Crank it up with Crackle: Barry M Instant Nail Effects - Black Magic

Hi Guys! As you might have noticed Crackle is huge these days: Crackle is back! There are quite some brands releasing crackle top coats at the moment, IsaDora, BYS, P2, OPI, Barry M and I think I'm still forgetting a bunch. Last year I ordered a Krackpolish from TransDesign and it did Jack. So don't order that one! But today I'll be showing you a crackling top coat that actually works: Instant Nail Effects by Barry M! There is a reason I'm posting this today, it's Halloween! And don't you think this polish makes you look like someone who just crawled out of their coffin? Muahaha.

Be quick

What I like about this matte black top coat is the fact you can see it work, it dries and crackles FAST. In fact, it starts cracking while you apply it, so you'll have to be rather quick. There is no need or time to apply it perfectly, just slap it on and you'll be fine. You'll only need one thin layer and make sure you don't overlap, because it messes with the crackle. It doesn't really work well will all kinds of top coats though. I found it works best if you apply your base color, use a quick drying top coat, let it dry and then apply the Crackle. And that way the matte effect stays intact!

Barry M Instant Nail Effects applied over 4 colors by Catrice: Clayton My Hero, Sold Out Forever, I Scream Peach! and London's Weather Forecast.

Play with Color!

As you can see the crackle comes in big chunks, almost making it look like the print of a giraffe. Seems like the new crackle is more like this, Black Shatter by OPI has a very similar effect, but if you like the dense crackle from back in the day I suggest looking into the one by BYS!
I applied Instant Nail Effects on top of several colors, and it looks very hot against a contrasting color, but I like the more subtle effect it gives on a closer color as well! I've seen this Barry M top coat applied over gold, and it looked smoking hot.

Overall

If you really like this Crackle effect I'd definitely recommend this top coat. It applies alright, but you do have to be quick. I love the fact it dries matte, it definitely adds to the deconstructed look! The price is alright too, depending on where you buy it, it will cost you around £3.99 / $6.40 / €4.60 for 10ml.

Where to buy

I noticed it's out of stock everywhere, but as soon as they'll restock you can buy Barry M Instant Nail Effects directly from their website or from Alice and Jo's Havesentials.
ETA: If you're Dutch you can check out this shop: www.beautyfocus.nl

Low Budget (Euro) Matte Top Coats Compared!

Euro - Brick & Mortar

Hi everyone! It's saturday, woohoo! Finally a little time to spend on the blog. For today I have something that will mostly interest Europeans since these brands are not (that easily) available elsewhere, so sorry about that!

I know there are a gazillion matte top coats out there, but I know a lot of people don't like to buy online, so for the people who can get their mitts on these brands I decided to compare three low budget matte top coats!

What top coats?

The top coats in question, are made by Hema, Essence and Catrice. I'll be mainly focusing on their mattifying abilities and their price, and not so much the wear as this is different for everyone.

Likes / Dislikes

As you can see there is one top coat that noticeably falls behind: the Hema matte top coat. It applies very nicely, but it's more satin looking. If this is your thing, I'd say check it out, if you're more into true mattes: skip it! I have reviewed this product before, saying it was not streaky, but today it definitely was! Not so cool. The other two are pretty much identical. They're both made by Cosnova, applied the same way, so I was wondering if these might be the same product in different bottles? Unfortunately I couldn't find ingredients anywhere - which is a major letdown - I think all products should have their ingredients attached to their back.
What I didn't like about the Essence and Catrice top coats was the fact the brushes pick up color. You don't want your top coat to change color, so don't forget to clean up the brush if it got dirty.

Cheap, Cheaper, Cheapest

The Essence Matt top coat costs €1.75 / 8ml, the one by Catrice is €1.99 / 12ml and the Hema will cost you €2.50 / 11ml. As you can see the one by Hema is the most expensive, but the least matte looking. If you want to go for a true matte, I'd suggest you look into the ones by Essence and Catrice. The Essence looks the cheapest, with its price of only €1.75, but is it REALLLLY? A little breakdown:

	Hema Top Coat Matt	Catrice Matt Top Coat	Essence Matt Top Coat
Price in €	2.50	1.99	1.75
Per ml	11	12	8
Price per 100ml	22.73	16.58	21.86

So, if you're looking for a decent, true matte top coat, for the smallest price, the one by Catrice wins hands down!

One product in this post was provided to me by the manufacturer or their PR company for review. For more information please read my disclaimer

Review: Lush - Smitten - Almond Icing Hand Cream

Lush Smitten

Hi guys! For today I have a review about Lush's one of their hand creams. The reason why I'm reviewing it today is it's discontinued but still available! I already reviewed and really liked Handy Gurugu, do I like this one just as much? Read on to find out.

Like almond icing

According to Lush, Smitten is a protective, almond scented hand cream. It's a lighter hand cream with the same fragrance as the famous Snowcake soap. "Smitten is made with natural oils, calming chamomile and beeswax to protect the hands from extreme weather or nourish them when they need it most. Use it regularly for nice soft mitts. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and sedative. Aromatherapists have used it to treat bruises, allergies, stress and depression. It is helpful for sensitive skins."

Kind to mitts?

Smitten has a very creamy texture and is definitely moisturizing. I do feel like the effect is quickly evaporated, but I still like it. The smell is famous, and while it does reminds me of almonds, I immediately thought: Play Doh! I thought I was crazy for thinking it smelled liked Play Doh, but a quick Google search showed me I'm not alone! So, Play Doh.. I think it's quite a funny smell, and it makes me a bit nostalgic, at times I love it, at times I hate it. The scent does wear off after an hour or so.

What's in it?

The ingredients look rather nice, Chamomile, Almond and other nice oils. I love the fact Lush is cruelty free, if you're vegan you can't use Smitten though, as it contains lanoline and beeswax. The one thing I don't get is why a company like Lush still uses parabens, but okay.
Overall, I quite like this product, even though I haven't decided on the smell yet. It's a good cream to take with you on the road, since it's quite light and quickly absorbed. For a more thorough moisturizing effect I'd recommend Handy Gurugu over this though! If you want to get this cream, get it fast as it's discontinued!

Ingredients

Chamomile Matricaria Infusion (Chamomilla recutita), Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Marigold Infusion (Calendula officinalis), Cold Pressed Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum), Glycerine, Stearic Acid, Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cold Pressed Wheatgerm Oil (Triticum vulgare), Cold Pressed Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima), Coconut Butter (Cocos nucifera), Lanolin, Beeswax (Cera alba), Benzoin Resinoid (Styrax benzoin), Rose Absolute (Rosa centifolia), Cassie Absolute (Acacia farnesiana), Perfume, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Lush Smitten costs € 11,75 / 100g, or $17.95 / 3.5oz. Visit www.lush.com for more information.

Dare to Discuss: OPI Up For Sale?

I was going through my blogroll today and stumbled upon this post over at Body & Soul Beauty. Mary shows us an inside article written by Bloomberg about OPI being for sale. You can read the entire, original, article here.

I have to admit, I was a bit shocked. Bloomberg is telling us OPI is for sale and currently is considering major companies Coty and L'Oreal. I'm not sure to what degree this actually holds true, but I do know what this would mean for me. I've asked for confirmation by OPI, but I didn't get a reply - which I can understand.

Cruelty free

I usually don't make room for L'Oreal and Coty on this blog. Not that I hate their colors, but they still feel it's necessary to test on animals. Brands like Maybelline, L'Oreal, Miss Sporty and Sally Hansen never really did it for me. Especially when I found out about their views on animal testing.

OPI, on the other hand, has always been one of my favorite cruelty free nail polish brands. I like their colors, their formula, their brush, you name it. From the moment I said goodbye to nail biting, I occasionally spoiled myself with a new bottle of OPI polish.

What if..

So, could all of this be true? The brand that always watched her exclusivity like a hawk, soon to be part of one of the giants? I don't want to be timely, but if this bad dream would turn into reality, I don't feel like writing about OPI anymore.
I understand this could eventually lead to less readers of my blog etc, morals always get in the way, right?! ;-) OPI may be and remain cruelty free, but I don't feel like filling up L'Oreal or Coty's wallet. I do hope you can understand and respect that, even if you think it's the biggest bullcrap out there. Let's just hope none of this is true! How would you feel about OPI being sold to either Coty or L'Oreal?

pollcode.com free polls

What if OPI becomes part of L'Oreal or Coty?

Honestly? Who cares. I'll keep buying it I'll have to think about it I'll stop buying it

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

POSITIVE THINKING :)

I have enjoyed doing Halloween nails sooooo much! I want to keep doing them for a couple more months. It is such a great time of year for festive nails :) I am sooooo excited to do some super cute fun fabulous nails for Christmas and some beautiful elegant stuff for winter and some blingtastic ones for New Years. It is a fabulous time of year for nails. Fun nails definitely cheer me up :)

Exclusive: Chanel - Côte d'Azur Collection - Le Vernis Riva

LUXURY INDULGES IN NONCHALANCE UNDER THE SAINT TROPEZ SUN.

The CHANEL Cruise Collection 2010 – 2011 opts for a carefree style and an outdoor fashion show under the magical light of Saint Tropez. Dropped off at the old port by a flotilla of Riva boats, the barefooted models strut down the catwalk as if taking a stroll after an afternoon at the beach, walking along the terrace of the legendary Sénéquier café. The free spirit and casual elegance of the Bardot years embrace check prints, delicate pink tweeds and loose hair.

A SUMMER OF SAND AND AZURE

The tender and savage sensuality of eternal Saint Tropez inspires Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, to create a playful Collection that flirts with the sun. A sprinkle of sand clinging to golden skin. A little pout under a straw hat, ready to break into a childish laugh. Summer on the Riviera returns to the innocent charm of the 70s with new interplays of light and ultra-contemporary beauty steps. This season, lips are adorned with ROUGE COCO in 4 soft, summery shades: Perlé, Chintz, Taffetas Rose and Sari Doré. In just one stroke, the smile dresses up in radiance. This playful spirit is accentuated down to the fingertips with LE VERNIS Riva, a pastel blue lacquer that hints at legendary check prints.

Côte d'Azur Collection

Hi guys! Chanel granted me with an exclusive preview of their Côte d'Azur Collection - well in The Netherlands, but it looks way cool! ;-) While Chanel Paradoxal is hands down the it color of the moment, there's already news about Chanel's beautiful upcoming collection: Côte d'Azur. On the runway there has been popping up a new baby blue pastel. It's really light, delicate and has that pure feel to it, from what I can tell.

LE VERNIS Riva - Effortless & Natural

Today I can finally tell you more about this new mysterious, delicate shade. First revealed on the runway in St. Tropez, this soft oceanic blue now has a name: Riva. Here is what Peter Philips says about this collection: “Effortless, natural beauty, relaxed girls who are enjoying their holidays. That was the main idea behind the look for this show.”

I have to admit, when the first runway photos made their appearance, I wasn't really impressed by the idea of a pale blue pastel, but looking at the new released promo pictures, I'm definitely starting to feel more enthusiastic, especially the greenish hue and the shimmer look so pretty!

Le Vernis Riva, is going to cost €25 a bottle and will be going on sale December the 1st. This will be Limited Edition, so if you must have this polish, be sure to pick it up in time! Chanel Le Vernis Riva will be available exclusively at the CHANEL Fashion Boutiques. (Sometimes when they say this, they do pop up at www.chanel.com, so fingers crossed!) Expect swatches soon!

This information was exclusively provided to me by Chanel. If you would like to use this content for your site, please be so kind to provide a link back to this post.

Chanel Riva

Catrice Preview - Product Information

More pics and information

Hi guys! If you haven't read my post about the new and improved Catrice line yet, I'd suggest to take a peek before moving on to this post! In this post I'll give you an overview what products exactly will be released, what they do and how much they cost.

Favorites

Since I had the chance to play around with these products, I already have some favorites. I really really like the eyeshadows, they're extremely well pigmented and their color selection is endless. I'm also digging the new nail polish colors, since they're not your typical pink or red, but trendy blue, greige and green. The powder brushes are really soft too and those compacts are just to die for! What do you think? This article is a bit on the picture heavy side so read more after the jump!

CATRICE Lash Plus

25% longer lashes within one month? The effect of this product has been proven!

CATRICE Lash Plus Lash Growth Volume Mascara

Ultimate lashes with the Lash Growth Volume Mascara! The unique formula with active ingredients stimulates the lash growth and gives the lashes length and shine. Price: 4.99 eur

CATRICE Lash Plus Intensive Lash Growth Serum

An absolute must-have for long, expressive lashes. The Lash Growth Serum remains active all day and night. Apply the transparent product like you would apply eyeliner on your lash line, to active the growth of your lashes. Price: 4.99 eur.

CATRICE Better than Waterproof Mascara

This mascara is 100% water resistant. Gives immediate volume and is easy to remove by applying warm water. Price: 4,99 eur.

CATRICE Lashes to Kill Mascara

Guarantees breathtaking volume, sensational length and unique, amazing lashes. CATRICE Lashes to Kill Mascara is the secret weapon for that irresistibly stunning look! Price: 3.99 eur.

CATRICE Absolute Colour Mono Eye Shadow

Absolute color, absolute sustainability and absolute coverage in 32 trendy colors. The inspiration: the internation trends of the runway. The look: From sexy glamour to cool understatement. The effects: from matte to shine and from metallic to satin. Price: 2.79 eur.

CATRICE Absolute Colour Duo Eye Shadow

A variation of effects and expressive trendy color combinations in eight Duo Eye Shadows. Perfect to apply, thanks to a soft and silky texture. Easy to create professional looks with subtle blending. Price: 3.97 eur.

CATRICE Smokey Eyes Set

Mysterious, smokey and ideal to create the perfect smokey eyes. Four matching colors and a professional applicator wand guarantee that casual-elegant look. Available in three color combinations. Price: 4.49 eur each.

CATRICE Eye Brow Set

The perfect set for beautifully shaped eyebrows. This kit contains tweezers, brushes and mirros and two eyebrow powders voor light and dark eye brows. Versatile, practical and elegant. Price: 3.99.

CATRICE Sharpener

2in1: the CATRICE Sharpener let's you sharpen small and big pencils. Available in black-white and white-black. Price: 1.29 eur.

CATRICE Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen

The Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen makes you happy! The easy to use rotating system makes sure the pen is always ready to use. Major plusses for fun and easy application are also the creamy texture and durability. Mix & Match? Available in three new trendy fall colors. Price: 1,99 each.

CATRICE Lip Appeal Moisture & Shine Lip Gloss

More shine and volume: transform your lips in to absolute eye catchers! Lip Appeal Lipgloss comes with a soft vanilla scent, a flexible, but precise applicator, a moisturizing formula, extraordinary gloss and an exclusive design. Available in ten brilliant colors. Price: 3.79 eur each.

CATRICE Colour Show Colour & Stay Lip Gloss

Long lasting, astounding, fashionable! Colour Show Gloss holds up to four hours and has a fascinating shine and an intense color. An irresistible fruity scent, a fine soft texture, a flexible, but precise, applicator: for beautiful lips in only seconds, what else could you wish for? Available in ten trendy colors perfect for this season. Price: 3.97 eur each.

CATRICE Multi Colour Compact Powder

For the perfect finish. The new Graffiti technology, makes no room for visible impurities. Five perfect combined nuances for the perfect teint. Matte and smooth, natural and fresh. Available for the light and dark skin. Price: 4.49 eur.

CATRICE Powder Brush

A well kept secret: to create the perfect color, like make up artists do, you need the right brush! Picks up the right amount of powder and distributes evenly. The full brush comes in a handy, compact shape. The hairs are made of rayon. Price: 4.49 eur.

CATRICE Blush Brush

Subtle accentuated cheekbones are incredibly sexy! The supple CATRICE Blush Brush is a perfect match for your daily beauty ritual and a naturally looking look. You won't be able to go without this soft brush that applies blush so easily. Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 3.99 eur.

CATRICE Eye Shadow Sponge Applicators

Everybody needs at least one or two of these for an irresistible eye look: Sponge Applicators. The set contains three flexible, oval sponge applicatiors, to ensure the most elegant eyeshadow variations in no-time! Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 1.99 eur

CATRICE Eye Shadow Brush Applicator

Whether you use loose or compact eyeshadow, they're all easy to apply with this multi talent: the Professional CATRICE eyeshadow brush. With a soft round edge. Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 2.29 eur.

CATRICE Ultimate Nail Laquer

The 32 core colors are ultimate! But there are more colors from CATRICE. Your nails are this season the ultimate fashion accessory! This is the absolute favorite with intense color, perfect shine and coverage for at least up to seven days with one handy application. The innovative brush offers professional quality. Available in three new seasonal colors. Price: 2.49 each.

CATRICE Matt Top Coat

3, 2, 1, matte! This brand new Matt Top Coat by CATRICE gives shiny nail polish a fashionable matte finish. Apply this top coat on dry polish, wait a few seconds and witness how every nail polish gets that hip look! Price: 1.99 eur.

Release date

The new CATRICE products will be available this November!

Catrice Preview - New products & some swatches

Catrice Press Presentation

Catrice used to a bit old fashioned, but lately they've definitely been spicing it up. A while ago they already started renewing their line by adding many great nail polishes, but that's not where it ends. Catrice spent some time figuring out what people really like to see and also had focus groups to determine what kind of products people really go for. Inspired by the latest (runway) trends, Catrice is revamping a huge part of their line this November!

Me and a group of bloggers were invited to have a look at what they've got in store for us, so I'm really excited to give you the lowdown! Catrice will show an entire new face this november, a lot has changed, their packaging, formulas and even their style. Where Catrice used to play it safe, they're now busting out a very mixed core selection. Whether you like neutrals or bright bold colors, Catrice has it all.

Collection info

I actually have all the promo photos of their products. When I'm done writing this post, I'll immediately start making a separate article where you can find all the pics and more information. For now, I'll show you some products that I found quite impressive and even some swatches of their new nail polishes.

New display

Catrice has an entire new display in store for us, the new products will mostly be located in the middle area. The nail care area you see in the top, were the first to undergo a huge makeover months ago, and the lower area, that contains foundations and other skin products will be improved later on. The middle section is where all the action happens, you'll find lots and lots of new items there, like eye and lip products!

Catrice Absolute Colour Mono, Duo & Smokey Eye

Catrice has put in some major effect to come up with a LOT of new eyeshadows. There will be 32 monos, 8 duos and 3 smokey eye kits. Wowza! And they come in a variety of colors, textures and finishes. I got the chance to play around with these and they're quite pigmented!

New Ultimate Nail Lacquer

While I do like makeup, you know I LOVE nail polish. Catrice is adding three new seasonal shades to their Ultimate Nail Lacquer line. The colors are called Absolutely Chinchilly!, Run Forest Run! and Hip Queens Wear Jeans! And no nail polish collection is complete without a matte top coat! I brought a nailwheel from home, so I was able to do some quick swatching for you guys. I wish they would've added more, but then again, it's never enough for polish freaks like us!

Catrice Multi Colour Compact Powder

This looks so pretty, it just screamed to be photographed! It's a very nice compact powder, available for fair and dark skin.

I had a really great day! Catrice and their PR representatives were extremely nice and welcoming. Thank you! The location was lovely and filled with beautiful billboards - as pictured above - and I got the chance to meet some lovely bloggers, what else could I wish for?! Catrice was extremely generous and let us go home with many new products, so expect swatches soon. Be sure to check back in a while for more information on the new line too!

Nail biting: Ditch that habit!

Ditch the biting

Some people don't believe me when I say I used to bite my nails. But I did. Real bad, and for years! I started this awful habit when I was pretty young, maybe around the age of seven? I bit my nails until they bled, not a pretty sight. Embarrased as I was, I always sat on my hands, I absolutey didn't want anyone to see them. But I always had a thing for my mom's nail polish though, it made me sad, looking at my nails. I'm not sure about all the reasons I ended up with this habit, but I managed to beat it!

If it's more serious...

Of course it depends on your reasons why you bite your nails, if there are serious psychological motives behind your addiction, I don't think this post is right for you. But, if you just got used to the biting, the habit, to the point of no return, let me tell you how I did it.

Why is nail biting bad?

There are actually quite some health risks attached to biting your nails. It's not very hygienic, you can end up with some serious infections. It isn't that great for your teeth as well, and not to mention the permanent damage you can do to your nails and cuticles.

Possible solutions

There are plenty of products on the market which you can polish on, that leave a horrendous taste. A friend of mine actually kicked her habit to the curb with Essence No More Bite. Many companies sell products like these. If you haven't tried them yet, give it a shot.

It didn't really work out for me though, it was a short term solution and I just kept biting through that bitter awful mess. At one point I just had enough, I wanted pretty, polished nails. So I decided to get acrylics. Best thing I've ever done for my nails. Not only did I realize how much I actually liked pretty nails, I just couldn't bite my way through them. Well, I know a lot of people can and do, but somehow I didn't feel like putting those acrylics in my mouth anymore. After a while that oral fixation disappeared and I didn't have to fight the urge anymore. I let my acrylics grow out, and here we are today.

What also works for a lot of people: baby them like crazy! File, moisturize, keep them polished at all times, and enjoy it! Your nails can be in pretty bad shape after you've bitten the shit out of them, so don't expect them to be nice, long and strong immediately. Everything will work out though, invest in a good nail hardener and ridge filler and just be nice to them. If you can't do it on your own, don't hesitate to tell some people, because they can help a great deal, especially when mindlessly put that finger in your mouth..

Any experiences to share?

So this was my personal story.. If you used to bite your nails, and have some great tips or tricks, please share!

OPI is on a roll! OPI Spring 2011: Texas Collection

Are you ready for spring?

OPI's hatching collections like it's nothing! Today I stumbled upon some hot news on the Grazia Daily website. Care to see what OPI has been cooking up for spring? For spring OPI is going to release a 12 piece collection inspired by a state, no other than Texas. There also will be a cute mini set called Lil Shooters, as you can see pictured on the left.

More green!

Im seeing some interesting shades, like a green and a blue. I really like how OPI is doing more greens lately. I also see some berry/pinkish shades, I'm not too fond about those since I have plenty, but we'll see.

Shades!

The shades are called the following:

• Do You Think I'm Tex-y?
• Big Hair Big Nails
• Too Pink to Hold 'Em
• I Vant To Be A-Lone Star
• Guy meets Gal-veston
• Don't Mess with OPI
• Austin-tatious Turquoise
• San Tan-Tonio
• Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?
• It's Totally Fort Worth It
• Suzi loves Cowboys
• Houston We Have a Purple

Release date

At this point I know practically nothing but the collection will be released somewhere around February! Of course I'll edit this post as new information comes along. Edit: For more information and awesome photos take a look at this great post by Helen from Just Nice Things

Source: Grazia Daily & Eva Chen Bannister

OPI Texas Collection Spring 2011

Sneak Preview: China Glaze Tis The Season To be Naughty and Nice

China Glaze Holiday Collection

Hi guys! Today I received a friggin fantastic package from China Glaze! I couldn't believe it but they sent me their entire Holiday collection. This collection exists out of 16 colors, it's huge! Since I don't have much time today, have to work this wednesday and thursday, and a press event from Catrice to attend on friday, I think I won't be able to start swatching before this saturday :(. Therefore I decided to give you a little preview of what's to come! Please excuse the quality of these pictures, since it's dark and raining non stop in The Netherlands.

From left to right: Snow, Frosty, Cheers to You, Midnight Kiss, Jingle Bells, Peace on Earth, Jolly Holly, Mistletoe Kisses, Party Hearty and Mrs. Claus.

From left to right: Sugar Plums, Mommy Kissing Santa, Phat Santa, Ruby Deer, Party Hearty, Mistletoe Kisses, Jolly Holly and Peace on Earth.

From left to right: Ruby Deer, Phat Santa, Mommy Kissing Santa, Sugar Plums, Naughty and Nice and Little Drummer Boy.

First Impression

They look nice, don't they? Expect real swatches soon though! I think I already have some favorites in this collection, especially Mistletoe Kisses, Little Drummer Boy and Party Hearty call my name. They seem to apply quite nicely, but so far I've only tried them on a nail wheel. I'm really fond of the silver caps too. Swatches and review coming soon!

What's your first impression?

The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the manufacturer or their PR company for review. For more information please read my disclaimer

Chanel Paradoxal Dupes?

Chanel Paradoxal

A while ago I bought Chanel's Paradoxal, from the moment I saw pictures, I just knew I had to have it. And I still don't regret splurging the $$$, because I have a thing for this purple taupe with its secret shimmer. The wear has been great on me and I actually wear this every now and then.

Dupe?

What exactly is considered a dupe anyway? According to the dictionary a dupe is a version identically copied from an original. So when you compare these colors, they have to be fairly identical before you can label them as dupes. This is why I don't consider Models Own's Purple Grey and MNY's #549 exact dupes of Paradoxal. Their base colors are definitely similar, but they're lacking any type of shimmer. MNY tests on animals anyway, therefore it's not even an option for me.

the fun without the $$$

While I love Chanel, I have to admit: it is kinda pricey. Thankfully I've come across some cheaper alternatives: Barry M's Dusky Mauve and number 509 by Hollywood Nails (they even share the same number!). If you look at this comparison you'll notice how close Barry M and Chanel are! They have the same base color and pretty much the same amount of shimmer. The camera shows more blue in Barry M's shimmer, but I looked very hard and didn't notice this myself. #509 by Hollywood Nails is pretty close too, but the shimmer is different: the particles are smaller and more evenly distributed throughout the polish.

Application

The application of Dusky Mauve and Paradoxal is also quite similar, they both need 2 layers and they go on very nicely. #509 by Hollywood Nails is almost a once coater, win!

Chanel Paradoxal costs $23.00 for 13ml, Hollywood Nails #509 costs $4,25 for 15ml and Barry M's Dusky Mauve costs $4,75 for 10ml.

So, if you fell in love with this color too, but you don't want to hurt your wallet, I'd definitely recommend Dusky Mauve by Barry M, I actually consider this a dupe and it's not expensive at all! Yes, the one by Hollywood Nails is relatively cheaper and has better coverage, but I still don't know where you can buy it as it's mostly a salon brand.

Where to buy

You can buy Barry M products directly from their website or from Alice and Jo's Havesentials.