If there is one brand that can pull me out of my comfort zone when it comes to nailpolish, it’s Chanel. I constantly find myself raving about their polishes for a multitude of reasons.
1) The Brush: Chanel managed to get the brush shape and size just right, with the tip fitting perfectly on the nail (no polish remover necessary) and fanning out just enough to ensure the entire nail gets coated in one swipe.
2) The Colors: This is the one area where I feel Chanel really nails it (pun intended) and outperforms the competition. Their colors are interesting, unique, and incredibly alluring. You find yourself completely disregarding any sense of responsibility and spending limits (beauty budget out the door) and giving yourself reasons as to why you need more than just one in your life (sadly, I’ve been down that road).
3) Dry Time: Literally seconds. Need I say more? I don’t think most us have the time and patience to sit still for 20 minutes and wait for a mani to dry.
So when I heard Chanel was introducing a new and improved line of 15 longwear polishes and a gel-like topcoat, there was no hesitation. I had to go, to see and to admire. The new and improved formula is 5-free (meaning it doesn’t contain formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, camphor or formaldehyde resin) and is formulated with ceramids and bioceramics, which are nail-strengthening ingredients. Chanel claims the new formula will not only last longer (it’s estimated to last for about seven days with no chipping, pretty bold claim if you ask me), but it will also help with the condition of your natural nails. The new line includes some old favorites (Rouge Noir, Particulière, which is one of my favorites, Ballerina, Pirate, and Vamp), as well as 11 brand new shades. Needless to say, the polishes are still a splurge, retaling at $28 each, but perhaps a little easier to justify since they now have better longevity and formulation.
After gazing in admiration at several of the new shades, it was pretty impossible not to imagine myself leaving home with one. I finally settled on Monochrome, a limited-edition, chic, dreamy, grey color, that I figured would go great with any outfit, trend or season. And in the name of market research, I had to put Chanel’s bold claims to the test. I used an Essie Base Coat, two coats of Chanel Monochrome and my beloved Dior Gel Top Coat. I washed dishes, cooked, opened candy wrappers and snacks for my son, packaged birthday presents for a neighbor, gave my puppy a bath, washed my hair, cleansed my makeup brushes. I was almost half-hoping the claims would prove untrue and my love affair with Chanel polishes would end right then and there and my bank account would be so happy. Only that didn’t happen. The polish lasted on my nails for six days without any chipping in sight. On day six, the edges began to show wear and some subtle chipping was noticed. All the photos included in the post were taken on day four. The color is still vibrant and shiny, with no apparent fading. My nails simply adore this polish and this particular shade will continue to grace my nails all year round!
Alexia says
I didn’t know Chanel changed their formula! This particular grey you picked out is very elegant! I need to go check them out!
Cat says
Thank you! This grey made me give Chanel polishes another go and I’m glad I did. The new formula is worth the hype! ~ Cat L.
Louise says
Your photos are so pretty! And this grey color is so dreamy! Love!
Cat says
Thank you so much! I figured this light grey color is perfect all year round and goes with any outfit! Made it easier to justify the splurge! ~ Cat L.
Sarah says
This doesn’t launch in the UK until April! Can’t wait to get my paws on it! Love the color you picked out and your photos! Great post!
Cat says
Thank you so much! Definitely check it out if you get a chance! I really like the new and improved formula. The longevity is definitely a lot better and all the colors are so beautiful! ~ Cat L.
Carmen says
I love this color and will most definitely get this weekend when I make it to the mall! Your photos are so beautiful!
Cat says
Thank you so much! Hope you’ll enjoy this polish as much as I have! ~ Cat L.
Samantha says
Wow gorgeous pics Cat!! That gray looks flawless and elegant on you , even though I’m not the biggest fan of that color , I’m curious enough to try it !
Cat says
Thank you! The color was a bit out of my comfort zone initially, as well. I mostly gravitate toward nudes and reds. But now I can’t seem to get enough of it. I think it goes with every trend and season and the fact that it has better longevity makes it easier to justify the price. ~ Cat L.
Felicia says
I see C H A N E L lived up to its name. It’s rare you can find a polish that stays on without the chipping as soon as you leave the salon!! Great color as well. Loving all your post. Sitting here under the dryer at the salon and catching up on your blog!! ?
Cat says
Thank you so much as always! The polish definitely has better longevity than the previous formula. Dior and Marc Jacobs last on me about the same if not longer and they’re a bit more affordable. But Chanel has the best colors! So there’s always a tradeoff somewhere! Hope you have fun at the salon. Can’t wait to see photos on Instagram! 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Michelle and Susan says
I haven’t tried Chanel nail polish but this made us want to! Great post 🙂
Cat says
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