Bold and audacious, Gabrielle Chanel pushed the boundaries of style. Now Peter Philips continues the tradition by creating a free-spirited makeup collection inspired by an idyllic seaside vista: LES POP-UP DE CHANEL, fresh new cult-worthy hues for lips and nails. Vibrant pops of colour, including neon pink, sunny coral and brilliant turquoise are beautifully complemented by bronzed, glowing skin. . . and sure to be the standout shades of summer. Chanel’s Summer 2010 collection will be rolling out to stores before you know and it and with it comes the highly anticipated Nouvelle Vague (turquoise), Riviera (intense pink) and Mistral (soft pink) nail polishes.  I’ve been dying to get my mitts on what looked to be a blue version of Jade since I first saw promo pics pop up online.  Following up Jade Collection fever with a turquoise shimmer could cause quite a craze but does Nouvelle Vague live up to the expectation?  Find out after the jump!

After falling madly in love with Jade’s subtle shimmer, I had high hopes for Nouvelle Vague (meaning new wave) and I can’t say they have been totally met.  In the bottle you can see a soft pearl veining but on the nail it all but disappears.  If you stand in the sunlight and really look for it, it’s there, but just to add a sheen to the finish.  The pale turquoise lacquer that reminds me of a Tiffany box is a bit thicker than I expected.  It wasn’t that smooth buttery application I’ve come to expect from Chanel.  In fact, it took me three good coats to achieve a perfect finish which really surprised me.

I thought for sure I found a dupe in Ginger + Liz Boy Toy.  In the bottles they really matched up but on the nail, Nouvelle Vague dries darker.  It actually falls perfectly between Boy Toy and China Glaze For Audrey.  All lined up, I can see the beginnings of a subtle gradient manicure.

Mistral may look soft in the bottle but it dries more intense on the nail.  Sprinkled with flecks of micro-glitter, the base color has some warmth to it like a carnation pink.  The finish actually reminds me a lot Magnolia Rose, which I would show side-by-side if I hadn’t gifted it away.  The glitter, that looks a lot like sugar crystals, isn’t overly apparent so we’re not talking full on sparkle.  I showed you the polish from two angles because picking up the finish on camera wasn’t easy.  Again, application wasn’t the best.  The polish applied thick but semi-sheer and a bit streaky so I needed three coats.

Riviera is a hot peony pink creme.  It’s not super vivid more rich and deep.  The formula is a bit jelly-ish like the brights in the China Glaze Up & Away collection which is why I chose to apply three thin coats rather than try to make it in two.  Of the three polishes in this collection, Riviera had the best flow in application even if it lacked in pigmentation.

Botton line: Chanel collectors and fashionistas will run to buy Nouvelle Vague simply because it’s Chanel and it will undoubtedly sell out.  Plus with Pantone naming turquoise the color of the year, this will definitely be named the “it” polish for the season.  Mistral is a good choice if you loved Magnolia Rose but I wouldn’t call Riviera a must-have.

Chanel’s Les Pop-Up de Chanel collection officially launches in May 2010 though I would expect to see it on counters sometime in April.  Chanel polishes retail for $23/ea and can be purchased at Chanel counters nationwide and on Chanel.com.

What do you think of the collection?  Did Nouvelle Vague live up to the hype?  Are these colors popping for you?  Which ones do you plan to check out or buy?

Disclosure: A product sample was furnished to me by Chanel. For further information view my Disclosure Policy.

For Fall 2007 Dashing Diva has put together a palette of warm comforting shades that reflect the colors of the season. Instead of bombarding us with an overload of new polishes they chose to remain focused and deliver three distinct lacquers.

As with all the Dashing Diva shades I’ve worn in the past, the formula is smooth and free flowing; it doesn’t pool or streak. And I really must commend the pigmentation of their darker colors. The ones I’ve tested are one coat colors and, for a red, that’s a major feat without sacrificing formula consistency.

Champagne Nude is a hard shade to describe. Is it a dusty pink with peach and gold shimmer? Is it a metallic champagne that leans toward pink? Is it a shimmery nude? I really can’t decide. One thing’s for sure, it’s a unique shade with chameleon-like properties and a must have for my light tip lovers.
Bronze Bombshell flashes both cool and warm depending on the lighting due to it’s champagne and silver shimmer. It’s a warm mocha hued metallic that doesn’t leave brush marks. Any metallic that can accomplish that is a winner in my books but the shade itself doesn’t do much for me personally.
Black Raspberry lives up to it’s name. A deep berry based red creme, it dries to a high gloss shine without a top coat.
Dashing Diva polishes are available on the Dashing Diva website and at Dashing Diva salons.

Since navy is such a big color this fall and with OPI putting out three great blues this year, I thought you all might appreciate a little side by side comparison. While I love these dark colors, capturing their true beauty on screen is REALLY difficult but I did my best.

To me, the major differences are:
Russian Navy – has a blue green base, like Glacier Bay Blues, subtle shimmer on the nail and is the closest to an actual navy shade
Who Are You Wearing? – has more purple in it’s base, multi-colored blue and red shimmer, looks blue/purple depending on the light and has an overall darker hue
OPI Ink – is the most burple (bluish purple), has the most sparkle and glitz due to the silvery micro-glitter, is the least “blackish-blue”

Which one do you prefer? Or did you just give in and buy all three?

I finally got a chance to test out a couple of the shades from the Chanel Fall campaign. They’ve been sitting in my “to review” bin for way too long. The collection includes four nail lacquers (three are limited edition):

Lotus Rouge (pink plum)
Lily Beige (soft beige) – limited edition
Magnolia Rose (soft rose) – limited edition
Tulipe Noire (deep plum) – limited edition

When I first took Magnolia Rose out of the box, my eyes were attracted to the silver bits of glitter sparkling back at me. The baby pink shade is highly pigmented and I found the formula to be on the thicker side, similar to a Zoya creme or the new OPI formula.

One thing I learned is that I need to wait longer in between coats with this color because the drying time is a bit slower. I ended up with drag marks near my cuticles when I applied a second coat. Overall it’s a pretty shade and the glitz factor is subdued on the nail, it’s just not very me. Though I’m sure there are a few pink lovers I know that would be more than willing to take it off my hands.

I’ve been hearing so much hype about Tulipe Noire that I just had to see what the fuss was about. Like Black Satin, this one sold out fast and I can see why. It’s the epitome of fall color; rich rusty burgundy with flecks of gold shimmer. And as I was told before seeing it in person, it’s beauty really doesn’t translate to photos. It’s a knockout. To top it off, the formula is so smooth and easy to apply. Though I couldn’t expect anything less than flawless from Chanel.

When Tulipe Noire released, there was also a fall polish collection by FingerPaints that showed up at Sally Beauty Supply. Included in the collection is a shade called Cranberry Beauty. The ever so brilliant MUA Nail Board quickly discovered it’s similarity to Tulipe Noire. So ladies, even if you didn’t get your hands on the Chanel, there’s a chance you can still find it’s less expensive cousin. In my opinion Cranberry Beauty is bit more browned than Tulipe Noire but the difference is slight.

The new fall shades from Deborah Lippmann’s Lippmann Collection, I Want Candy and Rehab, are a departure from what you would normally expect to see for the fall season. They’re sheer with a jelly finish and very unique. The most versatile fall polishes I’ve seen in a while. The formula makes these bold shades something that a sheer fan can wear comfortably but buildable enough to please opaque wearers. If you want to learn more about jelly finish polishes, check out this fab article my pal Melanie wrote for Blogdorf Goodman.

I have to admit that when I saw Rehab in promotional photos I got all excited about finding a great navy creme. There are a lot of beautiful navy polishes out there but very few cremes. And then I heard about Rehab’s sheer quality and my heart sank. I wasn’t looking forward to testing it because I didn’t want to give a bad review of a blue. I love blue polish. So you can imagine my joy and surprise when I gave it a test run and discovered the exceptional glossy finish and pigmentation.

Here is my Rehab mani with 2 coats of lacquer. It’s more subtle, I’d call it a cornflower blue.

And here is 4 coats. Beautious navy goodness.

I Want Candy, as a sheer, reminds me of the Revlon Glimmer Gloss Strawberry Sizzle but without the glitter and a much prettier finish. With four coats, it reaches bottle color which is a great candy apple red. Both I Want Candy and Rehab apply smoothly without streaking so it’s easy to achieve a sheer or opaque look that is clean and even.

Here is I Want Candy with 2 coats of polish.

And with 4 coats.

Ok so the question I’m sure a lot of you are asking is, are they worth it? You know that I’m frugal, that spending $15 on polish is not my M.O. However, I do feel that for blue lovers Rehab is worth every penny. I can honestly say I don’t have another color like it and I own a LOT of blue polish. If I could find a less expensive alternative, I’d tell you. Now I Want Candy is one I’d personally pass on at retail price. But for people that love red as much as I love blue, go for it! If you have the means and love the finish, it’s a great shade but not one I’d consider a “must have” for my collection.

Alright lovelies, now it’s your turn to chime in. Share your thoughts on these shades.

Fall has officially started people. So why am I roasting and wanting to turn on my A/C? It just doesn’t seem right that I packed away my capris and t-shirts while the thermometer reads 73 degrees. Regardless, I am thrilled to pull out my fall polish shades and get a little vampy. Now that I’ve tested and reviewed the majority of the fall collections (fall not holiday), I’m going to break down what I see as the big trends for fall and give my top polish picks for each one.

All of the lacquers I will show you are currently available for purchase. Either as part of a fall or classic collection. When possible, I’ve included links to my past posts with swatches.

Like I said last summer during my interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, I’m seeing three big trends emerge as we head towards cooler weather; Red, Jewel Tones and Gunmetal Gray.

Red isn’t exactly a groundbreaking color. It will always be popular and the shade women turn to for instant glamour. Red makes you feel sexy, bold and classy. This season mid-tone true red cremes are at the forefront. Already seen on the tips of some Hollywood’s most stalked after starlets, glossy red nails aren’t just for evening. It’s a shade you can wear day or night.

(l-to-r) Zoya Andi, China Glaze Masai Red, China Glaze China Rouge, OPI Vodka & Caviar, OPI Quarter of A Cent-Cherry, Creative House of Rebels

Of all the jewel tones (navy, emerald, plum, ruby) navy seems to be the prominent shade this fall. It’s one of the those colors that suits most skin tones. For me personally, blue comes in a close second to green as my favorite nail color to wear so, seeing navy become so popular tickles me.

Maybelline Acoustic Azure, OPI Russian Navy, China Glaze Up All Night, N.Y.C. Skin Tight Denim, Zoya Indigo, NYX Sapphire

The fun thing about purple/plum is that, like navy, there is a shade for most skin tones, depending on which way it leans on the color chart. The warm red based plums and cool toned purples below were originally my prediction for the big color for fall but I don’t think it will hit like navy. It’s still a gorgeous tone to wear.

Zoya Lael, Orly Plum Noir, Creative Rock Royalty, OPI Lincoln Park At Midnight, China Glaze VII, Carolyn New York Mugged On The Six Train

Deep burgundy and garnet shades make me think of the holidays, leaves changing and sipping on a glass heart warming red wine. Their berry toned bases really do suit the cool gals best but when there is a bit of gold shimmer running through, they become pretty universally flattering.

Sally Hanson Wine Not?, China Glaze Cranberry Flame, China Glaze Vertical Rush, Creative Crimson Uprising, Misa Wine Burgundy

I can’t help but bounce up and down with glee over all these pretty new greens on the market. For the gun shy, I suggest trying it on your toes. I promise it won’t look like you have a disease. Green might just surprise you. When I have a great emerald shade on my tips to wear with my all time favorite eBay purchase, an emerald cut emerald and diamond ring, I never feel more myself.

Zoya Suvi, Rimmel Play Fast Camouflage, China Glaze Outta Bounds, Sinful Colors San Francisco, NYX Las Vegas.

Gunmetal Gray is this year’s black. Less shocking and in your face than black, this season’s deep metallic grays are just as chic but more muted and wearable. The main problem I have with wearing black creme is keeping it looking fresh and glossy. These shimmery grays take care of that issue.

Zoya Freja, Carolyn New York Subway Surfin, CND Hyde In The Dark, China Glaze Beatnik, China Glaze Black Diamond, Lippmann Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Not ready to jump onto the dark polish bandwagon? Are you a pink or sheer wearer that wants to be trendy but isn’t ready to take the plunge? For a sheer alternative, check out these new shades from Lippmann Collection. They’re the perfect way to wear the red and navy trend without making the commitment to full on opaque color. An added bonus; the glossy, jelly finish is to die for.

Lippmann I Want Candy & Rehab
Now it’s your turn, what trends are you seeing? What do you love, what do you hate?

The intuitive woman doesn’t need a reason—she just knows

Introducing Intuitive, a collection of subdued metals with a sophisticated edge from SpaRitual; new for Fall 2007. Guided by a sensibility far more wise than mere whimsy, she may leave more literal minds looking for answers.

I have to give SpaRitual props for being one of the few nail polish brands to provide realistic and helpful product images for consumers. I’ll admit that when I first saw that one of the shades was named Sage I got a little giddy in hopes that they’d be another fun mossy green on the market. No such luck. In this instance, sage refers to wisdom, not the herb or color. I’m sure all my fellow vampy lovers will be adding Shrewd to their wish lists. All in all, this collection stays true to their earthy, eco-friendly concept.

Sage – Sure proof of intelligent life on earth, this mocha creme grounds the wearer in deep, rich reality

Sharp – In a flash of pure illumination, this silvery champagne with iridescent glitter cuts through illusion to the essence

Savant – No shadows of doubt or shades of gray obscure this gilded, pristinely winter-white lacquer

Street Smart – Jet, onyx, ebony, obsidian – this crystal black is anything but basic

Savoire Faire – Neutrality requires knowledge and grace, keep polished with a gentle rose crème

Shrewd – Deliciously clever yet always thoughtful, warm chocolate with silver shimmer sweetens all negotiation

Beauty is the spontaneous expression of a harmonious mind, body and spirit. SpaRitual – one letter away from “spiritual” – combines luxury with a spirit-conscious philosophy. Dedicated to the environment, the line uses eco-friendly packaging and printing processes. The bottles are made from reusable glass and natural elements and are fully recyclable. The printing processes include soy-based inks, recycled and FSC certified papers. Each exquisite SpaRitual product has been perfectly crafted to enhance your daily life. Enlighten yourself. Be a Sparitualist. Because we all deserve to live the good life.

From conception, SpaRitual has been committed to creating eco-friendly products crafted to raise environmental awareness and cater to the conscious consumer. The use of vegan ingredients and eco-conscious packaging has always been a central concept for SpaRitual.

“As a brand, we are passionate about safeguarding the environment, reducing waste and limiting the use of non-renewable resources,” says Shel Pink, creator of the SpaRitual brand. “I am concerned about the health of our planet and the health of the people that inhabit it”, says Shel Pink, creator of SpaRitual. “The beauty industry is poised to transform the weakened state of both by making responsible choices at the product development level and by offering holistic treatments that heal the mind, body and spirit at the service level.”

SpaRitual polishes can be found at Fred Segal Beauty both in stores and online.

info and images: courtesy of SpaRitual

I know what you’re saying. It’s about time! I agree. I’ve been dying to show you the X Collection from China Glaze but I’ve been so swamped that I come home at night and pass out dead. But finally, here it is.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, China Glaze introduced the X collection. Ten shades named with roman numerals that climb the color scale from light to dark with two platinum edition reds added to the mix to make it an even twelve shades for fall. Since this post is so picture heavy, I will try to keep my reviews short and to the point.

First, lets talk about the formula. The X collection is the first full collection released with the new Big 3 Free formula. For Audrey was the first official polish release with the formula. I have to say I’m on the fence about this change. The creme formulas are more viscous and difficult to work with while the shimmers flow as smooth as ever in spite of their thickness. And not all of the brushes were the same, they varied in thickness and length. It made application very tricky. I had to play with each polish to figure out the best application technique.

The first three shades in the X collection are also being packaged as Minerals. They are not mineral polishes (like mineral makeup) but considered foundations to intensify and bring out the true color of darker polishes layered over top. They can also be worn alone as YNBB (your nails but better) shades. With three tones to choose from there should be a shade for most people.

I chose to show both options for these three polishes, one coat as a base and two coats as a sheer. All three of these nudes have shimmer, I containing silver shimmer for fair skin tones and II & III with gold/peachy shimmer for warmer/darker skin tones.

IV is a carnation pink creme. All the cremes are high gloss without the aid of a top coat. It’s slight warmth lends itself to being a distant relative of the coral family.

V looks different depending on the lighting. In direct sunlight (pictured) is looks very fall harvest orange but it’s much softer in indirect lighting.

VI is my pick for best shade in this collection. The shimmer is stunning, the shade is an extremely flattering deep coral and it just mesmerizes me. Warm toned folks should definitely add this to their collection.

VII is an eggplant creme. It didn’t really wow me with all the deep berries that have been introduced over the past couple years.

VIII is a deep black based blue creme. It’s more blue in person but looks black in low lighting.

IX is a cool espresso brown creme. There isn’t any reddish tones and it’s much darker than any brown I own. This one also can look black in improper lighting.

X is a charmer. The gorgeous red shimmer in this black based red is sophisticated and sexy. This sultry shade falls in as a close second right behind VI for my favorite.

China Rouge is a basic red creme. I don’t really have much else to say beyond that.

Red Pearl’s shimmer is what makes this shade different but it’s not a must have. It has a lot of depth and shine.
I know there will be a lot of questions of comparisons. Please feel free to post them. I will be doing a seperate piece on twinny fall shades.

So what do you all think of China Glaze’s new formula? Which shades made your top picks, which ones missed?

Coming soon to a MAC counter near you the Blue Storm and Smoke Signals collections. Included with both are new nail lacquer shades.

I was supposed to go to the preview party at my local freestanding MAC store but I ended up working late. So I’ll have to wait until Thursday to see these beauties in person. Being the blue lover that I am, I think the Blue Storm polishes may have to come home with me.

Whirlwind – Metallic royal blue with green, blue and purple pearl

From Smoke Signals:

Wildfire – black with red pearl

Nocturnelle – black creme (repromote)

Dear China Glaze,

You know I love your polishes and all the amazing colors you create. I am a loyal and faithful customer but I am so not in love with this Metallics collection. Please don’t hate me.

Love, Me

Ok, so I’m sure the rest of you know what’s coming but I have to put it out there. This collection did nothing for me. With rich metal shades coming out for fall, this lineup could have been huge. Hey, it still might be. I’m just one little polish lover and there are tons of people out there that could love these.

Let’s start with the good. For one, my mom is wearing Platinum Pearl right now and she has received so many compliments on the shade. Believe me, the colors are not the problem. All three polishes are well pigmented, filled with glitz and very fun. For example, Platinum Gold is extremely unique and my favorite of the bunch. It’s very wearable and makes me think of fall leaves, hot cider and cozy sweaters. And Platinum Silver would be a great shade for New Year’s Eve.

It’s just that the formula isn’t right in my opinion. Even my nail tech commented on it when she applied Platinum Pearl to my mom’s nails. The consistency is thick and goopy, making it difficult to apply which makes brush strokes imminent. As you can tell below, I had major issues with it pooling at my tips and looking uneven. I even redid the manis below and still couldn’t make it work.



I’m not telling anyone not to buy these, I’m just sharing my experience. I never claimed to be a nail tech so if you have no problem with these polishes, kudos to you. I’d love for you to comment and share with the group.