I am a die-hard nail polish addict. My burgeoning collection stands at over 150 bottles at the moment…a fact that I am simultaneously proud and ashamed of. I don’t discriminate – from drugstore brands to high-end…I have it all.
A few years ago, I treated myself to my first bottle of Chanel Le Vernis. It was a delicate, shimmery lilac/pink colour called Lilac Sky #210. I took it home and gave it a whirl. I was SHOCKED. First of all, it smells nice! The formulation smells lightly of camellias (brilliant). The colour went on smoothly and evenly with no streaks – a real feat with shimmery nail colours. Also, the polish was so richly pigmented that you could get away with one coat. Best of all, Chanel’s formulations are “3 Free” – formaldehyde, toluene and DBP-free. I was totally sold.
Many moons later, Chanel Le Vernis still remains my favourite. At $27 a bottle, some may scoff, but I believe it’s worth every penny. Chanel also boasts some of the best reds on the market and Péridot #531 is one of the most beautiful polish colours I own.
If you have yet to try this nail polish, run, don’t walk to your nearest Chanel counter and treat yourself!!
Chanel flatlay pic courtesy of @stephanyayinda (Instagram); Chanel Péridot pic courtesy of www.Instyle.com
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
I totally agree that Channel Vernis feels like silky velvet on your nails; Once I discovered it is truly streak free and the colours are super gorgeous on nails, I simply can’t go back to anything else!
Author
Ahhh Lody! Wonderful to know there are other addicts out there! Have you seen the Spring 2015 collection?
Reblogged this on THE NEW BLACK and commented:
Good post!
Author
Thanks Leona!
What techniques can you share on how to apply and keep your nails looking fresh? My problem is that no matter what brand I buy and how much I spend, it still ends up chipping off in a few days. I am very domestic so my hands are constantly in water and I love to wash my hands (almost at a ‘Monk’ OCD level #hangsheadinshame). Polish only tends to stay on my nails when I add acrylic but I have made a decision to stop doing that. I had such strong, beautiful nails when I was in high school and acrylic has been a silent killer.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Author
Hey Priscilla! In my experience, all nail polish chips quickly. I would suggest shellac, but the methods for taking it off aren’t the healthiest. I would focus on getting your nails back to good health. I found Nailteck for Difficult and Resistant nails AMAZING. It’s a base coat that strengthens and protects your nails and also prevents yellowing. Moisturizing your cuticles too promotes good nail health. Grab a good cuticle cream like Burt’s Bees lemon cuticle cream, Dior’s Crème d’Abricot (Sephora) or any thick oil and run into your cuticles several times a day. Maybe just give your nails a break from polish and use the nail strengthener I suggested. Clear nail polish looks so clean and fresh!!
Author
Sorry *Nailtek
Author
Oh and investing in a good quality top coat to wear over nail colour helps too. I like Pro FX Quick Dry top coat (Walmart) and Deborah Lippmann Gel Coat top coat. Remember to seal the tips of your nails too with a little top coat when your done too. ;o)
Thanks Dominique!
Author
Any time, Priscilla! You’re welcome. I hope the tips help!