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Dior Vernis Fall Nail Lacquers Swatches & Review

By on August 7, 2009
in Dior, Fall 2009
Happy Friday Fanatics! Who’s ready for a fab weekend? I’m gearing up for our annual wine extravaganza. We host an all day tour of our fave local wineries. It’s a fun and intoxicating adventure.

Now I know things have been a bit slow here at ALU but I promise the slight dry spell in posts will end soon. There have been a lot of changes in my life recently but we’ll get back to our regularly scheduled programming ASAP. I have so many great fall shades to show you so stay tuned.

Today I have the new Dior Vernis polishes to show you. Two shades are Nordstrom exclusives that launched during their Anniversary Sale. The other two are part of the Jazz Club collection releasing at Sephora and Dior counters. Shall we take a look?


First, let’s get all the formula/application talk out of the way. Simply put, it’s spot on. Well pigmented and smooth with a great flat brush. The chrome caps pull off to reveal a curved, ribbed cap to use during application. Each shade went on in a perfect two coats. Basically, I have NO complaints. Now lets talk color.

Lemon Balm is hands down the most unique color of the bunch. I don’t understand the name at all but I LOVE the color. This dirty, taupe-y, shimmery confection is glorious for someone like me who’s always looking for something worth saying WOW. It’s got this smokey, plum look to it in the light and a more browned hue in the shade. Seriously, get it now before it’s gone forever!



Black Plum looks just as the name implies, a blackened berry creme. There’s not much more to say about it. The color speaks for itself.

Dahlia Rouge is a fun pop of color for a season that’s known for being all about drab or vampy hues. A bold raspberry creme, it’s deep enough to work for Fall but would make a great Summer pedi as well.
Mystique Violine looks like a reddish brown in the bottle and when you apply it you can see the dark plum in its base. Dried, it’s a whole other story. It becomes a rich, “almost black” dark chocolate. It actually reminds me a LOT of the old CND shade Fedora. BT-dubs, what’s up with Chanel and Dior both having polishes with Violine in the name? Is this the year of Violine? What does that word even mean? Where are my French speakers?
Dior Vernis Nail Lacquers retail for $20/ea. Lemon Balm and Mystique Violine are Nordstrom exclusives and still available online at Nordstrom.com. Red Dahlia is a Sephora exclusive available in stores and at Sephora.com. Finally Black Plum is available as part of the Jazz Club collection at Dior counters nationwide.

So are we loving these? Who already picked up the Nordie’s exclusives during the Anniversary Sale? Thoughts?

Don’t forget, at 11:55PM EST tonight my Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Giveaway ends so get your entries in. And have a fantastic weekend Fanatics!!

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There Are 23 Brilliant Comments

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  1. Solveig says:

    I tried my first Dior polish the other day. The color is great, but the polish chipped after just one day. Not quite happy about that.

  2. Anonymous says:

    I just used part of a Nordstrom's gift card from last Christmas to get Lemon Balm! It'll be my first Dior polish–how fun!

    As for the changes in your life–hopefully all is well and good. Weirdly, I feel as if I know you since I read your blog daily, so I'm sending good vibes your way if you need them…or even if you don't :)

  3. Fressine says:

    Violine in French is a darker shade of purple with a bit of dark red in it.

  4. itskarmababy says:

    I looked up Dior at Nordies and only found Mystic Violine and Lemon Balm. I'd love to get the Plum, are you sure it came from there? Thanks!

  5. All Lacquered Up says:

    Solveig – I'm sorry about the chipping. What top and base coat did you use? Also, make sure you apply thin coats. The thicker the layer, the more apt to chipping it is.

    Anon – Yay for you! I hope you love the color. And thank you for the well wishes. There are some good and some bad changes but such is life.

    Fressine – Thank you for that. I had a feeling it was a play on the word violet but wasn't sure if there was another meaning in French culture.

    Itskarmbaby – Oops, that was my mistake. I changed my post to reflect that. Black Plum is available about Dior counters outside Nordies and Sephora. I found it online at Dillards.com

  6. Anonymous says:

    I really fancy that Lemon Balm color.

    The name "Lemon Balm" is referring to a nervine herb (herbs that support the nervous system).

    It is aka "Melissa" and is a member of the mint family. Great for a calming tea.

    From my personal notes:

    Lemon balm: (a favorite) cooling, gentle plant. Has quiet, uplifting energy. Take when feeling blue and melancholy, when you need a lift. Eases feelings so you have enough space to process them. Really lovely. Good for a break. Good for releasing tension and worry. [Can be nice mixed with oatstraw, which is nourishing for adrenals (dry plant) deeper depression (use fresh plant tincture)]. For panicky anxiety. More centering. Works well for digestive system. Good for appetite when stomach feels like a rock. Soothing, centering, cooling.

    Bet you weren't expecting a lesson in herbs! :)

    Well, that said, I really love your website. Thanks for all the loving effort you put into making it such a well-rounded site.

    I peruse your blog as a form of stress relief.

    Have a beautiful weekend.

  7. Fiona says:

    How do you feel that Dahlia Rouge compares to Miami Beet by OPI?

  8. Solveig says:

    Thanks for the tip. :)

    I used Sally Hansen Insta-Brite and OPI Ridge filler as base coats, and Poshé as top coat. It works fine with most of my other polishes, I haven't experienced chipping that fast earlier.

  9. Mc Huggs :) says:

    Hi Michelle"

    I picked up "Lemon Balm" a while back and could not figure out it's name. Many thanks to "Anonymous" for that wonderful herb lesson on how they came up with the name. It is calming and full of energy.

    Now, after seeing how gorgeous "Black Plum" and "Mystique Violine." look on your (always beautiful and dazzling) nails I want them both, LOL. Love your web blog Michelle. Have a great weekend!

    ((((Love Michelle))))

    Mc Huggs :)

  10. Kelsey says:

    According to FreeTranslation.com, " Violine" means "Deep purple".

  11. Polish Earthgirl says:

    These colors are all RAD-MAZING! I am loving Lemon Balm especially.

  12. elmel says:

    great swatches as always! any less expensive dupes to deep plum?

  13. HeidiG says:

    A friend picked up the last bottle at the counter of the Lemon Balm for me at the 2nd closest Nordies since our closest was out and I'm on vacation. So excited to get home and try it on IRL, and your swatches are just cheering me on. Thanks for posting!!

  14. gildedangel says:

    Lemon Balm looks amazing! Thank you for swatching and sharing! :)

  15. AllYouDesire says:

    Is there anything out there simmilar to Lemon Balm but cheaper? This polish looks great :)

  16. Andi says:

    Is there any way I can get Lemon Balm in England? I NEED it! Please help

  17. Myshkat says:

    Fressine is right. Violine is more than just deep purple, It's a deep purple with obvious red in it but def. more purple. Burgundy is similar but has more red in it. Hope that helps!

  18. hot beauty health says:

    I agree Lemon Balm is the most unique and my favorite out of the 4 shades. I'm actually stopping by nordstrom later on today. I'll make sure to check out the polishes. Thanks!

  19. Helena says:

    Lemon Balm must, somehow, become mine.

  20. Anonymous says:

    First, I love your blog… love, love, love it.
    I'm definitely grabbing that Lemon Balm – gorgeous! Thank you for your swatches. Your nails look amazing.

    Question: what about "Work appropriateness? My office is fairly business casual; however, there are days when I feel like the over-the-top gal in the Grape Juice nails!? (*my summer fav. btw!)

    I feel like the darker, vamp colors are becoming more office-worthy. But the more unique punches of color aren't as accepted.
    Your thoughts?

  21. Lori says:

    Lemon balm is such a great color- perfect for the fall! I may need to get that one. Great pics, thanks!

  22. Tavia says:

    OMG…Lemon Balm is just super. I'm always wearing dar colors like brown, purple and black, but this one is very interesting. I also like Mystique Violine. Thanks for giving me new ideas of nail polishes. How about the price?

  23. Tanja says:

    Lemon Balm is droolworthy, but not available in Europe. Any dupes or close colours you know of? TIA

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