild Shines. These are the gem of any collection whether you are a teen ager just starting your collection or if you are like me and like to “collect” their limited edition pieces, including their eyeshadow sets. I found these half price at K Mart.
One my all time favorite polish for longer nails (because polish does look different on short v. long nails) is this gorgeous Lavender Creme from Wet n Wild Wild Shines
The Wild Shines retail for 99 cents when first out on the shelves but within a few days they are marked down to half price. Another great color from the Wild Shines is Dream Poppy. Dream Poppy looks good on all nails and is more coral than the Lavender Creme.
So, even in the dull drum days of winter when money seems in short supply, and you’re wishing for a new polish, check out the Wet n Wild supply at any drug store. They even have a full line of wet n Wild in my grocery store.
💅 As always, thanks for stopping by!
2014has been a year of reflection for me as I haven’t been able to drive or to haunt shop my favorite beauty places to see first hand all the new items. To continue with my blog I had to rely on PR firms and friends to bring me the newest and greatest out there.
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This brings me to Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish. As you all know I do not care for glitter nail polish. My favorite finishes are cream, duo-chrome, metallic and matte. In that order. I do however own Deborah Lippmann glitter polishes, which I believe are compulsory for any nail polish collector, such as Mermaid’s Dream and Sweet Dreams, but I’ve never used them.
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This summer I was sent the entire 80’s Rewind collection from a PR firm for Deborah Lippmann and what an eye opener this was for me. This entire collection is made up of bright summer colors that popped on your nails. You know how when a polish dries it dulls a bit? Not these from Deborah Lippmann, the colors were nothing short of amazing. They were just as bright, true to their color a week after application. Gorgeous colors too! Perfect for summer. ☀️
The formula, the brush, the bottle and dry time all were given 5/5 stars. I loved this collection. I tried not to gush too much about it as it was sent to me from a PR company for review. I did not want my readers to think I was kissing up to them (the PR people) but from the response I got I know my write up was a success for both myself and the collection.
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The next 3 bottles I received were from the New York Marquee collection, again from a PR company.
As you can see, these are all metallic finishes. I love the way metallic polish looks but application is such a pain in the you know what I feel like I’m trying to apply chewing gum to my nails. But not so with this Deborah Lippmann collection.
The formula is awesome giving flawless results:
These gorgeous results are from a formula with great one coat coverage. Dries super fast and looks amazing. “Take the A Train” is my favorite which is why I have use half a bottle in a few months. It’s a great color as it can be neutral or not. “Harlem Nocturne” looks more gray in the bottle but it is more navy/purple when applied. Again a great look and finish for a metallic.
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These are a few of the reasons I’ve fallen under the spell of Deborah Lippmann this year. It’s nice to know she isn’t all glitter (not that there is anything wring with glitter), just not my cup of tea. I was pleasantly surprised at the formula, the detail to the brush and bottle and the overall wearability of these polishes. If you haven tried Deborah Lippmann nail,polish, for what ever reason, I highly recommend this brand and I think you will be very happy. Deborah Lippmann brand can be found at most high end department stores like www.nordstrom.com and I have heard the brand is featured on HSN (the home shopping channel). Retail price is around $18 per bottle but there are often times sales offered. Deborah Lippmann also carries a complete and full line of nail and cuticle care products for any problem you may have with your nails.
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I have wondered lately if I hadn’t been house bound this past year if I would have given Deborah Lippman brand a chance? I guess I’ll never know, but I’m sure glad I did. Let me know what you think of this brand, I’d love to know your opinions.
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Oh, and on my nails today? Hannah from the Girls collection by Deborah Lippmann
💅 As always, thanks for stopping by!
Number 5 All Time CHANEL color list favorites:
Azure by CHANEL was released as part of their Spring 2014 collection. Since my birthday and Mother’s Day are in the Springtime my wonderful son, Drew bought this bottle of Azure for me. This rates as a Number 5 All Time CHANEL color list favorites
not necessarily because I am so very fond of the color, but because my 28 year old son purchased this for me. It was a thoughtful gift from the heart, he thought about what I’d really like and he was right.
(Had to get a picture of my handsome son in here! This is Drew)
thank you Drew for a very nice present I will treasure always
Number 4 All Time CHANEL color list favorites:
Black Pearl from CHANEL will have a permanent Number 4 All Time CHANEL color list favorites for me because I adore this polish. The formula is not fussy, as we know some CHANEL formulas can be a bit fussy. But, Black Pearl is the same today as it was yesterday and as I imagine it will be tomorrow. I love the Black Pearl color that is some what a duo chrome that picks up black with green or black with blue, depending on the lighting and the surroundings.
Number 3 All Time CHANEL color list favorites:
Infidel from CHANEL is one of those classic “dusty rosé” type colors. I love this color and for me it would be an every day wear color.
Number 2 All Time CHANEL color list favorites:
Skyline from CHANEL is a soft baby blue shimmer, reminds me of the olden days. Again, with my coloring you would think any baby blue polish would work for me, but not so. Skyline is one of this perfect blues. The formula is different than most CHANEL polishes in that with the amount of shimmer in the color you can achieve perfect coverage with one coat but watch out for cuticle filling or spillage.
🎉🎉. DRUM ROLL PLEASE ……….
FOR THE number 1 Spot in my list of All Time Favorite CHANEL colors:
May from CHANEL was released the Spring of 2011 along with April and June. May is another classic Barbie type pink that I adore. It has a touch of blue in it so it makes it perfect for me. Be warned: this polish will cause you to admire your nails at an inopportune times, such as conversation with boss, sun hits your nails while driving, etc… You will love this polish but it has another warning and that is about the formula. This is one of this fussy formulas. For best resulsts start with patience, then 3 thin coats. It is best to let the coats dry completely between. This is the where patience is crucial. But once applied properly it is so worth it! Your manicure will last about 10 days before needing a touch up.
All the CHANEL polishes mentioned can be found at www.nordstrom.com or on the www.chanel.com and cost $27-30.
I do have a page of dupes for Chanel’s for less expensive polish with the same look.
May has a dupe from Wet n Wild Mega Last called Candy-Liscious. This is not an exact dupe but pretty, pretty, pretty close.
I hope you enjoyed my personal list of my favorite Top 5 CHANEL nail polish colors. What are yours? I’d love to know!
💅 As always, thanks for stopping by!
The buzz at the end of 2014 has been the return of the gray, just a whisper of silver, metallic or flat, either way will work.
My most favorite example of this comes from Deborah Lippmann’s </ New York Marquee Collection.
Take the A Train from this collection is a metallic silver with the best formula. I love a nice metallic manicure but so often I feel like I’m trying to paint chewing gum onto my nails, not so with this one. It’s gorgeous!
Fossil Grey from Gosh is another favorite whisper of a gray color, no metallic but a pretty color. Gosh is not sold in the US but it is easy enough to find online at an affordable price.
An oldie but a goodie from Revlon is Carbonite. Carbonite is a dupe for Chanel’s Graphite and looks best without a top coat. Not only is this one of my favorite silver/gray polishes, it is one of my favorite Revlon polishes.
Another great Revlon with a whisper of silver/gray is Smoldering. This is a bit tricky to apply but with patience comes perfection.
Chinchilly from Essie is a classic for most nail polish collectors. Chinchilly has just a hint of silver and gray. Very neutral and easy to wear.
Black Pearl by CHANEL is the benchmark for a gray polish, whisper or maybe even a shout of gray, it is still my go to gray polish (unless I want metallic and then is DL Take the A Train). Black Pearl has been around as long as I can remember, it is most def a classic and one you would nor regret buying.
These are some ideas for going forward in 2015 with a whisper of gray as a trend color. But if you are like me, you stick with your favorites, regardless of the trends!
___________ ** some items were provided for review**__________________
💅 As always, thanks for stopping by!
Middle Aged Beauty Queen 